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Depraved Truths
Nurse practitioner by day and vigilante killer by night, Tessa Sparks leads a double life as she attempts to escape the haunting nightmares of her past. With each fresh kill and with every vile monster’s death, the peace she so desperately seeks finally comes to her at last.
But that peace only stays for a short while. The steady calm she receives from her kills no longer lasts, and when her personal demons threaten to devour her whole, she makes the mistake of letting her guard down and breaking the one solid rule she has always kept.
Former Navy Seal Elijah Huntington grew up in the sleepy small town that sits on the banks of Lake Lucia. Finally home and busy with his budding construction business, Eli knows one thing for sure when he spots Tessa for the first time. The woman belongs to no one else but him.
However, fighting his own internal battles after his sister's mysterious disappearance, Eli understands that evil can come in many forms, as can vengeance. When Tessa’s depraved truths reveal themselves, everything he thought he understood about good versus evil is turned upside down, forcing him to question the very foundation of right and wrong.
But that peace only stays for a short while. The steady calm she receives from her kills no longer lasts, and when her personal demons threaten to devour her whole, she makes the mistake of letting her guard down and breaking the one solid rule she has always kept.
Former Navy Seal Elijah Huntington grew up in the sleepy small town that sits on the banks of Lake Lucia. Finally home and busy with his budding construction business, Eli knows one thing for sure when he spots Tessa for the first time. The woman belongs to no one else but him.
However, fighting his own internal battles after his sister's mysterious disappearance, Eli understands that evil can come in many forms, as can vengeance. When Tessa’s depraved truths reveal themselves, everything he thought he understood about good versus evil is turned upside down, forcing him to question the very foundation of right and wrong.
- GenresDark Romance
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
14 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 25, 2025
Dark and Twisted!
Please check your TWs before you go into this one!
This follows Tessa, our FMC, who is a nurse practitioner by day but a vigilante by night. Seeking justice for those hurt and abused when the justice system failed. Tessa’s character makes you question your own morals sometimes! You love how protective and loyal she is but yet some of the acts she commits makes you think!
After finishing a job, Tessa returns back to the scene of the crime, where she grabs the attention of an Ex-Navy Seal named Eli! As luck would have it they continue to cross each other’s paths and sparks fly! However, how will Tessa keep her biggest secret from Eli and what will happen if he finds out? And does Eli have secrets of his own?
I would say this is a very fast-paced dark romance with some spice! I love how the author did not allow the spice to overtake the plot! This was a very good debut novel from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
Things to Expect
🔪Dark Romance
🔪Slow Burn
🔪Obsessed MMC
🔪Female Dexter Vibes
🔪Revenge
Please check your TWs before you go into this one!
This follows Tessa, our FMC, who is a nurse practitioner by day but a vigilante by night. Seeking justice for those hurt and abused when the justice system failed. Tessa’s character makes you question your own morals sometimes! You love how protective and loyal she is but yet some of the acts she commits makes you think!
After finishing a job, Tessa returns back to the scene of the crime, where she grabs the attention of an Ex-Navy Seal named Eli! As luck would have it they continue to cross each other’s paths and sparks fly! However, how will Tessa keep her biggest secret from Eli and what will happen if he finds out? And does Eli have secrets of his own?
I would say this is a very fast-paced dark romance with some spice! I love how the author did not allow the spice to overtake the plot! This was a very good debut novel from this author and I can’t wait to read more!
Things to Expect
🔪Dark Romance
🔪Slow Burn
🔪Obsessed MMC
🔪Female Dexter Vibes
🔪Revenge
June 1, 2025
Ive finished reading my ARC copy of Depraved Truths written by Emmy Wade. This is a dark romance and a first in the Lake Fall series.
"The time has come for this monster's depraved truths to be exposed."
I loved reading this book so much, I am impressed about how the story is put together and how many details are woven through the story. I finished this story really fast, it reads away so easily.
"Why do these Nightmares persist, refusing to release their grip on my mind?"
This story is about Tessa and Elijah (Eli). Both have a troubling past and Tessa formed her past in being a killer and freeing the world of basterds. When Eli sees Tessa he knows she will be his. With her he sees that there are different forms of justice and will have to find out what the right one is.
"See you in hell, you fucking bastard."
This story is about trauma and how you handle the aftermath of trauma. Its about grief, anger, revenge, evil, the struggle between good and bad and the urge to protect those you love. This story shows different kinds of traumas en different responses by different people, but trying to share the burden together.
"I'm the one you should fear the most."
I just loved the story, how unique it is and the strength of the characters and the details that are used around the killing and Tessa's carreer. I'm looking forward to part two and I'm giving Depraved Truths five stars.
"The time has come for this monster's depraved truths to be exposed."
I loved reading this book so much, I am impressed about how the story is put together and how many details are woven through the story. I finished this story really fast, it reads away so easily.
"Why do these Nightmares persist, refusing to release their grip on my mind?"
This story is about Tessa and Elijah (Eli). Both have a troubling past and Tessa formed her past in being a killer and freeing the world of basterds. When Eli sees Tessa he knows she will be his. With her he sees that there are different forms of justice and will have to find out what the right one is.
"See you in hell, you fucking bastard."
This story is about trauma and how you handle the aftermath of trauma. Its about grief, anger, revenge, evil, the struggle between good and bad and the urge to protect those you love. This story shows different kinds of traumas en different responses by different people, but trying to share the burden together.
"I'm the one you should fear the most."
I just loved the story, how unique it is and the strength of the characters and the details that are used around the killing and Tessa's carreer. I'm looking forward to part two and I'm giving Depraved Truths five stars.
December 22, 2025
Dark. Twisted. Unapologetically bold.
Depraved Truths by Emmy Wade hooked me right out of the gate with its morally gray FMC, Tessa—a woman with a mission and no patience for excuses. Her “day job”? Hunting the filth of the world and making them pay, one gruesome, poetic execution at a time. If you love a vigilante queen with secrets that cut deep, this one’s for you.
Enter Eli: rugged, broody, and more than just construction-worker hot. Their chemistry? Off the charts. This book earns every one of those four spicy stars. But beneath the fire is something real—something raw. Eli’s haunted past and Tessa’s buried trauma collide in a way that’s both heart-wrenching and empowering. The emotional stakes rise fast, and Emmy Wade doesn’t shy away from the darkness of their pasts or the devastating truth they uncover together.
The plot blends revenge, trauma healing, and a side of dark romance, with threads of suspense that unravel into something more sinister—human trafficking, a cold case, and a town that hides more than it shows.
It’s a gritty, gripping read that doesn’t pretend to be clean or easy—and that’s why it works. It’s not flawless, but it is unforgettable.
Highly recommend if you’re into revenge plots, anti-heroes, slow-burn depth with high-heat scenes, and stories that make you feel just a little unhinged by the end. Tessa and Eli aren’t here to play—they’re here to burn it all down.
Depraved Truths by Emmy Wade hooked me right out of the gate with its morally gray FMC, Tessa—a woman with a mission and no patience for excuses. Her “day job”? Hunting the filth of the world and making them pay, one gruesome, poetic execution at a time. If you love a vigilante queen with secrets that cut deep, this one’s for you.
Enter Eli: rugged, broody, and more than just construction-worker hot. Their chemistry? Off the charts. This book earns every one of those four spicy stars. But beneath the fire is something real—something raw. Eli’s haunted past and Tessa’s buried trauma collide in a way that’s both heart-wrenching and empowering. The emotional stakes rise fast, and Emmy Wade doesn’t shy away from the darkness of their pasts or the devastating truth they uncover together.
The plot blends revenge, trauma healing, and a side of dark romance, with threads of suspense that unravel into something more sinister—human trafficking, a cold case, and a town that hides more than it shows.
It’s a gritty, gripping read that doesn’t pretend to be clean or easy—and that’s why it works. It’s not flawless, but it is unforgettable.
Highly recommend if you’re into revenge plots, anti-heroes, slow-burn depth with high-heat scenes, and stories that make you feel just a little unhinged by the end. Tessa and Eli aren’t here to play—they’re here to burn it all down.
June 6, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing and I could not put it down from the moment I picked it up. It sucked me in with the amazing writing and story and definitely with the read!
May 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐.25
Multi-POV – Tessa, Allie, and Elijah
🖤 Morally grey FMC / female Dexter vibes
🖤 Obsessed MMC
🖤 Revenge
From the start, I was sucked into this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it because I wanted to see how it ends.
😳 The curling wand!? 😳
Allie is sweet and all, but I'm really not a fan of her. Her second chapter just solidifies my dislike of her…but she doesn't deserve what happens to her. 💔
Overall, a pretty good book, but a few things seem incomplete and I'm hoping that since this is listed as Lake Falls Book 1, maybe they'll be addressed in book 2? Like the break-in of Tessa’s house. Or how someone was involved in Paisley’s 🍇 and 💀, because like Eli, I figured out that person was involved and/or responsible as soon as the link to them was mentioned, but it's tied up so neatly with the ending that I'm left wondering about the why for their actions.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
Multi-POV – Tessa, Allie, and Elijah
🖤 Morally grey FMC / female Dexter vibes
🖤 Obsessed MMC
🖤 Revenge
From the start, I was sucked into this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it because I wanted to see how it ends.
😳 The curling wand!? 😳
Allie is sweet and all, but I'm really not a fan of her. Her second chapter just solidifies my dislike of her…but she doesn't deserve what happens to her. 💔
Overall, a pretty good book, but a few things seem incomplete and I'm hoping that since this is listed as Lake Falls Book 1, maybe they'll be addressed in book 2? Like the break-in of Tessa’s house. Or how someone was involved in Paisley’s 🍇 and 💀, because like Eli, I figured out that person was involved and/or responsible as soon as the link to them was mentioned, but it's tied up so neatly with the ending that I'm left wondering about the why for their actions.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
May 15, 2025
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rounded Up
As someone who considers Dexter a comfort show, I DEVOURED this book in a couple of hours; 11 PM - 2 AM with a few interruptions in between, to be specific.
This book had me on a chokehold from the moment I read the blurb on Emmy Wade’s post. I could not wait to get my hands on it, and I was thankfully not disappointed. I could not put it down!
I love that Tessa is as empathetic, loving, and protective as she is ruthless, brutal, and heinous. Torture with a curling iron?! Rapist of the innocent being tortured by drugs more potent than the go-to for dudes that need some help down there and a d*** shredder? WHEW. Deliciously GENIUS and absolutely DARK. Just as it should be.
The book is very fast paced and to the point. While there is spice, it does not over power or take away from the plot.
I really liked the three-person POV as we were able to see things from a few different angles.
I was a bit disappointed that it was not a bit longer so the ending could be tied up nicely with more information on evidence, capture, and the outcome of the investigation. I wanted more answers regarding Paisely’s case as well as who else was involved and to see that they were all brought down and that justice was served. I also wanted to see Elijah’s parents along with the other families getting some sort of closure. However, this is the first book in what I hope is at least a couple of books long, so I am hoping we find out more in the next release.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a female serial killer of bad guys.
As someone who considers Dexter a comfort show, I DEVOURED this book in a couple of hours; 11 PM - 2 AM with a few interruptions in between, to be specific.
This book had me on a chokehold from the moment I read the blurb on Emmy Wade’s post. I could not wait to get my hands on it, and I was thankfully not disappointed. I could not put it down!
I love that Tessa is as empathetic, loving, and protective as she is ruthless, brutal, and heinous. Torture with a curling iron?! Rapist of the innocent being tortured by drugs more potent than the go-to for dudes that need some help down there and a d*** shredder? WHEW. Deliciously GENIUS and absolutely DARK. Just as it should be.
The book is very fast paced and to the point. While there is spice, it does not over power or take away from the plot.
I really liked the three-person POV as we were able to see things from a few different angles.
I was a bit disappointed that it was not a bit longer so the ending could be tied up nicely with more information on evidence, capture, and the outcome of the investigation. I wanted more answers regarding Paisely’s case as well as who else was involved and to see that they were all brought down and that justice was served. I also wanted to see Elijah’s parents along with the other families getting some sort of closure. However, this is the first book in what I hope is at least a couple of books long, so I am hoping we find out more in the next release.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a female serial killer of bad guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
Twisted perfection!
It’s dark.
It’s depraved.
It’s passionate.
It’s satisfying.
And there’s this one curling iron scene….
She’s a nurse practitioner by day, vigilante by night.
He’s a former Navy SEAL running a construction company.
They’ve both experienced the worst of humanity.
When they cross paths, the pull to one another is inescapable.
He unknowingly nicknames her “little killer”.
His behavior leaves her calling him “stalker”.
I see you, Emmy Wade. I’m sticking around.
It’s dark.
It’s depraved.
It’s passionate.
It’s satisfying.
And there’s this one curling iron scene….
She’s a nurse practitioner by day, vigilante by night.
He’s a former Navy SEAL running a construction company.
They’ve both experienced the worst of humanity.
When they cross paths, the pull to one another is inescapable.
He unknowingly nicknames her “little killer”.
His behavior leaves her calling him “stalker”.
I see you, Emmy Wade. I’m sticking around.
May 16, 2025
I was able to eARC this book and, I based it just on the cover alone. Paid no mind to the synnopsis or anything when going into it and LET 👏🏽 ME 👏🏽 TELL 👏🏽 YOU!
What I got after finishing it (1 1/2 days) is the FMC is a female John Wick with spice! FMC and MMC provided ALL the peppers in this one, the plot twisted and twisted well, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Ya'll look out for this one!
What I got after finishing it (1 1/2 days) is the FMC is a female John Wick with spice! FMC and MMC provided ALL the peppers in this one, the plot twisted and twisted well, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Ya'll look out for this one!
May 24, 2025
If you love the show Dexter and an MMC with a touch her and die trope thrown in then Depraved Truths is definitely the book for you.
Tessa is literally the female version of Dexter. If you are someone who harms kids or woman and enjoy it then you definitely want to avoid getting onto her radar. She is a badass nurse practitioner who saves lives at the hospital but will take yours if you are beating your wife or children. She has a dark childhood trauma that haunts her and turned her into the woman she is today.
Elijah (a.k.a. Eli) is the MMC who sees Tessa and immediately feels the need to find out more about her. He’s an ex Navy SEAL who came back to his small home town to run his own contracting business with a buddy. He also happens to be looking into a tragic event from his past that involved his baby sister getting kidnapped and murdered but the person responsible never being found.
Tess and Eli come together and slowly start to realize they can help each other with their past traumas and become better. Eli discovers Tessa’s ‘side job’ and instead of running or calling her crazy actually takes the time to learn why she does what she does and how she chooses who she targets. After this they discover just how closely related her childhood trauma actually is to his sisters abduction and murder. Together they exact their revenge on those who deserve it and continue on with their lives, happily ever after, together.
I absolutely loved this book. Tess was a great FMC and Eli checked all the boxes for being a protective badass that knows his woman can take care of herself, but is willing to step in if he needs to. I loved their chemistry and how accepting they were of each other after learning of the others past.
The only detail that bothered me that is keeping me from giving this book a 5 star review is the random break in of Tessa’s house. We hear about it, the locks get taken care of, she thinks about it one other time after it happened and then again at the very end but nothing ever comes of it. We never discover who it was or why and she never really looks farther into it. It pretty much becomes a dark smudge in her mind that might keep her up at night sometimes but doesn’t really have a huge impact on her day to day. Especially now that Eli is living with her.
Thank you so much Emmy Wade for allowing me the opportunity to read Depraved Truths as an ARC read. I absolutely devoured this while I was recovering for being sick.
Tessa is literally the female version of Dexter. If you are someone who harms kids or woman and enjoy it then you definitely want to avoid getting onto her radar. She is a badass nurse practitioner who saves lives at the hospital but will take yours if you are beating your wife or children. She has a dark childhood trauma that haunts her and turned her into the woman she is today.
Elijah (a.k.a. Eli) is the MMC who sees Tessa and immediately feels the need to find out more about her. He’s an ex Navy SEAL who came back to his small home town to run his own contracting business with a buddy. He also happens to be looking into a tragic event from his past that involved his baby sister getting kidnapped and murdered but the person responsible never being found.
Tess and Eli come together and slowly start to realize they can help each other with their past traumas and become better. Eli discovers Tessa’s ‘side job’ and instead of running or calling her crazy actually takes the time to learn why she does what she does and how she chooses who she targets. After this they discover just how closely related her childhood trauma actually is to his sisters abduction and murder. Together they exact their revenge on those who deserve it and continue on with their lives, happily ever after, together.
I absolutely loved this book. Tess was a great FMC and Eli checked all the boxes for being a protective badass that knows his woman can take care of herself, but is willing to step in if he needs to. I loved their chemistry and how accepting they were of each other after learning of the others past.
The only detail that bothered me that is keeping me from giving this book a 5 star review is the random break in of Tessa’s house. We hear about it, the locks get taken care of, she thinks about it one other time after it happened and then again at the very end but nothing ever comes of it. We never discover who it was or why and she never really looks farther into it. It pretty much becomes a dark smudge in her mind that might keep her up at night sometimes but doesn’t really have a huge impact on her day to day. Especially now that Eli is living with her.
Thank you so much Emmy Wade for allowing me the opportunity to read Depraved Truths as an ARC read. I absolutely devoured this while I was recovering for being sick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
She did what with that curling iron??
Depraved Truths is the debut novel by Emmy Wade and is a fun and unique entry into the dark romance genre. Please (oh, LORD, please) check your trigger warnings before jumping into this one. It's shockingly twisted, and that ending left me speechless.
Like any 'normal' person, Tessa Sparks has a hobby, only her hobby involves killing bad guys. There is one incident with a curling iron that will stay with me. My beach curls are forever lost because every time I pick up my own curling iron, I am reminded of that scene. It was well done and original, leaving me eager to discover what else Tessa had in her bag of tricks.
After killing the low-life with said curling iron, Tessa runs into Eli and sparks fly. The only problem is she doesn't do relationships for obvious reasons, but when she tries to avoid him, they continue to run into each other, which makes her think, what can it hurt? Why not scratch that itch?
One night turns into many, and soon the two are engaging in questionable criminal activities AND doing adult things in the bedroom... and the outdoor shower...oh, yeah, and the forest. That was fun.
Anyway, Eli has his own dark past, which involves a missing sister. Completely SHOCKING revelations come to light in regards to this, and it would seem we're in for a trilogy. From my understanding, Allie and Jace are up next, and I am so down for that. Allie endured an insurmountable amount of pain in this book (the way I cheered when Tessa got Dalton into her secret room is shameful) and deserves her OWN story.
All in all, this is a fabulous read. It kept me engaged and cheering on the characters... who are serial killers. I understand this. We listen and we don't judge, right?
Depraved Truths is the debut novel by Emmy Wade and is a fun and unique entry into the dark romance genre. Please (oh, LORD, please) check your trigger warnings before jumping into this one. It's shockingly twisted, and that ending left me speechless.
Like any 'normal' person, Tessa Sparks has a hobby, only her hobby involves killing bad guys. There is one incident with a curling iron that will stay with me. My beach curls are forever lost because every time I pick up my own curling iron, I am reminded of that scene. It was well done and original, leaving me eager to discover what else Tessa had in her bag of tricks.
After killing the low-life with said curling iron, Tessa runs into Eli and sparks fly. The only problem is she doesn't do relationships for obvious reasons, but when she tries to avoid him, they continue to run into each other, which makes her think, what can it hurt? Why not scratch that itch?
One night turns into many, and soon the two are engaging in questionable criminal activities AND doing adult things in the bedroom... and the outdoor shower...oh, yeah, and the forest. That was fun.
Anyway, Eli has his own dark past, which involves a missing sister. Completely SHOCKING revelations come to light in regards to this, and it would seem we're in for a trilogy. From my understanding, Allie and Jace are up next, and I am so down for that. Allie endured an insurmountable amount of pain in this book (the way I cheered when Tessa got Dalton into her secret room is shameful) and deserves her OWN story.
All in all, this is a fabulous read. It kept me engaged and cheering on the characters... who are serial killers. I understand this. We listen and we don't judge, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
Serial killer FMC/Nurse Practitioner, Tessa Sparks
Former Navy Seal MMC/Construction Worker, Elijah Huntington
This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't put it down.
Tessa, a nurse practitioner by day and vigilante serial killer by night, is a badass in her own right. How could she not be? This huntress goes after every type of monster and finishes out on top. Haunted by her past, she targets those who have wronged children.
After "finishing a job," she returns to the crime scene to survey her work and catches the attention of Elijah Huntington, a former Navy SEAL now a construction worker next door. When their gazes collide, it's instant attraction, there's a pull there. Tessa is NOT looking for a relationship due to her extracurricular activities, and Eli, let's just say Eli's mind instantly screams MINE.
As luck would have it, or the fact that they live in a small town, Tessa and Eli's paths continue to collide. Tessa feels this inexplicable pull towards him that she can't explain, she feels like she can trust him, and after lovesick Eli follows her to one of her "night hunts" and catches her red-handed, she has no choice but to trust him, OR KILL HIM. What does she do? Does she follow her gut and trust him with her secrets, or does she save herself the trouble and just kill him? Well, I don't want to give away more than I already have, so you'll have to pick up the book to know what happens. Seriously, this is one to read.
Favorite quote: "Whoa, there, Little Killer. A knife? Are you flirting with me?"
Former Navy Seal MMC/Construction Worker, Elijah Huntington
This book had me in a chokehold. I couldn't put it down.
Tessa, a nurse practitioner by day and vigilante serial killer by night, is a badass in her own right. How could she not be? This huntress goes after every type of monster and finishes out on top. Haunted by her past, she targets those who have wronged children.
After "finishing a job," she returns to the crime scene to survey her work and catches the attention of Elijah Huntington, a former Navy SEAL now a construction worker next door. When their gazes collide, it's instant attraction, there's a pull there. Tessa is NOT looking for a relationship due to her extracurricular activities, and Eli, let's just say Eli's mind instantly screams MINE.
As luck would have it, or the fact that they live in a small town, Tessa and Eli's paths continue to collide. Tessa feels this inexplicable pull towards him that she can't explain, she feels like she can trust him, and after lovesick Eli follows her to one of her "night hunts" and catches her red-handed, she has no choice but to trust him, OR KILL HIM. What does she do? Does she follow her gut and trust him with her secrets, or does she save herself the trouble and just kill him? Well, I don't want to give away more than I already have, so you'll have to pick up the book to know what happens. Seriously, this is one to read.
Favorite quote: "Whoa, there, Little Killer. A knife? Are you flirting with me?"
September 19, 2025
Vigilantism, a thrilling mystery with a slow-burn romance and closure, Emmy Wade’s Depraved Truthsis a go to dark romance read that I give 4.5/5 stars.
Artscandare Design did a stellar job with the book cover. It is inviting, and similar to the story, is a cover that has a hidden darkness that you can’t help but be drawn into.
I tend to struggle with slow-burns due to my impatience, but the wait was more than worth it. From start to finish, the underlying mystery this story presents its readers was enough to make me forget this was a slow-burn at times. Tessa and Eli were fleshed out characters with emotional backstories that made me invested. I have to be biased and say that Tessa was my favourite due to her fiery attitude, cunningness, and heart. As the blurb states, one’s understanding of good versus evil will get turned upside down in this book and it remains true.
For me, the action picked up halfway through the story where I couldn’t put it down. The romance increased tenfold and I even found myself going, “Oh my” and continue reading.
Being that this is a series, I hope to see some loose ends tied up and expanding into maybe the lives of the other characters in the story, eg. Allie.
Well done Emmy Wade, I can’t wait to see what you write next.
Artscandare Design did a stellar job with the book cover. It is inviting, and similar to the story, is a cover that has a hidden darkness that you can’t help but be drawn into.
I tend to struggle with slow-burns due to my impatience, but the wait was more than worth it. From start to finish, the underlying mystery this story presents its readers was enough to make me forget this was a slow-burn at times. Tessa and Eli were fleshed out characters with emotional backstories that made me invested. I have to be biased and say that Tessa was my favourite due to her fiery attitude, cunningness, and heart. As the blurb states, one’s understanding of good versus evil will get turned upside down in this book and it remains true.
For me, the action picked up halfway through the story where I couldn’t put it down. The romance increased tenfold and I even found myself going, “Oh my” and continue reading.
Being that this is a series, I hope to see some loose ends tied up and expanding into maybe the lives of the other characters in the story, eg. Allie.
Well done Emmy Wade, I can’t wait to see what you write next.
January 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ • Depraved Truths: Lake Falls by Emmy Wade
This book hooked me with its premise — a female vigilante nurse practitioner/Doctor by day, killer by night? Yes please. Tessa Sparks is a standout FMC, and I loved how her story unfolds alongside Eli, the protective MMC, and Allie, her fierce best friend. The three POVs add depth and tension, giving us insight into each character’s emotional landscape and moral gray zones.
If you’re into Dexter-style justice with a sprinkle of Butcher and Blackbird (minus the romcom feel) and a slight touch of Mindfck* Series (minus the graphic detail), this one delivers. It’s a dark romance, but I’d call it “light dark” — the violence is present but not overly explicit, which worked well for me. Definitely check the trigger warnings though; this story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
I also really loved the suspense and tension throughout — the mystery of how these characters are solving the central plot kept me engaged. The ending ties up enough to feel satisfying, but still leaves room for more, and I’m excited to see what the rest of the series has in store.
I was gifted the audiobook by the author (thank you!), and I genuinely enjoyed the narration by M.K. Blackwood and Michael Gallagher. Both narrators did a fantastic job narrating these characters.
A gripping, morally complex listen with strong female energy and small-town secrets — I’ll definitely be watching for more from this duo.
This book hooked me with its premise — a female vigilante nurse practitioner/Doctor by day, killer by night? Yes please. Tessa Sparks is a standout FMC, and I loved how her story unfolds alongside Eli, the protective MMC, and Allie, her fierce best friend. The three POVs add depth and tension, giving us insight into each character’s emotional landscape and moral gray zones.
If you’re into Dexter-style justice with a sprinkle of Butcher and Blackbird (minus the romcom feel) and a slight touch of Mindfck* Series (minus the graphic detail), this one delivers. It’s a dark romance, but I’d call it “light dark” — the violence is present but not overly explicit, which worked well for me. Definitely check the trigger warnings though; this story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
I also really loved the suspense and tension throughout — the mystery of how these characters are solving the central plot kept me engaged. The ending ties up enough to feel satisfying, but still leaves room for more, and I’m excited to see what the rest of the series has in store.
I was gifted the audiobook by the author (thank you!), and I genuinely enjoyed the narration by M.K. Blackwood and Michael Gallagher. Both narrators did a fantastic job narrating these characters.
A gripping, morally complex listen with strong female energy and small-town secrets — I’ll definitely be watching for more from this duo.
May 27, 2025
First and foremost...read your trigger warnings for this one. This book for me is for sure a 5 star and 5 chili spice level. it is a Dark read. "And as is with white roses, you can see the purity they represent, even when they have thorns to show for it. You know there's some kind of innocence worth protecting."
It take place in Lake Falls, GA on the banks of Lake Lucia which the locals Valley it "Devil's Lake".
FMC- Tessa
MMC- Eli
Tessa is a nurse practitioner at the local emergency room and Eli now a contractor with his own construction company is also ex-military.
Tess is burdened with reoccurring nightmares of past trauma from when she was twelve and has lead her to her secret life she lives now.
Eli and Tessa join eyes one day while he is at a job site and she is out for her morning run. they later meet at the local coffee shop where she finds out that he is Allie's (her childhood best friend) cousin.
Eli gives Tessa the nickname of "Lady Killer" - if he only knew- and Tessa calls him "Stalker".
Eli later finds out her secret but chooses to love her anyway and starts helping her on special cases including the perpetrator from her past (never to hurt anyone again).
"All I want to do is protect her from the world - and burn it down in her name." ~ Eli
It take place in Lake Falls, GA on the banks of Lake Lucia which the locals Valley it "Devil's Lake".
FMC- Tessa
MMC- Eli
Tessa is a nurse practitioner at the local emergency room and Eli now a contractor with his own construction company is also ex-military.
Tess is burdened with reoccurring nightmares of past trauma from when she was twelve and has lead her to her secret life she lives now.
Eli and Tessa join eyes one day while he is at a job site and she is out for her morning run. they later meet at the local coffee shop where she finds out that he is Allie's (her childhood best friend) cousin.
Eli gives Tessa the nickname of "Lady Killer" - if he only knew- and Tessa calls him "Stalker".
Eli later finds out her secret but chooses to love her anyway and starts helping her on special cases including the perpetrator from her past (never to hurt anyone again).
"All I want to do is protect her from the world - and burn it down in her name." ~ Eli
May 11, 2025
2 Stars
2 Spice
Genre: Dark Romance, Thriller
Tropes: Small town, serial killer, morally gray FMC
Main Characters: Elijah Huntington and Tessa Sparks
**Check trigger warnings **
Honestly, I was pretty disappointed on this one. The premise was so interesting - Nurse Practitioner by day, serial vigilante by night. She seeks out the worst of the worst and deals with them creatively and completely.
But - the spice was pretty cringey and quite random. There wasn’t much build up before they were jumping each other. The main characters lacked development and chemistry in my opinion. Eli learns a lot of big, concerning things throughout this book, but has no reaction to them. He just accepts them without much consideration or even an internal struggle. And the ending promised me a twist and while, sure, I didn’t see it coming, there wasn’t much build also no reason to see it coming because it was someone who was only mentioned once about two chapters before the reveal. It felt pretty disorganized throughout most of it.
2 Spice
Genre: Dark Romance, Thriller
Tropes: Small town, serial killer, morally gray FMC
Main Characters: Elijah Huntington and Tessa Sparks
**Check trigger warnings **
Honestly, I was pretty disappointed on this one. The premise was so interesting - Nurse Practitioner by day, serial vigilante by night. She seeks out the worst of the worst and deals with them creatively and completely.
But - the spice was pretty cringey and quite random. There wasn’t much build up before they were jumping each other. The main characters lacked development and chemistry in my opinion. Eli learns a lot of big, concerning things throughout this book, but has no reaction to them. He just accepts them without much consideration or even an internal struggle. And the ending promised me a twist and while, sure, I didn’t see it coming, there wasn’t much build also no reason to see it coming because it was someone who was only mentioned once about two chapters before the reveal. It felt pretty disorganized throughout most of it.
May 11, 2025
Serial killer FMC
Former Navy Seal MMC
Insta lust/love
Childhood trauma
Revenge
Mystery
This book had it all wrapped up into one quick but excellent read.
Tessa is a NP by day and a deleter of those who prey on the weak and innocent by night. Elijah is former Navy Seal who has recently returned to his hometown and started his own construction business.
The book opens with Tessa removing, in a spectacular way I might add, a man who got away from killing his wife and child. The next day Elijah is working on a house when he sees Tessa running by. Their eyes meet and he decides then and there that she will be his. The progression of their relationship along with Tessa's side job made for such a good read.
It gave Butcher and Blackbird vibes with the banter and humor between our MCs. It's less than 300 pages so I finished it in one sitting and would definitely read again. There are some minor inconsistencies throughout but nothing that was big enough to detract from the story or turn me off. All in all I highly reccomend picking this up.
Former Navy Seal MMC
Insta lust/love
Childhood trauma
Revenge
Mystery
This book had it all wrapped up into one quick but excellent read.
Tessa is a NP by day and a deleter of those who prey on the weak and innocent by night. Elijah is former Navy Seal who has recently returned to his hometown and started his own construction business.
The book opens with Tessa removing, in a spectacular way I might add, a man who got away from killing his wife and child. The next day Elijah is working on a house when he sees Tessa running by. Their eyes meet and he decides then and there that she will be his. The progression of their relationship along with Tessa's side job made for such a good read.
It gave Butcher and Blackbird vibes with the banter and humor between our MCs. It's less than 300 pages so I finished it in one sitting and would definitely read again. There are some minor inconsistencies throughout but nothing that was big enough to detract from the story or turn me off. All in all I highly reccomend picking this up.
July 14, 2025
I dont know about yall but...I LOVE a female murderer. And this woman is the definition of female rage, a classic vigilante.
We have an FMC who is very much morally grey but she's cleaning up the trash of the town so...we'll let it slide.
With a history that sparked the beginning of her rage against shitty people, this FMC is driven. By day, she's an ER nurse practitioner and loves helping the wonderful people who pass through that she can help. By night, she's out to get the people who slipped away from justice being served.
When MMC sees FMC for the first time, instantly he knows that she must be his. He weedles his way into her life. What starts as friends, then friends with benefits, becomes something deeper.
When MMC is concerned about FMC one evening, he discovers her dirty little secret. To both of their surprise...he's kinda into it. Once FMC realizes he won't be turning his back on her, she falls hard.
They become a fantastically nasty little team, solving the problems that plague the underground of the city.
SO GOOD. SO FUN. I loved it!!
We have an FMC who is very much morally grey but she's cleaning up the trash of the town so...we'll let it slide.
With a history that sparked the beginning of her rage against shitty people, this FMC is driven. By day, she's an ER nurse practitioner and loves helping the wonderful people who pass through that she can help. By night, she's out to get the people who slipped away from justice being served.
When MMC sees FMC for the first time, instantly he knows that she must be his. He weedles his way into her life. What starts as friends, then friends with benefits, becomes something deeper.
When MMC is concerned about FMC one evening, he discovers her dirty little secret. To both of their surprise...he's kinda into it. Once FMC realizes he won't be turning his back on her, she falls hard.
They become a fantastically nasty little team, solving the problems that plague the underground of the city.
SO GOOD. SO FUN. I loved it!!
August 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, Addictive, and Utterly Unforgettable!
From the very first page, Depraved Truths had me hooked and unwilling to put it down. Tessa Sparks is the kind of heroine you can’t look away from—equal parts fierce, broken, and dangerously compelling. By day, she’s a skilled nurse practitioner saving lives. By night, she’s a vigilante delivering justice in the shadows. The tension between her need for peace and the haunting ghosts of her past is electric, pulling you deeper with every chapter.
When former Navy SEAL Elijah Huntington enters the picture, the story ignites with an intensity that’s both romantic and chilling. Their chemistry sizzles, but it’s the moral complexity—what’s truly right and what’s unforgivably wrong—that makes this story stand out. The twists are sharp, the stakes are sky-high, and the emotional depth left me breathless.
A gritty, heart-pounding ride for fans of dark romantic thrillers. Depraved Truths doesn’t just blur the line between hero and villain—it shatters it completely. I’ll be thinking about Tessa and Eli long after the last page.
Dark, Addictive, and Utterly Unforgettable!
From the very first page, Depraved Truths had me hooked and unwilling to put it down. Tessa Sparks is the kind of heroine you can’t look away from—equal parts fierce, broken, and dangerously compelling. By day, she’s a skilled nurse practitioner saving lives. By night, she’s a vigilante delivering justice in the shadows. The tension between her need for peace and the haunting ghosts of her past is electric, pulling you deeper with every chapter.
When former Navy SEAL Elijah Huntington enters the picture, the story ignites with an intensity that’s both romantic and chilling. Their chemistry sizzles, but it’s the moral complexity—what’s truly right and what’s unforgivably wrong—that makes this story stand out. The twists are sharp, the stakes are sky-high, and the emotional depth left me breathless.
A gritty, heart-pounding ride for fans of dark romantic thrillers. Depraved Truths doesn’t just blur the line between hero and villain—it shatters it completely. I’ll be thinking about Tessa and Eli long after the last page.
May 15, 2025
Great debut novel for a new author, it was fast paced, and the chapters were short and to the point. I appreciate the different POV's of characters with each chapter change, but a few of the chapters in the beginning back-tracked the story and I found myself re-reading the same scene, which took away reading time. Eventually, the chapters evened out and the story continued with each character picking up where the last scene left off, which I preferred. There is a good amount of spice that plays into the story but not so much that it takes away from what is happening. Also, felt very much like 'Butcher and Blackbird' and even mentions the book in Chapter 33 subtlety, but I still really enjoyed the story. I would have loved to find out a little more about if there were any developments in finding out what really happened to Paisley and why, but I can't help but hope there'll be a second book.
June 4, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars
WOW Thank you to Emmy Wade for the ARC of Depraved Truths what a ride! This book had me absolutely hooked from the first chapter. Tessa and Eli are goals. If you love a dark, suspenseful story with a stabby, morally gray FMC and a "nothing will stop me from loving you" MMC, this one delivers.
It’s packed with vengeance, female rage, and the kind of twisted romance that makes you question your sanity (and love every second of it). The chemistry between Tessa and Eli? Off the charts. Obsessive, consuming, raw. There's nothing hotter than being loved because of your brokenness—not despite it.
Heavy trigger warnings apply, but if you’re in the mood for a depraved, intense, emotional ride… buckle up. Emmy Wade doesn’t hold back—and I’m not mad about it.
WOW Thank you to Emmy Wade for the ARC of Depraved Truths what a ride! This book had me absolutely hooked from the first chapter. Tessa and Eli are goals. If you love a dark, suspenseful story with a stabby, morally gray FMC and a "nothing will stop me from loving you" MMC, this one delivers.
It’s packed with vengeance, female rage, and the kind of twisted romance that makes you question your sanity (and love every second of it). The chemistry between Tessa and Eli? Off the charts. Obsessive, consuming, raw. There's nothing hotter than being loved because of your brokenness—not despite it.
Heavy trigger warnings apply, but if you’re in the mood for a depraved, intense, emotional ride… buckle up. Emmy Wade doesn’t hold back—and I’m not mad about it.
June 6, 2025
Emmy you out did your self with this book! I was fast paced and a little twisted!!!
Tessa is a nurse practitioner during the day and a vigilante who enforces her own type of justice at night!
Eli is ex-navy and after retiring he and a friend start up a construction company. His sister was murdered and *aped and he is still trying to get answers!
This was a pretty dark romance that you should definitely read the trigger warnings. I thought the book was fast paced and I loved the bond Tessa and Eli formed. You will understand what I mean when you read the book because Tessa does not trust easily.
Will Eli be able to accept Tessa for who she is or will it be to much! I would recommend this book to a friend! I hope Alley and Jace get a book next.
Tessa is a nurse practitioner during the day and a vigilante who enforces her own type of justice at night!
Eli is ex-navy and after retiring he and a friend start up a construction company. His sister was murdered and *aped and he is still trying to get answers!
This was a pretty dark romance that you should definitely read the trigger warnings. I thought the book was fast paced and I loved the bond Tessa and Eli formed. You will understand what I mean when you read the book because Tessa does not trust easily.
Will Eli be able to accept Tessa for who she is or will it be to much! I would recommend this book to a friend! I hope Alley and Jace get a book next.
May 18, 2025
Reading the premise, I was a tad concerned it would be too similar to other dark romances. Of course, it hits some of the tropes and triggers, but it is definitely its own story. I love how hardcore the FMC is - she uses her past trauma to "deal with" some despicable men. And at first I did think the MMC fell a bit too hard, too fast but it worked out well, especially the way he handled finding out about her extracurricular activities. As a romance, this isn't overly spicy (maybe a 3/5), but the spice is well portrayed. And there are enough twists along the way to keep the pages turning.
(Happy to be part of the ARC reader team for this novel.)
(Happy to be part of the ARC reader team for this novel.)
June 4, 2025
What a fast-paced dark romance! The main character was super compelling — a nurse practitioner by day and a vigilante killer by night. She fights injustice in her own intense way, and even though those two sides of her seem totally opposite, the author really makes it work. She’s closed off because of her past, but then she meets Elijah Huntington, a former Navy SEAL, and everything starts to shift. I won’t give any more spoilers, but it’s a gripping tale from start to finish. Super impressive for a debut — can’t wait to see what this author writes next! I would highly recommend taking the time out of your day and read this book!
May 15, 2025
ARC read
This book was fantastic at first I was unsure due to the trigger warnings. This is my first dark romance book. I think it was a good one to start with it had themes of justice and love and a little of everything else. I'm a slow reader and it usually talked me at least two or three weeks to finish a book this took me three days. Check triggers before reading but then dive in you won't regret it!
This book was fantastic at first I was unsure due to the trigger warnings. This is my first dark romance book. I think it was a good one to start with it had themes of justice and love and a little of everything else. I'm a slow reader and it usually talked me at least two or three weeks to finish a book this took me three days. Check triggers before reading but then dive in you won't regret it!
May 21, 2025
Karma is indeed a woman, and her name is Tessa Sparks!!
Now THIS is debut novel that checked every box for me!! Fantastic characters, great banter, some spicy spice, and the garbage can humans of the world getting what’s coming to them in the worst (or best 😏) way. *chef’s kiss*
If Emmy Wade has zero fans, it’s because I’m dead. She is the newest addition to my “auto-buy” author list. Now someone please tell me that Allie will get her own happy ending😭
Now THIS is debut novel that checked every box for me!! Fantastic characters, great banter, some spicy spice, and the garbage can humans of the world getting what’s coming to them in the worst (or best 😏) way. *chef’s kiss*
If Emmy Wade has zero fans, it’s because I’m dead. She is the newest addition to my “auto-buy” author list. Now someone please tell me that Allie will get her own happy ending😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
Depraved Truths was definitely depraved! I was hooked from page one. It was a good blend of suspense, romance, depravity (hahaha!), and pretty good banter!
We follow Tessa, who is a nurse practitioner by day and a vigilante/k!ler by night. In walks Eli, an ex-Navy and small-town construction owner! Then things take an interesting turn!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I can’t wait to see what else Emmy comes up with!
We follow Tessa, who is a nurse practitioner by day and a vigilante/k!ler by night. In walks Eli, an ex-Navy and small-town construction owner! Then things take an interesting turn!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I can’t wait to see what else Emmy comes up with!
May 23, 2025
I am in love with this book. Debut author. The book has so OH chapters. Read your triggers. Read like a dark romance comedy. Serial vigilante female character. Supportive ex navy seals male character. I don’t want to give much away. All I can say is check this book out. This author is going places.
May 24, 2025
I read this book in one day and I don't regret it at all. This was such a good book that I just couldn't put it down. I love everything about Tess and what she does. I also love that Eli is completely ok with what she's doing and even helps her out with it. This was giving me Butcher and Blackbird vibes but darker and I love it. I highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2025
Arc Read this book. Emmy Wade’s Depraved Truths is a gripping debut that plunges readers into the shadowy of a thriller. She crafts a narrative that is both chilling and emotional resonant , exploring themes of trauma, justice and the blurred lines of right and wrong. The novel’s pacing keeps me on the edge while reading it. Giving this a 4 star rating.
June 3, 2025
This book was amazing! I can’t believe this is Emmy Wade’s first published book, her writing style is addictive!
I could not put this book down! I love the FMC Tess and everything she is doing/her beliefs. The MMC Eli is the man every woman needs in their life! His support and love for Tess is top tier and I’m all for it. I can’t wait for more to be released by Emmy Wade!!
I could not put this book down! I love the FMC Tess and everything she is doing/her beliefs. The MMC Eli is the man every woman needs in their life! His support and love for Tess is top tier and I’m all for it. I can’t wait for more to be released by Emmy Wade!!
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