We are bound by choice, not by blood. Between family secrets and instant connections, we must fight through lies and betrayal in order to survive. Can our merciful vow be enough to save us from the dark?
COMPLETED SERIES!
The Dark Allegiance series must be read to avoid spoilers and understand who the characters are and where they came from! This is a DARK NOVELLA SERIES with HEAVY TRIGGERS. Reader’s discretion is HIGHLY advised.
Emily Klepp is a Western North Carolina native residing in eastern Tennessee with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She has been writing since she was fourteen years old as a way to cope with her anxiety. She hopes to help others be able to speak their truth by writing about topics that are considered too taboo for societal norms.
Merciful Vow is a fast paced dark Mafia novella. I liked most of the characters especially Camilla and Dante. Honestly there were a lot of things I liked in this one but some things that just didn't work as well for me personally which is why I didn't rate it quite as high as I typically do Klepps books. For me things just progressed too quickly, I personally think I would have loved this fleshed out more rather then written as a novella.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Jesus H christ on the spice 🤣🤣🤣 dear lord I need to go to confession because this book was f*cked up! There was no reason for some of the scenes but damn 🔥🔥 if you are a pearl clutches, STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS BOOK! But if you like spice with some messed up situations, this is the book for you. Ms. Ma'am Author, we need to talk because I think you need to pay for my therapy bill lol
All aboard for the family train 🤭 sorry, not sorry. Do read the trigger warnings.
Camilla is being forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, so she runs away. She manages a year until she needs some lovin’ (s3x), deciding on a blind date…except it’s not!
Getting away again, ends with her hitting another vehicle, this owned by a mafia son. He takes her to his house and the story continues on from here…no spoilers!
Again, this was a short read within the Dark Allegiance series. This one is taboo, but not can’t make that make sense without giving it away. There is spice on top of spice, vi0l3nce, and why choose.
I enjoyed this book very much. The spice was spicy as ever. The trauma/pain we saw was so intense but needed for the story and how they all came together after really made the ending worth it. The emotional turmoil was definitely at an all time high for sure. The whole story was very good
Read your trigger warnings! I instantly swooned for Dante. *fans self* There is an immediate connection btw Cami and Dante..he’s super protective and he ain’t playin 👏🏻👏🏻. Cami..poor girl is damaged. She needs a big hug from a huge 🍆. That’ll fix it I’m sure. Rocco is a deal weed in case anyone is wondering. I loved Dante’s mom bc she was crazy and adorable BUTTT she can sit on a fat one and spin. Diego you tricky little shit…you grew on me and in Cami. Ha. Cami’s parents are total shit bags. I love when you start seeing the connection between the books. Talk about a trauma bond🫠. Damnnn zadddyyyy! Great installation in the series! Would recommend.
A chance meeting when a girl is running from her past, brings her to a stranger that becomes so much more than just a helping hand. Dark family secrets come out and as the truth comes to light and people get entangled, the plot takes twists that brings forth some unexpected bonds. TWs should be taken seriously, open door on page regarding Non-Con situations.
This review encompasses The entire Dark Allegiance Series.
Ruthless Bonds: Dark. Brutal. Vengeful. All things that bring this emotionally raw book to life for the readers. A story of revenge mixed in with survival layers this series. This book and series give off the secret society vibes, with spice that has the reader wanting to be claimed by the Bane brothers.
Merciful Vow: The spice does not let up on this one. Talk about a train ride. Holy lanta. Emily does an amazing job making the audience blush and the reader wanting to hide this book from their grandparents. There is no descreteness in this book. If you like stuff that makes you hot while still questioning your sanity then look no further.
Dark Reckoning: Emotional turmoil check, trauma? Check, violence? Check Spice? Double check. this book continues on giving us Nilah. I love these female characters as Emily always gives us some empowerment behind their story no matter how traumatic it is.
Sinful Deception: Here we enter Gianna's Story. Another strong FMC that comes to terms with her traumas and have the help of a couple men that will burn the world for her. Each installment making me question my sanity a little more and wondering what each of these men would be like and which one might be my favorite.
Corrupt Desire: Lets take a ride with Jeramy and Raelynn. Her life is anything but cush and pretty, but thats where Jeramy comes in teaching her to defend herself. When Raelynn's dad comes up with a devious plan. Jeramy will ultimately help save the day and give Raelynn what she really needs in life.
Brutal Reign: Dark and soul crushing delivered in a special package for us. Marcy is the main individual in this story. A strong sexy woman who has developed a side family and friendship to help during her time of need for support. Let alone the spice was intense, to say the least. Throw in some stalking and you got another banger from Emily.
Hidden Shadows: Lets dig in deeper to Luciana in this installment. Meeting Gage who is here therapist and a BDSM club owner. You can only imagine where this is going. And why can't I have a therapist like that. This book is hot as can be and I can't possibly do it justice without spoiling so I'll just leave it as this series is top notch and I need more from Emily.
What the heck did I just read?? That was one f3cked up Mafia drama/romance that I have ever read. BUT Is was so darn good...I just need a minute to process!! Is Dante's family one big happy Mafia family, well in the beginning it seems so, but then it all changes when he rescues Camilla. She is not the whole reason everything goes to sh3t but having her in his life certainly does not help Dante's cause. Be ready for the lies and betrayal within his Mafia family as it causes loss of life, but all Dante is concerned about is Camilla. So to turns things up a notch....His best friend Diego decides that Camilla needs him and his protection too...and not in a brotherly way either This does turn out to be one big happy f3ckfest as Camilla shares her love around....BUT it doesn't stop there!! With the betrayal within the family realized and Camilla is kidnapped with Dante's father Anton,....who also happens to have feelings towards Camilla ....... See where this is going?? A why choose Mafia romance where the girl gets her guys!! Just love it. You need to get your hands on this book, it is hands down one exciting ride! Yep 5 stars from me!!
📚📚📚 This one!! Holy triggers is right but I still ate this up like no tomorrow! Camilla is one strong FMC with the things she goes through and still ends up being okay by the end. Just speechless. She’s a runner that’s for sure! Dante and Diego are my favs!! Like damn you just love them each for different reasons. This book is filled with some twists that had me gasping and absolutely blushing too. The trauma and pain is a lot in this one but the connections Camilla makes are just everything. Overall I highly recommend it!
📚📚📚 If you like to read: - DARK - Heavy Triggers - Taboo - Spicy … You should definitely check this out
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Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
If you've ever read any of Emily's books, then you know to make sure you read your trigger warnings before you dive in. And if you decide to dive in, you won't be disappointed.
Camilla accidently hits Dantes car, trying to get away from her rapist. She doesn't realize that she's getting more than she bargained for. Dante takes her in, and they realize their better together. What starts off as a mutual agreement turns into so much more. Dante's second in command, Diego can't help but be drawn to Camilla, and soon he's added to their relationship. But Camilla has a secret that even she doesn't know, and soon she finds out so much more.
Dante and Diego are bound and determined to protect her with everything they have, but soon even they find out some secrets. They have to rely on Anton to protect Camilla while they find her.
Camilla is help captive with Anton (Dantes dad), but soon they trauma bond and something strong forges between them. And once their free, all 4 are willing to see where their feelings go.
This short, spicy entry in the Dark Allegiance series wastes no time diving into the madness. Camilla is a runaway bride with more secrets than she can carry, and when her past—and her desire for a little release—catches up with her, things spiral fast. What starts as a blind date quickly derails into something much more dangerous… and deliciously unhinged.
With mafia entanglements, car crashes, and unexpected connections (you’ll want to read the trigger warnings for this one), the plot doesn’t slow down. This book is taboo, twisted, and absolutely unapologetic about it. The “why choose” element brings the spice factor to a whole new level, with layered violence, obsession, and messy emotions riding shotgun.
It’s not for the faint of heart or the morally rigid—but for readers craving something fast, filthy, and a little bit forbidden? This one hits like a punch to the throat and a kiss to the neck.
Camilla flees from her family after learning that she must get married. A year later, she is tracked down, and while trying to escape once more, she ends up in a car accident and is rescued by Dante.
This is the second book in the Allegiance series, so be sure to check the trigger warnings.
Camilla is an intriguing character who represents both ADHD and ASD. This representation is refreshing, especially considering that many females are often misdiagnosed. Her background, while not horrific, is certainly sad; themes of abuse and abandonment are prominent in her story. Despite this, she struggles with a negative self-image. However, Dante, Diego, and Anton work hard to keep her safe and help her see herself through their eyes, using their dominant personalities to guide her.
The story is fast-paced and dark, filled with twists that I didn't see coming. I hope to see these characters in future books.
When I first read the whole him, his best friend and his dad I was intrigued. I have to say that I’m only 2 book in this series and this one is my favourite so far although I have a feeling I’m gonna fall in love with Gus.
Anyway I really liked this one. I loved how protective Dante was over Camilla as soon as he met her. Most folk would be peeved that she had just crashed into is 20 million dollar car but not him.
I wanted to punch Diego through a wall with his attitude towards her. I got that he had been hurt but he was just rude. But I then also loved how protective he was of her in the end.
Then daddy Anton, I really wasn’t sure how that would work as it looked like he really loved Caterina. But boy was she a bi*ch. I’m glad that Anton got a little Camilla time and I was glad that Dante was willing to see where it takes the 4 of them.
Luckily I haven’t met any of my triggers yet but this might be triggering for some.
No!!! Reading this book you felt like the author decided to change tract at various points and didn’t bother to reconcile what had happened before. It’s as if they were writing then thought, “oh! Let’s just pop this in” didn’t seemed like it was well thought out at all.
So many things just suddenly appeared out of the blue the bodyguard hates her then bam!!!! He’s in bed with her and Dante. Then bam! Dante’s dad joins in, except he’s not really his dad.
Some of the sex scenes are not well thought out. It feels like they’re there purely because, ‘let’s have some violent sex about now’ rather than part of a well thought out story line.
I thought I’d give the second book in the series a chance after reading the first but can’t do anymore. I like dark romances but to me these aren’t that. They are a jumbled mass of one violent sex scene after another with a thin veil of story trying to piece them all together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
DDDAAAAMMMMNNNN!!! It goes without saying that this is a DARK romance. Cami is running from Rocco, the man her father sold her to to settle a debt owed to the family. Only he played it off as an arranged marriage. Came was brutalized by Rocco, but ends up crashing into Dante while fleeing in her car. He takes her to his home for safety and the end up falling for each other. Diego, Dantes second, doesn't trust Cami due to his own trauma from a bad ex. That soon changes. Gianna is the amazing sister who helps Cami. This story is filled with twists and turns and years long betrayal. There is HOT, BRUTAL sex... that bathroom scene 🥵🥵🥵🥵 but also trauma bonding... with Dantes "dad" Anton!! Damn all these men are BEASTS with MONSTER COCKS!! The bond between each of the men with Cami is different and so wholesome.
For anyone craving a story that pushes boundaries, Merciful Vow delivers a powerful punch. This dark, taboo mafia romance isn't afraid to go to intense places, exploring themes of survival and unexpected desire with a boldness that's hard to ignore. Camilla's journey is a raw and compelling one, as she navigates unimaginable circumstances and finds her strength in the face of immense pressure. The dynamic between Camilla and the men in her life is explosive and undeniably steamy, adding a scorching layer to an already gripping narrative. While it’s definitely on the shorter side, every sentence feels purposeful, building a world that’s rich with emotion and high stakes. It's a quick read that leaves a lasting impression, showcasing a unique and captivating take on the dark romance genre. O
⭐️ 5/5 stars – Dark, raw, and exactly the kind of survival-meets-found-family story I crave. Camilla’s fight to reclaim her life and the brutal loyalty she builds with Dante’s crew is messy just how I like it.
🌶️ 4/5 Spice Rating –SLOW, FERAL, and SOUL-DESTROYING. It’s not cute — it’s I’ve got you, you’re safe now, let me ruin you gently kind of heat. Full body chills, no skipping scenes, you’ll be feral right along with them.
🖤 4/5 Darkness Rating –It’s all about survival — abuse, control, betrayal — but it’s handled in a way that feels raw without being trauma porn. You will feel everything: the fear, the fight, the desperate need for freedom. It’s brutal, but not hopeless — no gloss, no flinching, just real scars and real healing.
This short, wickedly spicy novella in the Dark Allegiance series doesn’t ease you in—it throws you straight into the fire. It leaves no apologies and will make you walk the line between morally right and an edge you didn't know you would want to get close to. Camilla is a runaway bride with more secrets than one should live with and nowhere to escape. But when the past comes knocking—and her craving for a little reckless release takes over—things spiral fast.
A blind date, it's harmless right? Until it becomes something far more dangerous… and deliciously unhinged. In a world where nothing is safe and no one is simple, Camilla is about to learn that the line between desire and destruction is razor-thin.
Omg . No words can even start do describe how much I’m loving this awesome series . I really am equally in love and obsessed. This time around we get Camilla and Dante’s incredible story and to say that I was taken on quite the emotional rollercoaster would without a doubt be a huge understatement. Dark mafia , taboo , forced marriage , all the steam , intrigue and suspense you could ever ask for . And moments, moments that will literally have you glued to the edge of your seat , moments that will make you feel like your heart is beating right outta your chest and then breaking the next . Dante’s and Camilla’s story is anything but easy , it’s complex , it’s dark and raw and gritty , but it’s also so very beautiful
This is the second book in The Dark Allegiance series. If you haven’t read the first book “Ruthless Bonds,” you need to!! It is amazing!! There are a total of 7 books in this series. After reading the first book, I was hooked! I am so loving this series!! The FMC is just trying to live her life on her terms. Unfortunately, there are people who do not agree with that. They want to own her and break her at all cost. Until she crashes into a protective knight with tarnished armor. This is when her life begins to spin out of control…you need to read the book to know the juicy details! Thank you, Emily Klepp, for another amazing read in this series. You have me hooked and I cannot stop reading your books!
OMG talk about a family party! After fleeing from her "fiancé" and crashing into Dante's McLaren F1, he's more concerned about her bruised body than his ridiculously expensive car. Taking her home, and making her his, not only does Dante fall deeply in love, but so does his right hand man. Camilla's world is turned upside down when her new found family reveals she's been lied to her whole life and sold to her fiancé, the man she ran from. With her new "family" beside her the right the wrongs and f*ck away all the trauma.
Absolutely love the reference to ASD and ADHD as well as anxiety disorders.
Merciful Vow by Emily Klepp is a wild, twisty ride that had my head spinning—in the best kind of “what did I just read?” way. Camilla is trying to escape a forced marriage, and after a year on the run, she decides she needs a little… connection. So, she sets up a blind date—except surprise! It’s not what she expected at all.
That leads to her crashing into the life (and car) of a mafia heir, and from there, things just spiral. Fast.
This book is intense. Feelings explode out of nowhere, there’s oversharing you absolutely won’t see coming (and not the kind you’re probably thinking), and the drama is dialed all the way up. Honestly, my brain is still catching up. But I loved it. Some scenes made me stop and go, “Wait, what?!”—but that’s part of what makes it so good.
Klepp really knows how to blend dark themes with just enough light to keep you hooked. It's definitely not a chill read, so check the trigger warnings. But if you’re into fast-paced, emotionally charged chaos with a touch of danger and some unexpected heart, this one's for you.
This is another fast paced, full of action, spicy novella. Some people may not like having more buildup, or don't like the instant love trope, but I do. We are given enough information without feeling like we're missing out. Would I also enjoy a full length book with those? Sure but I love these just as much.
Camilla is so strong, and she's incredibly sweet. The MMCs are supportive, loving and kind. They make sure she feels beautiful and appreciated.
Make sure you check the trigger warnings, as it is a dark novella. Your mental health is important!
Merciful Vow is a dark mafia romance filled with betrayal, family secrets, and lots of steam. I loved the instant connection between Camilla and Dante, they were each able to see past their exterior to their vulnerable centers. But their path to HEA is filled with twists, betrayals, and some unexpected connections. I thought I know how this book was going to play out, but there was some real twisits that you didn't expect and I still have a little whiplash. As I'm reading my way through this series I am really loving how interconnected the books are - the characters from the different books have continuing cameos throughout the series.
Definitely check the trigger warnings for this one!
Camilla was set to be forced into a marriage by her father so she ran. After a year, she agrees to go on a blind date only to find out that it’s her spurned fiancé. Her frantic escape leads her to Dante and they have an instant connection, but will that be enough to keep her safe?
The spicy scenes in this one were 🌶️🌶️🌶️! I really enjoyed the relationships that were forming, but it did feel a little rushed. I would love to have seen this story a little more fleshed out into a full novel. But I loved the characters and I was so happy with the ending.
This is a taboo Dark Mafia Romance full of spice upon spice. Lies and betrayal, danger. Camilla is on the run from her family trying to sell her to a very brutal man. And she runs into Dante the son of a Mafia kingpin and oh boy yes please. Dante is so sweet and caring. She had an angel on her shoulder to have found Dante. And Camilla is so very sweet and strong. There's lots more but no spoilers. Check the TW. Emily Klepp you rock. This is the 2nd story in The Dark Allegiance Series. Loved this story as much as the 1st one . A must read
This is the second Novella in the series, and we get Camilla’s Story.
Camilla was forced into marriage and ran away before it could happen. She does everything on her own, turning her back on her family and money. A year later she is found by the supposed to be husband. He is not a good man. She finally gets a chance to run leading her right to Dante.
We find later her parents are complete scum bags. There is the intensity of what will happen next. The revenge in the end. Then you get a little why choose romance that takes some twist and turns.
For 25 years, Camilla had been subservient to her family until she was supposed to marry a man she didn't know. Then she ran. A year later, she decided she was ready for a one-night stand only to discover that she had been played. It turned out to be the man she was supposed to marry. He abused her and once he fell asleep, Camilla ran again and ended up running her car into someone else, which proved to be provenance.
I received a copy of this book via a boxset from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"I don't understand it, but I feel... connected to each of you."
This book is classified as Dark Mafia Romance, and is book two of a connected series. It does have a trigger warning list: SA, hyperspicy time after trauma, human traffic, kidnapping, violence, forced spicy time (both parties), unaliving.
The book is written in first person. This book has multiple point of views: Camilla, and Dante. Camilla is on the run nad has a Master Degree in Business Administration. She is friends with Samara (book one). Dante is a part of the mafia.
This book is on the shorter size but packed in a lot and would love a follow-up book it was that good. I loved Camilla the mfc this poor girl was put through so much, her parents l hated them so much. But she is such a warm, funny character. Dante the mfc wow he was amazing loved him so much, all he cared about was Cami. Diego, wow, is Dantes right-hand man? He cares for Cami a lot.At first he wasn't so keen but he soon realised 😳 he cared for her. Let's just say Camilla likes to share the love, lol Please read this book !!! This is my honest arc review