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Ruthless Bonds
Chosen in spite, I am just a means to an end. Sometimes, there is far more than meets the eye, and we all have lessons to learn. Connecting through a desire for revenge, we form an unbreakable and ruthless bond.
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.
Book 1: Ruthless Bonds
Book 2: Merciful Vow
Book 3: Dark Reckoning
Book 4: Sinful Deception
Book 5: Corrupt Desire
Book 6: Brutal Reign
Book 7: Hidden Shadows
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.
Book 1: Ruthless Bonds
Book 2: Merciful Vow
Book 3: Dark Reckoning
Book 4: Sinful Deception
Book 5: Corrupt Desire
Book 6: Brutal Reign
Book 7: Hidden Shadows
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
50 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Emily Klepp
119 books561 followersVisit my Linktree here -> https://linktr.ee/emilykleppnovels
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 10, 2025
Ruthless bonds gave off all the dark secret society vibes and I loved that. But it also made me rage a little. I couldn't wait for Samara to get her revenge.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2025
*trigger warning beware*
samara has been through a lot, and having a father in a secret society makes life miserable. she's not sure if she's being saved or sacrificed when the brother claims her at the societies claiming ceremony. novella length story of one girls fight for survival.
samara has been through a lot, and having a father in a secret society makes life miserable. she's not sure if she's being saved or sacrificed when the brother claims her at the societies claiming ceremony. novella length story of one girls fight for survival.
June 2, 2025
This book shouldn't be as hot as it is! Not only is it short, but the spice is through the roof!! Its messed up and not a feel good story, but it doesn't matter. This book is good. I finished it in 30 minutes if that says anything. I love Samara. She's stronger than she shows. And while I didn't like Thane at first, he grew on me. Silas and Joel weren't bad from the start. I love the secret society aspect of the book and look forward to seeing how it all plays out the rest of the series. Short, spicy, and traumatizing. This authors go to moves and I'm here for it.
June 17, 2025
Ruthless Bonds is a good dark romance story with lots of triggers.
What you get.....
♡Enemies To Lovers
♡Reverse Harem
♡MF
♡MMMF
♡MM
♡Swordcrossing
♡Secret Society
♡College Age
♡Mafia
♡Billionaires
♡Revenge
♡OTT Possessive MMCs
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Noncon
♡Dubcon
♡Exhibitionism
♡Weapon Play
♡Breath Play
♡Trauma
♡Trauma Healing
♡Violence
♡Unaliving
Samara goes through so many horrible things throughout her life. She's being forced to marry Danny. Thane, Silas, and Joel want revenge so they decide to claim Samara. It's a love-hate relationship and very spicy scenes.
I was happy with how it ended.
What you get.....
♡Enemies To Lovers
♡Reverse Harem
♡MF
♡MMMF
♡MM
♡Swordcrossing
♡Secret Society
♡College Age
♡Mafia
♡Billionaires
♡Revenge
♡OTT Possessive MMCs
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Noncon
♡Dubcon
♡Exhibitionism
♡Weapon Play
♡Breath Play
♡Trauma
♡Trauma Healing
♡Violence
♡Unaliving
Samara goes through so many horrible things throughout her life. She's being forced to marry Danny. Thane, Silas, and Joel want revenge so they decide to claim Samara. It's a love-hate relationship and very spicy scenes.
I was happy with how it ended.
May 19, 2025
The first book in the Dark Allegiance Series.
Our FMC, Samara is treated like an open all hours because her father is part of a society who founded the university. She is being made to marry the son of a man who also abuses her. Enter three guys who have revenge in mind.
A quick mafia/university/society story. As usual Emily has a penchant for her rather spicy quick reads, well written and flows well.
Our FMC, Samara is treated like an open all hours because her father is part of a society who founded the university. She is being made to marry the son of a man who also abuses her. Enter three guys who have revenge in mind.
A quick mafia/university/society story. As usual Emily has a penchant for her rather spicy quick reads, well written and flows well.
June 6, 2025
Check triggers. This one is fairly heavy.
I know that we shouldn’t have liked Thane, Silas and Joel at first since they are meant to be the bad guys looking for revenge but I would take they 3 over Danny, Daniel and Frank any day of the week. If I’m every in bother I want the Bane brothers in my corner 😊
I loved that Silas stuck up for Samara when Thane was in the wrong but at the same time Samara did purposely push Thane’s buttons but he still shouldn’t have hurt her.
I know that we shouldn’t have liked Thane, Silas and Joel at first since they are meant to be the bad guys looking for revenge but I would take they 3 over Danny, Daniel and Frank any day of the week. If I’m every in bother I want the Bane brothers in my corner 😊
I loved that Silas stuck up for Samara when Thane was in the wrong but at the same time Samara did purposely push Thane’s buttons but he still shouldn’t have hurt her.
May 18, 2025
My first Emily Klepp, but certainly won't be my last! Hot, spicy, dark. This reverse harem is short, but packed with all the spicy time you can imagine plus emotional bonds and character development. I'm not even sure how she managed that! The books in this series are interconnected stand-alones, but they would be better read in order if you intend to read them all as we get re-appearances from previous characters in the subsequent books.
The series comes out May 30th and you want them! All!
The series comes out May 30th and you want them! All!
May 21, 2025
Sam ordered to appease her man and do as he says. When the bane brothers Thane, Joel and Silas decide to throw a wrench and claim her as their house Scarlett just to get revenge. Only to discover they are trying to brake someone caught in the crossfire. I need more of this!!!!!
May 11, 2025
Read your trigger warnings!
Samara hasn’t exactly had anything easy with life. Her father is a total disgusting piece of dog shit that has been steaming on the ground in 114 degree weather. And that’s being polite about it. And Daniel? Ugh you, sir twat waffle, are an equal piece of shit.
Danny reminds me of a spoiled chil that kicks and screams and throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get his way. Those 3 fuckers can have the day they deserve.
Now for my men!
Thane, you’re an angry little shit but you grew on me pretty damn fast. Your hard…and I mean that in more than one way 😉.
Silas, I fell in love with your big unhinged ass the minute you opened your mouth.
Joel…you short king you! Hilarious! You hear me? Hilarious lol and he’s a dirty boy too.
Loved the dark theme either way a heavy dose of revenge. Can’t be going around thinking you’re all powerful with your money when someone can come at you with a spiked bat now can you? 10/10 would recommend. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Samara hasn’t exactly had anything easy with life. Her father is a total disgusting piece of dog shit that has been steaming on the ground in 114 degree weather. And that’s being polite about it. And Daniel? Ugh you, sir twat waffle, are an equal piece of shit.
Danny reminds me of a spoiled chil that kicks and screams and throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get his way. Those 3 fuckers can have the day they deserve.
Now for my men!
Thane, you’re an angry little shit but you grew on me pretty damn fast. Your hard…and I mean that in more than one way 😉.
Silas, I fell in love with your big unhinged ass the minute you opened your mouth.
Joel…you short king you! Hilarious! You hear me? Hilarious lol and he’s a dirty boy too.
Loved the dark theme either way a heavy dose of revenge. Can’t be going around thinking you’re all powerful with your money when someone can come at you with a spiked bat now can you? 10/10 would recommend. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 25, 2025
⭐️ 5/5 stars –Not because it was easy to read, but because it got under my skin and stayed there. I didn’t love it because it was dark—I loved it because it made me feel something real. And that deserves five stars.
🌶️ ?/5 Spice Rating –This isn’t the kind of 5/5 that makes you fan yourself—it’s the kind that makes you tense up. It’s pitch black and filled with morally void individuals—intense, explicit, and laced with control, power, and noncon/dubcon dynamics.
🖤 5/5 Darkness Rating –This book is pitch black. Incest, coercion, ritualized sexual violence—all on-page. Nothing is softened. Nothing is safe. It doesn’t explore trauma—it names it. And dares you to look.
⸻
Some stories aren’t safe—but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be told.
I’m halfway through Merciful Vow (Book 2 in The Dark Allegiance series), but I haven’t stopped thinking about Ruthless Bonds (Book 1).
The fact that the zon pulled it has been sitting heavy with me—not because this book is for everyone (it’s absolutely not), but because it made me ask why it stuck so hard. And the answer came quietly, in a way I didn’t expect.
Thanks to @mysmutcorner, I’ve been learning about narrative therapy—how telling our stories, naming trauma, and reclaiming language around what’s been done to us is part of healing. Ruthless Bonds doesn’t tell a safe story—but it tells a true one. A brutal one. A necessary one.
Because Emily Klepp doesn’t write stories that ask permission. She writes with sharp edges and full-body honesty. Her heroines don’t rise gently—they claw their way up from the wreckage, bloodied and burning, and dare you to look away. What she captures in these pages isn’t just pain—it’s what pain does to power, and what survival looks like when you’re not expected to make it out.
There’s no softness here. There’s trauma, degradation, and unrelenting control—but there’s also this slow, razor-edged shift where Samara moves from being an object to becoming the one who watches, plans, and finally acts.
That shift? It cracked something open in me.
It named something.
And that’s what makes Emily’s writing important.
So no, this book isn’t safe. But it is honest. It’s terrifying, yes—but for readers who need to see their pain named in a space that doesn’t flinch or look away, it can also be powerful.
Thank you, Emily, for writing something this fearless.
🌶️ ?/5 Spice Rating –This isn’t the kind of 5/5 that makes you fan yourself—it’s the kind that makes you tense up. It’s pitch black and filled with morally void individuals—intense, explicit, and laced with control, power, and noncon/dubcon dynamics.
🖤 5/5 Darkness Rating –This book is pitch black. Incest, coercion, ritualized sexual violence—all on-page. Nothing is softened. Nothing is safe. It doesn’t explore trauma—it names it. And dares you to look.
⸻
Some stories aren’t safe—but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be told.
I’m halfway through Merciful Vow (Book 2 in The Dark Allegiance series), but I haven’t stopped thinking about Ruthless Bonds (Book 1).
The fact that the zon pulled it has been sitting heavy with me—not because this book is for everyone (it’s absolutely not), but because it made me ask why it stuck so hard. And the answer came quietly, in a way I didn’t expect.
Thanks to @mysmutcorner, I’ve been learning about narrative therapy—how telling our stories, naming trauma, and reclaiming language around what’s been done to us is part of healing. Ruthless Bonds doesn’t tell a safe story—but it tells a true one. A brutal one. A necessary one.
Because Emily Klepp doesn’t write stories that ask permission. She writes with sharp edges and full-body honesty. Her heroines don’t rise gently—they claw their way up from the wreckage, bloodied and burning, and dare you to look away. What she captures in these pages isn’t just pain—it’s what pain does to power, and what survival looks like when you’re not expected to make it out.
There’s no softness here. There’s trauma, degradation, and unrelenting control—but there’s also this slow, razor-edged shift where Samara moves from being an object to becoming the one who watches, plans, and finally acts.
That shift? It cracked something open in me.
It named something.
And that’s what makes Emily’s writing important.
So no, this book isn’t safe. But it is honest. It’s terrifying, yes—but for readers who need to see their pain named in a space that doesn’t flinch or look away, it can also be powerful.
Thank you, Emily, for writing something this fearless.
June 24, 2025
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.
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.
June 9, 2025
For readers who need to see their pain named—and their strength forged in the fire—this story may cut deep. But in that cut, there’s intense power.
Samara lives in survival mode, navigating a world where control is everything and safety is a distant memory. Her struggle is visceral, raw—every choice a risk, every step a fight to stay one move ahead.
Then come the Bane brothers: Thane, Joel, and Silas. Their arrival is anything but a rescue. Driven by revenge, their motives are cold, calculated—and dangerously entangled with Samara’s world. But what begins as a means to their end quickly unravels into something far more complex.
Caught between power plays and emotional chaos, Samara must decide if she’s a pawn in their game—or the one rewriting the rules. Emotionally charged and full of sharp twists, it dives deep into a world where pain fuels purpose and revenge is a driving force. With raw intensity and unflinching grit, this story follows characters clawing their way out of impossible situations—bloody, broken, but not beaten.
If you crave dark, high-stakes stories where survival comes at a cost and payback burns slow and hot, Ruthless Bonds will leave a mark—and leave you wanting more.
Samara lives in survival mode, navigating a world where control is everything and safety is a distant memory. Her struggle is visceral, raw—every choice a risk, every step a fight to stay one move ahead.
Then come the Bane brothers: Thane, Joel, and Silas. Their arrival is anything but a rescue. Driven by revenge, their motives are cold, calculated—and dangerously entangled with Samara’s world. But what begins as a means to their end quickly unravels into something far more complex.
Caught between power plays and emotional chaos, Samara must decide if she’s a pawn in their game—or the one rewriting the rules. Emotionally charged and full of sharp twists, it dives deep into a world where pain fuels purpose and revenge is a driving force. With raw intensity and unflinching grit, this story follows characters clawing their way out of impossible situations—bloody, broken, but not beaten.
If you crave dark, high-stakes stories where survival comes at a cost and payback burns slow and hot, Ruthless Bonds will leave a mark—and leave you wanting more.
May 29, 2025
This book throws you right into the deep end with Samara, a character who's seen more than her fair share of darkness. She's stuck in a terrible situation, trying to survive a life she never asked for. You really feel her struggle as she navigates a world where trust is a luxury she can barely afford. It’s a raw look at what happens when someone is pushed to their absolute limits.
Things take a wild turn when the Bane brothers—Thane, Joel, and Silas—step in. What starts as a move for their own revenge quickly gets complicated, and Samara finds herself caught in their ruthless plans. This isn't a gentle love story; it's about unexpected alliances forged in a world of secrets and power plays. Their dynamic is intense, and you're always wondering what move they'll make next.
"Ruthless Bonds" is a short but powerful read that delivers on its dark promises. It’s packed with emotion, unexpected turns, and a fierce drive for payback. If you're into intense stories where characters fight their way out of impossible situations, this book definitely packs a punch and leaves you wanting more.
Things take a wild turn when the Bane brothers—Thane, Joel, and Silas—step in. What starts as a move for their own revenge quickly gets complicated, and Samara finds herself caught in their ruthless plans. This isn't a gentle love story; it's about unexpected alliances forged in a world of secrets and power plays. Their dynamic is intense, and you're always wondering what move they'll make next.
"Ruthless Bonds" is a short but powerful read that delivers on its dark promises. It’s packed with emotion, unexpected turns, and a fierce drive for payback. If you're into intense stories where characters fight their way out of impossible situations, this book definitely packs a punch and leaves you wanting more.
June 4, 2025
Book one in a series of interconnected stand-alone series. Please check the trigger warnings.
Samara is attending St Agustine University, set to become her abusive fiancé's Scarlet woman, except Thane Silas and Joel are set to steal her away as punishment for Thorne fathers death.
This is a dark, twisted novella with secret society leanings and a touch of Mafia to add to the intensity of the storytelling, with redemption and love found in surprising ways.
Samara has been through hell, traumatised by her own family, and she was supposed to become her husband and his family. She shows such strength and resilience and man when she decides to punish someone for the pain they caused her she definitely shows her true fighter spirit.
Thorne Silas and Joel definitely start out as some of the morally grey bad guys, but Silas quickly shows he has morals, values, and bad boy vibes with kindness interwoven into him. He quickly became my favourite after he stood up for Samara when she needed it most.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Samara is attending St Agustine University, set to become her abusive fiancé's Scarlet woman, except Thane Silas and Joel are set to steal her away as punishment for Thorne fathers death.
This is a dark, twisted novella with secret society leanings and a touch of Mafia to add to the intensity of the storytelling, with redemption and love found in surprising ways.
Samara has been through hell, traumatised by her own family, and she was supposed to become her husband and his family. She shows such strength and resilience and man when she decides to punish someone for the pain they caused her she definitely shows her true fighter spirit.
Thorne Silas and Joel definitely start out as some of the morally grey bad guys, but Silas quickly shows he has morals, values, and bad boy vibes with kindness interwoven into him. He quickly became my favourite after he stood up for Samara when she needed it most.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
May 19, 2025
Short and sweet, just how I like a dark Novella to be!
Be sure to read all the TW before embarking on this journey
The depravity that Sam had to endure at the hands of her father, Frank, future husband, Danny and Father In Law, Daniel is terrifying! But endure it she did until she could make a get away from them all, but as all good plans go, they usually go to sh3t! And the big bump in the road comes in the form of the Bane Brothers....Thane, Joel and Silas. (tho not blood related!!) And who doesn't like a little MMFM trope within these pages....with some hot and spicy kink in the mix!
Being claimed by the enemy, Sam soon finds that she can lay her trust in her new found family, and she does, as she fights the bonds and connections to her father, with her three guys by her side.
It is short Yes!
And did I wish for more Oh f3ck yes!
But it holds you captive till the end, cos you just wanna know how well revenge goes for not only Sam, but for her guys as well.
They all deserve to be free of their past and to look forward to a future, together, and get their HEA!
Be sure to read all the TW before embarking on this journey
The depravity that Sam had to endure at the hands of her father, Frank, future husband, Danny and Father In Law, Daniel is terrifying! But endure it she did until she could make a get away from them all, but as all good plans go, they usually go to sh3t! And the big bump in the road comes in the form of the Bane Brothers....Thane, Joel and Silas. (tho not blood related!!) And who doesn't like a little MMFM trope within these pages....with some hot and spicy kink in the mix!
Being claimed by the enemy, Sam soon finds that she can lay her trust in her new found family, and she does, as she fights the bonds and connections to her father, with her three guys by her side.
It is short Yes!
And did I wish for more Oh f3ck yes!
But it holds you captive till the end, cos you just wanna know how well revenge goes for not only Sam, but for her guys as well.
They all deserve to be free of their past and to look forward to a future, together, and get their HEA!
May 20, 2025
Wow!! what a way to kick off a series of interconnected novellas!!
Check your triggers, it's starting off DARK!
Samara has not had an easy life. She has been taught to hide it all and go along with what her father and Daniel tell her. Her marriage has been arranged to Danny, Daniel's son. Turns out Danny doesn't want Samara.
The Bane Brothers, Thane, Silas and Joel, are not ones to be messed with. Aftwr the murder of Thanes dad, Thane is out for revenge and Samara is the answer. They claim her as their scarlet since Danny isn't claiming her like he is supposed to.
Samara knows way more then she should but refuses to tell the guys because she doesn't feel safe with Thane. Their beginning is rocky but she ends up telling them the truth and Thane proves himself to her.
This is not a lovey dovey romance. This is DARK. sexual and physical abuse, incest, abortion, rape and more.
These men are not soft, maybe just a little for Samara but not really even for her. Sex all around between everyone!! it is hot, healing, traumatic and vengeful in the best way. Can't wait to read the rest!!!
Check your triggers, it's starting off DARK!
Samara has not had an easy life. She has been taught to hide it all and go along with what her father and Daniel tell her. Her marriage has been arranged to Danny, Daniel's son. Turns out Danny doesn't want Samara.
The Bane Brothers, Thane, Silas and Joel, are not ones to be messed with. Aftwr the murder of Thanes dad, Thane is out for revenge and Samara is the answer. They claim her as their scarlet since Danny isn't claiming her like he is supposed to.
Samara knows way more then she should but refuses to tell the guys because she doesn't feel safe with Thane. Their beginning is rocky but she ends up telling them the truth and Thane proves himself to her.
This is not a lovey dovey romance. This is DARK. sexual and physical abuse, incest, abortion, rape and more.
These men are not soft, maybe just a little for Samara but not really even for her. Sex all around between everyone!! it is hot, healing, traumatic and vengeful in the best way. Can't wait to read the rest!!!
June 1, 2025
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW
Ruthless Bonds - Emily Klepp
5/5⭐️
📚📚📚
Holy moly this one is extremely dark with all the triggers. It got HEAVY! My emotions at some points I was crying and truly by the end I was hoping the best for Samara. The amount of abuse the girl has to live through because of her dad being apart of this terrible society. Ugh just pure hatred for him and Danny boy! I was so happy for her and the boys for getting revenge. This one was a very fast and short read. I highly recommend it if you are okay with heavy triggers.
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Dark
- HEAVY TRIGGERS
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
✨what book did you start out the month with?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC REVIEW
Ruthless Bonds - Emily Klepp
5/5⭐️
📚📚📚
Holy moly this one is extremely dark with all the triggers. It got HEAVY! My emotions at some points I was crying and truly by the end I was hoping the best for Samara. The amount of abuse the girl has to live through because of her dad being apart of this terrible society. Ugh just pure hatred for him and Danny boy! I was so happy for her and the boys for getting revenge. This one was a very fast and short read. I highly recommend it if you are okay with heavy triggers.
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Dark
- HEAVY TRIGGERS
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
✨what book did you start out the month with?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
June 5, 2025
#A Gripping Dark Harem Novella
This book marks the beginning of a captivating series of seven dark harem novellas, and it’s undeniably intense yet incredibly well-written. Samara has endured a harrowing past, having suffered abuse from her father, Daniel, and Danny. When she is chosen by the Bane brothers, her experience turns into something far beyond her expectations; it ultimately proves to be the best decision, especially after her fiancé Danny gets another woman pregnant.
Prepare to experience a whirlwind of emotions as you navigate through themes of love and hate for these complex men. Despite all she has faced, Samara emerges as a strong and independent woman, and the men play a pivotal role in helping her become the best version of herself. Rest assured, this story offers a happily ever after.
I absolutely love it! I highly recommend this book, but please remember to check for trigger warnings.
This book marks the beginning of a captivating series of seven dark harem novellas, and it’s undeniably intense yet incredibly well-written. Samara has endured a harrowing past, having suffered abuse from her father, Daniel, and Danny. When she is chosen by the Bane brothers, her experience turns into something far beyond her expectations; it ultimately proves to be the best decision, especially after her fiancé Danny gets another woman pregnant.
Prepare to experience a whirlwind of emotions as you navigate through themes of love and hate for these complex men. Despite all she has faced, Samara emerges as a strong and independent woman, and the men play a pivotal role in helping her become the best version of herself. Rest assured, this story offers a happily ever after.
I absolutely love it! I highly recommend this book, but please remember to check for trigger warnings.
May 25, 2025
READ THE TRIGGERS. This short novella is packed with emotion, brutality, and survival. It's disturbing how, even in a fictional dark romance, the cruelty mirrors real-life abuse and how some people genuinely take pleasure in causing pain. That alone made parts of this story hard to stomach—and also important in a way.
Despite everything she endures, the female lead finds her strength, slowly reclaiming her power through both her own inner will and the unexpected support of her "saviors." They don’t rescue her in the traditional sense, but rather help her tear down the cage she was trapped in—both physically and emotionally.
It’s dark, raw, and uncomfortable at times, but Klepp delivers a message of resilience and the beginnings of healing. I’m curious to see how the story and characters evolve in the rest of the series.
Despite everything she endures, the female lead finds her strength, slowly reclaiming her power through both her own inner will and the unexpected support of her "saviors." They don’t rescue her in the traditional sense, but rather help her tear down the cage she was trapped in—both physically and emotionally.
It’s dark, raw, and uncomfortable at times, but Klepp delivers a message of resilience and the beginnings of healing. I’m curious to see how the story and characters evolve in the rest of the series.
June 15, 2025
This book is so good, but you should definitely check the trigger warnings because it is also dark!
Samara has been through a lot and she is expected to be chosen as a Scarlet by the man her father has arranged for her to marry. However, she is chosen by another house to get revenge on her father and her future in-laws. Thane is desperate to avenge his father, but he doesn’t have any proof of what happened. When he, Silas, and Joel agree to take Samara as their Scarlet, they have no idea that they will all bond over their desire for revenge.
Samara is so incredibly strong in this book. I can’t even fathom all of the things she had to endure. I was raging on her behalf and could not wait until she could get revenge on all the people who hurt her. I was a little bit iffy on the guys at first, but I loved how they could all bond over their ruthlessness.
Samara has been through a lot and she is expected to be chosen as a Scarlet by the man her father has arranged for her to marry. However, she is chosen by another house to get revenge on her father and her future in-laws. Thane is desperate to avenge his father, but he doesn’t have any proof of what happened. When he, Silas, and Joel agree to take Samara as their Scarlet, they have no idea that they will all bond over their desire for revenge.
Samara is so incredibly strong in this book. I can’t even fathom all of the things she had to endure. I was raging on her behalf and could not wait until she could get revenge on all the people who hurt her. I was a little bit iffy on the guys at first, but I loved how they could all bond over their ruthlessness.
May 26, 2025
Well I just totally loved this first book in The Dark Allegiance Series. Samara has been used and abused since her mother passed. By her father and his best friend and then his bestfriends son. And she is the sweetest girl ever, albeit very sassy as well. I am totally in love with the Bane Brothers Silas,Thane and Joel. I wasn't totally sure about them at first because Thane only had revenge on his mind when they decided to claim Samara as their Scarlet. Per the secret society rules. Together they get their revenge and support each other emotionally. Just made my heart fill with joy and screaming yes yes yes get those dirty SOB's. Emily Klepp you are so totally amazing. I highly recommend this book.
Please check TW.
Please check TW.
June 7, 2025
3.5⭐
This book is NOT for the faint of heart. It's brutal and messed up, but it's also a good story. I really enjoyed it. It's a fast paced "easy" read depending on how you define easy. I loved how protective Silas was of Samara. Even against Thane. And I loved how sweet Joel was, like a little puppy but vicious when needed. And while I hate that Thane hurt Samara, I couldn't hate him completely. He was acting out of grief and revenge for his father, the same way Samara was acting out of fear, trauma, and survival. And I loved the spice between them. I do wish we could've gotten more of them. But that's to be expected with a novella, especially one in a series. But I'm hoping to see more of them the other books. Overall a good read. Check TW if you're wanting to pick this up.
This book is NOT for the faint of heart. It's brutal and messed up, but it's also a good story. I really enjoyed it. It's a fast paced "easy" read depending on how you define easy. I loved how protective Silas was of Samara. Even against Thane. And I loved how sweet Joel was, like a little puppy but vicious when needed. And while I hate that Thane hurt Samara, I couldn't hate him completely. He was acting out of grief and revenge for his father, the same way Samara was acting out of fear, trauma, and survival. And I loved the spice between them. I do wish we could've gotten more of them. But that's to be expected with a novella, especially one in a series. But I'm hoping to see more of them the other books. Overall a good read. Check TW if you're wanting to pick this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
This book was a delicious mix of dark academia, secret society, and reverse harem. The underlying plot was twisted darkness - watching Samara, Thane, Silas, and Joel navigate the obstacles and find their light was a ride. The dynamics between the four where intriguing, while Thane, Silas, and Joel were friends, they themselves had growing pains, which prevented it from being the type of relationship where three are in perfect sync and only one if feeling the angst. The emotional evolution and physical interactions were well written and developed. Normally I am not always a fun of college age romances, but the way the characters were written they felt more mature and most of the time I forgot they were at a university.
June 22, 2025
Emily honey why do you keep doing this to me I have enough book boyfriends already lmao. Ruthless Bonds is a amazing dark romance story with lots of triggers. Please check your triggers we care about your mental health.
What you get.....
♡Enemies To Lovers
♡Reverse Harem
♡MF
♡MMMF
♡MM
♡Swordcrossing
♡Secret Society
♡College Age
♡Mafia
♡Billionaires
♡Revenge
♡OTT Possessive MMCs
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Noncon
♡Dubcon
♡Exhibitionism
♡Weapon Play
♡Breath Play
♡Trauma
♡Trauma Healing
♡Violence
♡Unaliving
Samara goes through so many horrible things throughout her life. She's being forced to marry Danny. Thane, Silas, and Joel want revenge so they decide to claim Samara. It's a love-hate relationship and very sexy spicy scenes.
What you get.....
♡Enemies To Lovers
♡Reverse Harem
♡MF
♡MMMF
♡MM
♡Swordcrossing
♡Secret Society
♡College Age
♡Mafia
♡Billionaires
♡Revenge
♡OTT Possessive MMCs
♡Touch Her and ☠️
♡Noncon
♡Dubcon
♡Exhibitionism
♡Weapon Play
♡Breath Play
♡Trauma
♡Trauma Healing
♡Violence
♡Unaliving
Samara goes through so many horrible things throughout her life. She's being forced to marry Danny. Thane, Silas, and Joel want revenge so they decide to claim Samara. It's a love-hate relationship and very sexy spicy scenes.
June 24, 2025
This was such a great read. Let me start off by saying please, please, please check the trigger warnings. If you have read this author before you know that Emily does a fantastic job at writing about the traumas that women and men can face in the world. She is great at showing the resiliency of people and the healing that can occur if you find the people in your life that you can trust. This is a college romance. The main female character is abused by her boyfriend, dad, and boyfriends dad. She is picked by 3 men from a rival house to be their woman. She is allowed to heal and thrive under them. It is not all sunshine and roses at the beginning but they all learn to navigate their situations. This is a short but spicy novella. Great start to a series.
June 27, 2025
This is the first book in The Dark Allegiance series. There will be a total of 7 books in this series. I have loved all of the Emily Klepp books that I have read so far. She is such an amazing and prolific author!
Wow…!! If this book is any indication of how the rest of the series will go, it will be awesome!! This is a dark, dark romance. It is way past morally grey, and it was so good that I couldn’t put it down. The FMC is so beaten down and traumatised. The MMcs are not known for being kind or nice. They have such a horrible past that I hope there is a future for them…
Thank you Emily Klepp, for an amazing start to what I know will be a great series. I have loved reading each book of yours that I can get my hands on. And I just can’t stop coming back for more!!
Wow…!! If this book is any indication of how the rest of the series will go, it will be awesome!! This is a dark, dark romance. It is way past morally grey, and it was so good that I couldn’t put it down. The FMC is so beaten down and traumatised. The MMcs are not known for being kind or nice. They have such a horrible past that I hope there is a future for them…
Thank you Emily Klepp, for an amazing start to what I know will be a great series. I have loved reading each book of yours that I can get my hands on. And I just can’t stop coming back for more!!
September 11, 2025
This is so dark it’s obsidian!! It’s almost as if the author hates women! From the age of sixteen Samara is raped, sexually abused, assaulted, beaten. It’s horrific!!! Then the university has some weird ritual where the guys get to claim a woman by having public sex with her in front of the entire university and then have total control over her for the remainder of her time there. They can do whatever they want whenever they want wherever they want and the woman has no say. The only small saving grace is that her abusers get their comeuppance by.
There was really no building of the relationships between the four MCs. It seemed to be more about gratuitous sex and little else. The plot itself had promise but I felt the author didn’t do it justice.
There was really no building of the relationships between the four MCs. It seemed to be more about gratuitous sex and little else. The plot itself had promise but I felt the author didn’t do it justice.
May 26, 2025
If you are familiar with Emily's writing, then you are aware that her books are dark. They FMC does not have an easy life. In fact, they experience trauma. This novella is no different. This novella kicks things off right in this series.
The first opening scene is rough to read. However, readers will be happy to know that the MMCs get served just what they deserved in the end. I felt for Samara. Luckily, she gains the interest of three guys...Thane, Silas, and Joel.
The guys do treat Samara horrible in the beginning. However, by the end of the story, they show that they would destroy anyone to protect Samara.
The first opening scene is rough to read. However, readers will be happy to know that the MMCs get served just what they deserved in the end. I felt for Samara. Luckily, she gains the interest of three guys...Thane, Silas, and Joel.
The guys do treat Samara horrible in the beginning. However, by the end of the story, they show that they would destroy anyone to protect Samara.
June 11, 2025
Well I really do feel like I was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . Dark secret society , intrigue and suspense, secrets , revenge, tragedy , love , passion , pain , moments that will literally pull on all your heartstrings and have you reeling with so many different emotions. . The things that Samara endured in her life - man no one should ever have to suffer that type of abuse . What I loved about her though was her strength and her resilience. And the guys Thane , Silas and Joel . Well let’s just say my feelings towards them really were all over the place. Did I like them ? Did I hate them ? Or maybe it was a little of both .
July 5, 2025
Check TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!
Do not take the trigger warnings lightly!
The FMC Samara has gone through hell ever since her mom passed. To all the men in her life, she was just a pawn to be used however they see fit.
The MMCs are unhinged (the best kind) and out for revenge. They step-up to take Samara at the society's ceremony in revenge. What they don't expect is to end up having an alliance with her.
Revenge is the best medicine that can be handed to a person who's been through all the dark sh*t.
As always Emily has delivered us a short novella with lots of trauma, healing and of course sweet revenge!
Do not take the trigger warnings lightly!
The FMC Samara has gone through hell ever since her mom passed. To all the men in her life, she was just a pawn to be used however they see fit.
The MMCs are unhinged (the best kind) and out for revenge. They step-up to take Samara at the society's ceremony in revenge. What they don't expect is to end up having an alliance with her.
Revenge is the best medicine that can be handed to a person who's been through all the dark sh*t.
As always Emily has delivered us a short novella with lots of trauma, healing and of course sweet revenge!
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