Sinful Deception

by Emily Klepp

I use words like sweet venom to deter others from climbing my walls. I can’t let anyone see all the broken and jagged bits of my soul because they’ll never understand. I have lost so much of myself in the hands of monsters who only wanted to cause pain and destruction in the wake of their power. Amongst the chaos, I never expected them to rebuild me using the very wall I used to shield myself away from the world with. Can we survive the fall, or were we always doomed to be lost in the wreckage?

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

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

Visit 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.

Reviews

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gia convinces her family to do a solo drop. Only to get down the road and pulled over by detectives Jackson and Andre. Where they give her a few options.. following her to the hotel where she has a nightmare and they swoop in to save the night. Only things take a turn for the worse causing everyone to panic. Gia has a traumatic story but it’s amazing!

[Ashleigh Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this FMC! She's strong, but all she wants is to be safe, to feel safe, to be able to relax. Interestingly enough, it's going to take two men to break her walls. And they're her natural enemies.

Spicy, dark, hot, hot, hot! This novella series is full of heavy topics that can be triggering for people. Check them before you get into this series! This is book 4 of 7, and another great installment!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gia might be my favorite FMC so far. I loved that this one focused on some of the previous characters and gave Gia the opportunity to move past her trauma. Of course it helped that she had to fine ass men willing to literally throw their careers and own safety to the side for her!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings!
This one is short but sweet. Gianna had me fucking cackling the entire time and reminded me of..well, me. Gianna’s story picks up where Merciful Vow left off. You get to see her become a bigger bad ass running shit! I’ve never wanted to get pulled over so much in my life until now🥵. Fucking Jackson 😂☠️. Two be in the middle of a manmeat sandwich… yummy. I’m going to go catch a jet now. 10 out of 10 would recommend onto the next series.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this series is interspersed, this one is Gianna’s story.

Off she goes to do a drop, little does she realise that she’s being stalked. That is until she is pulled over, however, she recognises the pair of detectives as they question her 😉
She ends up in a situation more or less the same as she was in the last book she appeared in. As the two detectives rush to help her, it all goes off with a bang (pun intended) and the detectives give up their careers for Gianna. Her family support her all the way.

Obviously, there is more within this story and I don’t want to spoil it all for you. It’s a very short read but with no less impact than the others, there’s still spicy scenes, v!0lence and why choose.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

Sinful Deception - Emily Klepp

5/5⭐️

📚📚📚
Okay this one was just everything and I truly think might be my favorite of the series so far!! The way everyone really dropped everything for Gia and just up and went with her healed my heart in so many ways I can’t even explain. Gia finally convinces her family and brother she can do a solo drop but along the way she finds herself being pulled over by Jackson and Andre. She does what she does best and runs that mouth when’s she’s nervous. Totally had me giggling. But her story gets traumatic and luckily Jackson and Andre are right there for her. They throw it all away because secretly they’ve been falling hard for it. My mouth literally dropped and was gasping during that scene. Overall I highly recommend reading.

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- DARK
- Heavy Triggers
- Taboo
- Spicy
- Dark Crime romance
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy

✨if you had to toss away your life and disappear for the one you love, would you?

#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

[Jess B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful Deception

More like Sinful Deliciousness!

I already liked Gianna from the previous book(s) in this series, but this is her book and it did not disappoint. She's still dealing with the trauma of what happened in the previously mentioned book, but with the help and support of her family as well as a certain two sexy detectives, she's well on her way to healing. They are so good for her and got the approval from her family- definitely not an easy thing to get from them!

My favorite quote is the last paragraph. I hope that we're allowed to post them in our reviews. If not, then ill edit my review to remove it. But this just resonated so deeply with me, as someone with plenty of her own traumatic past experiences that still make a good night's sleep nearly impossible even years later.
Copy and pasting the paragraph:


"Through grief, anger, and sadness, I am choosing to look at the positives. If it weren’t for my family encouraging me to open up to the idea of partnership, I would never have been able to find the courage to dive headfirst into this sinful deception in order to create a life that I want."

Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. Your mental health is very important!

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, it is time for Gianna's story! Short and sweet and full of hotness, spiciness and smut.
Having caught the attention of 2 Detectives, Andre and Jackson, that may have been trailing/stalking her for weeks. Gia being totally unaware of them both!
One look and both Andre and Jackson knew she was the one for them. Now to just convince the woman who never seeks help from anyone, least of all the sworn enemy.
Gia volunteers to do a run for "the company". Dante is not convinced but Gia is determined to prove she can do what the men do within the family.
The run, of course does not go to plan, and both Jackson and Andre are there to rescue her from r3pe and human trafficking.
A great short story that includes cameo from Diego, Dante, Anton and Cami as they all try and keep Gia safe from the Mafia enemy and Jackson and Andre safe when they threw their careers away to save Gia.
I am loving this series as it shows the other softer side of these ruthless Mafia men and what they are willing to do for their women.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinful Deception by Emily Klepp is another intense, dark, and emotionally charged journey—exactly what fans of her work have come to expect. Gianna is one of the strongest female leads we’ve seen yet. She’s been through unimaginable things, but she’s not treated like she’s broken or fragile. Her family stands behind her, not just as protectors but as equals, and that kind of support really stands out.

Now, is it super realistic that two detectives—who've had their eye on her family—suddenly shift gears and fall hard? Maybe not. But that’s part of the chaotic charm of Klepp’s world. Things move fast, emotions run high, and somehow it all works within the twisted logic of this universe.

What did throw me a bit was the oversharing—specifically when someone else starts telling her story to someone else. It pulled me out of the moment a bit. I wanted to experience more of Gianna’s voice firsthand instead of having her truth narrated by others.

That said, the pacing is nonstop, and the emotional payoffs hit hard. The ending especially left me reeling—in the best way. It’s dark, it’s violent, it’s intense—but it’s also oddly uplifting in its own way.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. If you’re ready for a gritty, fast-burning romance with bite, this one delivers.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gianna's story, Dantes sister from the first novella. We find out a bit more about what Gianna went through and what she has been doing since the take down of Sal Valentino. Gianna is a strong badass woman.
She is just looking for someone to tame her Alpha Brat ass, but she ends up being tamed by 2 Alpha feds!! They follow her on a drop she is making that goes wrong and they sacrifice everything when they save her.
They get the real story from Dante and know what they have been up to behind the scenes and what Gianna went through.
In order to stay safe Gia, Andre and Jackson need to flee the country but she can't do that alone. Turns out Dante, Diego, Anton and Cami are all too happy to leave the life behind and go with them.
This is Dark and traumatic. There is so much love, healing, support and understanding. Even though Gia thinks she has kept secrets her Brother knows everything and supports her no matter what.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Poetic, painful, and fiercely emotional—this story is a journey through ruin and reluctant rebirth.

Gianna speaks in guarded words and sharp edges, using her pain like armor. She’s been torn apart by monsters masquerading as men, and what’s left of her soul is hidden behind walls built from survival and silence. But then they come—unexpected, uninvited, and unrelenting.

What makes this story stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about healing—it’s about reconstruction through chaos, about learning to trust again when everything inside screams not to. The prose feels like poetry dipped in blood—aching, raw, and honest.

This is for readers who crave soul-deep trauma recovery, fierce connection, and characters who are both beautifully broken and unapologetically resilient. It’s not always easy to read, but it’s impossible to forget.

[Margaret Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I say it it all the time and I should really give up on novella because I seriously wanted more of Gia, Jackson and Andre.

I liked Gianna in Merciful Vow so I was loving that she got her own book. Then add in 2 handsome detectives and we had a winner.

I did feel a little sorry for Gianna because she thinks she's been doing a great job covering Dante while he was on holiday / honeymoon will Camilla, Diego and his dad but that the fact that we find out that Dante and Gus have been going in behind her and fixing mistakes. Then on top of that so have the lovely detectives.

I was a little confused near the end when they are heading towards the jet, Diego says that Gianna's not his blood she he can watch her with Jackson and Andre but I thought that we found out that his dad was having the affair with their mom and was their dad too. Maybe I got it wrong.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok , so let me just start off by simply stating how much I love love love this amazing series . Really each couples story has just captivated me in a way I really was not expecting. That being said Gianna’s story just might be one of my faves so far . Her strength and her resilience even after everything she’s been through is one of the things I loved best about her . And Jackson and Andre - two hotter then heck detectives who come into her life and turn everything on ite axis . Add into that all the intrigue and suspense, the non stop action, the drama , the secrets and twists and turns, the love , the passion , the tragedy, the moments that will have you reeling with so many different emotions. All I can really say without giving too much away is settle in grab on tight and prepare yourself to be wowed

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the trauma that Gianna experienced in book 2, I was so excited to see her get her ever after. But I was not expecting it to come in the delicious form of detectives Jackson and Andre. I enjoyed that this pairing was with male main characters who weren't part of the underworld, which added a different twist to the storyline. Between the banter and chemistry I am not sure was more enjoyable to read - I love how Gianna gave as good as she got with Jackson and Andre. Plus it is a lot of fun to continue to see the characters from the previous book continue to play important roles throughout each book. This level of connectedness is so entertaining, as each book focuses on a different set of characters but all of the characters continued to be part of each book - so it really does feel like you are reading about a close knit family and friend group with people popping in and out.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Gianna, who we first met in the second novella, finally gets a story of her own!

Gianna suffered a lot at the hands of Camilla’s father and estranged fiancé, but she had been rebuilding her life and her family’s business. When she goes by herself to make a simple drop, everything goes sideways. She encounters two detectives who have been investigating Sal’s disappearance, but she doesn’t realize that they are as drawn to her as she is to them.

I’m so glad that we finally got Gianna’s story! She was so strong in the second novella, but she definitely had trauma to deal with. I enjoyed Jackson and Andre’s characters, but their introduction felt a little clunky. It seemed like we should have already known them, but I definitely don’t remember them. I did enjoy the updates on characters from previous novellas though.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gianna's story. We met her in Merciful Vow, book two in this series. After the tragic events of that book, Gianna is trying the best she can to cope and start over with her life. Yet, she has to contend with two bossy men.

Jackson and Andre have their sights set on Gianna. They want her. She will learn to be a "good girl" for them. These guys are cocky but yet at the same time, they are not cold hearted. The way that they rushed into Gia's bedroom when they heard her have a bad nightmare and hold her was very endearing.

I loved seeing everyone from Merciful Vow. I have grown to love them, and they are a very close-knit family. My heart broke but sang for Gia. She is a fighter and survivor.

[Haley R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gianna is hands down, my favorite in this series so far. We are first introduced to her in Merciful Vows and I was ecstatic when this story was her turn.

This story finally centers are the chaos of rebuilding after surviving behind wall after wall of trauma, silence and constant survival mode. Gianna is doing her best to heal and rebuild her life. But moving forward isn’t easy—especially when she has to deal with two bossy men who aren’t willing to let her go.

The honesty, depth, emotional pulling of these novellas keeps getting more and more mind blowing and testing the waters for those stories that dare to be written, if you dare to read them. This story will haunt you, in good ways long after you close the last page.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful Deception is a fast-paced ride that takes an unexpected turn when Gianna, out on a routine job, finds herself face-to-face with two detectives who have a keen interest in her. What follows is a series of events that forces everyone involved to re-evaluate everything, making for a truly compelling read. The way Jackson and Andre throw their careers on the line for Gianna speaks volumes about their connection.
This novella might be on the shorter side, but it’s packed with intensity and impact. You'll find plenty of high-stakes moments and powerful emotions woven throughout the narrative. It’s the kind of story that keeps you guessing and highlights the fierce loyalty within this family. If you're into quick, thrilling reads with a lot of heart, this one's for you.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in The Dark Allegiance series. There will be a total of 7 books in this series. Each book is so amazing, you don’t want to miss out on reading the previous books!
I was so happy to “see” a familiar face as the FMC in this book. I had been wondering if we would see more of her story since the second book. We see rise from the ashes of her past like a phoenix. I loved reading how her story unfolds and the twists comingher way. Who knew she would be the one to stray to the “wrong side?!”
Thank you, Emily Klepp, for another awesome story in this series. It was traumatic, crazy and hot! I think this sums up the whole series so far! I am halfway through and I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Breanna Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!!
Do not take the trigger warnings lightly!

This novella follow Gianna after her trauma in Merciful Vow. After the events that took place in book 2, Gianna is sent on her own to do a "simple" drop off. Plans unexpectedly change for the worse. With the help of some unlikely allies, who are obsessed with her, she is saved from more trauma.

Jackson and Andre have been enamored with Gianna since they first set eyes on her. Being detectives, they find a reason to follow her on her drop off. Good thing they are though!

After they save her everyone from book 2 and Gianna and her men decide it's time to be done!

As always there's trauma, healing, and family! I love all of Emily's books and can't wait to continue on!!

[Jayne limb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series. In this story we have Gianna who is Dante's sister ( book 2 ). I will admit Gianna's story got me the most the things she has suffered and she doesn't let it change who she is. I love the bond she has with Dante and how he always looks out for her. Then we have Andre and Jackson who work for the police and have been following Gianna for a few months little did Gianna know it was for pleasure not business because both of these men want her. The banter in this book had me laughing and parts of this story had me crying. I couldn't have picked a better ending to this story than Emily did.

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instalment 4 of the Dark Allegiance series, back with Gianna after meeting her in Camilla's book.


Gianna is trying to heal after the trauma she has been subjected to and decides to go on a run to deliver goods for the family, except two detectives have been watching Gianna for months following her.


Andre and Jackson are amazing characters.  They are protective and supportive from the start, subconsciously knowing Gianna needs them in a way she may not understand.  Their morals are a little grey but its all about keeping her safe.


I love this series. The MMCs are delicious in all ways, and the instant connection and love between them and their FMC shines through each book.

[Novo's nook of novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is gia's story who met briefly in one of the previous books. after all her heart aches and trauma she finally convinced her brother to let her do a drop alone, time to put her big girl pants on!

usually getting pulled over by cops with something like 50 mil in your boot would be a bad thing but these cops could pull me over any day of the week.

this story is not without trauma but the hea is so worth it.

this family cross lines that I wouldn't even dream of crossing when it comes to sexual expeditions but hey whatever floats your boat right!

the spice is right up there as one would expect for one of Emily's books.
another 5 star read all the way

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gianna has spent the past four months healing both physically and mentally. Now she is ready to do a job for Dante, delivering $5 million for a casino once owned by Sal. Or so they thought. At the motel where Gia rented a room, she is ambushed by several men who rape her. Detectives Langs and Noble, who are in the room next to Gia's, hear her scream and break in. They then kill each of the men, grab Gia and their belongings, and take off. This story is full of action and violence, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via a boxset from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gianna's Story: A Tale of Resilience and New Beginning. This narrative follows Gianna, Dante's sister from the first novella. Unbeknownst to her, this young woman is being stalked. She encounters two police officers who pull her over and begin to question her. Gianna has endured a great deal, and it takes two men to help dismantle her emotional walls. They share a complex relationship as good adversaries. Although Gianna dreams of fleeing the country and leaving everything behind, she realizes she cannot do it alone. Together, they make the decision to abandon their past lives and start anew. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Detectives and a Mafia Princesss... what could go wrong

Gia went through something horrible while her whole family was being double crossed. She's done whatever she could to prove to her family she is strong and can work with the family business. But she didn't realize Andre and Jackson were practically stalking her.

Andrea and Jackson have kept Gia in their sights since they've been looking for Sal to stop trafficking. They never realized how far they were willing to go or how much they would put on the line to keep Gia safe.

Soon, their all on the run, but Gia isn't leaving anyone behind.

[Brae Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gianna is Dante and Diego’s sister. We met her when they found out their mom was screwing around on their dad with Sal, Diego’s dad.

Gia decides to make a drop alone one night. She gets pulled over by detectives Andre and Jackson. They end up following her to the motel she’s staying at. There she is raped by the men she’s supposed to be making the drop to. Andre and Jackson save her by killing them. They end up having to flee the country to Dante’s private island. Gia begs cami and her men to come with them and they do.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very wonderful story. This is the 4th story in The Dark Allegiance Series. And yay for Gianna. She has such a wonderful fiery personality. And the trauma in her life has created walls that feel like they are so thick no one will tear them down. Little does she know the universe has a better plan for her. Two smoking hot men Jackson and Andre. Yup and it's smoldering hot between the 3 of them. And they are totally there for her and help her through her trauma. Lots of twists, suspense, and surprises in this one. Please check TW. Emily Klepp does not disappoint. This is a must read.

[Amanda Buntin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually have this ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Our girl Gia is lucky to have two cops throw their whole life away to protect and love her. When she gets violently attacked again and the guys are listening to it. They put peddle to the meddle to get back to her. They seriously have the “burn the world down” for this girl. Running away from everything to stay out of jail is there plan but our girl is having a hard time leaving her family. So they all make the decision to leave with them! To live in peace on a beautiful island as a family.