Until I Break

by Emily Klepp

I was bruised but not broken.
Discarded but not forgotten.
He wanted me to break…
He wanted me to crawl…
But I ran.
I rose from the ashes to bend for my saviors.

THIS IS A DARK ROMANCE WITH HEAVY TRIGGERS. READER'S DISCRETION IS HIGHLY ADVISED!

Genres: BDSM, Reverse Harem, Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Abuse, Polyamory

404 pages, ebook

Published June 13, 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

[Vivian Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I Break is a relentless, dark romp that left me gloriously wrecked, in the best possible way. This reverse-harem, trauma-laced BDSM romance is Klepp’s boldest yet, and yes, I loved it.

Why it slays:
Trigger central: domestic violence, rape, kidnapping, even a hot‑sauce enema, this book isn’t here to coddle. It’s raw, ruthless, real, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Complex heroine: Eliza rises from ashes, haunted by step‑sibling betrayal and trauma, yet fights like hell to heal through her saviors, the three dominant bosses who break her… and build her back.
Reverse-harem gone gritty: Desk-bound romance doesn’t get darker, or steamier.

My take:
If your kink bucket list includes emotional obliteration followed by a phoenix-rise reconstruction, and kinky scenarios darker than midnight this novel delivers. It’s a heavyweight title that punches, then cradles. The writing can get overloaded with trauma-lingo at times, but the character growth and romantic healing arc are what kept me turning pages until dawn.
Five stars, because despite the devastation, Until I Break is an addictive resurrection story I didn't just love, I needed it.

Vivian Hale

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little heavier than Emily’s usual stories. This is a dark romance, for me it wasn’t pitch black…so maybe granite 🤣. Please read the trigger warnings.

First, we meet Eliza who is in an abusive relationship, her bosses offer to help her but she’s been brainwashed into submitting to him. Until he pushes her too far and she leaves him. She in turn ends up at her bosses workplace, a f3tish club they own. Their story progresses from here, to include another male who also works for them; another appearance from her ex when he manages to capture her again and we learn more about his past. There could be some v!0lence and revenge 🤭

The second part 18 months later is about Cassidy, who is in the same situation as Eliza was, her story progresses with her step-brother and his two friends who are twins. Eventually, they all meet up because of the FMCs trauma, ending up one big poly household. Unfortunately, the perp is still running around. Will it all end in tears? Will justice prevail?

Not gonna lie I read this in one sitting, the D/s relationship they all had helped them get over their trauma along with the fun/scene elements of this. Emily described these scenes really well, with thought and care. It may be difficult for some to readers due to the nature of the abuse, the v!0lence and revenge scenes.

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing read from this author. Of course the triggers are insane! However, the way the author manages to pull out a happy ending for all the characters. My only gripe with this story was there were too many relationships. 7 plus men and 4 women is a little much for me. I understood Eliza and Cassidy becoming a couple with their 3 guys each, but I dont like that Jasper and his wives joined. For me, with him being a cop and on the case, it felt too much like an abuse of power. Though Jasper himself is great, I dont feel that Jasper fit in with the rest. Yet, I did love the story. The series killer/rapist aspect was so well done. I was so afraid for Eliza and Cassidy. Then the connection between them two? Just perfect! This author is incredibly talented to not only merge trauma and healing, but how BDSM can be abused and used to control. It can be healing but also used to harm. I love how she combined it. There's a reason I will read anything this author writes! Shes a genius

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

STOP JUDGING ME! 😂
Yes, I read this and yes, it counts toward my 100 books. Also, not for the faint of heart so read the trigger warnings. Some of this was really well written. Some of it… was not. It’s also instalovey and I loathe that trope. But the trauma depiction was well done. Until it wasn’t. I mean the FMC after knowing the MMC for a week? (I’m not actually clear on the timeline… I clearly skimmed that part) can suddenly be touched without flinching? NOPE.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needing to fully break to heal

This book is dark which is to be expected with Emily. Check your triggers.

I absolutely love that these women had people to take them in and do everything they could to help them heal from their traumas.

I love how they use BDSM in ways that allow them to work through their triggers and traumas while giving them the safety they didn't have before.

Plus who doesn't love to primal play, a brat, and monster dongs that make you wonder how these women walk at all.

I loved each of them men for what they brought to the dynamic but also that they have their own triggers too.

I love the way Emily takes traumas and finds ways for her characters to heal in ways that are believable and make sense.

[Margaret Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was good, it was heavy themed / triggered not that I expect anything less from Emily and I'm not meaning that in a bad way. I know that if i'm in the mood for something heavier then I just pick up one of her book.

I will say is that they are going to need a bigger house by the end of it with the amount of people in their little family. But if they are all happy then that is the main thing.

I loved that Julian and Calder got to hurt Troy in the first half and I loved that Oscar got to hurt / end him in the second half. He really wasn't a very nice man.

I wasn't sure about Jasper joining them at first but then i'm never sure when the detective joins but I liked him and I didn't mind that he brings another 2 women into the mix, it even out the numbers a little.

[Chaotic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this one, it’s a bit longer then my usual reads from this author but in saying that it has 2 parts. I found both parts to be engaging stories though part one is definitely on the darker side to part 2. It is a trigger heavy read so definitely check the TW/CW before diving in.
Overall another fantastic read from Emily Klepp

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg Emily!!! girl!!! OK, you almost got me with this one. please check triggers and then check again! wowzers! that was intense and oh so good.
trauma based, why choose, HEA

[♥︎𝕺𝖇𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖎𝖆𝖓° 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖘&#x1f · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hell Emily 😳

This Was Dark!! I ate this up quick and dont regret getting swept away into this please read thoes triggers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🫦🫦🫦/5

[Genoveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please please check all those CW and TW before reading this one. Emily Klepp does it again! Giving us a story of resilience and strength in these FMCs. I was not expecting this story to go the way it did and I was pleasantly surprised. I was here for every bit of it. I could not put this one down.

[Stephanie Landry · Rating 3 out of 5]

… Soooo, that was entirely too many dicks.

2.5, rounded up to 3. This started out okay, but then I just couldn’t keep up with whose dick was whose and where/who it was buried in anymore. 2 chicks, 7 dicks. The guys were into each other, the girls had a gay awakening… I just, I couldn’t keep up anymore and it sucks cause I did enjoy it in the beginning and then, I guess the plot fell into one of the many holes cause… I lost it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings
This book has two parts.
Firstly, I hope Troy always has flat tires and has to pay full price for everything, because fuck him. Eliza being traumatized from jump had me traumatized. Like how do you get from here to there in a 60 second time span? Whiplash, that’s how. Poor girl. I’d like to take this time to reiterate how much I hate Troy. He blows.
Now my boys Calder and Julian *rubs hands together* may they always have a cold side to their pillows and fresh coffee brewed for the taking. When Ryan and his teachings join in, it really completes the group and that’s when they truly begin to process their collective trauma.
For the second part of the book, I was yet again enraged be the audacity or a certain turd boy. When Cassidy gets to Oscar, Gunner, and Collin, I literally jumped for joy. Cassidy has definitely endored some heavy stuff as well as Oscar. Makes my heart hurt for them. Collin and Gunner are hilarious. Calder still has my heart with the giggling. The twist and turns of this book were sooo good! The one liners are top teir and it’s a HEA so I was happy as hell. 10/10 would bang all of them again 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give half my kidney to read this book for the first time again.

The writing was amazing the plot was AMAZING. I was confident in a HEA but genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen next and that made me love the books a million times more. It is beautifully unique and I can confidently say I’ve never read a book with a storyline even close to this one.

I know books aren’t technically the way to properly learn concepts with sexual exploration, however, personally, this book put a lot of things to new light. More so on the emotional side of BDSM scenes and such. Most think it’s a straightforward concept but it is anything but. And this book did a wonderful job showcasing it, especially with Ryan’s character. I fear this book may put me in a reading slump BECAUSE of how good it is.

[Alwaysdarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book was very dark and oh so good! I ate this book up! Emily knows how to write a very heavy book but also have a really interesting plot to go with it. I loved this book so much! I highly recommend!

[Heather Schweit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story was really engrossing & well-developed. It captured my interest from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend reading this book! This book involves dark themes & trauma. Please make sure to read the trigger warnings first!

The main characters in this taboo story are Eliza, Julian, Calder & Ryan. Eliza is an assistant trapped in an abusive relationship with Troy. Julian & Calder are Eliza's bosses, while Ryan works with them. They are attracted to her, but keep their distance because she's in a relationship. After a particularly abusive event at Troy's hands, Eliza runs. Julian, Calder & Ryan help her take her first steps towards freedom & do their best to keep her safe from Troy. They all grow closer. Their chemistry is combustible. Other main characters include Cassidy; Cassidy's stepbrother Oscar; Oscar's best friends Collin & Gunner; and Detective Jasper Omen. The guys show Eliza & Cassidy how much they desire them & how true BDSM relationships work. They all have amazing chemistry with each other. The book follows Eliza & Cassidy on their journeys to freedom, healing, happiness & self-worth. They all play a part in helping Eliza & Cassidy heal & grow. With Troy still out there, it's clear lives are still in danger. They must deal with the threat before it's too late.

There are many surprising twists & turns that keep the story interesting. There's a lot of spicy scenes. The secondary characters, good & bad (some very bad), help to flesh out the world of the story. Personally, I absolutely love the relationship between all of the main characters. They are very sensitive to Eliza's & Cassidy's needs & support them in any way they can. Their perseverance through so much trauma is an example to others, though it's heart-wrenching at times. Eliza & Cassidy are survivors. I also love the friendship that develops between Eliza & Cassidy - only they can truly understand what the other has been through. I like the way the men aren't left out of the trauma. Some of them experience trauma & that's dealt with, too. I appreciate the amount of humor in this book, though some of it is dark due to the circumstances. I cannot emphasize enough how central the issues of consent & communication are in this book. I don't want to say more so as not to spoil anything. This book is definitely a must read!

I received a free ARC of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa!! What did I just read? This book is certainly dark and dangerous and the BDSM smut content is off the charts hot! Please make sure you are aware of all the TW before reading this book! Some of the content may be confronting to readers.
BDSM is shown to be used to abuse but to also heal and is so written well.
The SA, PTSD and R3pe content is well written, with dignity and respect.
When Eliza finally leaves her abusive ex, Tyler, her Bosses Calder, Julian and Ryan are there to pick up the pieces, take her home and keep her safe.
Eliza is finally with her three men, her greatest fantasy comes true!
Not knowing what to expect, except that Tyler will want revenge and to get Eliza back, her men know they need to keep Eliza safe at all times.
Ryan helps Eliza with her PTSD through BDSM support, whilst all three men help her to heal.
Then along comes Cassidy! (also having left an abusive relationship with Tyler) and is with twins Gunner and Collin, and her step brother Oscar. When they all join forces to keep the girls safe, it develops into a harem of sorts, with the girls sharing their men and finding that they also like each others company!
The content is a lot to take in with two separate relationships consisting of three men and one woman, which soon develops into 6 men and 2 women!
(Not so sure I would want to share my men ;) jz sayin! LOL)
Then there is the introduction of Jasper, the cop that has been investigating Tyler, joining in on the fun! Being a Dom and into BDSM (of course) he and his two wives join Eliza and Cassidy and their men at the mansion!
I myself, found this hard to read, as it seemed there were too many characters to follow what was going on. Who was with who at any given time...as I said hard for me to grasp.
The BDSM scenes were well written, as was the girls PTSD episodes.
Overall a great story that has you enraptured from the beginning to the end. Some unexpected twists and turns has your heart stuttering but to finally reach a HEA for them all, and what and ending it is, gives you all happy vibes....I really need a bonus epilogue chapter just to find out how they are all doing a year from now!!
A journey of self discovery through many different trauma's as they all have their own demons to fight and recover from.
5 stars from me for a well researched and well written story.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

There are a few things you can usually count on when you read a book by Emily Klepp. First, you absolutely need to read the trigger warnings because these books are not sweet and soft. They often involve SA and massive trauma to the main characters. The other thing that you can count on is strong characters that need to heal from their trauma and one or more main characters that help them heal. From the very start of this book, we see the trauma that our FMC has to deal with in her very abusive relationship. One thing I really appreciated about this book was the look at the difference between healthy and unhealthy BDSM relationships. There is a big difference between abuse and a healthy relationship with communication and consensual actions. This book has two parts to it that shows different FMCs dealing with similar situations (and the same horrible person). The way this book has all of our main characters coming together as one big family was something I really loved. This book was dark but also showed that there are people worth it when you find those that treat you with respect.

There were so many great characters in this book. At the beginning my heart really broke for Eliza and how she was treated by Troy. And then that heart was ripped completely from my chest when Julian broke like he did. But the way that they all came together to learn and heal was so perfect. When we get part two, it was like experiencing the hurt all over again with Cassidy. But she luckily had three great men in her life to help her leave her abusive situation. When all parties involved end up creating this perfect poly family, I couldn’t help but feel so warm inside. The fact that Eliza could be there for Cassidy and bond with her really made this story.

Emily Klepp’s darker works are some of my favorite reads. They can be absolutely triggering and are not warm and fluffy. They show the evil that exists in the world but they also show the good. This is definitely spicy and one of my favorite things is mentioning how, although it may not seem logical, many abuse survivors are into CNC. This book is definitely up to the high standard I hold for Klepp’s darker stories and I enjoyed it immensely.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a heavy one so please make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading!

Eliza has been in an abusive relationship for the past four years. Troy has emotionally manipulated her and weaponized sex, but when he overhears that she is planning to leave him, he goes over the edge into physical harm and kicks her out. She ends up at her bosses' BDSM club injured and looking like a mess, but they immediately take care of her. As their relationship progresses, Troy tries to get back at Eliza in various ways before he eventually gets his hands on her again and has to flee to stay out of prison. About 18 months later, we meet Cassidy who feels trapped by her boyfriend Trey. He stayed over one night and then would not leave and he quickly became emotionally and verbally abusive using her interest in BDSM against her. Her step-brother and his twin best friends pick her up after she escapes the apartment. When Eliza sees a post that Cassidy made on social media, she immediately recognizes Troy and sends a message to warn her. They all come together to keep both women safe and they bond over their trauma. Unfortunately, they have to leave the house sometimes and Troy is patient enough to wait for his opportunity.

I read this entire book in one sitting and I did not want it to end. I loved the D/s relationships and how they helped different characters heal from their trauma. I also loved that the more fun elements of the relationship were portrayed including the joy of various BDSM scenes. I really felt like the relationships/scenes were well thought out and described with care. I liked how the author was able to portray the difference between BDSM and how it can be twisted into an abusive control mechanism. I really loved the way that the different characters were able to grow throughout the book and they each had their own healing journey with their own set backs and pitfalls. I did think that there were some people who got a bit pushed to the side simply because there were so many characters in the relationship, but overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

[Lisa Serrano-Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow—this book was a wild ride. It’s a dark romance with heavy themes, so definitely check the trigger warnings first, but if you're okay with that, READ THIS ONE!!! I was sucked in from page one and yet again stayed up way too late reading.

The story is about Eliza, who's stuck in an abusive relationship with Troy. Her bosses, Julian and Calder, plus their co-worker Ryan, all like her but keep their feelings secret—until one day she leaves Troy. From then on, they’re there for her. No matter what. The chemistry between them is 🔥. Like, seriously. It’s intense, emotional, and steamy in all the right ways.

Cassidy’s story intertwines—she’s also in a horrible situation with her "boyfriend" Trey (yep, Troy/Trey... it’s a thing). Her stepbrother Oscar and his friends Collin and Gunner help her get out, and when she and Eliza connect, it feels so natural. Their friendship is one of my favorite parts of the book—deep, real, and healing in its own way. They get each other.

The men in this book? Absolute kings. Supportive, patient, respectful, and very in tune with consent and communication—especially around the BDSM elements. It’s not just hot (though it really is); it’s thoughtful and empowering. And it's not just the women healing here. Some of the guys have trauma too, and that’s handled with just as much care.

There are also a ton of twists, some very spicy scenes, and a whole cast of side characters that make the world feel fleshed out—whether you love them or love to hate them. Plus, Detective Jasper Omen adds an interesting layer to everything. I was left a little wanting for more depth to him and his wives. But that leaves room for another book...

Final Thoughts:
A dark but ultimately empowering read that explores healing, chosen family, and love after trauma. While not perfect in execution—especially in leaving some storylines open—it’s a journey worth reading for those who can handle the heavy content.

[Jess B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I Break

*** Please check the trigger warnings before reading if you need to. Your mental health matters! ***

We first meet Eliza, who is in an abusive relationship with Troy. Her bosses, Calder and Julian, and her co worker Ryan, help her and their relationship develops from there. They move in together and find happiness, despite Troy still being out there somewhere on the run from authorities.

Next we meet Cassidy. She’s in an abusive relationship with Trey, and she desperately wants out. One night, enough is enough, so Cassidy’s step brother Oscar and his friends, Gunner and Collin, help her escape.

Thanks to a social media post, Eliza connects with Cassidy when they realize they were hiding from the same man. Eliza invites Cassidy and her men to move in with her to help keep safe, and they accept.

The women work through a lot of trauma through using bdsm techniques, a lot of love from their men, and the help of a professional. The men are incredible supporting and loving, true pillars to lean on.

I’m not exactly on board with the addition of Jasper and his wives. Perhaps it’s because the wives are only mentioned in passing here and there- we don’t really see them involved in anything, even though it’s obvious they’re ok with the poly relationship with everyone. I wish they had been included more actively.

I also don’t like that we never find out if Troy/Trey was actually a serial unaliver or not. That’s why he was on the run from authorities, but within the story we never get confirmation on if he was or how many women he unalived. I guess it doesn’t matter: whether he did or didn’t, Cassidy and Eliza are going to live and thrive with the love and support of their found family.

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

Until I break - Emily Klepp

5/5⭐️

📚📚📚
Wow I’m just speechless with this one! Emily absolutely did an amazing job with all of these characters and their journey. This book is definitely heavily dark with many triggers our two FMCs literally have been through hell and back but still keep on striving! We meet them at different times but they both come together and bond over a shared trauma they both lived through because of the same psycho. Eliza is living through a very abusive relationship when she is ready to run she goes to her bosses who are safe. Let’s just say they will explore heavily and it’s beautiful. But the journey is hard with some scary bumps along the way. I wash on the edge of my seat for most of this book and literally gasping so loudly for all of these characters. Cassidy stole my heart just as much as Eliza. That ending ugh tore me apart, my heart was racing. I did completely binge this one in one sitting. I highly recommend it but please check the triggers because they are dark!!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- BDSM romance
- Step siblings
- Brothers BFF
- Pierced peens
- 7 MMCs 2 FMCs
- Trigger heavy
- Polygamy
- Trauma healing
- Dom/Sub/Switch
- Detective/Victim
- MM/FF
- Accidental SA
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

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

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[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza and Cassidy were bruised but not broken
Discarded but he hadn't forgotten about them
He wanted Cassidy most of all to break...
He wanted her to crawl back to him...
Instead, she ran, just like Eliza
And she rose from the ashes and would only bend for her saviors.

I love the tropes that Emily Klepp used in this book. She used so many phenomenal tropes to create this deep dark romance and I loved each and every one of them. The tropes that Emily used are: Reverse Harem, Polygamy, Office Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Step-sibling, Detective/Victim, Pierced Peens, BDSM Romance, Groveling, Brats/Doms, Trauma Healing, Pussy Worshipping, Peen Worshipping, Throat F*cking, Partner Sharing, Rough S*x, Office S*x, Cuckholding, No Touch Orgasms (MMCs and FMCs), Switch, Pegging, MF, MFM, MMFM, MMMF, MM, MMM, FF, FFM, 7MMCs,/4FMCs, Forced Orgasms, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm Control, Breath Play, Choking, Impact Play, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Cuckhold, DP, DAP, 69, CNC, Spanking, Punishment Fucking, Exhibitionism, Revenge, Fisting, Squirting.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! This is an EXTREMELY DARK BDSM ROMANCE and has some VERY DARK TRIGGERS. PLEASE pay attention to all the following triggers: R*pe, Domestic Violence, Pseudo Incest (stepsiblings), Fat Shaming, Sl*t Shaming, Accidental R*pe, Attempted Murder of 2 MCs, Pregnancy (At the end), Shooting, Drowning, MM, FF, Kidnapping, Graphic Violence, Hot Sauce Enema, Veggie Revenge R*pe, Sodomy, Suicidal Ideation, Hypersexuality after Trauma, Homophobia, Mention of Conversion Camps, Trauma Bonding, CNC, Mention of CSA, Mention of Adolescent Abortions after R*pe. Your MENTAL HEALTH always comes first and should never be put at risk due to a book that could be triggering.

Until I Break is A Dark BDSM Romance by Emily Klepp. And as a fan of Emily Klepp I can honestly say that in comparison to Emily's other books, this book is a lot darker and a lot heavier than what we normally read from Emily.

In the first half of this book we get to meet Eliza who we learn is in an abusive relationship and her two bosses have been trying to get her to leave this guy. Sadly, as it is with most women in abusive relationships, Eliza has been brainwashed into submitting to Troy and believes that she's never going to find love again and isn't worth anything. That is till Troy pushes her over the edge and she finally leaves him. She remembers her two bosses telling her that if she ever left him, she could stay with them and she drives to the one place that she knew they would be at that night.

Eliza finally ends up at the BDSM club that Calder and Julian are teaching at that night. The moment they see her beaten and bruised they are livid and they take her with another one of the girls they teach to a private room and take care of her. After that, they take her to their home and they all end up in bed together as that's what Eliza wants and she can't believe that Calder and Julian want her as much as she wants them.

The next day Ryan who also works with Eliza, Calder, and Julian starts to work with Eliza as he is a trauma therapist who specializes in s*xual healing. And that day Eliza finds that she is not only wanted by Calder and Julian, she's also wanted by Ryan, and what's more, she wants Ryan just as much.

Towards the end of Part 1, we find that Eliza's ex Troy once again enters the picture and kidnaps Eliza and we learn more about his past. And I'll be honest and say that there could possibly be some violence and maybe even some revenge.

We then move on to part 2 of the book which starts about 18 months after the events of part 1. From the start of this part of the book, we meet Cassidy. We find that she's in the same situation as Eliza was, with the same man who is now calling himself Trey. Cassidy's step-brother Collin and his two best friends who are twins Oscar and Gunner want her to leave him.

They take her out for supper and manage to convince her to leave Trey that night. And when she gets home Trey is angry and domestically abuses her black and blue. While he is sleeping, she snaps a pic and posts it in a Facebook group. And then she runs and moves in with Collin, Gunner, and Calder.

Eliza finds Cassidy's post and reaches out to her and after they talk for a bit, Cassidy, Collin, Gunner, and Calder all move in with Eliza and her guys. The two girls bond over their trauma and the guys all support the girls in their healing journey. Eventually, Eliza, Cassidy, and their guys all become one big poly household. But, their abuser is still free, running around out there, hunting them.

Will Eliza and Cassidy ever be free of him? Will he ever face justice?

I am going to be totally honest, I devoured this book. I loved the way the girls found their healing in all their guys and accepted that their healing was going to come from BDSM and their kinks.
And I loved the fun/scenes and the elements that were added in to add levity and life to the darkness from how dark this book really was. Emily did such an amazing job of describing each and every scene so well, it was handed with tenderness and care. Although I'll be honest, some of these scenes can be triggering for some readers due to the abuse, v*olence, and the nature of the revenge.

If you can handle the triggers and how dark this novel is, then I would highly recommend this book as it is an enjoyable read. And the ending is one that I never saw coming. That was a jaw-dropping twist that I absolutely loved.

[andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime Emily writes a book you have to check your trigger warnings, but to be completely honest I never do because her books are always so good that to me it doesn’t matter what she has in there for triggers. Some other people might but I never do! This book is about Eliza who is in a long term relationship with a guy who is abusive to her and she works for Julian and Calder as their secretary for velvet room and she does amazing work, she ends up falling for the guys she works with after being with the company for six years. She escapes her abusive relationship because Troy tells her to leave after hearing a conversation with the guys she works with. She runs to them and they fall in love and start a relationship. Troy tries to come after her but fails every time. In the next story of the book it follows another girl named Cassidy, she ends up dating Trey and he does the exact same thing that Troy does. Only this time it’s a little more sadistic, Trey ends up passing out on the bed and Cassidy has her brother downstairs in the truck waiting her for, she ends up running away from Trey but before she does she posts to Facebook about who she’s dating and Eliza happens to catch the post and realizes that Trey and Troy are the same person. Eliza reaches out to Cassidy and tells her to get to where Eliza and the boys live so they can all talk to the FBI and police about what’s going on. Cassidy and her brother along with their two friends make it down there and they all end up hitting it off and becoming friends which turns into more and so much more happens in the story. Just read it to find out the rest! Have fun reading!

[MorallyDarkReadz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Gripping Tale of Passion and Redemption
Until I Break masterfully intertwines intense emotion with a haunting narrative. The story of Eliza and her 3 boys Calder Julian and Ryan is that of resilience and survival, the smut is HOT and the topics such as PTSD and SA are explored so beautifully and really lets you into the complex mind of these characters. The MMC’s and FMC’s are deeply flawed yet compelling, drawing readers into a world where love battles inner demons. The chemistry is palpable, and the tension keeps the pages turning.
The addition of Cassidy Collin, Oscar, and Gunner is evocative. The book has such good SMUT and writing that you feel like youre in the scenes with the characters and she paints vivid scenes that linger in the mind. Themes of trauma, trust, and redemption are explored with sensitivity, offering depth beyond the romantic plot. While the pacing falters slightly in the middle, the climax delivers a satisfying resolution(one that I was screaming for throughout the whole book, its always so nice when you get the ending you’re hoping for)
Overall, until I break is a captivating read for fans of dark romance, offering a blend of passion and psychological complexity that resonates long after the final page. The only reason this was not a five star review for me is at times the pacing felt slow. But this book is definitely a must read for lovers of dark romance, why choose, reverse harem, and a bad ass surviving woman, I mean who doesn’t love multiple dominant MMC’s and Strong surviving FMC’s .

[Audi Walbridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Emily and wow girl.

I should start with please read the trigger warnings, as there are quite a few scenes that may be too much.

We start with Eliza who is dating god-awful Troy- her bosses Julian and Calder offer her a place to stay if she ever needs to leave him. That moment comes and they immediately take care of her. It turns out they also have feelings for her, like she does them. Then you add Ryan who works with them and wants to use BDSM correctly to help her heal, and it helps. So then you've got the four of them. Troy doesn't go away quietly, the boys make him rethink using hot sauce ever again IYKYK.

Fast-forward, he skips town, and we meet Cassidy. "Trey" treats her the same way and her stepbrother Oscar, and his friends Gunner and Collin step in to help her. Next thing you know we've got six men, and two women but wait add one more male and two women and we've got ourselves a community. I will say adding Jasper and his two wives was meh for me, it just gave too many people and he was supposed to be the detective which just crossed more lines.

The spice is definitely spicing, I did towards the end feel all the throat ucking was a bit repetitive & dragged on.

I was worried we wouldn't get an HEA for awhile but if anyone deserved it, it's definitely Eliza & Cassidy.

If dark BDSM why choose is your cup of tea, if a long list of trigger warnings looks like a grocery list than by all means I recommend diving in until you break.... I couldn't help myself there.

[Luke Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Until I Break
✍️ @emily.klepp.author
🗓️ June 13th 2025

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Spoiler free ARC review.

This is a dark BDSM romance with 7MMCs and 2 FMCs and oh boy does it get hot when you read it.

The main focus of this book is BDSM, and I'll be honest, I've never seen or heard anyone talk about it the way it's done in this book which is amazing.

The story of this book is amazing, and not just because of the smut (although that is a bonus) but because it talks about past trauma and it takes you and the characters on a journey of self acceptance and understanding that you are and can be exactly who you want/can be and the use of BDSM to help those characters step out of their comfort zones and embrace the trauma in a way that it's a massive 🖕 to those who did them wrong.

All of the characters were written amazingly and shows how good the author is because I had genuine interest in each of them, but there is one that stood out amongst them all and I am so glad he got what he deserved in the end.

This whole book was a real eye opener for me as it is a glimpse into a world that (for the most part) I've never experienced before, especially not at this level, but boy does it make me want to explore it myself 🤣.

#darkromance #bdsm #darkbdsmromance #bi #bisexual #whychoose #pireced #7mmcs2fmcs #stebsiblings #brothersbff #dom #sub #switch #triggerheavy #polygamy #polyamorous #arcbookreview #arcread #arcbook #kindleread #kindlebook #survivors #sasurvivor #bodypositivity #bodyworshi̇p #spoilerfreereview #revenge #touchheranddie #officeromance

[Haley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a VERY DARK BDSM ROMANCE featuring intense and potentially distressing triggers. Please read all warnings thoroughly to determine if this story is right for you. Your mental well-being matters, and some readers may find the content highly relatable.

Trapped in an abusive relationship, Eliza’s world shatters after one brutal night — and she runs. Her bosses, Julian and Calder, along with their coworker Ryan, step in to help her reclaim her freedom. As danger looms in the form of her ex, Troy, an undeniable connection builds between them all. Alongside Eliza’s journey, her friend Cassidy seeks healing of her own, guided by Oscar, Collin, Gunner, and the enigmatic Detective Jasper Omen.

Together, they explore the power of desire, the truth behind BDSM, and the strength found in trust. As passion ignites and bonds deepen, the threat from the past refuses to let go. Lives, love, and freedom are on the line — and time is running out.

This story immerses you in a world of danger, fierce loyalty, and intense chemistry. A vivid cast of secondary characters — some unforgettable, others downright terrifying — enriches a powerful tale about not just surviving the past, but reclaiming life, love, and self-worth.

The portrayal of the BDSM world is handled with care, depth, and authenticity, showing a true understanding of its dynamics throughout the story. While the story is packed with twists and turns—occasionally almost too much—it stays clear and compelling from start to finish.

[Megan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this book!
Please check triggers as there are quite a bit of heavy scenes/topics discussed.

But when 7 men & 4 women … I mean come onnnnn. The SPICE was SPICING 🤌🏼lots of trauma. Lots of healing the normal way & the BDSM way 🤭
We start with Eliza - who is dating “he who shall not be named” and is pure toxic garbage. He’s jealous an manipulative and ABUSIVE. She works for 2 men who are OBSESSED with her and want nothing more than for her to leave him but it’s not until she finally breaks away and runs to them that she sees just how much - oh and throw in a coworker whos just as obsessed and bam. BAM. But her escape comes too easy and she knows he will come after her again - will she break or will she go back? 🤷🏻‍♀️

2nd half of the book We move to Cassidy who’s dating “he who shall not be named and going through the exact same thing as Eliza but her brother (STEPbrother 🤭) and his 2 friends are determined to get her out - when she finally breaks away she takes a picture and posts his face to a “are we dating the same man?” Group to warn other females about him. She comes to find out that her brother and his friends are equally obsessed with her again & healing her ..she gets a hit on her fb post from none other than Eliza 👀

Here is where I leave you … guess you have to read to find out the rest🤭 now in the beginning I mentioned 7 guys and 4 girls but in the review I only mentioned 6 guys and 2 girls so… where do the others fall into it? Who are they?? Have fun🤪

[Amanda Buntin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until I Break

This book is in 2 parts

Part 1
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

So in our first book we have our girl Eliza and our men are Juilian, Calder, and Ryan. Eliza finally escapes the hands of a very abusive man Troy. Between our 3 men and Troy our men know how to use BDSM the correct and appropriate way. As for Troy he uses it to hurt. When our girl finally escapes his clutches it’s nothing short of a miracle. But Emily wouldn’t be doing us a favors if she ended it “with she live happily ever after” nope not at all. Because Troy continues to hurt our girl to the point where she wishes she would just go and hope her men find peace. But within all the pain and suffering they are put through our girl rises to be stronger than ever. Troy runs and she is saved to live another day. And does she take those days one at a time but through it all these men stand by her and show her she isn’t going anywhere and neither are they.

Part 2
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

In book 2 we have our girl Cassidy and Gunner,Colin, and Oscar and of course our villain Trey (James). We have our original cast from part one again. But let me tell you this one is just everything. They are all amazing. Takes a village of men to protect our girls and man do they do an amazing job. I will say towards the end I cried. I went through all the emotions. And let’s say one of our men uses his truck as a means to end a life. But we are proud of the life that ends. Because it means our girls are safe and free. And the best part of our girls happens at the very end and I won’t be giving it away.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️please check trigger warnings!⚠️

Until I Break is a raw, emotionally charged tale of survival, defiance, and dark surrender. With just a few lines, it paints a picture of an abused woman who’s been through hell but refuses to shatter—choosing to rise, not for herself alone, but for the ones who saved her.

🌟The voice is intense and poetic, immediately pulling you into a world of trauma and transformation.
🌟There’s an undercurrent of pain, resilience, and something darker—desire, maybe even obsession.
🌟The contrast between victimhood and power is intriguing. She’s been “discarded,” yet she still stands. Suggests a journey from rebellion to submission, but on her own terms, which can be incredibly powerful if handled with care.
🌟“Her saviors” gives you a glimpse of the spicy reverse harem or multi-love-interest dynamic, especially when tied to themes of protection, healing, and devotion.

Until I Break is a dark, emotionally gritty journey—one where Cassidy doesn’t just survive, but transforms through pain, defiance, and devotion. It’s likely to appeal to readers who love themes of ruin and rebirth, power and surrender, and the kind of love that doesn’t just heal you—but claims you. And let me tell you the spice is spicy! 🌶️

This is my honest review in exchange for an ARC!