I was handed an empire and a fresh wave of grief. I was never meant to be a secret, but I loved life in the shadows. I am a flaw in the code that Vanderbilt never expected. Try as they might, I am here to stay. When hate turns to lust, and the shadows creep in, what will my legacy be?
This is a DARK romance with HEAVY triggers. Reader's discretion is HIGHLY advised.
Emily Klepp is a Western North Carolina native residing in eastern Tennessee with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She has been writing since she was fourteen years old as a way to cope with her anxiety. She hopes to help others be able to speak their truth by writing about topics that are considered too taboo for societal norms.
I absolutely adored Kendra.... and the banter between her and Marcus was fantastic. Not exactly enemies to lovers but close enough. Oh and we can't forget Bellamy either!
This is definitely another solid story from Klepp!
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
📚📚📚 This one I completely binged in one sitting. By now we all know I just love Emily Klepp’s writing because it just goes you in the feels every time! This one is super dark and trigger heavy so make sure to check those before reading. Kendra just left me speechless. This FMC goes through it all but just keeps pushing. Bellamy and Marcus are just omg… All I gotta say without giving too much away. Overall I really enjoy this one and totally recommend adding to your tbr. Just check those triggers first.
📚📚📚 If you like to read: - Trigger Heavy - Rough sex - Banter - Dark humor - Strong FMC - Enemies to lovers - Found family - Why choose - Brat x Doms … You should definitely check this out
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Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
✨what’s the last book you treated yourself with? Or what’s one way you do enjoy treating yourself?
yessss mam this book was soooo good I loved it the way Kendra healed from her trauma was inspiring she didn't let what she went through break her she faced it head on and sir Bellamy and Marcus yes please 😌🥵 those two right are so feral for Kendra I love it and the I loved how you mentioned forgiveness that was so important no matter what someone does to you learn how to forgive that person not only for yourself but for that person also and that ending was awesome this book was a 10 outta 10 can't wait to read what happens next with Kendra and her men
I like to go into a lot of books without reading the TW's first. and i did just that with this one. Holy crap! Talk about mind blown! Kendra is a strong woman in her own right. especially after everything she endured at the Hands of Archer. This book had me all kinds of emotional. The grief and pain she suffered. The fear, and loss. This poor woman went through the ringer. But with the help of Marcus and Bellamy, she was able to let go, break down, breathe, and really let go of everything she'd gone through. only to come out a stronger person for it. She had two amazingly hot, sexy, and supportive men come into her life. and they were there for everything. they opened a world she knew nothing about. and boy was it a hot venture! This book had me on the edge of my seat, turning pages almost as fast as my heart was beating. It was one hell of a bunch of twists and turns. Emily Klepp is new to me, but she's definitely an author I'll have weighing down my shelves for sure. this book was just pure hot, spicy, dark, emotional, and packed with freaking hot men, and a great story
Another quick read from Emily. Please read the trigger warnings there are scenes that may not appeal to all.
Our FMC has been a hermit most of her adult life due to trauma from a young age. She has to step out from behind her shield to take over the running of a company she has inherited. Of course, there are proverbial spanner’s thrown in, some twists you don’t see coming and she ends up with two love interests (so not all bad 😉) I’m not giving you anymore as it is a quick read.
Once again, this kept me reading until I finished it, the spice and little turns Emily adds to these stories always keep you right there in the mix.
I thought by now I'd be used to Emily's writing and she couldn't surprise me. Welp, I was wrong. So wrong. I thought I had it figured out. I thought it was the same old thing over and over again. Hahaha boy I want to slap myself for thinking this author couldn't come up with anything new. I adore Kendra. She reacted to an incredible amount of stress they way most survivors do. But she is a hell of a lot more forgiving than most. I think thats why I like her so much. Im glad that all the guys supported her along with Alan's friends and family. She went through so much. I love the way it ended even if I wanted a tad more. I do hope Chrissy will have a story as I found her fascinating.
This is the first book I've read by Emily Klepp, and all I can say is WOW! I need more. The storyline was so good, but before reading though be sure to check your trigger warnings because it's dark.
I absolutely loved the firecracker, clumsy FMC, and how she didn't back down from the people challenging her. I love that although she suffered so much in her life she had a truly amazing support system and even though she didn’t truly know all they were doing for her behind the scenes it helped in the long run.
Also, the spice between the characters was amazing.
I thought I was going to struggle reading this book. But in a way it kinda made me feel like I was healing something inside me while I was reading it. I was invested from the very beginning and seeing the way things ended up by the end made me really happy for Kendra. The men….. man the men in this had me melting. This book held so much emotion throughout the entire story. You were made to hate people that you ended up loving and people you were made to hate by the end. I was very shocked I enjoyed this as much as I did because there are some very dark topics so please do check trigger warnings. But by the end this was a beautiful story in a way that it will stick with you for a while.
Another quick read from Emily. Please please check your triggers as always before diving in.
Kendra didn't take any shit from anyone! Marcus hated her from the moment he laid eyes on her, he did not agree with certain choices that were made, questioned who she was and what her intentions were when she repeatedly told him she would tell him when she was ready. But let's be honest, a lot of his dickishness was because he likes her and he didn't want to admit it. Typical man behavior😂
Read your trigger warnings! This one is different from the other books that Emily has written, but the story is so compelling that I ate up every second of it. It was like playing clue and trying to find out who’d done it while also trying to stand on your own two feet again. Kendra has to find the pieces that Alan left behind for her to put the big picture together. Their relationship and bond was 🤌🏻. Archer gave me whiplash lol, but I mean he’s okay I guess 😂. I honestly wanted to 👊🏻Marcus at first, but he’s lucky. Bellamy was a gem from the beginning. The plot twist…that bitch twisted. TWISTED you hear me? Excellent read!
Kendra is the traumatized firecracker who enjoys staying in the safety of her home. She only leaves to meet her dad for dinner. One night she goes to meet him but he’s passed. Shortly after she meets Marcus and Bellamy. Where the B slaps come in handy. God I loved this so freaking much. Everything about this was perfection!!!
dark romance heavy triggers... check them. Kendra is a firecracker who has been through some misguided trauma. after losing her adoptive father, she meets her mates and has friends to help through some traumatic moments. In the end, she finds the answers she needs to move on with life and be happy. I really enjoyed this one. In my top 5 of Emily's books.
Another solid book by Emily. Kendra heals, she's strong and she doesn't let the trauma define her. Breaking through her struggles, she fights and fights hard. I love Bellamy and Marcus . The passion they have for her, the quip banter, and how they fight for her is another reason why I love many of the men in Emily's books. (Not the villains lol) , but again another solid read.
I enjoyed this book. Kendra has been through so much and she deserves all the love. I adored Bellamy from the start. Marcus took a little while but he truly loved Kendra. Archer deserves a huge redemption story. I loved the little mystery that was woven through the book, and all the plot twists!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Emily Klepp’s books always get me hooked right away. This book hooks me again! I like how all of the characters are presented and Kendra has her struggles and I was hooked until the end. I like why choose books and this book did a nice job painted the picture of why.
This is my honest review of an ARC sent to me by the author.
A story of a woman who grows up with a foster father, who adores and protects her. But when he passes, his long lost son seems to be vengeful and come after her.
Through some drama and certainly trauma, we are lead to mystery and twists.
Another easy read by Emily, but be sure to check the trigger warnings.
After the sudden and unexpected death of her foster father, Kendra inherits not only the grief of his loss but also the empire that he has left behind. Kendra knows that she was never meant to be a secret to anyone, but due to her tragic and traumatic past, she has preferred to live her life in the shadows.
Kendra believes that she's the flaw in the code that Vanderbilt never expected, but try as the board might, she is there to stay. And when hate starts to turn to lust, and the shadows of her past creep in, what is Kendra's legacy going to be?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!! Please read and pay attention to the trigger warnings at the start of this book. There is subject matter and there are some scenes in this book that could be unsuitable for some readers and could be triggering for other readers. Please always remember that no matter what your mental health always comes first.
Grave Kisses by Emily Klepp is a gut-punching roller-coaster ride of emotions. Like all of Emily's books, it is focused on the mental health of our FMC and that is one of the things that I love about Emily's books. Mental health is such an important topic to me as I suffer from my own mental health issues and I believe that removing the stigma surrounding mental health is extremely important.
Kendra has been a recluse for most of her adult life as from a young age she has suffered nothing but trauma, starting from when she was in her first foster home till it stopped when her last foster father Alan took her in. But, after Alan suddenly passes away, Kendra is forced to step out of the shadows and take over running the company she suddenly finds she has inherited.
Enter Bellamy and Marcus. Bellamy has had Kendra's back from the very start. He doesn't need to know why Alan chose her, all he needs to know is that she has the best interests of the company and Vanderbilt as a whole in mind and that she plans to continue Alan's vision.
Marcus on the other hand has other ideas. He demands to know exactly who Kendra is and what she was to Alan. And what's worse, he gets the entire board of Vanderbilt except for Bellamy, Marcus's best friend and housemate, on his side, and they all demand to know who exactly Kendra is and what she was to Alan.
Kendra refuses to answer their questions. She wants to keep her past and her connection to Alan to herself. But, when she finally gets to her limit she speaks to Marcus's father and sets up a dinner ensuring that Marcus would be there. She also invites Bellamy as she feels the need to have a friend there.
That Friday night at dinner, Marcus's father finally reveals the entire truth of Kendra's past to Marcus, Kendra had already told Bellamy the truth earlier in the week so he was aware of this story. Marcus couldn't believe what he was hearing and how wrong he had been about Kendra.
Together, Kendra, Bellamy, and Marcus go to Alan's home to retrieve the Adult Adoption paperwork that he had signed and was just waiting for Kendra to sign. They end up finding more evidence in the house than they had expected and they spend the night in the house.
The next morning Kendra's friend and Lawyer Jessie and her assistant show up at her father's home in tears. They had thought that Kendra had been killed the previous night when her apartment had been blown up. The two girls go out to get Kendra some clothing and Marcus and Bellamy tell Kendra that she is going to be staying with them in order for them to keep her safe.
They meet Detective Jeff who is investigating the explosion at Kendra's apartment and ends up investigating the bodies that are found in the grounds surrounding Alan's home. Everything seems to move forward normally as any investigation would go.
Bellamy, Marcus, and Kendra end up in a relationship together and soon a surprise is in store for them. They go in search of Alan's son Archer, who they are sure is the one behind the explosion and all the bodies behind Alan's home.
They end up three hours away from Houston and there they discover strange things including Kendra being confused for someone named Tina.
I'm not going to tell you anything else about the story because I want you to read and enjoy this book like I did. This is just a tease to get you interested in the story. But, I will tell you that there are so many twists and turns in this book that it will keep you guessing and things will not be as you think.
I greatly enjoyed this book, just like I enjoy all of Emily's books. This is such a great short read that is a roller-coaster of emotions that will make you cry at times and gasp at others. And if you haven't read any of Emily's other books, I highly recommend you check them out, Emily is a great author who advocates for mental health with all her books.
Emily Klepp’s books usually deal with dark topics and people healing from trauma. They are not always for everyone. This book definitely had a character that was healing from a horrible trauma and a bad guy that was really just reprehensible. But I actually found this to be one of Klepp’s least dark books that I’ve read. That doesn't mean that this is a light, fluffy story. But I really felt all of the love that was surrounding the FMC. I loved the group of people that she had in her corner. This was a shorter book and a quicker read. It is a why choose, with both guys being very different but also very similar. I thought that this was an entertaining story and had characters that I actually felt for. I also enjoyed that when you got to the middle of the book, another story unfolded. I help keep the flow of the story without muddling everything.
The main characters, as well as the side characters were characters that you could like and actually cared what happened to them. Kendra had been through horrible trauma, found a wonderful father figure, lost the only family she knew, and then found so much more. She would give away all of her inheritance to have the one person who showed her true love back. I wanted to punch Marcus at first. He was such a jerk and didn’t want to listen to anything other than what he had already determined to be the truth. I was very glad that he was able to pull his head out of his butt. Bellamy had me from the very beginning. He was soft and caring, but could easily switch to hard and dominant when appropriate. All of the other characters who formed Kendra’s support system were fantastic and really the highlight of the book.
I don’t know if it would be a Klepp book if there wasn’t plenty of spice. I love reading a book where two best friends share the woman they love. These two men were great with Kendra and really made this a good book to read. The story was good with a few twists and turns but it wasn’t to dark for me. I think this is a good one for people to get into Klepp’s writing. It definitely has dark topics, but I didn’t feel that it was the darkest I’ve read.
This story has plenty of triggers so please be aware of Emily's TW list before reading Grave Kisses. An emotional rollercoaster ride in this amazing book of a woman who with her tenacity rebuilds her life after a terrible beginning. When Kendra finds herself thrown into the limelight when her foster father unexpectedly passes away, she finds enemies on all fronts. She knew she would have hurdles to jump for them to trust her as she is left as sole heir to his empire, but did not think that there would be people that would dare contest Alan's will. Archer apparently does! She meets Bellamy and Marcus. One on her enemies side and the other on her side. She feels she does not have to prove anything to anyone and refuses to answer their demands! She becomes attached to Bellamy and he lets her know when Marcus learns to truth about her and Alan, he will be sorry for his behaviour. Having her own demons to fight she puts on a brave face and knows that Jesse, Julie, Martin and Noel have her back, as they know her history between her and Alan. She knows she will manage to get through her grief and uphold Alan's wishes. To not know her true beginnings and coming out of foster care, being brutalized by Archer and rescued by Alan, Kendra has faced it all. But secrets are still being kept hidden and when things begin to unravel, Archer becomes the prime suspect. Allies are found to be predators and Kendra finds that with Bellamy and Marcus supporting her she is not sure if she would of survived... A brilliant story that takes you on the emotional journey where Kendra finds an enemy becomes a friend and with Marcus and Bellamy she may just get a HEA after all.
I really loved reading about Kendra and her men but there are definitely dark scenes and themes! Your mental health is important so please check the triggers!
Kendra has been a recluse for nearly half her life, but after losing the only father she’s ever known (Alan) she has to leave the house to carry on his legacy. The problem is that almost no one in his company really knows who she is or how she and Alan are connected which leads to some nasty rumors. When Kendra is confronted by two of the co-owners of the company she inherited, she lashes out to avoid explaining. Unfortunately the horrors that brought Kendra and Alan together have not disappeared and now that Alan isn’t around she may be in more danger than ever. She has to learn to trust Bellamy and Marcus before it’s too late.
I really loved reading about Kendra and her journey back to herself after she endured so much trauma. I liked that we got small glimpses into how Alan helped her to trust people again and feel safer in the world. Bellamy had me from the first introduction, but it definitely took a minute for me to warm up to Marcus. I did enjoy how they were able to work together to take care of Kendra and support her. I do wish that we had gotten a little bit more of Archer and his story, but I’m hoping that we may get it in a later book. I also really want to read more about Chrissy, Decan, and Andre because that dynamic seems like it’s going to be super spicy!
Emily Klepp has pumped out another fantastic dark romance novel. But Please READ the Trigger warnings. As Emily says your mental health is very important to her. And she wishes no novel of hers causes anyone de-stress....on saying this let's drive into a little about this novel..
Emily has a way with words and plots that get readers hooked on page 1 of the chapter. Each chapter and character gets twisted under your skin. And even the sick and twisted parts one can't put the novel done. You wanna find out if Kendra will heal from what the sick f. C.. S did to her. But with Alan who took her in and helped her heal. Treated her as a daughter. Kendra shines and makes Alan proud. Alan sudden death through Kendra for a loop and if it wasn't for close staff she would have spiraled out control.
Alot happens to Kendra through out this novel but sadly it's not my story to tell. I'm leaving it up to the queen of dark romance to take you on this roller-coaster ride that you need to ride to see how Kendra rises about all the evil she's been through. Who knows maybe there will be a part 2 in the series only Emily has that inside scoop. Happy Reading people, get a bxox of tissues and something strong to drink. Then come back and tell Emily what you thought of her novel. Thank you Emily for sharing your writing journey with us we value your knowledge and skill. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Okay, I’m officially done with Emily’s writing! I hate how she makes me feel all the emotions from her books! Every. Single. Time! I literally had my husband look at me while I was reading and asked me are you crying?!? I said yes! It’s because of Emily and her writing! She wants to capture the emotion in it. Definitely read the TWs before reading her books but honestly I don’t anymore.
This book is about a woman who lost everything before she even got started with her life, she was taken at a young age then passed around to foster home after foster home, she got abused almost by everyone that had walked into her life besides someone that helped her hide away, this person was like a father to her and she could actually let go a relax around, then one night she walked in and found him passed away. She then inherited all of his things, his company, cars, house. Everything. This person disowned his son because of what happened to her. And so much more happens in this story. But I’m telling you that you will love every single minute of the story. It will take you through the emotions though have Kleenex next to you for the sad moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is pretty dark so I suggest reading the trigger warnings first. I devoured this book so quick I couldn't put it down. Kendra hasn't had a very good life she has been through the system and had been through hell. After losing her father figure alan unexpectedly she is heartbroken and has to go to his will reading were she meets archer again who is Alan's biological son. Archer and Kendra don't get on at all because of something that happened in the past. Kendra also meets Marcus and Bellamy who also own some of Alan's business. Marcus doesn't understand why archer didn't inherit the business and doesn't understand what kenda ment to Alan because it was all kept a secret so he is pretty horrible to Kendra at the beginning. Once he learns the truth he soon changes his ways. Bellamy is so sweet right from the beginning he calls Marcus out on his attitude a few times. This story has a lot of twists in it I was shocked a few times. I couldn't have picked a better ending for this story and I really hope we hear from these characters again especially archer. I finally understood him near the end of the book and honestly my heart broke for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Grave Kisses grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. It’s dripping with power, grief, and forbidden desire—exactly the kind of tension that makes me lose sleep over “just one more chapter.” The heir to an empire who was never meant to exist? That screams scandal, danger, and secrets that could burn the world down.
The “flaw in the code” line is deliciously ominous—it tells me they’re not just surviving, they’re a glitch in someone’s carefully controlled kingdom, a disruption that can’t be erased. And then… hate turns to lust. Oh, I know exactly where that’s going, and I am absolutely here for the slow-burn destruction and obsession that follows.
It didn’t gave me sweet romance vibes—it’s giving me dark corridors, whispered threats, and passion that tastes like sin. It makes me hungry to peel back every layer, to discover what kind of empire I’m stepping into and who’s brave—or foolish—enough to try and tame this “flaw in the code.”
Verdict: A promise of shadowed power plays, morally gray characters, and lust tangled in legacy—this feels like the kind of book that will bruise your heart and leave you wanting more.
This book was a story of a woman and the two men who loved her. Kendra was shattered because of not one incident but because of the circumstances in her life that made her feel, vulnerable, untrusting and dealing with a very traumatic past and present . Alan was her foster father and although he’s only spoken about in this story Emily brings him to us through Kendra’s POV and others POV of him. This is a story that has many twists and turns and true to Emily’s writing there is no holding back or romanticizing trauma, rape, murder and how it effects those who are left to mend their shattered lives. It’s very well written and please pay attention to the triggers. I have no triggers anymore and for me I can fully immerse myself in this story and become a part of all who are part of this story. It’s a story of love, nurturing and finally finding your family , friends and hot boyfriends that support Kendra through it all. There’s a omg moment towards the end so read this and hang on tight because this is a roller coaster ride full of emotions and OMG I never saw that coming moments. It has an HEA and it deserves the 5 stars I gave it!
I loved this book so much ❤️ l read it in one sitting, but I couldn't put it down. The fmc is a lady called Kendra. She lives through something terrible and shuts herself off from the world, l loved the father daughter relationship between Kendra and Alan. He really takes care of her and provides her with family. Kendra, her two business partners, mmc Bellamy and those two, really hit it off, but then she meets Marcus mmc, and he believes she is something she definitely is not. Marcus does and says some horrible things to Kendra and makes her break down and cry. Eventually, the truth comes out, and everything changes, lol. The 2 mmcs are very attracted to kendra, and she feels exactly the same. It's funny how you can hate the bad guy Asher, but then the story changes, and you start to well not like him, but he isn't the worst, lol. There is another terrible character he really is the bad guy glad , Kendra got her revenge . please read this book it's brilliant this is my honest arc review!!!!
Check TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! Do not take the warnings lightly!!
Another quick and un-put downable ride from Emily Klepp! We meet Kendra in her early 30's, who has gone through more tragedies than anyone should in their lifetime. Kendra's life turned upside down after her foster father passed away. She is left with everything of his, including his company, that she's worked at and later helped run since she was 16.
Inheriting everything put her into the light when she'd been trying to hide in the shadows of what she'd been through. Kendra meets Marcus and Bellamy. Marcus, in the beginning, was a total asswipe! But he finally listened to what was being told to him and quit his shit lol! Bellamy was a total sweetheart from the beginning! The three of them together, though? That's where the party is!! 🥵🥵
With being in the light comes danger, truths, secrets, lies, and deception. The plot twists in the story had me on the edge of my seat, questioning what was gonna happen next.
After the sad passing of her foster dad (Alan). Kendra who has been a reclusive most of her life has to carry on his legacy. Which is a little hard when no-one knows who she is or what her connection to her foster dad was which leads to all different theories some of which aren't very nice.
Kendra doesn't want to to have to explain to the two of the co-owners (Bellamy and Marcus) of the company she inherited so she lashes out. The nightmare that brought Kendra and Alan together hasn't gone and with Alan's passing she is actually in more danger than she was. She's gonna need to learn to trust the co-owners before it's too late.
I liked learning about Kendra's life and how she navigated her trauma. I loved that she had Alan who helped her feel safe in the world. I did like Bellamy from the get go but Marcus was a different kettle of fish took a little while to like him. I loved how work together to take care of and support Kendra.
It would have been nice to have gotten more on Archer but I’m hoping he's gonna turn up in a later book.
This one was so different from the usual Emily Klepp titles but OMG Kendra is just such a firecracker, especially when it comes to Marcus. This book felt like a real game of Quest, where you've gotta look for and piece together all the clues. SO GOOD!
Her taunts, more so with Marcus, were hilarious and I'm honestly so happy she went toe to toe with him and stood her ground. Bellamy was just such a sweetheart from the beginning and I kinda loved how he treated her and made sure she had everything she needed. His "I told you" moment with Marcus was just the icing on the cake. Honestly, I felt she forgave Marcus too quickly 😂 Kendra could have made him grovel more...
Did I hate Archer? 100% BUT in the end, he redeemed himself...
DID I LOSE SLEEP OVER THIS BOOK? Hell yeah! I was up until 4AM reading it... I'm here for the banter 😂
All in all, this book had me CAPTIVATED from start to finish.