No one knows the things I keep buried in the past, except Dr. Mercer. He holds my darkest confessions, and I cannot get enough of his praise. When love cannot bury the past—and my demons close in—will the devil himself pull me from the flames?
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.
Myra only knows the life of trauma inflicted by her father and boyfriend. Dr Dominic her therapist met her 6 years ago. Her only friend. Only she can never truly open up to him. Until she’s on the verge of seeing the light does she call dom. Her night and shining armor along with Matt and his wife Natalie. Freedom at last. Or so she thought. Her court case is thrown out. This book is trauma filled and simply amazing. I couldn’t put it down.
I am consistently impressed by the way Klepp writes stories about the most traumatic and triggering topics and manages to do so with the utmost care and respect.
The topics in this story are HARD and parts of this story were heartbreaking to read. I know that this is fiction but Myra and her struggles felt real. I loved Dr. Mercer and I don't give two shits that it's taboo, I was rooting for these two to get a HEA.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Twisted Salvation was a delicious mix of psychological intensity and dark romance. The idea of a heroine whose only safe place is inside her therapy sessions—with a doctor who seems to hold both her secrets and her heart—is immediately compelling. There’s a tension here between confession, obsession, and the forbidden that I love in darker reads.
It's a heavy emotional ride, with demons from the past pressing in and a possible “devil” figure who steps into the role of savior. I like how it sets up the question of whether salvation comes from healing, from passion, or from destruction. That kind of ambiguity is catnip for readers who want their romance layered with danger and moral complexity.
That said, it leaves me wanting just a little more specificity. Who is Dr. Mercer beyond the therapist? What kind of demons are we talking about—trauma, secrets, or literal supernatural ones?
Overall, this promises a haunting, seductive read for fans of taboo romance and stories where desire and ruin walk hand-in-hand. I’d pick it up for the intensity alone, but I’d be bracing myself for the emotional wreckage it might cause—in the best way.
It’s trauma filled for Myra, from the frying pan into the light then into the proverbial fat!
Ab^sed from a very young age by her father, then her husband, scared for her life she chooses not to go to the cops. Her therapist knows what’s happening through talking with her and offering her his support, until it all blows up. From here on in we are shown what her life could be like that is prior to it all exploding 🫣
Holy. Hell. This book wrecked me in the best possible way. 🔥 From the very first therapy session, I knew I was in deep. Twisted Salvation isn’t just spicy—it’s emotionally raw, dark, and healing all at once.
The psychiatrist/patient dynamic? Electric. The BDSM and brat play? Executed perfectly. But what really sets this book apart is how Emily Klepp balances brutal honesty about trauma and mental health with scorching, unapologetic intimacy. The ADHD and trauma rep felt real, not romanticized.
Dr. Mercer is the definition of a caretaker MMC—steady, commanding, and sinfully patient. The MFM/bi awakening scenes were intense and beautifully written, blending connection and chaos in a way that felt so authentic.
This book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s trigger heavy, dark, and deliciously unfiltered—but if you can handle the pain, the redemption is worth every page. 💔🔥
Beautiful but dark, this story has some seriously twisted and gut-wrenching moments so read those triggers.
Myra goes through so much from a young age and it continues well into her 20's. Her trauma is so real and heartbreaking but she gets help.
From the beginning, you can feel her utter despair and connect with her on an emotional level. She struggles with depression and anxiety, but Dominic helps her through her pain and trauma. He has been her psychiatrist since she was 18.
Add Matt to that dynamic, another psychiatrist who is Dominic's best friend and they have a winning combo.
This book is fast-paced and raw, it makes you emotional but drags you in until you are fully invested. Definitely worth the read 🫶🏽
Read your trigger warnings! Poor Myra. From page one, trauma. Her dad is an utter piece of shit and Leon isn’t any better. To be in the depths of living in depression every single day and only feeling like you have one way of relieve is horrible to say the least. And then Dominic comes along and just turns her world upside down for the better. I’d definitely want him to be my psychiatrist. Matt and his random banter is precious. This one unpacked a lot of trauma in a short time period yet showed strength and resilience at the same time. Loved this one so much. 10/10 and yes it’s a spicy one 😍
Emily Klepp has done it again, delivering an emotionally packed story, with trauma, healing, forbidden/taboo aspects and a dash of BDSM. Myra has been through so much, and the story is definitely her story in healing and overcoming her past, with an amazing support people behind he she becomes an even stronger FMC. If you are a lover of dark romance and can handle heavy triggers then this is definitely worth the read.
As always with Emily Klepp’s books Twisted Salvation contains a lot of dark themes and topics, so be mindful of the TW/CW before diving in.
I received this book early..and Emily Klepp has done it again!!! I love everything she writes. Be advised this is dark romance..heavy triggers..if you have any triggers check them first. I don’t have any so I going blind to be surprised 🙃. I love the family that is built and the love they have for each other. Myra goes through hell, but Dominic and Matt are always there to pickup the pieces and show her how she should be loved. I went through all the emotions reading this..but the ending..balling like a baby 😭. Definitely a must read!!!
This author is hot and you need to check out her writing!! Another dark romance filled with trauma and hope where one feels hopeless. I really enjoy her stories this another great read about 200 pages makes this a faster read but also packs a lot.
No one knows the things Myra keeps buried in the past, except Dr. Mercer. He holds her darkest confessions, and she cannot get enough of his praise. When love cannot bury the past – and her demons close in – will the devil himself pull her from the flames?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Psychiatrist x Patient, Polyamory, Bi-Awakening, MF, MMF, MM, FMMF, Orgy, Age Gap, Knight in Shining Armour, BDSM Club, Impact Play, Brat x Tamers, Trauma Healing, Trigger Heavy, ADHD Rep, Mental Health Rep, Caretaker MMC, Forced Orgasms, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm Training, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Throat F*cking, Double Pen, Spit Roasting, Punishment F&cking, Spanking.
Twisted Salvation is A Dark Forbidden Romance by Emily Klepp.
This is a dark romance full of raw, emotional intensity, I promise you that Twisted Salvation is going to consume you from the first word to the very last. I very quickly found myself enthralled by the blistering narrative and powerfully consuming characters. Emily Klepp has masterfully navigated this world of twisted desires, personal desires and demons side by side to complicated and forbidden love.
At the start of our story we meet Myra, a woman who is haunted by her past she is desperate to bury and forget and the most Delphian Dr. Mercer who holds not only the keys to her darkest confessions but also her darkest secrets. He has helped Myra through some very difficult panic attacks. More than that though, Dr. Mercer holds the key to everything Myra is and wants to be.
There are several different romantic avenues in this book. We have the toxic, abusive, sadistic, and violent avenue and honestly I wouldn't call this romantic, I would call this a nightmare relationship, I would call this a codependent relationship. This was the relationship that we see Myra first trapped in.
The true healthy relationship starts of as this torturous slow burn that is absolutely delicious. But, very quickly we see it turn into this hurricane of profound emotional and physical tension that had me enthralled in the story and had me turning each page as quickly as I could so I could learn what happened next.
One of the best things that Emily did in this book that made it so compelling she made the emotional depth. She included a plethora of triggers that are heavy, hard hitting but they are also perfectly executed and this forces you to question your own limits as we watch the characters dive even deeper into their own psychological complexities. The twists and turns that Emily packed into this book are so unpredictable, and this ensures that you never truly know what is going to be coming next and what our characters are going to go through next. But, Emily has done such a phenomenal job with writing this book and packed so much into this book that you have this need to find out what happens next and how this book is going to end.
Emily has never been one of those authors to shy away from any of the darker aspects of romance, but no matter how dark the romance, no matter any of the triggers that she has packed into her story, she always ensures that she places a great emphasis on mental health and healing your mental health.
I was absolutely blown away by the chemistry between Myra and Dr. Mercer. This chemistry is compelling and so deeply charged, and this makes the moments of passion between Myra and Dr. Mercer all that more visceral. Twisted Salvation is about so much more than just love, passion, or romance – I found that this books was about the complex, really often making the reader uncomfortable, there were crossroads between pain, pleasure, and redemption.
One of the things that kept me enthralled in this book was the character development and the character arcs. I am not going to give to much away with our delightful, and some not so delightful cast of characters. But, I am going to introduce you to our characters:
Dr. Dominic Mercer: One of our MMCs, Myra's psychiatrist, also helps to save her life and then becomes so much more.
Myra : Our FMC, traumatized, abused, and so much stronger than she could ever realize.
Matt: Our other MMC, Natalie's husband, part of Dominic's poly group, becomes Myra's psychiatrist, and then so much more.
Natalie: A secondary character, Matt's wife, Trish's girlfriend, is Myra's doctor. Is part of Dominic's poly group.
Trish: Secondary character, Natalie's girlfriend, will join in Dominic's Poly group once in a while.
Andrew: Is Myra's lawyer and legal advisor.
Leon: Started off as Myra's professor and became her live in boyfriend. Is friends with her father. Not a nice guy.
Walter: Myra's Dad, Leon's friend, an abuser.
Judge Chambers: Myra's uncle and abuser.
Naomi: FBI Agent
Rose: Helps to find Myra, and a surprise link to Myra.
Megan: Rose's adopted mom, helps to find Myra, surprise link to Myra.
Paul: Rose's adopted dad, helps to find Myra.
Each one of these characters are absolutely stunning and they each play an important part to the story and they all help to tell the story and keep the story moving forward towards the grand finale.
You need to understand that this book isn't for the delicate or faint of heart – this book is meant for those readers who can handle intense emotional and physical challenges that are wrapped up in this forbidden romance. But, if all of this appeals to you, then Twisted Salvation is going to appeal to you. I for one look forward to reading Emily Klepp's next release.
“The moment you that woman's face, you are marrying her,” Andrew says.
Emily has truly become one of my favorite authors. Not because her stories are feel good cutesy romances but because they force me and others to face the darkness. Everyone wants to ignore that SA exists and survivors should stay quiet and leave it alone. Emily forces those people to sit down and shut up. It forces people to confront the ugliness and evil in the world because we survivors have lived that evil.
Twisted Salvation, for me, is my favorite book of hers by far. Not only because of the way it was written and the characters but for the insane accuracy of how someone who self harms feels.
"Its the only time I feel i control of my pain. Its the only time I can get my brain to quiet down long enough that all the anger, worry, sadness, and hatred I feel towards myself can slip away."
"As long as I was in pain, it kept the demons away."
I really couldn't have described the reason I used to self harm any better. Truly the only time, before I got help, where I felt at peace. Where my brain wasnt buzzing with the need to rage and destroy. No one understood then, but I feel so seen now. While I may not do it anymore(thank you therapy and healing), the scars are a stark reminder of how much I used to hurt.
Myra is an amazing character because I understand her. I was her in many ways. Not just in the abuse she suffered and endured but in her mind and her heart. How many times has the justice system failed survivors? How many times have they screamed and raged to be seen? Myra makes them, us, feel seen. She is all of us, whether we went through her type of abuse or different.
While I adore Myra and her strength and her honesty, I also have to talk about the amazing support system she has. Through it all, she wasnt alone. I think so many times survivors feel like they are alone because thats what they've been told or their brain tells them. Myra's support system shows how much support survivors can have when they reach out. Yes, so many turned against Myra and judges and cops failed her, but there was someone there fighting.
Myra's story, as well as Emily's genius, is a terrifying tale in the way the justice system fails children, women, and men every day. Its disgusting how easy SA is thrown aside. How easy it is for a cop, judge, etc, to ignore it because they dont want to believe it or its their friend or whatever excuse they want to make for themselves. While it is accurate and makes me so angry, there are moments, like with Naomi, that shows there is still good.
I'm always left feeling a little frazzled finishing one of Emily's books. One, its because I've lived so much of what her characters go through. Two, they really are an emotionally roller coaster, especially this one. And finally three because they are that good. That accurate and that painful. Twisted Salvation is probably Emily's best work. Its poignant and painful but its beautiful in its resolution. It still ends in hope and joy. Through the dark, light always finds a way. Emily makes sure in all her books, well most of them, that joy and happiness is on the other side.
I finished Twisted Salvation feeling raw, shattered, and strangely uplifted — not many books take me on such a jagged journey and leave me changed. Emily Klepp doesn’t hold back: this is a dark romance that lays bare the ache of trauma, the ache of yearning, and what it takes to finally say: no more.
What grabbed me;
From page one, the pain of Myra’s life hits you. Abuse, neglect, fear… she’s carried it all, hidden it all. And then there’s Dr. Dominic Mercer not just her psychiatrist, but the one motion of kindness she’s allowed herself to hope for. Their relationship is layered: it's professional, ambiguous, then inevitable. And while “forbidden” is an understatement, it’s also deeply human.
The rawness is real. Myra’s wounds aren’t glossed over; they’re screamed in silence, in the spaces between her breaths. The way Emily writes mental health depression, anxiety, self‑harm it’s messy, unglamorous, and truthful. The kink and power-play elements (BDSM, brat play, MFM facets) aren’t there just for spice: they feel woven into the healing, into the trust‑building, into reclaiming self.
What stood out:
1) Myra’s journey of survival is ruthless and realistic. 2) Dominic isn’t a perfect hero he has boundaries, a role, struggles. That imperfection made him feel more real to me. 3) The writing pace is electric: short, sharp, deeply emotional. I was drawn in and didn’t look away until the last page. Most importantly: this isn’t just about “finding love it’s about reclaiming power, rewriting one’s story, choosing to trust even after betrayal.
Trigger/Content Notes (important): This one requires your emotional bandwidth. Abuse (sexual and domestic), self‑harm, deep psychological trauma, power imbalances, kink/dom‑sub structures, intense scenes of vulnerability.
Why I think some might connect with it: You're someone who seeks authenticity, who honours the wounds and the growth, who understands the masked self and the role of vulnerability. Myra’s story, at its heart, is about someone who’s played the role of “victim”, “quiet sufferer”, “invisible” until she stops hiding. And you’ve been doing that too: shedding masks, refusing to stay hidden. This book could resonate deeply.
If you’re ready for: a love story that’s messy, intense, and utterly human; characters who wreck themselves only to rebuild; and writing that will leave emotional fingerprints... then Twisted Salvation will be one of your unforgettable reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you're a fan of dark romance with raw, emotional intensity, Twisted Salvation will consume you from start to finish. I devoured this book in under two hours, completely hooked by its fast-paced narrative and hauntingly addictive characters. Emily Klepp expertly navigates a world of twisted desires, personal demons, and complicated, forbidden love.
The premise is gripping from the start: the protagonist is haunted by a past she’s desperate to bury, and the enigmatic Dr. Mercer holds the key to her darkest confessions. What starts as a slow burn quickly escalates into a whirlwind of emotional and physical tension that kept me turning pages long into the night.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its emotional depth. The triggers are heavy and well-executed, pushing the reader to question their own limits as they dive deeper into the psychological complexity of the characters. The twists and turns in the plot are unpredictable, ensuring that you’re never quite sure what’s coming next, but always eager to find out.
Klepp doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of romance. The chemistry between the protagonist and Dr. Mercer is both compelling and deeply charged, making the moments of passion all the more visceral. It's a book that isn't just about love—it’s about the complex, often uncomfortable intersections between pain, pleasure, and redemption.
This book is not for the faint of heart—it’s meant for readers who can handle intense emotional and physical challenges wrapped in a forbidden romance. But if you're into that, Twisted Salvation will definitely scratch that dark romance itch. I’m already looking forward to more from Emily Klepp.
Rating: 5/5 stars. A must-read for dark romance lovers!
“Your scars are proof that you have fought and survived your past, Blossom. You are a survivor, and they are your battle scars. Wear them proudly because they show what you have overcome,”
Twisted Salvation is a extremely dark, raw, emotional read. Emily is one of my absolute favorite authors and she has yet again blown me away with Myra's story. Myra is such a strong FMC and her storyline is so well written. You really get to see the world through her eyes, expierence her pain and cheer her on through her healing. I love Dom & Matt equally. Both compliments her in their own way and provide her what she needs. I love the way that Emily is able to bring her characters to life and the mental health representation is phenomenal. I love that the BD$M aspect of it is accurately depicted as well. The contents of this book are extremely heavy, raw & at times down right grotesque. Please be mindful of your authors warnings and mind your mental health. Overall this was an absolutely amazing read, a wild, emotional ride, but so well done! One of my top reads of the year hands down!
“You self-harm to feel alive. You don’t want to hurt, but you crave the euphoria that the pain brings you. When your life feels like it’s caving in around you, you cut to remind yourself that you are alive. You struggle to see past the panic and overwhelming anxiety, and harming yourself cuts through that fog."
Twisted Salvation is not an easy read—but it is a powerful one.
Emily Klepp delivers a raw, deeply emotional story about survival, healing, and the kind of love that can pull someone back from the edge. This book isn’t afraid to face darkness head-on, yet it never forgets to show that even in the deepest pain, there’s always a glimmer of light.
Myra’s journey is heartbreaking, brave, and transformative. Through Klepp’s sensitive yet unflinching writing, readers witness a woman reclaiming her power after years of unimaginable trauma. Dominic, her therapist and eventual partner, represents both patience and unwavering devotion—a reminder that love built on trust and respect can be as redemptive as it is passionate.
The author handles difficult, triggering topics with remarkable care and emotional intelligence. What truly stands out is how Klepp turns pain into purpose, crafting a narrative that’s not about suffering, but about rising. It’s dark. It’s harrowing. But it’s also healing, empowering, and ultimately hopeful.
Twisted Salvation is a story of reclamation—of body, mind, and soul. For readers who can handle heavy themes and crave stories where resilience triumphs over ruin, this book will stay with you long after the last page.
Twisted salvation - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Twisted Salvation completely wrecked me—in the best way possible. I was drawn into Myra’s world of trauma and despair. Her struggles with depression, anxiety, and the lingering effects of abuse feel painfully real, and I could feel her pain in every page. Dr. Mercer is steady, commanding, and patient in a way that makes their psychiatrist/patient dynamic electric and emotionally intense. The story doesn’t shy away from dark themes, and the BDSM, brat play, and MFM dynamics are written in a way that’s both raw and authentic. The addition of Matt and his wife Natalie adds another layer of connection and healing, making the dynamics feel complex but believable. What really hit me was how this book balances the brutality of trauma with moments of tenderness and intimacy. Myra’s journey toward healing is gut-wrenching but powerful, and the way Emily Klepp portrays mental health, ADHD, and the scars of abuse never feels romanticized. The story is fast-paced, emotionally heavy, and completely immersive—you can’t help but invest in Myra’s pain and triumphs. It’s dark, twisted, and beautiful all at once. I’m giving it 4 stars because it’s an intense, gripping read that left me emotionally drained but also rooting for Myra every step of the way.
This is a heavy, dark read so please check the triggers before diving in!
Myra has only ever known abuse. First she suffered at the hands of her father and now at the hands of her former professor turned boyfriend. Her only refuge is her therapist, Dr. Dominic Mercer, who she considers her only friend. She has kept some parts of her relationship secret from him to prevent any reporting, but when it all goes wrong and she is fading fast, she calls Dom to come and rescue her. Unfortunately, her tormentors will not let her go that easily.
This is definitely a deeply dark book with a lot of suffering. Myra goes through a huge range of emotions throughout and sometimes things go wrong even when she thinks she is safe. I did like the way that Dom and Matt had a mental health focused BD$M club and how they helped people heal through not only therapy but also kink. I did wish that we had a little bit more information on Matt and Dom. It seemed like the only things we really knew about them is that they are therapists who own a kink club. I think it would have added to the story if we could have spent a little more time on their backstories. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and how Myra learned healthy ways of coping and working through her trauma.
This was my first time reading Twisted Salvation by Emily Kelpp, and I have to say I’m impressed. The biggest highlight for me was the characters. Myra, despite everything she’s been through, felt layered and compelling in a way that made it easy to stay invested in her journey. Her trauma wasn’t just there for drama,it shaped her choices and relationships in a believable way. And Dominic? Easily my favorite. There’s just something about a male main character written by a woman that hits differently, and he’s a perfect example of that. He had depth, emotional nuance, and didn’t fall into the usual clichés. I went into this not realizing it was a why-choose romance, which is a trope I don’t usually gravitate toward. But surprisingly, it worked for me here. By the end, I even found myself liking Matt and appreciating the dynamic between all of them, which says a lot considering my usual preferences. Overall, this book really surprised me in a good way. Strong characters, engaging relationships, and a trope I didn’t expect to enjoy but ended up appreciating. Definitely a solid introduction to Emily Kelpp’s work, and I’m curious to read more from her. And it's a five stars from me :)
And once again Emily Klepp takes us on that emotional rollercoaster ride! A hard read overall, as is an emotional rollercoaster ride, so be sure to check all TW before embarking on this heart breaking journey. And what a journey it is!! The never ending SA by first her father, Walter and then her boyfriend, Leon are a constant loop in her life. Accepting that this is her life and nothing better is out in the world for her is shattering. Self harm occurs most days just so she can cope with all her emotions. Both men treat her badly and her only saving grace is her weekly visits to her therapist, Dominic Mercer! There are plenty of twists in this story to keep you vested in Myra finding her HEA! As with all Emily's stories, events escalate before they get better, and this book is no exception. It pulls you in and keeps you captivated as you root for Myra to have the courage to end the cycle of abuse and find a newer and brighter future for herself. Can Dominic Mercer help her find herself? Another exceptional read that does eventually leave you with an unexpected and truly well deserved HEA for Myra!
While the book is only about 200 pages the trauma and healing are so much bigger. Emily is phenomenal with giving you terribly traumatic situations and allowing the characters to heal in ways that are common for the trauma endured.
Maya has been abused by multiple family members since she was way too young to know what was going on. She has a trusted therapist who helps her through any issues and sees her weekly. However, when her boyfriend finds out the therapist is a man he attempts to end her life. This causes her to reach out to him to save her life.
Unfortunately this is not the end of her trauma. It is however the beginning if her relationship with the therapist. I love the relationship and how they already had a great foundation. He already knew all of her past trauma and was there to help her through everything else that came.
This book is very dark and the trauma starts with a very very young child at the hands of her father and others. Be mindful of your mental health.
You matter. May you find healing from everything you have experienced.
Like all of Emily's books this one showed the darker side of humanity but still had enough of a sprinkling of romance and kink to keep me interested.
This is Myra story. She has had a pretty shocking life so far. Between the abuse at the hands of her boyfriend/ex professor, her father and her uncle she doesn't love life anymore. She does however love her therapist Dominic Mercer.
Leon the boyfriend hurts her and leaves her for dead but luckily she manages to get a message to Dominic who comes in like her white knight to save her along with Matt and Natalie his best friends and occasion play buddies. We then see them trying to keep her Myra safe that doesn't go to plan.
I did like the introduction of Rose (Myra daughter), Megan and Paul. I did get a little annoyed when we find out who Megan is and that she didn't help earlier but then when we find out that Myra didn't want the help that she just wanted to keep Rose safe and that she was only like 11 or 12 at the time it was so sad and so sweet at the same time.
I loved that Rose was as feisty and strong like Myra and even if it was the stupid thing to do was the one that came to the rescue.
4.5 ⭐️ Twisted Salvation took me on an emotional rollercoaster I was absolutely not prepared for. This story is drenched in taboo tension, raw longing, and the kind of forbidden chemistry that makes you question every moral line you thought you had.
Following Myra’s journey was wild. She falls for someone she’s been in contact with for quite some time, and watching that connection morph into something deeper, darker, and more intense had me glued to the pages. I thought I knew where this story was headed… and then Emily Klepp flipped everything upside down. That twist? I did not see it coming, and it completely changed the trajectory of the book in a way that left my jaw on the floor.
If you love morally gray characters, emotional turmoil, and stories that push boundaries while still delivering heart, this one needs to be on your radar. The only reason it doesn’t get a full five stars from me is because I wanted just a little more time to sit in those explosive moments—but honestly, that might just be me being greedy.
If you enjoy romance that isn’t afraid to get messy and make you feel everything, Twisted Salvation delivers.
Twisted Salvation is an intense and deeply emotional dark romance that dives into trauma, survival, and forbidden connection. The story opens with raw depictions of abuse, self-harm, and despair, and somehow transforms them into a haunting exploration of healing and twisted love.
The book follows Myra, a woman trapped in cycles of abuse, and Dr. Dominic Mercer, her psychiatrist—the one person who sees her pain and her only true friend.
The author doesn’t sugarcoat Myra’s pain or Dominic’s moral struggle. I found myself both horrified and completely invested. The emotions are intense and the pacing keeps you hooked.
That said, this book comes with major trigger warnings: sexual assault, domestic violence, self-harm, and suicide ideation. Please, please take the author’s content warning seriously. It’s not just dark—it’s pitch-black at times.
All in all, this isn’t just a love story—it’s a survival story which makes more beautiful and for me was an instant read. I couldn't put it down till it was finished!
Twisted Salvation by Emily Klepp is dark, brutal, and deeply unsettling—in exactly the way a story about abuse should be. This is not a comfort read or a soft romance. It’s a survival story fueled by trauma, obsession, and revenge.
Myra’s life follows a painfully realistic cycle of abuse. After surviving an abusive childhood, she moves in with a man who mirrors her father’s cruelty and even allows her dad to continue abusing her. The normalization of this violence is chilling and believable.
For six years, Myra has been seeing a psychiatrist, and when the abuse finally escalates to the point where it nearly kills her, she reaches out. He saves her. They love each other. For a moment, it feels like hope is finally within reach.
But this book doesn’t offer easy endings. When Myra sacrifices herself for someone she loves and is taken again, the story shifts into something darker and more satisfying. The ending is violent, unapologetic, and cathartic—Myra doesn’t just survive, she takes her power back and earns her HAE.
ARC Review Star Rating: 5⭐️ Pub Date: Oct 31, 2025 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Genre: Dark Romance/Forbidden Romance
Right away this mentions self harm and r*pe/sexual ab*se. It’s very emotional because as Myra recalls these things that happened it’s like you as the reader can feel it too. Can’t help but to feel bad for her situations and stuff. Very emotional for what this character has been through. This was heartbreaking but I really loved it. I enjoyed the forbidden love between Dominic and Myra too and what they go through together. It’s very intense and sad but also very spicy and hopeful for Myra and Dominic. Myra’s dad and Leon just disgusted me I got so angry.. I’m just happy Myra found her safe place.i read this in one sitting please be aware of the triggers before reading. It’s quite descriptive with the self harm and sexual ab*se. Still regardless of the triggers it was great! I never felt so strong about things and Emily just really does it for me! I love her writing
Emily did another great job. Devoured this book in no time. If you've read Emily's books before then you know to read your trigger warnings. Mental health matters.
Myra hasn't has an easy childhood at all, some wouldn't call it a childhood to begin with. She's got trauma to last her a couple lifetimes. But her only Saving grace has been her therapist Dominic.
Dominic knew there could never be anything between him and Myra as he's her therapist. But he was there as a friend for her no matter what.
Myra doesn't realize how much she needs Dom in her life until things go from bad to worse with her boyfriend. She always knew Dom would come to her and he proved her right. Now if Dom can get her to see that she deserves so much more.
But what happens when Myras past comes back at full send and she's not the only one in danger.
And maybe Dom isn't the only one on Myras side, looking to protect her and keep her safe and loved.
Thank you, Emily Klepp, for this dark forbidden romance! Twisted Salvation is packed full of trigger warnings, so take a moment and read them. There are many sensitive topics touched upon.
The book focuses on Myra, the FMC. Myra has only known abuse, from not only her father but also her boyfriend. Her only comfort and safe place is Dr. Mercer, her therapist. There is an intoxicating mix of secrets and obsession. The forbidden element had me in a chokehold. Can this line be crossed?
This taboo romance had me turning the pages and finishing in one sitting. This book isn’t for the faint of heart. Between the abuse and trafficking, I could barely take a breath. My heart broke for Myra over and over again. Her pain and trauma were palpable. The writing was gritty and raw; she did not hold back.
Thanks to Emily Klepp for gifting me an eARC of Twisted Salvation. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🖤 I love everything that Emily writes! This book is trigger heavy and full of twists and turns, so make sure to check the TW’s before reading! There were moments where, I cried while reading about her childhood and what they had done to her, and there were moments where I laughed and giggled at the witty comebacks and banter. It was so good, and when the spice hit 👀 IT HIT! I loved the way Dominic was with Myra and he never once treated her like she was fragile and couldn’t stand up for herself. When Matt came into the picture, they both empowered her and pushed her to be her best self, while also showing her that it was ok to not always be ok.
📚Book Type: A Dark Forbidden Romance
✨WHAT TO EXPECT ✨ 🧎🏽♀️Psychiatrist/patient 🧎🏽♀️BDSM 🧎🏽♀️Polyamory/partner sharing 🧎🏽♀️MMF/bi- awakening 🧎🏽♀️Impact play 🧎🏽♀️Exhibitionism/voyeurism 🧎🏽♀️Orgasm training 🧎🏽♀️Trauma healing And more!
ARC Review 4 star read for me❤️ This was my first book by this author and let me tell you, I will definitely be reading her other books. This author’s writing style was easy to follow and I was able to finish this book in a few hours since it is a very short read.
Tropes in this book are: Taboo, psychiatrist/patient Polyamory Bi-Awakening Age gap
This book was extremely dark, please read the triggers before starting this book.
My heart broke for Myra (FMC), oh my God, the pain and trauma she had to endure was horrific. But I loved how Dominic (MMC) and the other characters in this book never gave up on Myra. They would go to the ends of the Earth for their girl. Those parts in the book were refreshing to read.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you are look for a quick and easy to follow story line. But, please read those triggers!