Phoenix: A Dark Romance

by Emily Klepp, Jade Katzchen (Editor), Becky Griffiths (Editor)

I’ve spent my life smiling for the world, a little bird hidden behind polished wings. I’ve learned to fold my pain into silence, to carry secrets heavier than anyone could see. After one drunken call to my grumpy billionaire boss, he unravels the tightly woven mask I’ve twisted around my secrets, exposing the darkest parts of me. He is an unyielding storm of control, seeing everything I try to hide. Beyond his tough exterior is a man who longs to extinguish the fire raging in my soul.

From the ashes of who I once was, I will rise.


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

103 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2026

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

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

What this author can do in 100 pages and under is amazing! First off, this book was painful. The way Wren masked and pretended everything was ok is too accurate to how I and so many other survivors act. Plus, the way sex is viewed is completely skewed and complicated. Wren is amazing. One, she is so strong to have survived all that. Two, she opens up and takes a leap of faith. Takes an incredible amount of courage. Third, she faces her parents and draws serious boundaries! Im so proud of her. Theo is amazing, but Wren? She is the star. Maya is amazing, too. Such sweet moments in a pretty traumatic story.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix

I’m used to Emily ripping my heart out with her stories and this one was up there was one of her best ones.

When Wren accidentally called Theo and asked him if dying hurt I had to put my kindle down. Normally that sort of line doesn’t affect me but it did this time.

I loved the book and I really liked that Theo didn’t push for intimacy knowing Wren’s trauma.

My only complaint was the fact that Theo processed a marriage while Wren was sleeping taking that choice away from her. I get why but he was trying to prove she had choices while taking one away didn’t make sense to me.

Loved the book, always check triggers.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a dark and emotional read. Filled with dark truths and finally getting freedom and learning about one's self. The true meaning of who you are and what you are capable of.
Wrenley has not lived any kind of normal or safe life. Theo is her boss and madly in love with her. But most importantly someone who pays attention and makes her feel safe.
With the help of Parker, Maya and Theo, Wrenley is able to finally get her freedom and rise from the ashes of her life... only to be fucked by her beast of a husband Theo!!!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good. I only wish it was way way longer as I couldn’t get enough of this story. Wren is a strong character. She has been put through so much bad stuff already. One night she drunkenly reaches out to her grumpy billionaire boss. Little does she know her life is about to change. Although there are triggers my dark heart thought this was a lovely read.. I’m warped like that lol Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real slow burn which is unlike Emily but it was necessary for this book.

Wren was abused by her brother and his friends all her life. She finally had enough and called her boss while drunk asking him deep philosophical questions. He goes to her and helps her. Wren is strong and I admire her for surviving all that she has and her bestie Maya is a sweet soul who cares deeply for her.

A deeply emotional but amazing story.

[Ariel Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply emotional but amazing story

A real slow burn which is unlike Emily but it was necessary for this book.

Wren was abused by her brother and his friends all her life. She finally had enough and called her boss while drunk asking him deep philosophical questions. He goes to her and helps her. Wren is strong and I admire her for surviving all that she has and her bestie Maya is a sweet soul who cares deeply for her.

A deeply emotional but amazing story.

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply moving story that is also incredibly well-written. Wren faced sexual assault from her brother and his friends starting at the age of six, and she didn't realize it was not a normal experience at that young age. Burdened by guilt, she kept silent about what happened. When she confides in Theo, he supports her through her struggles. Maya, her best friend, is such a kind and caring presence in her life. Be sure to read TWS before diving into this one!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trauma dump

While Wrens story is absolutely heartbreaking Emily has turned it in to a masterpiece with an amazing ending. Theo, wren and Parker are my favorite characters. Amazing job Emily!

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart wrenching story that has all the feels! Wren is such a strong FMC and Theo is just what she needs in her life. Check your triggers as they can get heavy at times but another great Emily read!!!

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check your trigger warnings because this is a heavy one. It's sad and heartbreaking to read what happens to Wren and keeps happening. It's a heavy read for a short book. But don't let that fool you, it's still a good read.

[Marci Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! This book was absolutely wonderful and showed that despite the pain and trauma a person may go through. You can still come back from it. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.

[Cheryl Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a tough one. It is dark and emotional start to finish. It was good read. Emily always amazes me with her work.