Crimson Ice: A Dark Hockey Romance

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

I was left battered and bruised, missing pieces of my body and soul that I would never get back. One by one, they burrowed into my heart and gave me the strength I lacked to stand tall and fight for myself, my freedom, and my future. As we untangle the web of pain and deceit, the truth is revealed. Can I survive the storm, or will I forever be frozen in time by crimson ice?

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

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 13, 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

[Melissa Keifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fricken WOW.... 1st of all 10 fricken men I give that woman props because good lort.... OK now Seriously y'all this story was ALOT of twisted, unhinged, gut-wrenching, just plain out brutality and savagery and Seriously how Ari survived that just plain wow I know on alot of my review for Emily's stories I've talked about how things snuck back up from my past and being an SA survivor but with this story specifically it wasn't the attack that brought back the memories it was how absolutely AMAZING and understanding her partners were with her after the attack... I wish I had that patient, kind, understanding, and supportive partner to help reassure me because that is a Big HUGE part of your healing after going through traumatic things like this and Emily wrote it so beautifully in this story....

Y'all I absolutely recommend this story BUT I ABSOLUTELY caution you because this story is DARK, HEAVY ON TRIGGERS, UNHINGED and YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

[Confuzedxneko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming story about healing after trauma. This was short, sweet and (also) graphic where it needed to be. It shows that not all healing is a straight line and that you should accept help when you need it. I connected with the characters even though there were a lot for such a short book, each one played their own role.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari’s story is beautifully written. Her trauma pours out in graphic detail. I couldn’t get enough of it. The plot twist is amazing! I need a part two with moms story and a follow up with Ari and the team

[Mache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Ice by Emily Klepp is an emotional and deeply impactful dark romance that balances heavy subject matter with resilience, healing, and the power of unwavering support. This story is not an easy read, but it is an incredibly compelling one that highlights survival and strength in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Arianna’s journey pulled me in from the very beginning. Her pain, her triggers, and her determination to reclaim pieces of her life felt raw and authentic. Despite everything she has endured, she refuses to be defined by what happened to her, and that quiet strength shines throughout the story. Watching her slowly rebuild trust and confidence was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.

The protective dynamic surrounding Arianna is one of the strongest elements of this story. The men in her orbit each bring their own energy to the table, and their growing concern and care for her create an emotionally layered experience. Their support never erases her trauma, but instead walks beside her healing, which made the progression feel meaningful and earned.

Emily Klepp does not shy away from the darker edges of this genre, but what continues to stand out in her writing is the thread of hope woven through the pain. The emotional moments hit hard, the tension stays high, and the payoff delivers the kind of satisfying closure that makes the journey worthwhile.

This book will not be for everyone due to the heavy themes, but for readers who appreciate dark romance that centers survival, found family, and emotional healing, Crimson Ice is a powerful and memorable read. I continue to be drawn to Emily Klepp’s ability to pair intensity with heart, and I am already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

Rating: ★★★★★

[Rachel Barboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Klepp does it again. This is my second book by Emily and if I wasn’t sold before, I am now. They way her writing captivates the ready and really makes you feel that connection to the characters is unmatched. This was a short quick read that I devoured and couldn’t put down. As always, Emily make sure her characters get justice and karma comes to those who need it. This is not some fun-loving romance. It’s dark and raw and captures the despair that comes with all of the damage that comes to the fmc.

This story follows Arianna “Ari” and her strength to over come something no woman should have to endure. After surviving the worst day of her life, she finds herself fired from her PA job with the local hockey team. Not wanting to give up, she goes to work with her stepfather and his team. Even though it’s a new building, it still brings back all of the memories that came from that dreadful day. Not wanting to seem weak, she doesn’t show how much she’s effected by just being at an ice rink. Can Ari find some way to cope with what happened to her? Can this new team be just what she needed to help? If the new team finds out what happened to Ari will the pull away and want nothing to do with her or will they go to battle beside her? Read Crimson Ice to find out! Releasing March 13th. Your mental health matters! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read all of the trigger warnings before jumping in!

[DarkFayePrincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 📚

Oh.. My.. God.. Emily klepp did it again!
This was just, wow.. Even though it's a short one under 200 pages, it's AMAZING!! It contains so much and I absolutely loved it😍🔥

I'm starting to fall more and more into dark hockey romances and this one made it even worse - if you can even say that it's something bad! 🥵
The guys were all so sweet while taking care of her - in more ways than one😉 - and she finally found her place amongst them.

I liked how the whole story unravelled and the way it ended. It was a bit brutal at the beginning but Ari (The FMC) really pulled trough and even though she was fragile, I really liked her too 💔

I'm so happy to have gotten the opportunity to ARC for this one, I've read three of Emily's books already (One Dani Rose) and that most certanly won't be the end of it😈

Don't forget to read the TW's because this one contains alot of triggers that can be sensitive 🖤

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🖤 Reverse Harem
🖤 Hockey Romance
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Caretaker MMC's
🖤 Rough S*x
🖤 Rivals To Lovers

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of triggers, so please make sure to check them beforehand. It is without a doubt the heaviest book in terms of triggers that I’ve read from Emily, and the prologue especially reflects that. The trigger warnings mention SA, the loss of a body part, and a hockey stick — you can probably imagine the rest.

If you decide to continue reading after that initial horror, this is ultimately a survival story — about coming back from almost dying and learning to live again. And yes, it is a reverse harem and includes other plotlines as well, but the core theme running through the entire story is healing from trauma.

It’s a quick read, so even though the subject matter is difficult, it doesn’t hold the reader in that darkness for hundreds of pages. But precisely because of that, it’s also emotionally intense. The book does have a happy ending, but please don’t go into it expecting that to carry you through if you have even the slightest doubt.

A very, very brutal beginning, but a happy ending.

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for hockey romance books and this was no exception. Crimson Ice is dark and those warnings are there for a reason so please read them if you are triggered.

This book opens to a horrific scene and it was a bit of a gut punch knowing what happened to Arianna. She is so stubborn and strong that even I admit I sat up and took notice. Even through her fear she knew she needed to survive and that's exactly what she is, a survivor.

The fact that she ends up with 10 men had me raising my eyebrows, then shrugging because damn... but, you go girl! 😂 I'll be here cheering you on while that happens.

Seriously though, the plot twists had me on edge but Emily knows how to gut punch you at a pivotal moment and to say I was shocked is an understatement.

The humor had me cackling though because trust Emily to add some dark humor into her writing.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Bobbi-Ann Wight · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about Emily Klepps books that just capture your attention. From the first page and the heartbreaking story for her FMCs, it just pulls you in and makes you feel. Ariannas goes through an absolutely devastating tragedy that leaves her battered and broken. When she walks in to face her demons at the place of her attack, I wanted to scream, "You go girl".

She heals from her attack with the help of the amazing people in her life, who are there every step of the way to lift her up and push her past her comfort zone. Also, the ending and the truth behind everything shocked me.

Did she have 10 hockey players to help her heal in a way that she wanted. Why yessss the girl did. 👏👏

Emily, thank you for another amazing read.

[Sian curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't pick up sports romance books ever but maybe I should because this one was so good.

Read triggers DARK!!

this book is about a female who gets brutally attacked and left for de*d and she is trying to over come her trauma of what she had been put through. This book shows how resilient the fmc is and how she never stops and nothing despite overwhelming everything becomes for her. The fmc really makes this book everything and really keeps you hooked plus all her men aswell how loving they are to her even if a few of them were a bit of an arse to start with. I love how the mum and dad and step dad was cooperated in it as well and how the people who did what they did got back what they deserved

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨Read your trigger warnings🚨
This one starts out brutal. Oof poor Arianna!
The more I read the more fucked up the story got.
I was like, “Bitchhhhh! He did WHAT?!”
Some characters that don’t deserve the breath it would take to speak their names…well, I hope they step on every Lego ever made. The boys who come into Ari’s life and some who were already in it, can run a hockey train any time they want! Just let me know so I can tell my husband I’ll be very busy. That was a rollercoaster and definitely different from other hockey romances that I’ve read. The ending? Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻 10/10 and that’s for more than just a rating 😉

[Thresa Charland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy
Please read ur triggers! Definitely 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read
I must say for my 1st sports read Emily u had me hooked.im not big on reading about sports an i love hocky and it really hit my heart at first but she showed everyone just how strong woman can be ..but you slayed this ..Arianna is the most amazing woman and goes through such a brutal tragedy and fights an overcomes it with so much help an wonderful ppl to back her and the ending surprised me but also justice an love and so glade u gave her a happy ending ..Again please read your triggers if u have any

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a crazy traumatic journey. Between the trauma/attack Arianna faced, to finding out the truth, and for thoes that helped saved her along the way.

This book was shattering all the while adding the heat and spice. I cryed, and laughted at few things that the guys said, but I felt so many emotions.
This was a crazy ride and I enjoyed every moment of it. I couldnt imagine handling that many guys but damn thats extra spicy and loved them all!🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Another amazing book by Emily. This one really did it for me. Absolutely loved it.

Please check your trigger warnings as it has Dark Themes!

[Hannah Bobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ this was my first hockey or sport romance and unless one of my favorite authors like Emily writes more in this genre/trope I probably would steer clear of them. I enjoy watching sports but I don’t want my fictional reading to melt into the sports world. Arianna is definitely one tough cookie - her nightmare on the rink was terrifying. I think the author did a great job at maintaining the gruesomeness of the act but not so much detail that it becomes all you think about. I love that in our fantasy worlds we have 10 men who want to be with us and that we just continue our life with everyone as one big happy family.

and kudos to the mom for getting hers!

[GroceReadsAfterDark · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong with a hockey romance. This one was dark and the trigger warnings are there for a reason so don’t skip them. Did I cry absolutely because I could relate to Arianna’s feelings. The trauma she went through was horrible. But her stubbornness did not let the bad guys win. She recovered and came back with her head held high. Now these boys, mannnnnnnn my mouth dropped and it got hot in my room. I was not expecting the plot twist through total shock. It does end with a HEA. I loved this one but I love all the books Emily writes.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st person POV, Mainly Single, with a few chapters from other POVs
MFM+ ( These 10 men at one point! )
CHECK YOUR TWs for God sake this is not an easy read.
Hockey Romance
HFN


This starts out right in the middle of a scene from nightmares.. Ari is left for dead and takes 6 months building her life back.. I gotta say the amount of will power and strength Ari has is admirable! She faces her fears with the help of those around her and finally gets the justice she deserves!

This book is a whirlwind from the beginning!

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I’m completely and utterly speechless with how Emily keep giving us these amazing books with amazing characters.

This book is a dark hockey romance. Arianna went through a lot. Her trauma, her pain everything will break your heart. She heal from her past with the help of her men’s. Yes men’s. Not 1, not 2. It’s 10. Yes you heard it right 10.

And the spice of this book yes off the chart. Like you’ll have breathing problem cause of the lack of oxygen.

Read your trigger warnings before starting this book.

[Ashley Streator · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC: Crimson Ice by Emily Klepp
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

‼️PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS‼️

The literal first page is brutal!! What Arianna (our FMC) went through literally had me in tears. That woman is fierce, stubborn, and so strong!! She has courage where I don’t know that I would had. This book grips you from the first page and you literally never want to put it down. This is hands down a must read if you can handle the triggers. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve read it.

[Kyla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari's story is tragic and beautiful. She finds love and gets the justice she deserves from what happened to her. At the beginning, Ari has the worst thing imaginable happen to her, she is assaulted by two people for a team she works with. Scared, she doesn't want to say anything so she moves to a different team, but is still just as stubborn. This is dark, but the hockey players (yes I said hockey players as in plural) are all there for her.

Remember to read your trigger warnings for this one.

[Tay's Reviews🔥🌶📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶💣💥


This one takes the cake 🎂

Arianna's story is not only relatable, but it's also raw, unforgiving, heartbreaking, and absolutely brutal.

As the story unfolds, there is a difference in realization, as there are twists and turns at almost ever corner. It also leaves you with a deeper type of confidence, as one heals from traumas most don't ever talk about.

Read the trigger warnings and prepare yourself as you embark on this tantalizing book of emotional wreckage.

I must say, out of all the books I've read from Emily Klepp, this is definitely top 3 for me 🖤

[Theta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing it was dark, and the opening prologue proved that. This book starts off with a bang and a super dark prologue, and the rest of the book continues in that manner right through to the end. Ari went through so much and deserved her ending so much, along with her men and her family. All the twists and turns in this book regarding certain characters had me gasping and swearing so much! I would highly recommend this book but absolutely check the trigger list first.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short, but it doesn't read that way. I really enjoyed this one. Read your triggers, because this one doesn't ease you in, it dumps you right into the deep end. Ari is left broken in more ways than one, and this is the story of her come back and redemption and the ten men that love her. I'm not a hockey girl, but I'd start going to games in a heartbeat if I could meet a couple of guys like the Ari's boys. ;)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you must read trigger warnings first. Ari's story is heartbreaking. The story goes into detail about her trauma. This book is packed with trauma, hockey, and spice. I mean 10 men holy moly. One of the twists was big enough it almost out did the 10 men in my book. I will leave one last hinest truth about this book.... the epiloge had me busting out laughing even though I probably shouldn't have. what can I say it was dark, funny, and probably gross to others.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why have 1 hockey star boyfriend when you can have 10.

Arianna goes through a lot to get to the other side and I really didn’t see it being Jovi and Elijah that would be the ones to help her the most after how they first treated her.

I liked the wee thing that Diane gets with Ray and Anthony.

I definitely wasn’t expecting that twist with Ethan and Conrad.

What happens to Arianna is brutal so checking triggers really is advised.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooooo gurlllll. I was excited when I heard Emily was writing a dark hockey romance. I love everything that she’s written, even when (every single book) she drags me emotionally over hot coals and rips out my heart to step on. This book was raw and intense but girlie pop, 10 MMCs?!? Yaas please! Also- good for momma! I would not be sad to read about all of these characters more in the future. 🖤

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful story about healing around the right people, finding special kind of love and also about sweet revenge! What I also loved was the twist at the end and of course, the epilogue was the icing of the cake. It is rather dark and it starts really strong so, if you have triggers, be aware of the TW list, but all in all it is a great story!

[Angela Ballas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book early and just WOW!!! I love Emily’s books. They have such powerful statement and survival stories! Arianna goes through a really TOUGH situation…but her guys 🥵🌶️ help her mend and become complete again! I absolutely loved this one!!!! And the ending was AMAZING! Not going to lie..I bawled 😭. Definitely check your triggers if you have any. Definitely recommend..as always!!!!

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man. The horror that Arianna survived would have taken down anyone. She fought with loved ones by her side. And so many hockey players. The tension between 2 of them and her are tight but it doesn't last long. And the past that isn't buried. This has got it all and the twists and turns you would have never seen coming. And the ending will make sure smile.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella it was about what I had imagined. It was violent while being so utterly sweet at the same time. The openness that everything was discussed the ability of each of these top athletes to be able to share like that is a fantasy all in itself. Fun, sweet read

[Di T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy from the author. This book is a fast paced emotional roller coaster dark romance. It is straight in with a brutal attack so please read the trigger warnings. It is balanced with dark humor and care. Recommend you add this to your TBR list.