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Hate Me Harder: A Dark Bully Romance

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My first love is back, and he is crueler than ever.

He is the boss I never wanted…

The man I can’t outrun….

He sits on his pedestal, not knowing what actually happened that night. How can I hate him when he doesn’t know the truth? I swore I’d never break, but sometimes the devil is worth falling for.

I didn't ask for revenge, but I'll take it wrapped in vows and sealed with hate.


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

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

13 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Emily Klepp

132 books588 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Lemon.
816 reviews21 followers
March 28, 2026
Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3.5/5 ➡️➡️➡️ * R E A D the trigger warning * I can’t stress that enough to begin with. There are a lot of them jam packed into this novella? Can I call it a novella? It’s only like 160something pages?


Cambria is head over heels in love with Blake. They’re a match made in heaven. At a party around prom (tbeyre still in high school at this point) she runs into Brady, Blakes older brother, who takes her upstairs to look for Blake. Brady spiked her drink. Shes groggy, her limbs are heavy, shes going under. Blake and TWELVE other men r@pe Cambia. She wakes up the next day remembering pieces of the night covered in blood (virgin), cum and vomit. Along with a nasty break up message from Blake. Brady staged a picture to make it look like she was enjoying it.


Cambia has caught chlamydia and is not seeking an abortion. 😕 Blake is making her life hell. Calling her a whore and having everyone turn their back on her. At the abortion clinic, we meet Penny. An older woman who just talks to Cambria. They form an instant connection. Penny and Cambria form an unbreakable bond.


Penny is there throughout the first year @ college for Cambria. However, Penny has terminal cancer and not much time. Blake, who attends the same college, is still making Cambrias life a nightmare. When Penny passes away, she leaves Cambria everything. She was the mother Cambria was missing. Cambria transferred to MIT, and tries to move on with her life.


Twelve years have passed. Cambria is now under contract with a tech company who have invested in her app. She’s thriving. Until, her company gets sold. Blake Brady and Teddy are reintroduced as the new owners of Cambrias company she works at. She’s is stuck. She’s under contract. She either stays and fights for the app she’s dedicated everything to or she quits and the tech company now owns the app. she chooses to fight and stay.


Teddy is the first to make a connection and find out what happened back then to Cambria. Instant attraction. Blake finds out what truly went down all those years ago. They vow to make amends for Cambria. They’re going to take down Brady and their dad.


Teddy and Blake take care of their girl like no one ever has. Cambria, as she should be, is hesitant in every way. Thinking the other shoe is going to drop again. Blake really proves himself. He even gets Corey, one of the 12 men, to step forward and explain what happened that night. Corey eventually joins the menage. Cambria welcomes him.


Corey. Teddy. and Blake find their groove. They find their vengeance. All for the love of Cambria. They really do get her justice in the end. It’s kind of a dark twisted sweetness.


This is a dark romance. - Murder, R@pe, Suicide, Suicide Ideation, Abortion, STDs, College setting, Work place setting, Millionaires, Found family, RH/WC, Group scenes (no MM), enemies to lovers, Second chance, mental health, and HEA. This was really good if you’re into all those tropes packed in one little book.
Profile Image for Kaylee Lynch.
148 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2026
When a book is dedicated to her haters- you know it’s going to be good. Plus I’ve loved everything from Emily Klepp that I’ve read. Cambria was looking for her boyfriend Blake 12 years ago at a party but found his older brother instead. Thinking she could trust him ended up being a mistake. Then Blake became her bully as he thought she slept with his brother. She turned her trauma into working on an app to help victims of assault get help. And then finds out the company she works at was sold. She’s under contract to be there at least 5 more years. I truly loved Teddy right away and was so happy when this was a why choose with Teddy and Blake! The chemistry between them all was fantastic. The spice was absolutely everything!! I was so sad when this book ended because I wasn’t done. The third addition was just as lovely but I don’t want to say his name as I don’t want to spoil anything. Also check your triggers!
Profile Image for Theta.
223 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2026
Hate Me Harder focuses on Cambria and her relationship mostly with Blake. Blake believes that she cheated on him and turns from her boyfriend to her bully, until they meet again in the future and Cambria is much more sure of herself.
I really enjoyed this book. Cambria was such a good main character and the relationship she has with Blake and how she does what is best for her, even if that means making him pay a little bit! There are a few side characters that are absolute sweethearts and the story wraps up perfectly!
Profile Image for Shelby.
239 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2026
The story of Cam and Blake. Highschool sweethearts planning to do all of their firsts when they get married. Until Blake’s brother gets jealous. Then Cam meets Penny the woman who saved her and was her second mom. I loved this book. Blake Teddy and Corey are amazing.
Profile Image for Dee Layton.
426 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2026
As always I want to start out by saying please, please read your trigger warnings. This book has a lot of heavy things in it if you cannot stand that please read your trigger warnings.

Now this book I felt was absolutely amazing. The underlining I guess message in the story about accountability, understanding, was absolutely just amazing.

It starts with cambria and Blake are together they're still in high school until his brother Brady becomes jealous. While that prom Brady drugs her drink him and 12 other people take advantage of her situation and abuse her sexually. Brady of course the sadistic snake he is sets it up to make it look like this was something that she wanted and Blake then turns on her and makes her life hell.
Through this she has to have an abortion and catches an STI. Then later on when she starts college. She meets penny an older woman who becomes her friend. Penny shortly after passes from a terminal disease and leaves everything to Cam. And that's just what she needed to start over she goes to MIT gets a good degree and starts her life.

Now here we are 12 years later creates an app. That she's super proud of. Then the company that she works with sells out and the new tech company comes in and it's owned by Teddy, Blake, and Brady. At this point she can tell and run, or she can be the badass that she knows she is and stay and fight. That's exactly what she does she stays and she fights for the app she created.
During this time Teddy is the first to find out what happened all those years ago. They instantly were attracted to one another which I thought was kind of cute. Then Blake finds out and isn't happy. All of them work together to take down Brady and their father.
I think it's absolutely amazing how much Teddy and Blake love cam. Although she is very hesitant they prove their self very Worthy. Then Corey comes into the picture he was one of the 12 that took part and what happened all those years ago. He came forth to explain exactly what happened. Cam also figured you've got two men why can't I love more and Corey is added to their unit. It does take him a little bit to work kinks out to get it figured out but they do they become a solid unit.
I'm not usually a sucker for Hea but in this case I'm kind of glad they got one because they deserved it.
Brady got what was coming to him although I wish it was a lot harsher.
Overall, absolutely phenomenal book. Emily never fails to keep you hooked. Even though this was a short novella style book it was fully packed with so much amazingness. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Susan McWhinney.
712 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
If you have never read an Emily Klepp Book then you need to start!
Yes, her books contain many triggers but in the underlying story of trauma there is the recovery and healing, which she emulates so well.
And this story Hate me Harder is no different.
I loved it from the first page as it ropes you in, and you need to know "what the hell happens next!
Finding your one true love at a young age, Cambria thought she had it all. A bright future, heading off to college with her childhood sweetheart, Blake, when in one single night, a mistake is made, and she ends up as a drugged up rape victim that is unable to say no. This does not mean she gave consent, but that the drugs used to help keep her compliant, kept her quiet.
When secrets are revealed about his father's involvement in Cambria's rape, Blake realises that he has made a bad error of judgement. In believing his brother that Cambria was a willing participant, he bullied and harassed her for the whole year she was at college with him.
She graduated and became a successful independent business woman, so the last thing she needed was for Blake and Brady to be her new bosses! Yep trigger city right there!
Blake and Cambria finally find a level footing and they both help each other to heal. They never had closure and never stopped loving each other.
Working side by side gets easier and her attraction to both Brady and his best friend Teddy develops into a why choose relationship. Great for healing!!
But why stop at just 2 men when you can have more?
Totally loved Cambria as she soon finds the love she deserves, but it was not a straight out HEA as more twists to the story occur. Yes!! Just to keep your blood pumping for the "right" outcome of Cambria's rapist once he is arrested! And yes maybe I am a little bit dark myself as both Blake and Cambria finally get their revenge!

Profile Image for Mache.
72 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
Hate Me Harder by Emily Klepp is an emotionally intense dark romance that leans into second chance tension, unresolved pain, and the complicated line between love and hate. From the very beginning, the story pulls you into a dynamic that is heavy, raw, and filled with deeply buried emotions that refuse to stay hidden.

Cambria is a strong and resilient heroine whose journey carries real emotional weight. There is a quiet strength in the way she continues to move forward, even when faced with painful reminders of her past. Her growth and determination stand out, making it easy to stay invested in her story.

The relationship at the center of the book is charged with tension. The connection between Cambria and Blake is intense, layered, and often difficult, but it is clear that their bond runs deeper than either of them wants to admit. The push and pull between them keeps the story engaging, showing how unresolved feelings can linger even when buried under anger.

What stood out most to me was the emotional core of the story. Beneath the harsh words and difficult moments, there is a clear message about understanding, accountability, and the importance of knowing the full truth before passing judgment. Emily does a great job of showing how emotions can be shaped by perception, and how those perceptions can shift over time.

As always, Emily Klepp continues to deliver stories that explore darker themes while still leaving room for healing and connection. This is not a light read, but it is one that leaves an impact.

Overall, Hate Me Harder is a powerful and compelling dark second chance romance that blends emotional intensity with meaningful character growth. This is absolutely a must read for fans of the genre and a well deserved five star read.

Rating: ★★★★★
Profile Image for Royhan H.
Author 6 books12 followers
Read
March 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from the author

I'm giving it five stars not because it's a five-star read.

So basically, the first chapter put me off, but I still went ahead and continued. To me, I don't think the SA scene needed to be written out. Just mentioning it would have been enough.
Blake is so stupid and made me want to materialize myself into the book and slap some sense into him. Fucking use your eyes. He has eyes but can't see, a brain but can't comprehend, and 🤦
It's a good short story, but it's predictable. Like the chat scene with Cam talking to a stranger, only to find out it was xxx... I saw it coming.
What makes me happy is that at least Cam has a backbone. She talks back sometimes, and I love it actually.
Wait... I didn't read the trigger warnings because I like going in blind, but why did it jump from her revealing her past to... nothing? No emotional moment? No anger, sadness, or reaction? It wasn't what I was expecting at all. And every time there's a serious conversation, they always jump to sex. Not every conversation or moment needs that.
The sharing part hit me in shock that I'd to reread again.
The ending felt a bit rushed to me, and there are some things I wanted explored that weren't.
Also, Blake didn't grovel enough. Cam forgave him way too easily. I wanted Cam to dump him, use him and dump him, but well, all is good I suppose.
Thanks again for the ARC! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mel.
107 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2026
Hate Me Harder is a dark bully romance that goes to some very heavy places. At its core, it’s a story of survival and resilience for our FMC, Cambria.

After experiencing a traumatic assault at eighteen, Cambria loses so much—including her boyfriend at the time, who never understands what truly happened and instead believes she betrayed him. Blake’s reaction leads to intense bullying, and at times, it becomes hard to read.

Years later, they’re forced back into each other’s lives, and what follows is a journey of healing, confrontation, and growth. What stood out to me most was Cambria’s strength. Despite everything she’s been through, she learns to stand up for herself, fight back, and reclaim her life.

Her relationship with Blake, Teddy, and Corey evolves into something surprisingly beautiful. These men become fiercely protective, willing to burn the world down for her, and their dynamic brings both intensity and emotional depth to the story.

This book does not hold back—it’s brutal at times, and I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before reading. But underneath the darkness, it’s a story about resilience, healing, found family, love, and ultimately, justice.

What to expect:

🖤 Bully Romance
💞 Second Chance Romance
💼 Workplace Romance
🔥 OTT Possessive MMCs
🖤 Why Choose
🔥 MF & MFM
😈 Breath Play
⚠️ CNC
🖤 Choking
🖤 Sensory Deprivation

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

‼️⚠️ please check trigger warnings ⚠️‼️
Profile Image for Tanya.
703 reviews38 followers
March 30, 2026
Hate Me Harder is a dark bully romance written by Emily Klepp. If you are familiar with Emily’s books, you know they are usually pretty dark and have a ton of trigger warnings. Please read them… unless you’re like me and have no triggers!

This book follows Cambria from both the past and the present. In the past, Cambria was utterly in love with her boyfriend, Blake - they had a future together, until a horrible night when her innocence and her true love were stolen from her. Instead of being comforted by Blake, he accuses her of cheating with his brother, crushing her.

In the present day, she has created an app to help survivors and is under contract with a tech company. When the company is sold to none other than her ex-boyfriend and his brother, she must face the past and fight to retain ownership of her app. Don’t worry - revenge is sweet.

This is a dark romance with a ton of triggers. Cambria is brutally assaulted. This visceral depiction of the darkest moment of her life will punch you in the gut. Instead of being comforted by those around her, she is isolated and ostracized. She is forced into survival mode but turns it around, using her pain to create something brilliant. In the end, she is in control of her life and takes what is hers.

Thanks to Emily Klepp for gifting me an eARC of Hate Me Harder. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
177 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2026
First things first, check the trigger warnings! This is a dark bully romance and Cambria goes through some extremely traumatic situations! In high school, Cambria and Blake had their future planned out. On prom night Cambria becomes a victim of a vile assault and Blake thinks she is a willing participant. Cambria doesn't tell Blake what actually happened so he blames her and tries to make her life even more hellish than it already is. Cambria decides to move and start anew. Twelve years later, Cambria works at a tech company and has developed her own app that can help people that experienced assault like she did. Since the company supported the development of her app she is contractually obligated to stay with them for ten years. During the fifth year she is informed that the company is being sold. Her new boss is Blake! Cambria is such an amazing character. She went through so much trauma and lost everything. But she is a survivor, resilient, and always puts others first. She refuses to give up her app even though her life would be easier because she knows it will help others. I am glad that Cambria has Penny to lean on. Penny is an older woman who becomes a mother figure for her that she meets during one of her darkest moments. I also love that Cambria eventually finds all the love and support she deserves (IYKYK). I absolutely recommend this book! It has amazing characters, spice, and is full of twists!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,105 reviews
March 28, 2026
Hate Me Harder is a dark, emotional second chance romance that hits hard from the very first chapter.

⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book⚠️

What you get......
♡Dark Romance
♡Bully Romance
♡Second Chance Romance
♡Workplace Romance
♡OTT Possessive MMC’s
♡Why Choose
♡MF
♡MFM
♡Breath Play
♡CNC
♡Choking
♡Sensory Deprivation
♡Heavy Triggers

Cambria and Blake were high school sweethearts with their whole future planned until jealousy, trauma, and one devastating night shattered everything.

Cambria’s journey is powerful. She survives the worst moment of her life, rebuilds herself, finds real support in Penny, and eventually fights for justice twelve years later. Her strength is the heart of this story.

Blake is hard to love at first. He is angry, cruel, and drowning in guilt but Emily gives him a redemption arc that actually works.

Teddy is the softest protector, Corey is a survivor with a huge heart, and together they create a circle of support that helps Cam heal.

This book is dark, emotional, and full of tension, but it also delivers growth, truth, and a love story that feels earned. The twist at the end is wild, the side characters shine, and the spice absolutely delivers.

Emily delivers a gripping, intense, and beautifully written second chance romance. It’s an absolute must read for dark romance fans!
3,466 reviews73 followers
April 4, 2026
Dark , Steamy and utterly addictive!! Oh my gosh guys !!! No words , no perfect words can even start to describe the crazy and wild ride Emily just took me on . Do you love Dark Bully romances that are dark raw and gritty ? That are the perfect blend of second chance / why choose , beautifully broken and flawed characters, kick@ss heroines and morally grey possessive MMC’s ? Well if so , look no further!! Settle in grab on tight and prepare yourself to be completely blown away . I don’ want to give anything away , but what I will say is that I was not prepared for how this story was going to wreck me . How it was going to shatter all my pieces of my heart and then somehow by the end put them right back together. The things our heroine endured , the emotional toll it took on her entire life . Her strength, her resilience j, the courage she has and her ability to find a way through it all . And the 3 guys in her life , the impact they have on her and how different they are . Hate Me Harder is not an easy story at all !! It’s dark , it’s emotional, it’s filled with tension, intrigue and suspense, it’s a story about love , about tragedy and trauma , about healing and second chances. It’s unforgettable and unputdownable.
2 minutes ago
Profile Image for Jessica.
88 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
What a story!

This book is about Cambria and Blake story. A second chance dark intense romance. Starting back to when they were in high-school. This book drew me in and made me have overwhelming feelings.

The trama that Cambria faced when she lost her innocence and how she overcome her pass. The strength she showed. How she found justice for herself even if was 12 years later.

The life she built for herself. All the love and support she had to help her. How the guys kept her life safe and Career along the way. The healing she endured. The trust she gave.Cambria had to face many obstacles to get to her happy ending.

Love the spiciness in this book! Blake- hated him form the start how he treated her, but then he grew on me and prived hkmself worthy! Teddy is the most softest and always there for support. Corey- is a survivor apart of Cambria trauma but both bonded for the better! 🌶🌶🌶Let's just say they all make it up to her with extra amount of orgasms 🥵.

Another amazing book by Emily. Loved the writing, loved the story. The emotions i felt. The amount of heat you bring, And the way you described the guys, ugh so hot!!!

Can't wait to read more great book from you.
Please check your triggers!
Profile Image for Anu.
100 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
March 24, 2026
This book is classic Emily—dark, intense, and emotionally heavy. But this time the themes go even deeper, and the triggers are likely harsher than in her previous works.

Yes, it’s a reverse harem/why choose story, but at its core lies an extremely brutal gang assault that destroyed the FMC’s life when she was young. When you add a bully‑romance angle on top of that, you can imagine just how heavy the subject matter becomes.

This is also a second‑chance romance: they were deeply in love back in high school, before the assault that shattered the FMC’s life and created the devastating misunderstanding that tore them apart. When they meet again years later, all that unresolved emotion resurfaces through a tense love–hate dynamic. Neither of them has ever truly admitted what they still feel, but the story brings out their chemistry and the quiet, instinctive understanding between them beautifully.

Thankfully, Emily delivers a happy ending as she always does, but there are several moments in the story that more sensitive readers may want to avoid. It’s a fast‑paced read about trauma, survival, and learning to trust life again.
Profile Image for BookishEchoes.
94 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꪑꪗ ᥅ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
Emily Klepp – Hate Me Harder: A Dark Bully Romance

This story hit hard in all the best ways. The plot was phenomenal, and the emotional intensity pulled me in from the very beginning. Every moment felt raw, gritty, and perfectly layered with that dark, addictive edge I love.

I really connected with the FMC and felt invested in every character’s journey. The way the story unfolded made it easy to understand each character’s role and motivations, and nothing felt out of place or distracting. It all built beautifully toward the conclusion without losing that emotional impact.

If you love stories with depth, strong character development, and emotionally charged storytelling, this one absolutely delivers. It exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression.

#DarkRomance #BullyRomance #WhyChooseRomance #ReverseHaremReads #SpicyBooks #DarkReads #BookTok #RomanceReaders #KindleUnlimitedReads #KUBooks #SpicyBookRecs #BookAddict #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishObsessed #MorallyGrey #ObsessiveMMC #SecondChanceRomance #WorkplaceRomance #DarkRomanceAddict #TriggerWarningBooks
Profile Image for DarkFayePrincess.
44 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2026
ARC Review 📚

Helllooo book baddies!!😍
Here's another book review for the amazing Emily Klepp.
I had the honor of reading Hate me harder and it didn't disappoint. But what to expect, I haven't read a single book of hers that's bad!😄

So the story unravels pretty fast. It's sad at first but it turns out beautifully troughout the book. I wasn't prepared for how it started but I emedially got intrigued on how it would turn out!
The only thing I found that wasn't really as I thought, was the bullying part. It wasn't as much of that as I expected but the story itself.. Just wow!! It's a pretty short book but there are twists and turns that you didn't see coming!😱
I absolutely LOVED Teddy from the moment he came into the story and yes, he's still my favorite 🖤

I'm a sucker for Why Choose, which this book of course gives us, and even here was a twist I didn't expect at all!
I highly recommend this one, yes it's dark and filled with triggers and trauma but also so damn beautiful 🖤🖤🖤
It really shows how you can turn things around, by yourself, but also with the right people around you.

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Heath Steph Smith.
336 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2026
💥Read your trigger warnings!
Cambria..you sweet angel. Your innocence was stolen from you, but you grew into a woman with a strong backbone and one hell of a hardy appetite for orgasms. Blake, I want you to know that I hated you. Hated, not hate. You grew on me and in her 😍. Teddy is a legit Teddy Bear who I just want cuddles and Weiner from. Corey is just as much of a survivor as Cam is and boy does he have a great way of making up for things.
Brady, you sad sack of shit, may your socks never match a day in your short life. Bitch.
Miguel is just a POS father who deserves nothing but to sit on 10 bats at once for eternity. Penny was a godsend when Cam needed someone the most. If only we all could find a kind soul to hold us when we can’t face the day alone. The mindfuck at the end of the book had me 🤯. There were a few awesome side characters that anyone would want as friends. To watch the trauma that Cam faced and how she survived it all is truly inspiring. 10/10 would ride all of them
Profile Image for Ariel Oliver.
304 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
This book had me hating the MMC through most of the book but Emily came in with a redemption arc and I kinda fell in love with him.

Blake and Cambria are high-school sweethearts and have their entire life planned before they even graduate. Until that unfortunate event where she is drugged and sexually assulted. As the story unfolds, you see all Blake has done to make her life hell, and how he blames her for everything that went wrong in her life. I'll be honest, it was kinda hard to like him at first.

Teddy on the other hand? Swoony from the beginning. Sweet and takes no shit from Blake. He calls him out all the time and I love that about him.

Corey... I felt so bad for him and the trauma he experienced. But his obsession with Cambria had me grinning.

This book is dark and filled with triggers, the MMC is mean as hell, but in the end, you will love him too!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5
Profile Image for Hannah Bobb.
148 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
It’s crazy that I went from Emily’s “Slick Hotdogs” to this beautiful and heartbreaking story. I don’t know why but Cambria’s storyline in the beginning broke my heart. I was crying those big thick tears especially with the short time that Penny was a comfort to our girl when her world was crumbling. Blake is hard to like and even forgive after the emotional, physical and mental bullying he did to an innocent woman. I love that Cambria works in STEM and is at the top of her field and wasn’t going to back down and accept anything less for her “baby” something she worked on as a passion project that honestly should exist in today’s real world. the only man I loved instantly was Teddy - that sweet sweet soul. again, it was different to see a male character talk so openly about his own trauma. appreciated the dark humor throughout the very sad bits to make it a little more palatable to the reader.

Emily really did a phenomenal job on this novel.
483 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
Damn!! I absolutely devoured this book.
I don't know why, but for some reason this book just felt different from the other books. It is defintely a DARK bully romance, but I feel like the story line, the characters, and even the jobs of the characters have shifted. Lately some of the stories have had similar job descriptions and the stories have been about the MMC helping the FMC be safe and meeting for the first time.
Here it was different, there was a past history. Cambria survived a tragic prom night filled with too many losses and choices stolen from her. She suffered alone until Penny. Blake didn't make her life easy.
Now so many years later they reconnect, unwillingly, and truths are revealed. New connections made. secrets uncovered and wrongs righted with deadly justice.
An engaging story that keeps you hooked!
Profile Image for Justina Staniforth.
Author 5 books49 followers
March 29, 2026
This was a rollercoaster bully romance, which ended up turning into a why choose RH tale I didn’t see coming.
Blake and Cam were high school sweethearts, until it was all ripped away from her by his brother in a triggering trauma.
Cam never got over losing Blake and her world imploding. But somehow she finds a strength to build a future, a company, and a semblance of normality - for her anyways.
But life has a funny way of flipping on its axis when you least expect it. 12 years later Blake and his family tumble back into her orbit.
With hate, trauma bonding, and an intense way of working through apologies.
But will Cam ever really be able to trust Blake, or the other men, Teddy, and Corey, that seem intent on hating her harder?
This is a dark read. Please read trigger warnings, and first and foremost, look after your own mental health.
3 ⭐️
5 🌶️
Profile Image for Ashley Bolan.
387 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2026
Cambria's story is one of survival, healing, forgiveness and love. I loved this story so much. Cambria went through literal heck but she never let that stop her from achieving her dreams and helping others. Blake was her high school boyfriend and due to other people, he was made to believe a lie. He tried to hate Cambria and make her suffer but no matter what he did he never truly stopped loving her. We meet some other great great characters that help them both heal and find forgiveness. This story is a why choose and they all add a different element to the dynamic. I love Emily and her ability to write characters who go through a lot but through it all they learn to heal and to thrive in life. There is no greater accomplishment than knowing that you are thriving despite you circumstances. This is a must read if you like these types of stories.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,763 reviews238 followers
April 4, 2026
Cambria experiences a horrific ordeal at the beginning of the story. One that changes her and helped to shape who she is today. She became inspired to build what she did from her trauma. After the way that Blake reacted when he learned about what happened to Cambria, I was turned off by him. Thus, I really never forgave him.

I appreciate that Cambria and Blake were able to reconnection on a different level and become physical and emotionally attached. Me personally, as I said I did not really forgive him, so I could not really connect with him. In addition, that I felt like Cambria gave into him too quickly.

This is a fine read. I like that Cambria was able to not let what happened to her define her and for her to find happiness. She deserved it. While not a fan story of mine, I will still read more books by Emily.
Profile Image for Courtney Buzako.
45 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
"I use to think surviving meant staying silent, and if I kept my head down, held my breath, and pretended I was fine for just long enough... eventually I would be. Eventually, it would stop hurting so badly. But survival isnt quiet. It doesnt come easily. It's messy, loud, ugly and honest. It's screaming when no one listens and whispering when someone finally hears you. It's letting love in, even when it comes wearing the face of the man who once shattered you..."

Venture through the life and healing of Cam after being brutally gang raped and losing everything she thought she never would.

Check your triggers multiple times before jumping into this read. It's brutal and will strike the feels, edge you and let you fall.
Profile Image for Mags.
319 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2026
I really liked this one. It was a lot different to the other Emily books I have read recently.

From Cambria accepting that drink from Brady all the way to her mum at the end there was twist that I didn't predict.

Cambria and Blake have mapped out their lives together and thanks to Blake's brother Brady it all goes wrong. Blake ends up making the love of his lives live miserable until Cambria has enough and moves away. But that's not the end of their story not by a long shot.

I will say that I like them adding Teddy into the mix especially as he seemed to be good to and for Cambria. I'm not sure that Corey needed to be added into the mix but that's just me. I just felt that he was added just for the sake of it.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,276 reviews38 followers
April 2, 2026
When you're nightmare returns

Cambria has not had good luck in life. She tragically lost her Dad, then her mom, then her innocence and her boyfriend.

She met a wonderful woman with no children who took her in when she needed her mother the most. Penny was an absolute angel.

I absolutely loved that she took her trauma and her brain and made something out of it. Her ideas were fantastic. Then the company she was stuck with got sold and all her demons reappeared.

I adored Teddy and feel like he was the only bone she actually connected with. The other relationships felt flat especially after their history.

The way everything ended though was a fun surprise and everyone is apparently happy. I mean I wouldn't mind being adored by multiple men.
800 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2026
Hate Me Harder is so very emotional. I had tears in my eyes for the first part of this book.

Cambria and Blake are high school sweethearts. Everything was great until Blake's family started medeling.

This spicy second chance dark romance pulls you in and doesn't let go until the very end.

Love her men Corey, Teddy and Blake. And how they loved and cared for her.

Through all the crazy twists and deeply emotional trauma this story has a very HEA for everyone.

The bad guys got what was coming. Now everyone can heal, love and support each other.

Please check TW before reading.

Emily Klepp has written another fabulous story.
Profile Image for Michele.
532 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2026
A lovers to enemies to lovers' story about Blake and Cam. Blake is led to believe a lie about Cam, he breaks up with her, and bullies her until she transfers out of college to be away from him. Years later, he ends up being her boss when his father buys the company where she is currently employed. The truth is revealed so Blake promises to bring her justice along with Teddy, who also is employed by the new company.

A great second chance romance for Blake and Cam. Both Blake's mom and Cam's mom were also unknowingly victims to the to the same person that hurt Cam.

Check TWs so you can read to your comfort level.
Profile Image for Michelle.
126 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. As always, read your trigger warnings before diving into this one.

My favorite character in this? Penny. What an angel, there when Cambria needed someone the most. It breaks my heart that she died so early. I'd love to get some kind of prequel where we can get more with Penny.

Teddy is also amazing. Cam forgave Blake too easily, in my opinion, but since I'm sure he things so, too, and will spend the rest of his life apologizing... I guess it works out. :P

Lots of trauma in here, but lots of good story. This was really well done.
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