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Evidence of Us: A Dark Crime Romance
I survived the night that was supposed to become the beginning of my forever. I built a career chasing monsters because I never caught my own. I buried the girl who believed in forever, locked away every piece of the woman I used to be, and learned to survive instead of live. Every scar I've spent a decade pretending doesn't hurt is bleeding all over again.
Some wounds never heal.
Some love never dies
Maybe the evidence of us was there all along.
THIS IS A DARK ROMANCE WITH HEAVY TRIGGERS.
READER'S DISCRETION IS HIGHLY ADVISED.
Some wounds never heal.
Some love never dies
Maybe the evidence of us was there all along.
THIS IS A DARK ROMANCE WITH HEAVY TRIGGERS.
READER'S DISCRETION IS HIGHLY ADVISED.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
About the author
Emily Klepp
147 books645 followersVisit 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.
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 44 reviews
August 15, 2026
Mariska is starting her new job as a detective with SVU (I love the reference to one of my favorite shows. Zeke is her new partner and ex-boyfriend, whom she hasn't seen since her hospitalization after an SA attack. Dawson is her therapist, but they may feel some very unprofessional feelings toward each other. It is a suspense-filled, polyamorous dark romance. It has a couple of mysteries, an MFM relationship, and spice. It was an exciting read. It does have many possible triggers, so check out those warnings on the author's website if needed.
August 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between the main characters, plus I'm a huge crime fiction reader so I liked having the sprinkle of crime fiction mixed in with this. Mariska came through the trauma stronger, with the help of Dawson and Zeke, and damn, she's one lucky woman! 🤣
August 13, 2026
Evidence of Us by Emily Klepp was such an unexpectedly emotional read. This was a quick book, but it packed an incredible amount of suspense, heartbreak, healing, and romance into its pages. Once I started reading, putting it down was not really an option.
Mariska's character immediately pulled me in. She is someone who experienced something that could have completely destroyed her ability to trust, love, or move forward, yet she chose to dedicate her life to helping others. I loved that her strength was not portrayed as simply forgetting what happened to her. Instead, her past remained a part of her while she continued learning how to live beyond it.
Her emotional journey was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. There is something incredibly powerful about watching someone who spends so much of her life helping others finally allow herself to be helped. Mariska deserved the opportunity to be cared for without feeling like she had to carry everything alone.
Zeke brought an entirely different layer of emotion to the story. His history with Mariska created an ache that could be felt throughout their interactions. Sometimes the people we love the most are separated from us by circumstances we never fully understand, and I thought that theme was handled beautifully here.
Dawson was another character I really enjoyed. His presence brought patience, understanding, and another form of emotional support to Mariska's journey. The dynamic between the characters was complicated, but it never felt like the romance existed separately from everything Mariska was trying to overcome.
he psychological thriller aspect also kept me completely invested. The investigation gave the story a steady sense of urgency while the personal circumstances surrounding Mariska and the other characters continued raising the emotional stakes. I was constantly trying to piece things together while also hoping the characters would finally get the answers and closure they deserved.
What I appreciate most about Emily Klepp's writing is that she does not shy away from difficult subjects. She allows her characters to be messy, emotional, damaged, stubborn, and resilient. They do not simply move past their trauma because the story needs them to. They have to work through it, and that makes their moments of happiness feel even more meaningful.
Mariska's character immediately pulled me in. She is someone who experienced something that could have completely destroyed her ability to trust, love, or move forward, yet she chose to dedicate her life to helping others. I loved that her strength was not portrayed as simply forgetting what happened to her. Instead, her past remained a part of her while she continued learning how to live beyond it.
Her emotional journey was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. There is something incredibly powerful about watching someone who spends so much of her life helping others finally allow herself to be helped. Mariska deserved the opportunity to be cared for without feeling like she had to carry everything alone.
Zeke brought an entirely different layer of emotion to the story. His history with Mariska created an ache that could be felt throughout their interactions. Sometimes the people we love the most are separated from us by circumstances we never fully understand, and I thought that theme was handled beautifully here.
Dawson was another character I really enjoyed. His presence brought patience, understanding, and another form of emotional support to Mariska's journey. The dynamic between the characters was complicated, but it never felt like the romance existed separately from everything Mariska was trying to overcome.
he psychological thriller aspect also kept me completely invested. The investigation gave the story a steady sense of urgency while the personal circumstances surrounding Mariska and the other characters continued raising the emotional stakes. I was constantly trying to piece things together while also hoping the characters would finally get the answers and closure they deserved.
What I appreciate most about Emily Klepp's writing is that she does not shy away from difficult subjects. She allows her characters to be messy, emotional, damaged, stubborn, and resilient. They do not simply move past their trauma because the story needs them to. They have to work through it, and that makes their moments of happiness feel even more meaningful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dark crime romance gave us an incredible romance alongside a serial killer murder mystery that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Mariska survived a horrific sexual assault as a teenager, an experience that left her with lasting trauma. Instead of letting it define her, she turned it into her purpose, becoming a detective in the Sex Crimes Unit so she could fight for victims and help them find the justice she never received after her own attacker was never caught.
Starting a new job reunites her with her childhood best friend and ex, Zeke. He never understood why she disappeared from his life until he finally learns the truth about what happened to her.
As Mariska and Zeke work together to hunt down a serial killer targeting women, they slowly find their way back to each other. I loved seeing them reconnect after everything they’d been through. Their chemistry was amazing, and it doesn’t take them long to discover they’re more than compatible when it comes to their shared kinks. 😏
Then there’s Dawson, Mariska’s therapist. It’s obvious from the start that there’s something more between them, and with Zeke more than happy to share, the three of them become one incredibly hot and supportive throuple. I absolutely loved their dynamic together.
One of my favourite parts of this book was Mariska herself. She was such a strong, intelligent FMC who refused to let her past define her. She fought for justice every single day, not only for other victims but eventually for herself too. She never needed someone to save her, but she finally found people willing to stand beside her and I loved watching her find happiness with Zeke and Dawson.
This is a story full of mystery, murder, healing, romance and plenty of spice. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
✨ What to expect:
🕵️ Crime Romance
🚔 Workplace Romance
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🔥 Strong FMC
💞 Second Chance Romance
🌶️ Rough Sex
⛓️ CNC
🖤 Sadomasochism
❤️ MM • MF • MFM • MMF
🍑 Pegging
Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️
Mariska survived a horrific sexual assault as a teenager, an experience that left her with lasting trauma. Instead of letting it define her, she turned it into her purpose, becoming a detective in the Sex Crimes Unit so she could fight for victims and help them find the justice she never received after her own attacker was never caught.
Starting a new job reunites her with her childhood best friend and ex, Zeke. He never understood why she disappeared from his life until he finally learns the truth about what happened to her.
As Mariska and Zeke work together to hunt down a serial killer targeting women, they slowly find their way back to each other. I loved seeing them reconnect after everything they’d been through. Their chemistry was amazing, and it doesn’t take them long to discover they’re more than compatible when it comes to their shared kinks. 😏
Then there’s Dawson, Mariska’s therapist. It’s obvious from the start that there’s something more between them, and with Zeke more than happy to share, the three of them become one incredibly hot and supportive throuple. I absolutely loved their dynamic together.
One of my favourite parts of this book was Mariska herself. She was such a strong, intelligent FMC who refused to let her past define her. She fought for justice every single day, not only for other victims but eventually for herself too. She never needed someone to save her, but she finally found people willing to stand beside her and I loved watching her find happiness with Zeke and Dawson.
This is a story full of mystery, murder, healing, romance and plenty of spice. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
✨ What to expect:
🕵️ Crime Romance
🚔 Workplace Romance
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🔥 Strong FMC
💞 Second Chance Romance
🌶️ Rough Sex
⛓️ CNC
🖤 Sadomasochism
❤️ MM • MF • MFM • MMF
🍑 Pegging
Spice Rating: 5/5 🌶️
August 7, 2026
My love for @EmilyKlepp books will never die!
She writes a fast paced novella with a flair for the dark side so well.
Plenty of triggers so please make yourself aware before commencing reading this Crime romance.
Mariska is a survivor! She held her trauma close and with the help of Dawson, her psychologist, she was able to begin to function again. Her parents held her throughout her recovery, being there to cheer her on and help when needed.
This does not mean she doesn't carry the scars of that fateful day. A near death experience puts perspective on the life that you now live.
So she studies! And becomes the profiler/detective that she needed to be to help others that have been in the same situation as her. Her rapist was never found, justice was never served!
She intends to find and prosecute every single one of them that crosses her path.
Enter, Zeke, her new partner and Ex!
Yeh, Zeke also was not aware that Mariska was his new partner in the sex crime division at The Newhaven Police Dept.
He felt betrayed when she did not meet with him all those years ago. He considered her the one that got away and realises that his love for her never died.
Zeke has never loved her, but getting her pregnant placed his future in her hands. He married her and knows it was the biggest mistake of his life.
He doesn't know about Mariska's rape and attempted murder, but Meghan does. She kept Zeke busy so he did not seek out Mariska when she failed to meet up with him. Little did he know, she was fighting for her life at the time.
Fast paced, plenty of spice, and some unexpected twists that always suck you in.
Loved it from start to finish, just wished there was more LOL. But I always do with Emily's novella's
A overall must read if you like forbidden, why choose, dark romance
She writes a fast paced novella with a flair for the dark side so well.
Plenty of triggers so please make yourself aware before commencing reading this Crime romance.
Mariska is a survivor! She held her trauma close and with the help of Dawson, her psychologist, she was able to begin to function again. Her parents held her throughout her recovery, being there to cheer her on and help when needed.
This does not mean she doesn't carry the scars of that fateful day. A near death experience puts perspective on the life that you now live.
So she studies! And becomes the profiler/detective that she needed to be to help others that have been in the same situation as her. Her rapist was never found, justice was never served!
She intends to find and prosecute every single one of them that crosses her path.
Enter, Zeke, her new partner and Ex!
Yeh, Zeke also was not aware that Mariska was his new partner in the sex crime division at The Newhaven Police Dept.
He felt betrayed when she did not meet with him all those years ago. He considered her the one that got away and realises that his love for her never died.
Zeke has never loved her, but getting her pregnant placed his future in her hands. He married her and knows it was the biggest mistake of his life.
He doesn't know about Mariska's rape and attempted murder, but Meghan does. She kept Zeke busy so he did not seek out Mariska when she failed to meet up with him. Little did he know, she was fighting for her life at the time.
Fast paced, plenty of spice, and some unexpected twists that always suck you in.
Loved it from start to finish, just wished there was more LOL. But I always do with Emily's novella's
A overall must read if you like forbidden, why choose, dark romance
August 31, 2026
what a shitty ending to a shitty book.
-∞ stars
i don’t wanna yuck on anybody’s yum, but YUCK. this book was overall unsatisfying. there were a bunch of plot holes, everything was predictable, the dialogue is so unnatural and choppy.
why did it feel like she was supposed to be a superhero main character that is the most powerful of all? like the world revolves around her and if she died, the entire universe would lose a precious gem. the team consisted of five members and they didn’t make progress until she joined their team… two days later, the case is solved? okay, sherlock.
it’s giving worse than wattpad.
everybody shits on wattpad. wattpad is great.
what the fuck is this?
↓
“ 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵? 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘰, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐'𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘪𝘮. “
girl… please. shuuuuut up. holy shit.
she’s so weird.
all this bitch does is yap.
↓
"𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭... 𝘚𝘰 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳... 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵."
"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩. 𝘕𝘰, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳."
um… since when did we condone men hitting women
(ᵕ ó ᴗ ò)? as a woman herself, who taught her this? i genuinely lost brain cells being inside her head.
all of their heads.
-∞ stars
i don’t wanna yuck on anybody’s yum, but YUCK. this book was overall unsatisfying. there were a bunch of plot holes, everything was predictable, the dialogue is so unnatural and choppy.
why did it feel like she was supposed to be a superhero main character that is the most powerful of all? like the world revolves around her and if she died, the entire universe would lose a precious gem. the team consisted of five members and they didn’t make progress until she joined their team… two days later, the case is solved? okay, sherlock.
it’s giving worse than wattpad.
everybody shits on wattpad. wattpad is great.
what the fuck is this?
↓
“ 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵? 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘰, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐'𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘪𝘮. “
girl… please. shuuuuut up. holy shit.
she’s so weird.
all this bitch does is yap.
↓
"𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘩, 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭... 𝘚𝘰 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳... 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵."
"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩. 𝘕𝘰, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳."
um… since when did we condone men hitting women
(ᵕ ó ᴗ ò)? as a woman herself, who taught her this? i genuinely lost brain cells being inside her head.
all of their heads.
August 15, 2026
* Before diving into this book please read the trigger warnings! *
Evidence of Us is an amazing read full of trauma, healing, and unpredictable twists. Mariska and Zeke were in love, graduating high school, and trying to plan their future. Betrayal, evilness, and a heinous crime changed the trajectory of their lives. But surviving, overcoming, and hard work led to them reconnecting a decade later. This story is MMF. I loved the characters! Mariska and Zeke are both amazing, strong, MC's who survived through extremely traumatic situations and came out on top. Dawson is a therapist who had been talking with Riss but they no longer meet in person because they are attracted to each other. As it turns out, Dawson is also going to be helping the unit Riss just started at solve a serial unaliver case. I love their whole dynamic. They are supportive, patient, and help each other heal. But they also know what to do when Riss is being a brat or spiraling. The ending was just wild. I did not see the resolution happening that way (IYKYK)! I loved this book and I absolutely recommend it. It draws you in from the beginning and you can even read it in one setting. But let me reiterate, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
Evidence of Us is an amazing read full of trauma, healing, and unpredictable twists. Mariska and Zeke were in love, graduating high school, and trying to plan their future. Betrayal, evilness, and a heinous crime changed the trajectory of their lives. But surviving, overcoming, and hard work led to them reconnecting a decade later. This story is MMF. I loved the characters! Mariska and Zeke are both amazing, strong, MC's who survived through extremely traumatic situations and came out on top. Dawson is a therapist who had been talking with Riss but they no longer meet in person because they are attracted to each other. As it turns out, Dawson is also going to be helping the unit Riss just started at solve a serial unaliver case. I love their whole dynamic. They are supportive, patient, and help each other heal. But they also know what to do when Riss is being a brat or spiraling. The ending was just wild. I did not see the resolution happening that way (IYKYK)! I loved this book and I absolutely recommend it. It draws you in from the beginning and you can even read it in one setting. But let me reiterate, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⚠️Check TW’s before reading⚠️
Y’all know the drill, it’s an Emily book so you’ll have to read the triggers before diving in!
🖤 I really enjoyed this one, and it made me want to start a rewatch of Criminal Minds! If you like books that give Criminal Minds with spice added, you should definitely read this one. We get a fast paced second chance romance, between Mariska and Zeke, and what a surprise it was jeje. I really liked their dynamic and Mariska is a strong bad ass bitch! Honestly wasn’t expecting Dawson to be the other love interest but I’m not mad at all! Him and Zeke were so attentive to her needs and when she needed a push they were there. Things moved pretty fast paced throughout the book, but we get answers to everything. I wasn’t expecting part of it, I had my suspicions about one of the people involved in Mariska’s case, but not the others! Anyways, off I go to do my rewatch of Criminal Minds!
📚Book Type: Second chance work place romance
😈🅦🅗🅐🅣 🅣🅞 🅔🅧🅟🅔🅒🅣😈
🧎🏽♀️MFM/MM/MMF/MF scenes
🧎🏽♀️CNC
🧎🏽♀️Crime romance
🧎🏽♀️Sadomasochism
🧎🏽♀️Pegging
🧎🏽♀️Rough sex
🧎🏽♀️Golden retriever MMC
Y’all know the drill, it’s an Emily book so you’ll have to read the triggers before diving in!
🖤 I really enjoyed this one, and it made me want to start a rewatch of Criminal Minds! If you like books that give Criminal Minds with spice added, you should definitely read this one. We get a fast paced second chance romance, between Mariska and Zeke, and what a surprise it was jeje. I really liked their dynamic and Mariska is a strong bad ass bitch! Honestly wasn’t expecting Dawson to be the other love interest but I’m not mad at all! Him and Zeke were so attentive to her needs and when she needed a push they were there. Things moved pretty fast paced throughout the book, but we get answers to everything. I wasn’t expecting part of it, I had my suspicions about one of the people involved in Mariska’s case, but not the others! Anyways, off I go to do my rewatch of Criminal Minds!
📚Book Type: Second chance work place romance
😈🅦🅗🅐🅣 🅣🅞 🅔🅧🅟🅔🅒🅣😈
🧎🏽♀️MFM/MM/MMF/MF scenes
🧎🏽♀️CNC
🧎🏽♀️Crime romance
🧎🏽♀️Sadomasochism
🧎🏽♀️Pegging
🧎🏽♀️Rough sex
🧎🏽♀️Golden retriever MMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think there was room to dive more into the plot and background of this story which is why I gave it 4 stars. I think the plot was good and the characters were fun to read but everything felt very rushed and even though it was a second chance romance there was really no conversation about the relationship and what went wrong. They just picked back up like no time or trauma had passed. The very “criminal minds” style career and case could have had a bit more challenge and dove more into the work, I think that could have propelled the story and also been an interesting plot that wasn’t something you read every day. I feel that overall for a novella this was good and wrapped up nicely I just wish it could have been a full novel and had to opportunity to dive deeper into all the really cool pieces of this story.
September 3, 2026
Mariska & Zeke & Dawson
Mariska is brutally attacked and left for dead but survived. Ten years later, her experience helped shape her future. She becomes a detective investigating the same try of crimes that happened to her. At work, she reconnects with an ex, Zeke. Mariska also starts things with her therapist, Dawson.
The details in the background grab your attention. From finding out about Zeke's traumatic childhood to his current dilemma with his ex. The case that is being investigated was intriguing.
It was a great book that shows you are stronger than you think. Mariska pushed through the pain when she didn't have to. Do check trigger warnings.
This book was so good. It was short and to the point. Equal amounts of spice, plot with detail and drama.
Tropes:
Crime Romance
Workplace Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Strong FMC
Rough Sex
CNC
Sadomasochişm
MM, MF MFM, MMF
Pegging
Mariska is brutally attacked and left for dead but survived. Ten years later, her experience helped shape her future. She becomes a detective investigating the same try of crimes that happened to her. At work, she reconnects with an ex, Zeke. Mariska also starts things with her therapist, Dawson.
The details in the background grab your attention. From finding out about Zeke's traumatic childhood to his current dilemma with his ex. The case that is being investigated was intriguing.
It was a great book that shows you are stronger than you think. Mariska pushed through the pain when she didn't have to. Do check trigger warnings.
This book was so good. It was short and to the point. Equal amounts of spice, plot with detail and drama.
Tropes:
Crime Romance
Workplace Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Strong FMC
Rough Sex
CNC
Sadomasochişm
MM, MF MFM, MMF
Pegging
August 9, 2026
Check TWs so you can read to your comfort level.
The story opens with Mariska getting assaulted and left for dead. But she is strong, resilient, gets schooling and professional training, and then gets a job as a detective in the sex crimes department. She is assigned a partner who happens to be her ex, Zeke. They both see this as a second chance to reconnect while working on the case of her past assault.
They work well together and also work through their past issues. They discover that his wife, Mariska's ex BF, might have had a hand in her assault.
They find evidence that points to the culprits that assaulted Mariska and they get what they deserve.
I like how Zeke and Mariska reconnected and that they found another partner to add to the mix.
The story opens with Mariska getting assaulted and left for dead. But she is strong, resilient, gets schooling and professional training, and then gets a job as a detective in the sex crimes department. She is assigned a partner who happens to be her ex, Zeke. They both see this as a second chance to reconnect while working on the case of her past assault.
They work well together and also work through their past issues. They discover that his wife, Mariska's ex BF, might have had a hand in her assault.
They find evidence that points to the culprits that assaulted Mariska and they get what they deserve.
I like how Zeke and Mariska reconnected and that they found another partner to add to the mix.
August 15, 2026
This was such a fun read exspecially because i love crime programmes.
The FMC was strong, resiliiant and such a bad ass which i loved, after being SA'ed she picked herself up and went on to help others in a similar position get the justice and closure they need which i really admired, instead of letting it destroy her, it enpowered her.
watching her and Zeke work the case together was fasinating, they make a great team.
But there were definatly some intresting twists along the way to keep you guessing
Then you add in her therapist to the dynamic which worked seemlessly, the way both men supoorted her emotionally and mentally really stood out.
Once again emily delivered a face paced, deeply emotional read with amazing characters.
The FMC was strong, resiliiant and such a bad ass which i loved, after being SA'ed she picked herself up and went on to help others in a similar position get the justice and closure they need which i really admired, instead of letting it destroy her, it enpowered her.
watching her and Zeke work the case together was fasinating, they make a great team.
But there were definatly some intresting twists along the way to keep you guessing
Then you add in her therapist to the dynamic which worked seemlessly, the way both men supoorted her emotionally and mentally really stood out.
Once again emily delivered a face paced, deeply emotional read with amazing characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fast paced and reads like an episode of SVU with more smut
This one starts with a terrible incident that changes the lives of several people. Riss barely survived but it has led her to where she is now.
Riss certainly didn't expect her new partner to be her ex-boyfriend who is unhappily married. But she is brilliant and resilient. The way she puts everything in the case together was fascinating.
I absolutely loved how Zeke and Dawson fit perfectly with Riss. They both know her already and they fall together so easily. That surprise group Sean at the end was fantastic.
The way everything went down with Riss' case was pure poetry in motion. Those pieces were meant to fit like they did. Justice was delivered.
This one starts with a terrible incident that changes the lives of several people. Riss barely survived but it has led her to where she is now.
Riss certainly didn't expect her new partner to be her ex-boyfriend who is unhappily married. But she is brilliant and resilient. The way she puts everything in the case together was fascinating.
I absolutely loved how Zeke and Dawson fit perfectly with Riss. They both know her already and they fall together so easily. That surprise group Sean at the end was fantastic.
The way everything went down with Riss' case was pure poetry in motion. Those pieces were meant to fit like they did. Justice was delivered.
August 7, 2026
Thank you Emily for this truly amazing Dark Romance mixed with the Seriel Killer Crime Mystery.
I totally connected with our FMC Mariska. She has been through hell and back and is stronger for it. Making a career chase monsters.
The MMC's Zeke whom she has history with and Dawson her therapist. Together they form a bond while hunting the villains. They are a perfect dynamic for her.
Through all the twists, suspense, and very emotional journey. I deeply enjoyed this story.
They are all survivors in this wonderful story with the best HEA.
True to Emily style please check TW before reading.
Otherwise kick back and escape from the world for a bit and read this unforgettable story.
I totally connected with our FMC Mariska. She has been through hell and back and is stronger for it. Making a career chase monsters.
The MMC's Zeke whom she has history with and Dawson her therapist. Together they form a bond while hunting the villains. They are a perfect dynamic for her.
Through all the twists, suspense, and very emotional journey. I deeply enjoyed this story.
They are all survivors in this wonderful story with the best HEA.
True to Emily style please check TW before reading.
Otherwise kick back and escape from the world for a bit and read this unforgettable story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second chance workplace romance that is absolutely amazing! I've always loved books with law enforcement and this one is no exception!
Mariska is back in town with a new job in the sex crimes unit. Only to discover her ex is her partner on day 1. The story is fast paced from beginning to end, and Mariska's case is still unsolved. She is a total baddie with ruthless men who adore her! As things converge trying to solve one case, things start coming together from her past.
I loved Dawson and Zeke as her partners and how they treat her from the start. They care for her not only physically, but mentally as well.
Great book!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Mariska is back in town with a new job in the sex crimes unit. Only to discover her ex is her partner on day 1. The story is fast paced from beginning to end, and Mariska's case is still unsolved. She is a total baddie with ruthless men who adore her! As things converge trying to solve one case, things start coming together from her past.
I loved Dawson and Zeke as her partners and how they treat her from the start. They care for her not only physically, but mentally as well.
Great book!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC
Well that was a very busy few days haha
This was fast paced full of twists and revelations.
After being traumaticly 🍇 Mariska works hard to overcome her trauma and goes on to become a s3x crime detective to help others get the justice she didn't
Turns out her new partner is her ex and together they make quick work of connecting dots and piecing unknowns together
Working together to get her justice and finding a serial unaliver her Therapist comes to help the case and things really become interesting
Well that was a very busy few days haha
This was fast paced full of twists and revelations.
After being traumaticly 🍇 Mariska works hard to overcome her trauma and goes on to become a s3x crime detective to help others get the justice she didn't
Turns out her new partner is her ex and together they make quick work of connecting dots and piecing unknowns together
Working together to get her justice and finding a serial unaliver her Therapist comes to help the case and things really become interesting
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is fast-paced and let me tell you, this is not for the faint of heart. This kept me wanting more and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Mariska, our FMC has been through something terrible and she still comes out swinging. I also love the second chance love. The way that both Mariska, Zeke, and Dawson are together, I love that. All of them are perfect together and each one brings a strength and balances the other out.
Make sure to check your trigger warnings, this is a must.
Make sure to check your trigger warnings, this is a must.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely Amazing story. I loved the story line of this so much. Emily packed so much into such a small story but it felt like a full novel by the time you got to that last page. And the characters were just amazing I absolutely LOVED Mariska she is absolutely someone you'd want on your side. And then add in Zeke and Dawson ❤️🔥❤️🔥 lawd have mercy need I say more.
I absolutely recommend this story but Please Check Your Triggers this story touches on very very DARK, DISTURBING, UNHINGED, TWISTED, Topics so Please be mindful.
I absolutely recommend this story but Please Check Your Triggers this story touches on very very DARK, DISTURBING, UNHINGED, TWISTED, Topics so Please be mindful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great read from Emily, this is a second chance, workplace romance. We are following Mariska who left town after a brutal attack, she completed schooling and came back to work in sex crimes. I really enjoyed the policing aspect, seeing behind the scenes in the investigation. It was well written with details of the procedures. The mmc’s were great to and for Mariska and helped her heal and deal with her past trauma. I look forward to seeing what’s next from Emily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I say this a lot, but I wish this was longer. Whenever Emily Klepp's MCs work for law enforcement, it's some of her better work. I wanted more. What is here is fantastic, don't get me wrong. But more. Longer. Give me a second book. I'll happily dive right back in.
Read your triggers first, because there's a lot going on, but it's so good.
I was hooked from the first page to the last, and stayed up until midnight (an ungodly hour for me) to finish it.
Read your triggers first, because there's a lot going on, but it's so good.
I was hooked from the first page to the last, and stayed up until midnight (an ungodly hour for me) to finish it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A traumatic and brief story.
Not everyone deals with trauma following sexual violence in the same way.
Mariska chooses a professional path.
If you think this means her trauma has been resolved, you should definitely read the book.
This is a pitch-black story filled with triggers; be sure to read the warnings before starting the book.
I am not personally affected by triggers, but certain elements in this book didn't appeal to me.
That doesn't make the story any less good, though.
Not everyone deals with trauma following sexual violence in the same way.
Mariska chooses a professional path.
If you think this means her trauma has been resolved, you should definitely read the book.
This is a pitch-black story filled with triggers; be sure to read the warnings before starting the book.
I am not personally affected by triggers, but certain elements in this book didn't appeal to me.
That doesn't make the story any less good, though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did really like the story.
I know what happened to Mariska was sad / bad but I actually felt more sorry for Zeke from his brother doing terrible things to him all the way up to Meghan. Even if he didn’t see what she was doing was wrong.
I genuinely thought that the case was going one way so was really surprised when it didn’t go that way.
I think I may have read one too many of Emily’s books because the ending for Meghan and Mark wasn’t a surprise.
I know what happened to Mariska was sad / bad but I actually felt more sorry for Zeke from his brother doing terrible things to him all the way up to Meghan. Even if he didn’t see what she was doing was wrong.
I genuinely thought that the case was going one way so was really surprised when it didn’t go that way.
I think I may have read one too many of Emily’s books because the ending for Meghan and Mark wasn’t a surprise.
August 15, 2026
As always I always put please read your trigger warnings. They are heavy topics in this book your mental health matters.
Unless you're someone like me and you thrive on Emily's books then trigger warnings are just suggestions!
This was an absolutely another amazing book by Emily klepp I absolutely loved this book. it was a lot different than what I thought it was going to be but it still was absolutely amazing.
Unless you're someone like me and you thrive on Emily's books then trigger warnings are just suggestions!
This was an absolutely another amazing book by Emily klepp I absolutely loved this book. it was a lot different than what I thought it was going to be but it still was absolutely amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Check triggers as usual.
Another great read from Emily. I loved the crime aspect of this one. A detective isnt a career we often see Emily write about. I loved the story and characters. Riss is a total bad ass and while im not usually the biggest fan of second chance stuff, this one didnt force what happened in the past and how it shaped the future.
Another great read from Emily. I loved the crime aspect of this one. A detective isnt a career we often see Emily write about. I loved the story and characters. Riss is a total bad ass and while im not usually the biggest fan of second chance stuff, this one didnt force what happened in the past and how it shaped the future.
August 15, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I don't know how Emily does it but her books are always amazing. I loved how the MFC used her trauma to help others. And the twists that come out in this story had my jaw dropping. The spicy scenes where so good 🔥🥵🖤
As always check the triggers as Emily writes dark books. If you love dark, why choose, some MM action, detectives, coping with trauma and twists at the end definitely grab this book.
As always check the triggers as Emily writes dark books. If you love dark, why choose, some MM action, detectives, coping with trauma and twists at the end definitely grab this book.
August 15, 2026
A quick read, but a good story. I would have liked to see this one expanded on, a little more depth into the characters, more rekindling with Zeke and a little more story with Dawson. I always like the detective stories, especially when they are centered around a strong female lead. The book kept my attention and it was well written with a good story line.
September 8, 2026
Trauma. Lost love. Scars that never heal. The storytelling here is haunting and emotional as we follow the narrator's experience with heartbreak and survival. You will want to know what happens between them and the mystery of their past will keep you engaged. Powerful, emotional, and sweet all at once. You'll love it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader review
High spice, dark romance
Crazy fast short novella with intriguing story. Strong FMC with trauma healing. Protective MMCs that are ruthless in bed.
Delves into pitch black tones so please check trigger warnings for your mental health.
High spice, dark romance
Crazy fast short novella with intriguing story. Strong FMC with trauma healing. Protective MMCs that are ruthless in bed.
Delves into pitch black tones so please check trigger warnings for your mental health.
Review of advance copy
Mariska has an amazing story to be told. From being traumatized to facing some trauma head on. Zeke is by far my favorite in the book. Check the triggers if you need to. You won’t want to put it down once you start it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark, depraved and spicy from the very beginning. Mariska has a lot of past trauma that she must work thru to once again live a happy life, that can also help her out in solving a serial unaliver case.
*check your triggers*
*check your triggers*
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