I thought I was meant to suffer—That my life had no meaning—until them. Until they showed me a world of comfort that I never knew existed.
I used to have to hide my peace and protect it so no one would destroy what little will to live I had left. Now I can embrace this dynamic and forever live in my sanctuary.
THIS IS A DARK FORBIDDEN ROMANCE. READER'S DISCRETION IS HIGHLY ADVISED.
Dani Rose is a dark taboo pen name for the dark romance author, Emily Klepp. She is creating stories that make you question your morals and wonder why you chose to read taboo at all. Keeping separate from her usual trauma healing stories, this is the place where her intrusive thoughts run wild.
I Was NOT Prepared for the Emotional Roller Coaster
OMG, the depths this story takes you to. "Sanctuary" put me through just about every emotion possible. I was sad, furious, heartbroken, disgusted, hopeful, and eventually sitting there with a smile on my face. This wasn't one of those books I simply read—I felt this one.
Mallory absolutely broke my heart. The things she endures with Kyle made me angry in a way only a really good book can. Every time I thought she'd suffered enough, something else happened. Then comes a huge betrayal by her POS mother, because apparently Mallory hadn't already been put through enough. There were several points where I was ready to climb inside this book and start handling people myself.
Then Mark encourages Mallory to interview at Tolson Tech Group, where she becomes Liam's executive assistant, and the story begins opening the door to something Mallory has never really known: **safety**.
And Liam... LIAM.🖤 And Kelly is the girlfriend we a need!
He becomes so much more than her boss. He's a savior disguised as one, but what got me most was that this isn't simply a story about someone swooping in and fixing everything. After everything Mallory has survived, watching her discover comfort, protection, desire, and a completely different kind of relationship hit me right in the chest.
The idea behind "Sanctuary" is what really stayed with me. Mallory has spent so long believing she was meant to suffer that peace itself feels foreign. She's learned to protect whatever tiny pieces of happiness she can find because she's always waiting for someone to destroy them. Watching that begin to change was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
And the emotional swings are BRUTAL. There were moments I wanted revenge. Moments I wanted to hug Mallory. Moments I wanted to throw my Kindle. And then there were those moments where I realized I was smiling because this woman who had been through absolute hell was finally beginning to understand what it felt like to have a sanctuary.
The forbidden relationships, power dynamics, age gaps, and Daddy Dom elements add another layer to an already intensely emotional story, but for me, Mallory's journey is what made this a five-star read.
Dani Rose, you put my emotions through a freaking blender with this one. 😭🖤 I hurt with Mallory, raged for her, rooted for her, and wanted her to finally experience the kind of love and safety she'd been denied for so long.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: Check the author's complete list of trigger warnings before reading!
This is a Dani Rose book so you either are already familiar with the trauma or you better got check the triggers because Sanctuary is dark.
Fvcking Kyle!! This man is absolutely vile. He has been treating Mallory like trash for years. So when she comes home to him cheating on her (with her own mother...shudders) she gets the proof needed to leave. Unfortunately he isn't going to accept that so easily.
Mallory has the best friend ever. She helps her find a new job and her grumpy boss is exactly what her libido ordered. Liam is amazing for her. He shows her all the things she has been missing while wanting to protect her because Kyle isn't done with her yet.
This one is fun with one of her men being her ex stepfather. There is a Daddy kink that comes of of nowhere and was fantastic.
The amount of trauma Mallory endured is a lot. She is a strong woman and once she knows kindness and love she will do anything to ensure her happiness. The stun gun was fantastic and had me laughing so hard.
I was definately not expecting the events at the end of this book. It was an interesting surprise for sure.
Mallory, the main character has gone through so many awful experiences. I felt so bad for her. The story really pulled at all my emotions and there are definitely some possible tr!ggers for some people. But the end is very satisfying and she finally finds protection and peace. It’s really a beautiful story.
What a great why choose, taboo dark romance from Dani Rose! 🖤 I really enjoyed Sanctuary. Yes, there was definitely some dark material, but there were also some absolutely beautiful moments between Mallory and the men she collects along the way. 🥰
When Mallory finds her POS ex cheating on her with her absolutely horrible mother, she finally finds a way out of their terrible relationship. She records them and uses it as her chance to escape and start over.
She finds comfort and support in her stepdad, Mark, who helps her get back on her feet by setting her up with a new job. This is where we meet Liam, her new boss, who is eventually revealed to be Mark’s stepbrother. And the sparks between Mallory and Liam are flying instantly! 🔥
Liam and Mark are constantly there for Mallory, helping her, supporting her and defending her. And they are also VERY much into sharing. 😈 With these two by her side, Mallory really starts to become herself again. Unfortunately, she’s still living in fear because of her ex, who continues to stalk and threaten her, and things definitely escalate. Let’s just say this man is an absolute POS.
And just when you think Mallory’s collection is complete, we get a third love interest by the end! 👀 Each of her men loves and cares for her in their own way, giving Mallory exactly the love and support she needs in her life.
I really enjoyed this one! There are some beautiful moments amongst the darkness, but it does deal with some pretty intense subject matter, so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. 🖤
✨ What to expect:
💼 Boss x Employee 🖤 Stepdad 🚫 Forbidden Romance 🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine ⛓️ Daddy Doms ⏳ Age Gap 📏 Size Difference 🔥 Rough Sex
Some books when you read them, they just hit you right in the heart. This book resonated with me for some reason...and no I did not suffer any of what Mallory had to endure through the hands of her ex, Kyle and her no good mother! Her best friend, Kelly and her step father, Mark are there for her when sh*t hits the fan and Kyle and her mother are caught f*cking like maniacs.....not to worry, once she gets a recording of it, she will be able to hold it over Kyle. He sends her packing, not wanting anything to do with her! Yay, now she is free. But she has no job and no where to live! Mark comes up with a solution and soon Mallory is in front of Liam Tolson, CEO of Tolson Technology Group, for an interview. She becomes Liam's newest Executive Assistant. She finally feels that she has something to look forward to, but the past just wont leave her alone. Kyle begins stalking Mallory. She stays at work for as long as she can, to avoid seeing him after work. As with all good stories, Mallory and Liam hit it off. They become close as they work in close proximity to each other, and Liam would be lying to himself if he didn't admit to wanting Mallory. Liam and Mark soon find themselves vested in Mallory's wellbeing, and what was two becomes three! But wait there is more! What better way to help heal from the past but have men that would do absolutely anything to keep her safe. With a couple of interesting plot twists to keep you vested, Mallory is introduced to Aaron, as she does a sales pitch to his company. Mallory soon has another man smitten by her! I loved this story and the way it all played out in the end. Does Mallory get her HEA! She sure does, but not without Kyle keeping them all on their toes! But Love wins in the end!!
Sanctuary was such an emotional and beautifully intense read. This story pulled at my heart in ways I was not expecting, especially with the way it explored pain, survival, trust, comfort, and finding a place where you finally feel safe enough to breathe.
What stood out to me most was the transformation in the emotional atmosphere of the story. There is such a strong contrast between feeling like you have to constantly protect yourself and discovering that there are people who genuinely want to give you comfort, patience, and security. That journey was incredibly powerful to experience.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. There was a beautiful balance of intensity and tenderness, and I loved the way their connection created a space where vulnerability could exist without judgment. The dynamic felt like more than just a relationship. It became a source of healing, understanding, and belonging.
Dani Rose did a wonderful job creating a story that feels deeply emotional while still maintaining the darker elements I enjoy. There were moments that hurt, moments that made me smile, and moments where I simply wanted to wrap the characters in a giant hug.
The concept of finding your sanctuary really resonated with me. Sometimes healing is not about forgetting what happened. Sometimes it is about finally discovering that your life can hold something more than the pain you have survived.
This was a beautiful, emotional, and captivating five star read for me. Sanctuary reminded me that comfort can be powerful, trust can be transformative, and finding the right people can make all the difference. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 You want a rollercoaster of a book? Then you re at the perfect place, cause Jesus Christ, Dani put us through it with this one. Just like always tho, this is a Dani Rose book, so please make sure to read the TW’s before diving in! Anyways, Jesus fucking Christ Kyle is a real piece of shit and even then I think that insult is too kind for him!haha and to quote the Rookie, “what I’m feeling, is biblical”. God he put Mallory through hell and back but she’s a strong as bad bitch that came out stronger. Liam’s and her chemistry was HAWT and add in her other men?! Ugh absolutely swoon worthy, especially her step daddy! So, can we talk about that small plot twist please?! It was literally the cherry on top and made everything that much HOTTER!! Like miss girl was just out here collecting these men like Pokémon and I love it! They’re all absolutely perfect for her and she’s perfect for them. She really brings out the best in her grumpy man, Liam. Okok, now time for that 1 scene lol when you read it, you will know what I’m talking about, and JFC I cringed so fucking hard. And her response would have been my exact response too if I were her. I legit would have left and never shown face again, like EVER! Anyways, y’all need to read this, but again, read the TW’s before diving in!
📚Book Type: Dark romance novella
🖤🅆🄷🄰🅃 🅃🄾 🄴🅇🄿🄴🄲🅃🖤 🧎🏽♀️Boss/employee 🧎🏽♀️Stepdad 🧎🏽♀️Forbidden romance 🧎🏽♀️Grumpy sunshine 🧎🏽♀️Daddy kink 🧎🏽♀️Age gap AND SO MUCH MORE!
Mallory has had a rough life, with an awful mother and an abusive, controlling boyfriend, Kyle. She walks in on her mom and Kyle having sex. They break up, and she's able to leave the controlling relationship by using the video she took of her mom and Kyle as her ticket to freedom. Unfortunately, he was also her boss and a corrupt lawyer with at least one policeman on his payroll. And he's obsessed with Mallory.
She gets a new job, gets assaulted by Kyle, falls in love with her new boss, Liam, and her step-dad, Mark, who is also Liam's step-brother. Then she gets fake arrested by Kyle's policeman accomplice, kidnapped, gets assaulted again, and Kyle plans to sell her for sexual purposes. She is rescued.
The story was compelling and interesting, but it is truly sad how much abuse Mallory had to endure.
I wish that the story had been fleshed out more. So many things happened abruptly without any lead up. And there was little to no time for Mallory to process things that happened to her before the next major occurrence started. Some of the plot points were a bit convoluted, in my opinion.
Please read the trigger warnings, as there was a LOT of sexual violence, both non-consensual and consensual.
All in all, it was a decent short novel. I would read more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I know anytime I read a Dani Rose or Emily Klepp book I’m in for a ride. This book was no different. Although this book was under 200 pages,the story packed a punch. From the emotional rollercoaster ride to the twists and add in taboo, I couldn’t put this down. When Mallory confirmed her suspicion after coming home from work, she thought she could put Kyle and the backstabbing woman behind her.With no money her best friend Kelly and her step-dad Mark, help Mallory line up a job. Unfortunately, her boss has potential to be a massive grumpy a-hole.Knowing she can handle it, Mallory takes the job and is determined to stick it out and show everyone what she’s made of. When Kyle shows he’s the very worst the human population has to offer, Mallory is forced into survival mode, so the ones she loves don’t get hurt. This dark, taboo amazing book had me on the edge of my seat.It was like getting a fix, and needing more. I loved that was a quick read something to throw in the mix when you need to a quick change in the line up of books. If you want a why choose, taboo, dark, slightly twisty quick read; this is it! PLEASE,PLEASE, PLEASE check the trigger warnings! Your mental health matters!!
I read this book as an arc reader. I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read this book prior to its release.
Whew…the emotional rollercoaster this book put me through was WILD! I read it start to finish as soon as I received the email. Very fast paced and I wish it had more however, very well written.
Highly recommend fully digesting the trigger warnings prior to indulging in this whirlwind of a story.
Mally’s fantasies come true as she gets exactly what she wanted in the end and much more! It definitely was a happy ending.
I think my favorite part is she didn’t let her trauma ruin and define her. I truly resonate with that. From being miserable, beaten and severely abused to being cherished and treated as she should be.
I would love to see a book 2 with how her life is now with her fiancé’s!
I read this in one sitting. Sure, it's a short one but time just flew by as soon as I srtarted it, like always when I'm reading one of Dani Rose's books!
They are always traumatic, sad and heartbreaking, but also always so healing, taboo and spicy! A perfect combo, if you ask me🖤
The guys taking care of her is just emotionally healing for the reader too, you just wish you could jump into the book!
You gotta have a stomach of steel and be prepared for lots of twisted things in Dani Rose's books and this was no different. Aaaand also, I was NOT prepared for that twist at the end😅 Did I enjoy it though? Yes. Am I already hungry for more? Also yes. She always seem to fit why choose into the mix too and that's a BIG yes for me🥵😏
Another great read from Dani. This one isnt nearly as dark/taboo as somw of her others. That doesn't mean to skip the triggers though. Please check them.
Mallory has been through some things and boy does she get her revenge and a happy ending. Kyle is a prick who gotenriching he deserved. I love that this isn't the typical housewife story. Mallory not only had a job, but she had a job she's really good at! I love the tech aspect of it and really enjoyed the writing and story. The characters at great and very lovable.
Sanctuary is a full on mental crisis waiting to happen. Poor Mallory, she just has never been able to catch a break and shes so used to the terror and destruction that shes pretty much 'fine' after everything. The taboo elements were fun. Definitely check your triggers, but if you like taboo, daddy, emotional Rollercoaster, this book could be for you. It's a short read but somehow Dani fits so much in it. Kinda like how Mallory gets stuffed with so much... happiness at the end 😉
Mallory heads home, and what she finds will change her life, but whether it's for the better or worse will be determined. This is a hot, dark forbidden romance. It has lots of heat, action, and plenty of twists and turns for the FMC. It also has some possessive but kind and caring MMCs. You will hate the villains. There are some surprises throughout. As with most other Dani Rose books, it has plenty of possible triggers, so check the warnings or read at your own risk.
Absolutely Amazing story. Y'all Absolutely CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS BEFORE YOU GET INTO THIS STORY.. It is truly heartbreaking, triggering, unhinged, HEAVY, and absolutely shows the struggles that some survivors deal with trying to get away from their tormentors. I absolutely recommend this this story but again y'all PLEASE CHECK THEM TRIGGERS
I enjoyed Mally's story a lot. Short, yes, but there is a lot packed in here. I love her relationship with Liam especially. I'd have loved to learn more about her backstory - more with her and her mother, more with her and Kelly. But what's here is absolutely amazing. Lots of spice, lots of trauma. Read the triggers before starting to read this book!
Mallory is working at her husband Kyle’s law firm. Until she walks in on a disturbing scene. Free at least and convinced to get her own job. Liam hires her on the spot. Mark her stepdad is willing to help in anyway. My favorite part was by far Aaron being a pimp 😅. Amazing story line. Wish we heard more about the professor but I still loved it.
Mallory leaves an abusive relationship with evidence that would be devastating, but not for her ex. He is obsessed with her and doesn't want to let her go. You would think after all that she has been through, it would really beat her down, but no, not this girl. She gets a new job, gets a better life and a better man (men).
Thank you to the author for letting me arc read this book!
This is my first read by Dani and I absolutely loved this story dark forbidden romance is one of my favorite genres and she did not disappoint with this story and characters I devoured this book and I am very happy I took a chance reading this the author has a way of holding your attention for the whole story and I am here for it!
This is a superb read from one of my favourite authors.
The main character Mallory has gone through so much and it kept been thrown at her. However she has found some fabulous hot men that will do anything to help her.
This book was so good Mallory's showed a lot of courage dealing with the stuff that she went through she had the best support system as far for Kyle, Amy and her mother they all got what they deserved and Kelly she's my girl lol 🤣🤣 🤣 she don't hold her tongue for nobody lol
Check your triggers. Sanctuary put me through it. Mallory is a survivor. She overcomes some truly awful events. The MMC's of Sanctuary were perfect. I love how Dani writes about the kinks that come from trauma & how her FMC's always get their revenge
This was a fabulous read I enjoy the main character desire for on another hot spicy love scene great story plot read the trigger warnings this book has a great story plot it kept my attention can't wait to read the next book
Overall, I enjoyed this quick read. There wasn’t a single dull moment! Definitely check those triggers cause there are a few scenes that could be rough to get through for some.