Under Their Protection

by Emily Klepp

Anika: For my entire life, I have always been something for others to use. My work and my friends are my sanctuary. When I walk in on my fiance in bed with my sister, I take the chance to change my life to be what I want it to be. I know they’ll fight me at every turn because I have something they want, but I’ll die before I give it to them; to her.

Rowan: I have worked with this woman for eight years. I have been patiently waiting six years for her to finally leave that piece of trash. He doesn’t deserve her. He wouldn’t know a good thing if it hit him in the face. I want to show her what it's like to be loved and cared for. This is my chance to make her mine.

Max: I have been going to this club with this woman for three years and I have not been subtle about my desire to take her as mine. I see the way she struggles to keep her morals in check with me. I want to show her how happy she could be with me caring for her. I knew one day I would finally be able to make her mine.

Theo: The moment I laid eyes on this woman, I knew she was special. She has faced things in life that no one should ever have to endure. I want to take every negative emotion from her mind and replace it with desire for me. I want to show her how amazing she really is. I want to make her mine.

Genres: Dark Romance, BDSM, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Abuse, Contemporary Romance, Dark

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2023

About the author

Visit my Linktree here -> https://linktr.ee/emilykleppnovels

Emily Klepp is a Western North Carolina native residing in eastern Tennessee with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She has been writing since she was fourteen years old as a way to cope with her anxiety. She hopes to help others be able to speak their truth by writing about topics that are considered too taboo for societal norms.

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally written! You can feel the FMCs emotions in everything that she goes through. She’s surrounded by love when she thinks she’ll be the most alone in her life.
Lotsssss of BD$M, why choose, v1olence, st@lking, @abuse, and unquestioning love and loyalty.
Be sure to read all the trigger warnings prior to reading.
Emily has outdone herself once again with this book, and this is now one of my all time favorites.

[Nikki76ReadsX · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always drawn into one of Ms. Emily Klepps books right from the start, which never fails to just suck me in and down the Reverse Harem rabbit hole time and time again! Defiantly not complaining one bit, not one tiny bit at all.
Anika, oh Anika, Can we just say this chick has been through hell and back and I just wanted to grab her and hold her and go Fck-up the crazy people, *Family & Fiancé* who tried (yeah Tried) to ruin her.. I mean just reading that stuff had me so emotional that I couldn't put this down until I saw a HEA at the end or I would have been pretty pssed off at my girl Emily.
Thankfully Characters were written into the best of places, Like Rowen and well Max, Theo, Annie oh and please do not forget Mia. Not only did they help her overcome the trauma the crazy's put her through but they basically became her true family.
All the characters were made for each other in their own different ways, the book was beautifully written, and the sexy was there, OMG was it there.. I love me some BDSM! I love me some BDSM! this is a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me!

***As always check your TRIGGERS before diving in.***

[Chai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the plot. It’s not that dark to me but still, check your triggers

Areas I liked:
*The story is fast-paced. It’s good. The writing is good.
*I love Anika’s character. Somehow I can resonate with regards to parents’ dynamics. I love how she’s portrayed in the story
*Storytelling- I liked how the author takes us through Anika’s journey— the cause, the struggles, the traumas, dealing with mental health illness which is soo great and relevant because I believe a lot could resonate. This is also one way to educating and raising awareness that these things happen

Other points:
*I hoped there was a bit more background on the guys individually. I felt like their character only comes through when they were with Anika and their friends. Also I agree to one of the review here where she wished we had more history on Max and Rowan’s relationship before(how they met etc.) I also feel like Max just pops up somewhere then instantly gets in the harem and also Theo. Somehow there’s no smooth ‘flow’.
*Maybe it’s just me but I do felt annoyed the way the guys constantly points out Anika’s self-deprecation. Like she called herself fat then *punishment(which is sx)*, she’s feeling self-conscious then *punishment* you get what I mean.
I understand that that’s their way(sx) of letting her feel that nothing’s wrong with her and nothing to be ashamed of. I just feel like it’s super big deal to the story. When they can just do other things aside from sx to get her realize that. I suffer from body dysmorphia and in my case it’s so hard for me to feel good when it comes to physical appearance it won’t just go away just because I’m punished or just because someone told me twice ‘don’t do that to yourself’. It’s like a habit or deeper than that.

But I loved the part where Anika reasoned out when she said something and doesn’t mean it in a negative way. It’s just acknowledging facts. She’s big. That’s a fact. But it’s not a bad thing.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author. Despite my rating I would still love to give a chance to read her other books 🤍

ARC read. Honest review left voluntarily.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Emily’s books, I always find them entertaining and I love that they’re a fast paced romance book that wastes no time getting the main love interests together. Emily has a way of writing about trauma that really makes you understand what people really go through and it’s not just written in a way to add drama to the book. Under Their Protection follows Anika on her journey through realizing that her family never cared about her, her fiancee sleeping with her sister, her realization that she loves three men equally, and her ability to overcome all the trauma and heartache that she uncovers about her childhood. I did feel as though the setting of The Cherry being used so frequently made the location feel a bit forced, it was like they could only have and enjoy sex when they were there. Overall, I found this book to actually feel slower to read than her other books, but the pace of the plot and romance was still pretty fast paced. I loved the dynamic between Rowan and Anika and I wish we’d gotten a little more one on one time with each of the love interests and at the beginning Theo being apart of their relationship dynamic felt a little forced to me, but it did even it’s self out in the end. I am glad that this didn’t end with a pregnancy though, because I felt like that would have felt too forced at that point. Overall this book was great if you like a fast paced dark romance with plenty of trigger warnings. Happy reading!

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Anika. She’s so strong and knows her worth. Her ex never really appreciated her. Picking her sister over her was his loss. It’s awesome how she’s got 3 handsome men to protect her and show her all the love she deserves bringing out a completely new side of Anika. Another amazing book by Emily. Can’t wait to read more of her boo

[Jenna Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, betrayals by family, Anika had no normal life, being forced to marry and give her sister harper EVERYthing she has pretty much. Until one man steps up to save her (more like 3) hot AF if I may say so myself.
I've enjoyed all of the books Emily has put out! She pulls off a wide verity of different kind of dark romance that I love. You go queen 👸!

[Melissa Cales McGlothlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sorry

I love the dynamic between Anika, Rowan, Max, and Theo. The way they protect her is so beautiful. Such a wonderful story.

[Charlotte Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love her books this one was just so amazing

[Leah Papic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy flipping cow. This book was 🔥 🔥. The plot was absolutely amazing. I HATED everything that happened to Anika. My heart broke for her but man it made her so much stronger. I love love love everything good that she ended up with. The guys were amazing and treated her exactly how she needed to be treated. Emily didn’t disappoint yet again ❤️❤️

[Brittaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After coming home a day early from a business trip with her boss, Anika finds her fiancé cheating on her with her own sister. Anika finally has the proof that she has been knowing for the longest time but could never catch him in the act and she packs her stuff and leaves him without saying a word to him. She gives her sister her wedding dress and tell her that she needs to get it taken in because her boobs are way to small for the dress and when she walks out the door her fiancé grabs her by the arm and tries to get her to talk to him but she says nothing and leaves. When her boss, Rowan, finds out that not only did she lie to him about where she was staying but also to her best friend Mia, he tells her that she can move in with him because he is not going to let her live out her car.

Her parents call her and tell her that she needs to go to family dinner because her sister called them crying about what happened and they told Anika that it was all her fault and that she needed to apologize to Harper and Isaac. She ends up going to family dinner with Rowan as protection to find out that Harper and Isaac are going to be getting married and that Harper is in kidney failure and Anika is told that she needs to donate her kidney to her so she doesn't die. When Anika refuses to donate her kidney because the only reason she was born was to make sure that Harper lives, her parents and Isaac tell her that they will get a court order that she needs to be committed because she is mentally unstable and can't make her own decisions. After hearing this Rowan and Anika leave the house and he decides that he is going to marry her so that her family can't claim her as mentally unstable.

[KitKat K8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

HOLYYYYY. this is my favorite book by Emily so far! *I will be purchasing this one* 😈

The emotional rawness in this story is unmatched. I cried & cheered & raved for Anika. From her abusive upbringing & sorry excuse for a family, to her terrible fiancé. She did not deserve that… BUT HER COMEBACK 😈

Jump into this read to see how Anika learns to love herself & heal beautifully with the help of Rowan, Max, Theo…. & Quinn 🥵

** favorite quotes **
“I don’t think you are crazy. I think you are traumatized. in your day-to-day life you may hide it well, but when you are triggered and cannot bring yourself back down, you panic. I think seeing someone regularly address your trauma more in-depth combined with taking the source of the repeated trauma out of your life will vastly improve your mental health.” - Theo 🥹🥹

“Should I let my psychiatrist fuck me? Probably not, but i’m still going to.” - Anika 👀🤭

“‘No, I am her family’ I say, raising my voice. ‘Everyone in this room is her family. Me, Theo, and Max love her more than anything in this world and will spend the rest of our lives showing her how fucking special she is. Mia is her sister. That woman is her mother now. Not you. Annie, Andrew, and Emma are her family. You are nothing to her. Get the fuck out or I will remove you myself.’” - Rowan 🥵🤤😈

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born only to serve a purpose but always wishing for more

This was a solid 4.5 stars for. I absolutely love how Anika was able to start living for herself. She only had her friends and her job but she was able to take those people and create her own family.

I always love a why choose situation and add in the club and a psycho family and you have the perfect recipe.

The men always wanted her but didn't want to interfere with what she already had. As soon as the dynamic changed they jumped to give her everything she didn't even know she needed.

The Dom who gave her an outlet when her head was too full but also a safe place to just talk.
The boss who secretly was in love with her but also a good friend.
The therapist who was a wild card but found his place.

Add in a best friend who was determined to get her away from the situation she was in, the club owner/lawyer, and the other friend who's dynamic changed throughout the story. Plus you can't forget the giant Teddy Bear bouncer who adores her but also wouldn't say no to joining her in a scene.

This was spicy and the men shared so nicely. I loved it.

[Eurynome · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel might be Emily Klepp's with the fewest trigger warnings, but it still contains heavy themes.

The FMC Anika has a sister called Harper. Harper is her family's golden child. Anika was created for Harper as a living spare part; she is not loved or cared for except when they need something from her. I know this topic might be controversial, but I can understand both sides. This novel really shows the effect on Anika and how her family sees and treats her as a living spare part. Anika, as an adult, is fighting for her body autonomy. I forgot to read the trigger warnings of this book, and at some point, I was blindsided by the plot twist and one little scare. I really thought that she might become pregnant due to all those comments, and I still expected them to have a 'false negative' result until the hospital scene.

Mia's protective nature, combined with Rowen, Max, and Theo's excellence and protectiveness, and Theo's checking if there was any manipulation in their relationship. The "found family" aspect and becoming one big family (even living as one) melted my heart.

additional trigger warnings: court scene, threatening with forced conservatorship, complex PTSD
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chanté Nadgie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some parts of this book I really enjoyed but for the most part it was a bit of a let down for me.

I loved Anika as a character, standing up for herself and her battle with her trauma. I enjoyed the parts of the book which focused around this and the way it was dealt with by herself, friends/found family, and her men.

One thing I really wish is that we got a bit of build up or flash backs to her existing relationships with Rowen and Max, especially him though as I found there was no context as to how they met, how things developed with them other than meeting and doing scenes together at The Cherry.

Emily did a really good job at making you hate Anika's family and really portraying them as the villains that they are. I wished we got to see a bit of the relationship developed between Anika and her sister, Harper, in an epilogue as she really seemed to realise how she behaved was wrong. Would have just been nice to see a bit more.

This review was given honestly in return for an ARC.

[Sakura Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Emily Klepp brought another fabulous story of trauma, pain and resolve to survive and overcome life. As opposed to her short novellas, this 300-ish page book unravels an astonishing series of events with in-depth description that matches nothing I've ever read before.

The FMC, Anika, deals with severe anxiety caused by PTSD and I feel this grips close to a real life scenario more than anything else. The healing road she takes on is not an easy or a short one and Emily Klepp is perfectly on point describing her feelings and emotions in such a way that even if you don't personally have to deal with emotions like that day by day, you'll experience them in this book. Empathy is not something you can deny here.

When I say this book had me in a chokehold I don't only mean the hand-necklaces or the well described visits to a certain club. I mean that I sat and read this book in 2-3h and several times I realised I was actually holding back, almost forgetting breathing.

If you haven't read it yet, RUN. It's deffo put me into a book slump 😂

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: First Person
Tropes & Kinks: found family, overcoming abuse and trauma, Poly/Reverse Harem, Boss to lover, friend to lover, psychiatrist to lover, brat, Doms, bdsm club
TW: Abuse, mention of SA, threatening with forced conservatorship, complex PTSD, gun violence, scarring, attempted murder
Standalone: Yes
Ending: HEA

This book was a lot less dark than Emily’s other works. But still another great story of trauma, pain, healing and found family. I loved the relationship that Anika had with her men, Rowan, Max, and Theo. The story was fast paced, great characters, and lots of spice.
I did feel there were some things that were not addressed in the end with side characters.
Potential Spoiler....



Like how her parents should have been imprisoned for the things they put her through medically (bone marrow donations under 18), but also what her father did… That alone should have sent him to prison. But that’s just my opinion.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While still true to her style of providing emotionally damaging, but yet hopeful books for a HEA, Emily produced a book that gave us all the feel and impacts of trauma with what might be a little less dark than her others in my mind. This book remains absolutely beautiful and devastating at the same time. The impact that an emotional trauma and the lack of love from family had an emotional impact on me. Anika was a character that was strong willed, but yet had her moments that the trauma would get to her. The way that Rowan, Max, and Theo helped her and the lengths they will go to help protect her and help her heal is swoon worthy. The spice always has you captivated needing more. I would love to see the stories of Anikas friends, and even more from Anika/Rowan/Max/ Theo's relationship now or appearances. Maybe even a redemption story for her sister? I don't know what Emily will do next but I'm at the edge of my seat always loving what will come next.

[Jesslynxreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I read it in one day, the spicy scenes were great. Am I in that “scene”? Do I know if everything is proper etc? Nah. I’m just an average reader with no knowledge of that lifestyle, so take that into consideration, but I liked the scenes. The story is… illogical. Like it’s something you don’t want to read into, don’t question whether any sane persons would react that way or say those things. The motivations are insane. Blindly accept that her family and ex are absolute garbage and the FMC just lays down and takes it, and then it’s a great story. The FMC has her found family, they’re all super sweet and supportive, the guys are fantastic, it’s happily ever after. There’s sassy moments, some humour, loving moments. Anyway, don’t read this expecting a great plot, it’s like a lifetime movie that’s bad but also good and you eat popcorn and can’t peel your eyes away from it. I got an arc and am leaving a review of my own volition.

[Amanda Buntin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1: was amazing. In book one we follow Anika and Rowan. Anika has been through a lot in her life. She was only born to help her sister who was sick when she was younger. Ever since then she was subjected to abuse and neglect. She finally me Issac and things didn’t get any better for her. She came home to find her sister in bed with her fiancé. She left them told them to have a nice life. Her parents called her to ask her to come to a family dinner. She brought her boss (who also has feelings for her) as moral support. But at this dinner her parents told her she needed to give her sister her kidney when she told them no and that wasn’t happening her parents, sister, and ex fiancé started making her life completely miserable. Rowan suggested that they get married which in turn would make it super hard for her parents to take her kidney from her. With a bunch of found new family she learned to stand up for herself and not take any of her family crap. I absolutely enjoyed this book.

[Lani Page Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under Their Protection isn't as dark as some of Emily's other work, traumatic nonetheless. The reason for Anika's existence literally made me nauseated. Being born only to be used and abused. This book brought out so many different emotions, and I even shed some tears before it was over. I love that Anika finally began to value herself and take control of her life. Nika and Rowan make a great couple. I think the main thing that bothered me in this book was how quickly Nika and Max and then Nika and Theo got into a relationship.
Overall, I read this book fairly quickly and enjoyed the plot. I was left wanting to know more about everyone. I wanted to be able to deep dive into their lives.
I love that in the end, Nika and Harper were able to jump over the big hurdle in their lives and may be able to form some sort of sisterly relationship.

[The Dark Romance Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


• BDSM club
• Imp@ct play
• poly/ no swords crossin
• bratty thick FMC
• Dom & Sub scene
• praise & degradation
• crazy physco ex
• pierced peen
• touch her and 💀 vibes buy all men!!

👏OH 👏MY👏 GAWDDD!!!👏

This book was amazing. There are not very many I can start and finish in a day, but from the moment I began reading I just couldn't stop until I was done!!
Emily has outdone herself with this one. Each man in this story is..gawdd.. Max...or no Quinn...but then there is Theo...but what about Rowan...I just can't choose...fictional characters really do have it best haha. But they way they all would protect her in any instance, and her found family between all the friends she's made when she disassociates from her biological family..this story was amazing

[Yara flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me ha encantado!

Aunque me pareció súper liante el número de personas involucradas sexualmente hablando y que al parecer todos han estado con todos, además de que siento que no había momentos de privacidad ya que Emma y Mía lo escuchaban todo

Me gustó la historia, la trama está bien llevada y las relaciones también. No hay mucho drama más que la poca comunicación de Annika pero es por sus traumas. Aunque el SA de su padre creo que está fatal llevado porque literalmente debió ir a la cárcel

Tampoco creo que la autora hubiera sus ideas muy claras más que nada porque no estaba embarazada pero Theo dice que es su pregnant gf en una ocasión y es raro que no tenga continuidad

Aún así como disfruté tanto la novela y lloré con Mía y Anika le doy 5 estrellas

Quiero leer el siguiente YA

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm in the minority here, I feel like I read a different book. I don't understand where all these 4 & 5 star reviews came from. 
The book was super unbelievable and mostly ridiculous.
- I found it bizarre that everyone went to The Cherry, and it was like everyone and their mothers were into the BDSM scene.
- The way they all behaved was so ott and plainly just too much.
- Anika, when dealing with her family and other aspects in her life, acted very immature. 
- The whole thing with Isaac made no sense. If he was obsessed with her, why was he screwing multiple women from the Cherry and having a relationship with her nasty sister??? Also, the scene at Rowan's mother's house involving Isaac didn't make sense either.
- I really didn't care for any of the characters or their personalities. 

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man oh man! Not going to lie at the beginning made me so mad she has been so much hell. She didn't deserve her family to treat her like dirt on their shoes. I felt so bad for her. However I'm glad she had a lot of support for everywhere to get her to be who she is. I loved all the ppl she was surrounded with including all the men! Issac deserves what he got. I'm glad she and Harper talked and Harper got what she needed to live her life and it wasn't from her sister. Her parents need to go rot in hell. I recommend this book however read trigger warnings beforehand. I loved this book just like all the rest of Emily's books.

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
5🌶️

It's spicy, it's suspenseful, it's got a lot of trauma healing and found family. I absolutely devoured this. I couldn't put it down. The way everyone cares and loves each other, no matter how long they've known each other. Anika's friends and family help protect her and care for her, no matter the craziness happening in her life.

Anika finds her fiancé cheating on her with her sister, who has taken everything from Anika, from prom dresses to bone marrow. Anika's boss of 8 years takes her in and helps her stand up to her family, who has been mentally and emotionally manipulating her for her entire life. And then end everyone ends up in one big beautiful poly relationship.

[✨Sandra✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, heartfelt, sweet and spicy romance. I loved how protective the guys were, and they always had Anika’s best interest at heart.

Rowan had no hesitation with marrying her to protect her against her parents, sister and ex.
I loved how each of the relationships came to be, and how well and easy they all fit together. So understanding, with no jealousy.
It’s the first time I’ve read a book were one of the boyfriends is married to another woman, but it work surprisingly well, and I loved their dynamic.
Great story, with great characters and a well developed storyline. Loved how everything turned out 🫶🏻 can’t wait to read more from Emily really soon ✨

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another terrific story from Emily Klepp. Anika is our heroine and has had a difficult and neglected upbringing. Her parents only had her so they could have another child that could give bone marrow to their first daughter. She does not get along with her parents or her sister for good reasons. She also just broke up with her abusive awful fiancé. She then finds herself in a poly relationship with several guys. I really loved Anika's bravery and resilience. I liked how each of her men, even though dominants, treated her also gently and like their queen. It was a great story and I loved seeing Anika get her happily ever after.

[⭐️ mrs_munken_555 ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has the usual Emily Klepp flair I've come to love-all consuming love story surrounded by tragedy and trauma with fiery passion to cap it all. But this was so different.
The tragedy and trauma experienced by the FMC was incredibly heartwrenching and the impact on her life was astounding. But the female characters and her were excellent-oozing confidence and love that helped keep her together. And the MMC's-well, my word! what a delectable bunch! made all the more so by the introduction of The Cherry. what a place!
literally devoured this in one sitting as it was just So enticing and delicious. well done for another excellent work of art!
5⭐️

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Under Their Protection. There was a lot of spice, and Anika is such a strong FMC. I feel like there was a really interesting plot that I haven't read before. Anika has certainly been through plenty of trauma with an abusive fiance and her parents being neglectful and using her as essentially "spare parts" for her older sister who got sick at a young age.
The relationships that she develops after leaving her fiance are wonderfully supportive, although I would have liked to have a bit more one-on-one time with Max and Rowen. While there wasn't much on page trauma that I can recall, there are certainly triggers, so please check trigger warnings on author's website.

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as dark as some of Emily's other works but still check your triggers.

I love how Anika is a brat through and through and how she takes pleasure in taunting her men.

Anika is engaged and leaves her fiancé when she catches him cheating. This leads to her being essentially homeless. She is pushed into staying with her boss who wants her but has always been respectful towards her.

Her story is rough and honestly I'm annoyed that nothing happened to her parents. They were being investigated but nothing happened after 6 months? Her ex got what was coming to him though.

All in all, a spicy read with a sprinkle of dark humor. Definitely worth the read!

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶