Dark Reckoning

by Emily Klepp

I put him in prison, and now he is out. My brother’s best friend is going to take his revenge, and I will be at his mercy. Sometimes, the most dangerous man can be the sweetest reprieve. Will our past consume us, or will this be our dark reckoning?

COMPLETED SERIES!

The Dark Allegiance series must be read to avoid spoilers and understand who the characters are and where they came from! This is a DARK NOVELLA SERIES with HEAVY TRIGGERS. Reader’s discretion is HIGHLY advised.

Book 1: Ruthless Bonds

Book 2: Merciful Vow

Book 3: Dark Reckoning

Book 4: Sinful Deception

Book 5: Corrupt Desire

Book 6: Brutal Reign

Book 7: Hidden Shadows

Genres: Abuse

106 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2025

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

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4.

Solid characters again, Loved Nilah and Gus especially. I liked seeing Gus who appeared briefly in the second novella get his own story. Idk...I just wish these stories were longer! I know, I know they are part of a novella series. But I can't be the only one who thinks these characters would be fantastic in longer more fleshed out novels. Or maybe I am? lol

In my opinion there wasn't as much spice in this one and I didn't think the storyline was too dark, but you should definitely still check the triggers first just in case!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good. Could there have been a little more? yes

I really liked Gus in Merciful vow and he didn't disappoint. I loved the daddy vibes. The fact that he saw Nilah trauma and therefore didn't hold it against her. The fact that he was willing to help her when her own family who did love her was willing to brush it under the carpet.

I wasn't sure that I wanted Parker added to the mix but then when we learned more about his and Nilah history I was glad that Gus saw the connection and was happy to let them see where it goes.

I have to say I did read some of chapter 7 / 8 with blurry vision. When Gus and Nilah are lying in each others arms trying to stop or slow the bleeding and then to find out that Parker and the rest of the family could hear them but couldn't do anything to help them.

I'm really hoping that we get a little bit more about them in one of the later books.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, it’s become which hot male do I like the best? Or maybe it’s a sexy female 🤔 O! Goodness there’s too much choice.

We meet Gus again in this one, and I for one am happy cos I think he’s my favourite so far and Nilah is pretty bada$$ too, then throw in a Parker and happy days! Their lives were already intertwined but they have even more in common with their respective h!tman/woman jobs along with the rest of their family. As with all these books it’s isn’t all plain sailing, and there is a part where you are concerned things may not pan out 😬

Once more for Emily, the spice is definitely spicing. Well written and I totally enjoyed this one.

[Alexis Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read filled with emotional turmoil, trauma, anxiety, happiness, plot twists. I liked seeing past characters again and seeing how everyone is doing after things. I liked the ending they got

[Heath Steph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your trigger warnings!
Nilah is a spicy little peppa! Shit, I’m mad for her. Her people were acting like dickheads and if it was me everyone would’ve caught these hands. I was afraid of Gus for like a second and then I was like 😳🫠🥵. Parker hops in the chat with a bang😉. The insta love makes me so happy. Talking about past trauma while in the shower reminds me of when I’m in the shower crying to Celine Dion but without hot dudes. Parker’s parents are shitheads. What’s with all the shit parents?! Like yall can get fucked harddddd. I love the connections between the books so far when you get a hint of the characters for the next book in the current book. Now to google so BDSM terms 🫠. 10/10 would ride again 😂

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review encompasses The entire Dark Allegiance Series.

Ruthless Bonds: Dark. Brutal. Vengeful. All things that bring this emotionally raw book to life for the readers. A story of revenge mixed in with survival layers this series. This book and series give off the secret society vibes, with spice that has the reader wanting to be claimed by the Bane brothers.

Merciful Vow: The spice does not let up on this one. Talk about a train ride. Holy lanta. Emily does an amazing job making the audience blush and the reader wanting to hide this book from their grandparents. There is no descreteness in this book. If you like stuff that makes you hot while still questioning your sanity then look no further.

Dark Reckoning: Emotional turmoil check, trauma? Check, violence? Check Spice? Double check. this book continues on giving us Nilah. I love these female characters as Emily always gives us some empowerment behind their story no matter how traumatic it is.

Sinful Deception: Here we enter Gianna's Story. Another strong FMC that comes to terms with her traumas and have the help of a couple men that will burn the world for her. Each installment making me question my sanity a little more and wondering what each of these men would be like and which one might be my favorite.

Corrupt Desire: Lets take a ride with Jeramy and Raelynn. Her life is anything but cush and pretty, but thats where Jeramy comes in teaching her to defend herself. When Raelynn's dad comes up with a devious plan. Jeramy will ultimately help save the day and give Raelynn what she really needs in life.

Brutal Reign: Dark and soul crushing delivered in a special package for us. Marcy is the main individual in this story. A strong sexy woman who has developed a side family and friendship to help during her time of need for support. Let alone the spice was intense, to say the least. Throw in some stalking and you got another banger from Emily.

Hidden Shadows: Lets dig in deeper to Luciana in this installment. Meeting Gage who is here therapist and a BDSM club owner. You can only imagine where this is going. And why can't I have a therapist like that. This book is hot as can be and I can't possibly do it justice without spoiling so I'll just leave it as this series is top notch and I need more from Emily.

[⋆˚࿔ somaleta 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

༻ ☽ ⊱ 1 ☆ ⊰ ☾ ༺

i’m not a personal fan of how openly gustavo and nilah talk about their sex life in front of friends and family. the sexual innuendos, the dirty talk, the pet names? keep that shit for the bedroom yo…

maybe, it's because i grew up in a very conservative household were being openly affectionate with one another wasn't a thing and sex was seen as a taboo topic of discussion, but girl… why do your parents know you get down and dirty with not just one guy, but two???

obviously, it's to be expected cuz sex is normal, but i feel like most people don't talk about that out loud. unless this family is just real comfortable with each other ʅ ( ․ ⤙ ․) ʃ

the concept of the story was good, i won't lie. i like the idea of the entire family having a secret organization where they take people out and how they each have their own roles, but i think we weren't given enough time for the plot to develop.

now, that i'm thinking about this, the point is probably just for the smut... nvm.

one thing that is super consistent in these books is trust being given. imo, trust is built over time. it's not something you say and give to someone because you want to. what i noticed since the beginning of the series is that these girls are done dirty or have multiple reason not to trust certain people yet, and two seconds later, they’re all like, “yes, i trust you” biiiitch.

i don’t care that it’s just a story, write it better ʅ ( ․ ⤙ ․) ʃ how did this pass the editing process? five mfs had to read it and say yes (btw)

[Erin Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨

ARC REVIEW

Dark Reckoning - Emily Klepp

5/5⭐️

📚📚📚
Okay this one was such a dark but also hot read! I completely ate it up in less than a hour. Gus and Nilah I absolutely adored their dynamic. Then adding Parker in there ugh just way too good! I love that they were really just focused on her needs and her healing. That made my heart feel so happy. That ending definitely had me holding my breath there for a moment but thankfully it all worked out amazing. Overall I totally recommend reading this one. Just make sure to check your triggers because it’s definitely dark and has some heavy triggers!!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- DARK
- Heavy Triggers
- Taboo
- Spicy
- Hitman romance
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy

✨What’s your favorite board game? Either now or as a kid.

#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc

[Kelsy Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings with this one.

On one hand I really enjoyed it. I love the relationship between the three MCs. I think they were great together. On the other hand there were several things I did not enjoy. Like there being no safe word and her telling the guys not to stop even if she starts panicking after the whole ordeal at the end. I feel a safe word should've been established, even if she never ended up using it. I understand her need/want of total loss of control/power exchange and having no way out. But what if she did end up truly needing to stop for whatever reason and the MMCs don't realize it because they have no word or signal to stop or even just to change something. I just don't think they'd be able to tell by physical signs alone until they explored more together.

I do love the MMCs in the book and felt they were great with the FMC. They didn't feel toxic or anything. They listened to what the FMC wanted and didn't pressure her at all.

I did also feel the story was very clunky and rushed. It has the potential to be much better as a full length novel rather than a novella.

Overall a pretty good story. I would still recommend if you don't mind any of the things I've mentioned above.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Reckoning by Emily Klepp is exactly what the title promises—dark, emotional, and full of uncomfortable truths. This one really highlights how even the closest families can miss what’s happening right under their noses, and how important it is to lead with support instead of judgment.

Nilah and Gus? Their connection feels real—more grounded than some of Klepp’s other pairings (yeah, I said it). There’s depth in how they navigate their past, their pain, and the strange, intense bond they share. And yes, we go from trauma to a full-blown thropple, and somehow… it works. Their chemistry is fire, and the connection between all three of them is unexpected but kind of beautiful.

Still, there are parts that hit hard. There’s violence, heavy topics, and a lot of emotional weight to carry—especially with certain scenes that might feel excessive (I’m still questioning why the female character had to go through that again). But if you're familiar with Klepp’s style, you know she doesn’t hold back. And she does manage to bring it to a powerful, even beautiful ending.

Just a huge reminder: read the trigger warnings. This one dives deep into disturbing territory. But if you're up for it, it’s a bold, brutal, and strangely tender read that sticks with you.

[Haley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping story explores the fractures that can exist within even the closest families, revealing how easily pain can go unnoticed behind closed doors. As secrets unravel, the narrative drives home a powerful message: that support—not judgment—is what truly makes healing possible.

Gus and Nilah work so unbelievably well here. Their bond is built on shared pain, complicated history, and a quiet kind of strength. As the story unfolds, the emotional depth between them deepens—and then things take a turn. What we get in this intense desire and care for each other, also takes shape to a third that will come to play. The chemistry sizzles, but it’s the emotional connection—between all three—that makes it unforgettable. Raw, real, and beautifully tangled.

Raw and thought-provoking, Dark Reckoning is a must-read for anyone drawn to stories that confront uncomfortable truths with courage and compassion.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novella within the Dark Allegiance Series.
We met Gus in the previous novella and this is his story.
Betrayed by one of his own, he lands in prison, and upon his release he visits the woman whose testimony put him there.
Nilah, having expected a visit from Gus, was surprised when he did see her, that he didn't want her dead!
You will learn to love Gus, just as I did. he wanted to help and repair the damage to Nilah, made by the abusive relationship that she had with the man Gus had killed.
These Mafia killers, turn to soft marshmallow for their women.
Parker returns and both himself and Nilah have a history together.
When he takes what is his also, Nilah finds herself with two men who adore her.
Oh boy, so hot as they both teach Nilah to take charge of her sexuality, and the teachings of BDSM. Yeh as I said, soooo Hot!!

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aahhhh Gustavo!!! We find out what happened to Gus and who sent him to prison.. Nilah aka Little Bunny. These 2 have a long history with a crazy ass family. They have a legit accounting business and the not so legal hire for kill business they ALL work in. Nilah has a very dark past. She suffered a lot of trauma, grooming, Stockholm Syndrome, being drugged, raped and passed around, and an abortion.
Nilah thinks Gus is going to kill her when he gets out of prison, but thst is the opposite of what happens.
These 2 were made for each other, but throwing Parker into the mix.... WITH NO SAFE WORD!!! just YAH!!! 2 huge cocks, 2 daddy doms and one has a pierced cock and they both love to eat that kitty!!!
This is dark and filled with trauma. There is understanding and acknowledgement of unresolved trauma and total support.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge, regret, and ruin—this book is a deliciously dark dive into obsession and second chances.

Tangled in guilt and past betrayal, Nilah is thrown back into the path of the one man she should fear most—her brother’s best friend, freshly out of prison… and ready to collect what he believes he’s owed. What follows is a dangerous, intoxicating dance of power, punishment, and longing.

The emotional tension is thick, the chemistry is electric, and the lines between love and hate blur fast. He’s brutal, but never heartless. She’s ashamed, but never weak. Together, they unravel years of pain, secrets, and repressed desire in a story that’s as much about vengeance as it is redemption.

Perfect for dark romance readers who crave morally gray men, broken bonds, and the kind of angst that cuts deep.

Absolutely loved ARC reading this one

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She sent him to prison but now he's free

Starting at age 14 she found herself under the watch of a man much much older. He was grooming her and she thought it was love. So when a man she grew up with took him from her she turned him in.

Three years in prison but now he's free and going to catch his Bunny.

This is a book of using BDSM to help heal from multiple traumas. Anxiety, fear, and over thinking cause her to freeze up but agreeing to a total power exchange could be exactly what is needed.

This is another short and trauma filled story from Emily. I like how these stories have brought in the characters from the current and past books in ways that makes sense. Plus the spicy scenes are fantastic.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Reckoning throws you right into the fire from the get-go. Nilah's spent years haunted by a past decision, only for the man she put away to re-enter her life in a way she never saw coming. This book is a deliciously dark exploration of obsession and the possibility of second chances, even when the odds feel stacked against you. It's a page-turner that keeps you guessing.
The emotional tension is thick enough to cut with a knife, and the chemistry between the characters is absolutely electric. Lines blur between old wounds and new desires, creating a dance of power and vulnerability. It's a story that explores vengeance and redemption, showing how broken bonds can sometimes be mended in the most unexpected ways.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Dark Allegiance series. If you have not read the previous books, you really need to. They are amazing! Emily Klepp is an amazing author who delves into dark and taboo genres. I have grown to love this genre due to her and other great authors.
You should check trigger warnings before reading this book. If you are into BDSM this is definitely the book for you! This story was so satisfying! It had a sad and heartbreaking backstory, second chances, traumatised females, alphaholes and unaliving. What more does this book need?!
Thank you, Emily Klepp, for another dark and spicy story. The more books I read in this series, the better the stories get! And I am not even half-way through this series!

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. The 3rd story in The Dark Allegiance Series. We have Gus and Nilah's story. It's crazy full of suspense, trauma, BDSM in the form of working through the trauma and releasing. So Hot 🔥🔥 and Spicy 🌶️🌶️. Especially when Parker is added to the mix. Lots of emotions come through for everyone. Mental Health is very important and supported. Please check TW. This story is very dark. All the characters are strong and supportive. Something we all need in our lives. Don't run and hide. Communication and consent are so important. Emily Klepp has out done herself with this story. My heart is still trying to recover.

[Jayne limb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this series. Wow these books just keep getting better and better. In this one we have nilah who testified against Gus ( you meet him briefly in book 2) and got him sent to prison for 3 years. She was suffering from Stockholm syndrome as a result of an abusive relationship. Nilah was terrified when she found out Gus was being released because she thought he was going to hurt her. Gus absolutely adores nilah and understands completely why she did wot she did. He wants to help her come to terms with what happened to her and he has a very interesting way to do that. I'm not going to spoil anymore of this amazing story but your definitely going to want to read it.

[Irish_I_was_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes, the most dangerous man can be the sweetest reprieve."

This book is classified as Dark Hitman Romance, and is book three of a connected series. It does have a trigger warning list: SA/grape, forced marriage, forced Os, kidnapping, unaliving, attempted unaliving of main characters, unaliving for hire, mention of grooming, mention of human traffic, mention of CSA.

The book is written in first person. This book has multiple point of views: Nilah and Parker. Nilah put Gustavo in jail and was passed around. Parker had one night with Nilah and wants her. Parker is also close with Gus.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

l loved this book so much. It is brilliant. lt is the 3rd book in the series.
This is a story about Nilah mfc and Gus mmc. Nilah testified against Gus and got him sent to prison for 3 years. Nilah was groomed and in a very abusive relationship with a man who should have known better. Nilah was petrified of Gus getting out of prison. She had built it up so much that she was having panic attacks just thinking about it . Turns out not all is what seems, and Gus definitely does not want to kill her lol. Loved Parker as well such a good character. I'm trying so hard not to give anything away. Please read this book it brilliant
This is my honest arc review

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Goddess what the heck Book 3 int the Dark Allegiance series was wilder than i ever could have imagined. I felt this story in my deep place.My inner demons were even like Dee are u okay!! The FMC in this story Nilah was a sexy, spicy, title fireball. I loved her and so far out of the 3 stories I’ve read i love them all but she hits me a lil harder. When i have emotional outburst with books that means the author really know how to write a dang book. Noe the MMC Parker he’s a sweetie but his parents i would love to throat punch them. This is a 10 out of 10 recommend more than anything. The shower scene tho i felt in my soul and that was the greatest indeed that cry.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a reckoning, I loved that Gus and Nilah had an intertwined past and their futures are about to have a head on collision. With the main characters having this history, the emotional impact and connection between them felt immediate and the readers could see that depth. Watching them both be able to unpack their traumas together was healing but their road to ever after isn't without some obstacles. Plus I love how Emily Klepp is the queen at introducing new players into the main relationship, which is this case is Parker - mutual acquaintance of both Nilah and Gus. This is a dark and satisfying read.

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great novella about a young woman named Nilah (now age 22) who was brainwashed and taken advantage of by an older man from the age of 14. Her family friend, Gus, took care of the threat but because she thought the man truly loved her, she testified against Gus and he was put away for three years. When he gets out, she is afraid of what will happen. Will he retaliate or will he forgive her? I really liked this novella, the plot moves pretty fast but I like that it gets straight to the point of the storyline. Nilah is a strong young woman and resilient and I love how Gus helps her heal from past trauma.

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physco Felon

Nilia thought after she put Gus in prison, that he was going to hurt her, but that's not even close. Gus wants to punish Nilia but not the way she thinks. Before she knows it, their married and can't get enough of each other. But a man from her past comes for her, and Nilia and their family are going to help catch the bad guy. But Nilia ends up betrayed, and soon Parker is hoping both Nilia and Gus make it.

They get an HEA of their own. These books tend to mention characters from the previews books in the Dark Allegiance series. It's not required to read but it would be helpful.

[Nikki76ReadsX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novella three in this seven book series. This one is spicy for sure, so far my favorite that I have read in this series and I'm not even halfway through it. I love how Emily Klepp kept it real with the BDSM aspect and bringing in the healing. Definitely check your triggs, because you may not like or might be surprised by some of the content given here. These characters were great and I loved the lesson learned was not present so much as “discipline”. This series really has me and I am here till the end!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that thus far this book is my favorite in this series. Yes, there is still steamy scenes, but they are few and far between. Which in a way, I liked this a lot as it allowed the storyline to shine more.

Once Nilah realized that Gus was not out for revenge against her, she could relax and give into him. I loved the way they both teased each other. That gym scene!

Nilah is one strong FMC. I love that she did not show fear. Gus would give up his own life to protect Nilah. I am looking forward to continuing this series. It is getting better and better with each book.

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARCish Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

-First Person POV: Single
-Arranged Marriage
-Why Choose
-Forced Proximity
-Brothers Best Friend

This, like the rest of the series so far has been amazing. I love the character development on top of the plot and every twist and turn that has happened. Gus and Nilah are honestly so cute. Their beginning is rocky but they pull through. I didn’t see the end coming. I did a little bit of sobbing but it was worth it.

Like the rest, check the TW’s!
Otherwise I definitely recommend!

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nilah sent her brother's best friend to prison, and now he’s out, seeking revenge.

Though this story is short, it is filled with trauma, pain, themes of possible redemption, and love.

Make sure to check for triggers before diving in.

Nilah is a compelling character; she’s strong but also a bit broken. Gus's return to her life creates an opportunity for her to heal. The introduction of a Dd/LG dynamic adds an interesting layer to the story, especially since this dynamic can be very healing for many people.

I loved this book!

[Novo's nook of novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite of the series so far. we met Gus briefly in book 2 and I found my self drawn to him so i was over the moon when I realised book three was his book. nilah is a little fire cracker who has had her fair share of trauma, at the start you think Gus is going to be her end and he is just not in the way you first think. I really loved this book, the ending had me crying and screaming and then quickly gushing. another 5 star read, I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us!