Emily Klepp

Hey there! I'm Emily Klepp, and I write dark romance that'll make you question your moral compass while frantically turning pages at 2 AM. (Don't worry, I won't judge – I'm usually up writing at that hour anyway!)

Let me tell you a secret: I never thought I'd be writing romance, let alone the kind that makes some readers clutch their pearls. I started out as a psychology major, fascinated by what makes people tick. Turns out, that background comes in pretty handy when you're crafting complex characters who dance on the edge of obsession. My characters? They're the ones your therapist would have a field day with.

I wrote my first story at age eight – a truly terrible tale about a unicorn who loved chocolate cake. (Thank god that masterpiece will never see the light of day.) But it wasn't until I found dark romance that something clicked. You know that feeling when you finally find your thing? That's what happened when I started exploring the shadowy corners of love stories that most people shy away from.

My debut novel, "A Step Too Close," introduces you to Levi – the grumpiest, most deliciously complicated hero I've ever written. He's the kind of character who'd rather eat glass than talk about his feelings, which naturally meant I had to torture him with a heroine who wouldn't take no for an answer. The story deals with themes of obsession, consent, and the fine line between love and possession. It's definitely not your grandmother's romance novel (unless your grandmother is super cool, in which case, can we meet her?).

When I'm not writing, you'll find me binge-watching true crime documentaries (research, I swear!), spoiling my rescue cat Magnus (yes, he's named after a book character), or adding to my collection of vintage typewriters that I swear I'll use someday. I live in Seattle, where the constant rain provides the perfect backdrop for writing twisted love stories.

My writing style? Think emotional depth with a side of psychological thriller. I love exploring the darker aspects of relationships – the possessiveness, the obsession, the all-consuming need that society tells us we shouldn't want. My characters aren't traditionally "good" people, but they're real. They're messy. They make terrible decisions for all the right reasons (or right decisions for all the wrong reasons).

Fair warning: if you're looking for sweet, uncomplicated romance, you might want to look elsewhere. My books come with trigger warnings for a reason. But if you're intrigued by morally grey characters, psychological tension, and love stories that make you uncomfortable in the best possible way, we're going to get along just fine.

To my readers: you're my kind of weird, and I love you for it. Your messages about staying up all night to finish "A Step Too Close" make my day (even if I feel a little guilty about your sleep schedule). The way you've embraced Levi and his story has been incredible, and I can't wait to share what's coming next. (Trust me, it's going to be even darker...)

I believe romance doesn't always have to be hearts and flowers. Sometimes it's thorns and shadows, and that's beautiful too. My characters might not always make the right choices, but they'll fight like hell for their happy endings – even if their version of "happy" might raise some eyebrows.

What can you expect from my books? Raw emotions. Complex characters who'll get under your skin. Steam that'll fog up your kindle. And endings that'll make you feel everything – even if you're not sure you should.

Want to connect? You can find me on Instagram where I post way too many pictures of Magnus, share snippets of works in progress, and occasionally poll my readers about which character they want me to torture next. (Kidding! ...mostly.)

So if you're ready to explore the darker side of love with me, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger – I don't judge), get cozy, and let's see just how deep this rabbit hole goes.

Remember: the best love stories aren't always pretty, but they're always worth the journey.

Welcome to my twisted little corner of the romance world. I think you're going to like it here.