Pretty Rotten Love: A Dark Taboo Romance

by Dani Rose

They say ignorance is bliss.

Love is felt deep—

Pain stays on the surface.

But this rot reaches deeper

Digging into the depths of my freedom.

I could fight it,

But nothing has ever felt this good…

This pretty rotten love.

First published May 8, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a taboo romance and I mean taboo! You have sibling relations, you have allegations of sexual abuse, there's brain washing, you got toxic relationship... It's a lot! And on top of all that you can't really be sure that the narrator is reliable. This one is a mindfuck.

It's a little chaotic but a whole lot of spice. This one may be a little too controversial for some readers and is definitely going to push some people out of their comfort zone so read with caution.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a messed up ride this story was.

This dark, taboo romance is packed with twisted plot turns and full-on mind games that had me completely hooked. It’s one of those reads where you don’t quite know what’s real and that’s part of what makes it so addictive.

Sasha, the FMC, has been through an unbelievable amount of trauma. She’s so deep in it that even she can’t tell who’s trying to help her and who’s hurting her. It’s confronting, and honestly heartbreaking at times. I was genuinely shocked she didn’t completely break under everything she endured.

The story is chaotic, intense, and filled with constant twists that keep you questioning everything. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, another curveball hits.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before going in, because this one doesn’t hold back.

✨What to expect:

🖤 “Knight in Shining Armour” (with a twist)
🧠 Unreliable Narrator
🔀 Plot Twists & Mind Games
🔥 Rough, Explicit Scenes
🖤 Mental Health Rep
⚠️ Unconventional Trauma Healing

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a lot going on for it being under 50 pages.

Sasha has been abused for a very long time and not by who she thinks. Her boyfriend Cameron tries to save her and that goes horribly wrong.

I did like that Sasha gets the help that she needs for Aiden and makes friends with Lacy and Adam. Plus we get that extra twist at the end. Knowing what Walker was like it probably shouldn’t have been a surprise.

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a trip. Poor girl was so confused and brainwashed her entire life. I feel bad for Cam honestly, he only tried to help her. Aiden though? Swoon! Tattoos, sweet personality, and the one person who would do anything to make her feel safe. What a winner!

Walker, you sick fuck. Rot in hell!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shook. Everytime I thought I figured out what was happening…. Sasha’s story is traumatic, dark and horrific. But so beautifully written. I wish I could re read this for the first time.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book and kept me guessing about who was helping and who was hurting and I definitely didn't see that ending coming that was insane

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say ignorance is bliss.
Love is felt deep—
Pain stays on the surface.
But this rot reaches deeper
Digging into the depths of Sasha’s freedom.
She could fight it,
But nothing has ever felt this good…
This pretty rotten love.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: “Knight in Shining Armour” (With a Twist), Unreliable Narrator, Plot Twists & Mind Games, Rough/Explicit Scenes, Mental Health Rep, Unconventional Trauma Healing, Death, Sibling Abuse, Brainwashing & Mental Health, Erotic Punishment, MF/MFM/MM Romance.

Pretty Rotten Love is A Dark Taboo Romance by Dani Rose.

Once again Dani Rose have given us a twisted, dark, messed up, taboo romance. And man oh man, did Dani pack this short (barley 50 pages) with twists and turns and mind-games that had me totally enthralled.

I’m going to be honest; I had some serious issues keeping what was real and what wasn’t straight. And that’s what makes this short story so completely addictive.

Sasha broke my heart and at the same time I found myself in some ways able to relate to her. She’s been through so much more trauma than any single person should ever have to go through. And now, she’s in so deep that she can no longer tell who’s trying to save her and who’s actually hurting her. I found Sasha’s story to be confronting and heart-shattering. I kept expecting to turn the page and watch Sasha totally come apart and shatter and found myself totally shocked that she didn’t after everything that she was forced to endure.

Pretty Rotten Love is this chaotic, intense, story that was filled with all these plot twists that keep you questioning everything you think you know and believe in. And just when you think you know and understand everything that’s happening, Dani manages to surprise you by throwing another curveball at you.


All Sasha has ever known is abuse, pain, and suffering at the hands of not only her brother but also her father, the man who was supposed to love and protect her.

And it’s because of everything her father and brother puts her through Sasha now suffers from severe mental health issues.

Cam, my poor heart broke for him, he really got the raw end of the deal.

Then there’s Sasha’s brother Walker, sure he loves his sister, just in the wrong way and his behaviour is just sick.

I loved Aiden, he’s the saviour everyone would want and he’s such a Golden Retriever.

It’s Sasha though who’s broken, she can no longer tell truth from lies. I just have trouble understanding how she can’t remember when her abuse started?

One of the things that I love about Dani’s writing is that with every one of her books, she treat’s every topic with such feeling and such respect. And her books are always so well written. And I just appreciate that so much about her writing.

If you can handle the trigger warnings, then I highly recommend Pretty Rotten Love by Dani Rose, this is truly a beautifully written taboo romance that’s full of trauma and healing.

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm flabbergasted with the way this story went. I never in a million years would have thought that what happened would have happened.

The heroine was very easily manipulated and she believed everything her brother told her about her father and that made her hate her father what he did to her. She would see her brother with heart eyes until he upset her and she would take off and in one of those instances she met a man who made her feel special and doted on her but every time she brought up her brother he would get upset and explode on her (or so she says). He was actually really good for her and was trying open up her eyes about who her brother really was but she wouldn't have anything to do with it.

Things one day got out of hand and her boyfriend suffered a blow to the head and was dead and the only person she could call was her brother and he was there in an instant. He counseled her and assured her that she would be okay and took her back home with him.

Now things just get crazy from that point on. I will not divulge what happens next because that would defeat the purpose of you reading the book, but it sure took one turn I wasn't expecting and it was just so messed up.

This author has a way with twisting things around and leaving you with your mouth wide open. I enjoyed it even though it was totally a taboo book but if you have no triggers then this is definitely for you ... if you have triggers then I suggest you NOT read it because it would be messed up to give a bad rating for triggers you don't enjoy.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . Dani Rose nailed it as per usual and delivered one of the best books I’ve read this year . Pretty Rotten Love was and is everything, i mean everything. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam being crushed the next , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard . The things Sasha endured in her life are just absolutely heart wrenching . The degree to which those things affect her ability to let people in , to be able to tell when someone is actually trying to help her or hurt her , there were so many moments when my jaw literally hit to floor . And then we have our hero’s , Cam , Walker and Aiden each so different, each filled with so many layers and complexities and each try to save Sasha in their own way . I most definitely was not prepared for all the emotions I ended up feeling, I really was on emotional overload the whole way through. This is not a easy story . It’s dark , it’s raw , it’s steamy , it’s heartbreaking and just utterly addictive and beautiful

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away!!
A fast paced very short novella that could have been so much more. I needed more!!
So many twists from one page to the next that just kept you guessing.
Sasha is the MFC that has grown up knowing only abuse from her father and her brother.
She suffers from severe mental health issues!
Poor Cam got the rough end of the stick!
Walker, the brother, loves his sister Sasha and is a dick!
Aiden is the Golden Retriever saviour that wants more!
Meanwhile Sasha doesn't know truth from lies. How does she not remember when her abuse started?
A very complex story that had me all twisted up with emotional overload!
Written so well with feeling and respect.
And then when I thought, yep, all good for Sasha, another curve ball is thrown out there to dismantle all that I thought I knew.
A great read overall but plenty of triggers, so check TW before reading!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!! This was a dark emotional ride.
I think i cryed for most of this books. I read this within the hour. Very detailed and it felt like the book was very well writen didnt leave gaps or unanswered questions.

After Sasha faced all the manipulation she endured from her brother and SA. Sasha realized that her memories and everything she thought was a lie. Cameron was Sashas boyfriend and he was only trying to help and protect her from her brother Walker. After Cameron's accident I was so glad that his brother Adien kept his promise and was there to help and protect her.

Another fantastic book!

Please check your triggers!!!!

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this crazy chaotic story filled with trauma, mind games and secrets.
Sasha has been manipulated, abused and lied to most of her life. It's really confusing for her to know who is truly helping and who isn't.
Her boyfriend Cameron did his best to try to help her. Aiden his brother is a saving grace and is so sweet, patient, gentle, caring and loving.
The plot twists keep me guessing. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next. Surprise!!!.
The ending totally shocked me. And I am so happy Sasha is going to finally heal.
Thank you so much for this wonderful story Dani.
This is a must read. Please check TW before reading.

[Lisa Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first unreliable narrator book I have read and I loved it. I was left confused, but everything came to a head at the end with an unexpected twist. I love Dani Rose and this one is probably my favorite out of hers so far.

Cam was my favorite, though he was in the book for only a little, his actions made such a big impact. Sasha was meek, easily controlled which I tend to lean more towards.

All in all a solid 5/5
Fast read
Engaging story
Detailed characters
Twist ending

[Steph Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super dark and taboo, super spicy, and a very quick short read involving mental health.

Sasha’s story will hurt you, there is so much to unfold in such a short story. The spice starts immediately and the dark follows very shortly after. So many pivotal moments one right after another non stop.

YOU MUST CHECK TOUR TRIGGERS before reading this.
*YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS*

Involves but not limited to:
Death
Sibling abuse
Brainwash and mental health
Erotic punishment

[Marci Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check your triggers! This one was full of mind manyand poor Sasha boy was she assaulted. However, she didn’t seem to know it and seemed to just think it was a way of life. This one will mess with your mind a little bit because you will not quite know who the assaulter is for a moment. This book was so good. I highly suggest it. It is taboo in every way and it is an HEA!

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn! This one was DARK! You absolutely need to read the trigger warnings. Sasha has been through more trauma than anyone should be able to. She thinks she is being saved by her brother from her boyfriend Cameron, she definitely got that wrong. She was so brainwashed she didn't know who was actually saving her. I really liked Aiden, he was so sweet and really cared about her. That ending was such a twist!

[Angela Ballas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book early and LOVED it! I DEVOURED it!!!! It’s a quick, dark, TABOO read!!! One of my fave tropes!! I feel so bad for Sasha..but she definitely finds her HEA! It definitely took a turn that I was not expecting. If you have any triggers, make sure to check them. Definitely recommend for all the dark taboos loving baddies!

[Hannah Bobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the taboo aspect even though it was definitely a little creepy and this is one of Dani’s HEA - everyone gets their justice, revenge and love. this is probably one of the shorter novellas that hopefully could turn into a full length novel. the spice was just right and the overall plot while we jumped right in was full of little twists and turns.

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that has more twists and turns than most books 4x its length. It is so messed up for the heroine that you will feel for her with all the trials she goes through. It is also an individual tale of recovery. It is another Dani Rose book that will leave rent-free in your head for some time to come.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book dives into some very difficult topics, so the warnings are there for a reason. It highlights how harmful manipulation and control can be, which makes parts of the story tough to read.

At the same time, there’s a layer of healing and growth—learning to rebuild trust and understand relationships again.

Dark, emotional, and definitely not for everyone.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Taboo two descriptors for Dani Rose romance and she delivers it. The twists at the end was perfect and it was such a great read for a person who needed a little darkness in her life right now. There is the emotional and physical trauma and a few suprises that you didn't anticipate. Overall it was an enjoy short read.

[Wicked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dedicated to the blissfully ignorant bitches with a kink for rage fucking and toxic love

This is a very deep and emotional story. Please check your triggers before reading. A dark taboo romance following Sasha and the hell she endures. She is so confused as to what is going on in her life. All she knows is control.

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read your triggers!! This was such a wild rollercoaster in such a short book! Poor Sasha went thru it the whole time. She thought she was being abused by her ex boyfriend who ultimately was just trying to save her from the brainwashing her brother had done. The emotions that ran through me were so strong and I devoured this one so fast! Another great read by Dani Rose!

[Kyla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns and that ending, woah. I can honestly say that I did not expect that ending and this whole book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Sasha has been through so much and she has a hard time trusting anyone. All I can say is that I am happy Sasha got the help and support she deserves.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, it's Sasha's story & it was horrific. She's been in a horribly abusive situation & has been brainwashed about a lot of things. When she's rescued the truth comes out about it all. This is NOT an easy read & is pretty short. But the things she goes through & the guy who rescues her helps with her healing. Please keep in mind this is a very DARK novella.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha’s story was so heartbreaking. She had been through such pain that no one deserved. The story of her coping and healing with her past and present traumas was the light at the end of the tunnel. I loved Aiden’s character so much. I also liked the plot twist at the end. This was a really great story and a quick read.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spice was spicing for sure. This story was a mess of twists and turns and my brain struggled to keep up but our poor fmc had even more trouble. I really didn’t expect the ending but really enjoyed it. I will be reading it again soon

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I keep think right now, is that this was a lot! There was soo much packed into such a tiny book. The trauma, the level of taboo, the sweet love, the manipulation...the everything. I ate this book the fck up!

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has so much jammed packed into 50 pages. From brainwash, to trauma healing, this dark taboo story is addicting! Poor Sasha has been through so much just since the age of 12, has lived her life as a lie up until Aiden (and Cameron; RIP) come and save her from herself and her brother.

[Kitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure to check triggers. Dani does not pay when it comes to taboo and darkness.

This one definitely took a twist i didn't see coming. It's a great story, but boy is it messed up. I would love to know more about what happens after the healing process. Good quick little taboo read.