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The Collective #3
Emergence and Ascendance
After wasting years in a marriage founded on lies, betrayal, and manipulation, Christian Devereaux decides to not only take control of his life but his happiness.
Marrying for love feels amazing until Scotlyn realizes the sentiment isn’t returned. Unbeknownst to her, she has spent years in a marriage founded on a mutually beneficial agreement. After her divorce, Scotlyn learns that as much as she needs control, submission is the true key to locking down her heart.
When Christian meets Scotlyn, bedroom and boardroom deals create a beautiful blueprint for a foundation of new beginnings and love.
Marrying for love feels amazing until Scotlyn realizes the sentiment isn’t returned. Unbeknownst to her, she has spent years in a marriage founded on a mutually beneficial agreement. After her divorce, Scotlyn learns that as much as she needs control, submission is the true key to locking down her heart.
When Christian meets Scotlyn, bedroom and boardroom deals create a beautiful blueprint for a foundation of new beginnings and love.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
346 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Mills
199 books1,732 followersK.C. Mills is a USA Today bestselling author of over 100 traditionally and independently published novels, including Innocent Intent, Christmas in Spite of You, and You Could Do Damage. Since publishing her first novel in 2015 Mills has solidified her literary career by writing beautifully flawed characters and realistic, edgy stories displaying love in all shades of brown. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia and can be found online at theauthorkcmills.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 20, 2025
The relationship between Scotlyn and Christian seems to be just getting started. This was unique in that there was an age difference, with the female being older. Christian is dealing with betrayal from his ex-wife Aja and seeks control through BDMS. Scotlyn just ended a 10-year marriage built on deceit and lies. So they both endure heartbreak in marriage, and they meet through a lakefront property business deal. Scotlyn outbids him, marking the start of their relationship. Losing a bet to her best friend Tez, this also puts her at Erogenous, a BDSM club where Christian and she connect as well. It was a calm story. Out of all the books in the series, it was okay... I wanted more, and we could have gotten way more with this relationship. Also, with Scotlyn being older and close to her fifties. I'm curious how pregnancies for older women will be handled in the next book. It is something that is rarely discussed, and I will be interested in reading it. Also, WTF is Jona doing??
June 15, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Christian’s book & he didn’t disappoint! This was a story on carving out your own lane & moving past betrayal and opening yourself up to experiencing joy again…on your own terms. I enjoyed Scotlyn as an FMC. She was definitely a boss in her career and I admired watching her navigate being a woman in a male driven field. My only “complaint” with the book is the age gap trope. While I loved seeing a woman nearing 50 getting sexed on properly & being taken care of, Christian and his desire for children has been a plot point for 3 books! I swear I never wanted an accidental pregnancy more in a book than now🤣K.C promised in her note that she’d bring Christian & Scotlyn full circle in Jona’s book and I really hope that means we get to see them experience parenthood in some respect.
July 2, 2025
Who did it better story...
I could not connect with this complicated story or the relationship, nor the narrative. I could not believe the high level of sensual moments. However, I was stuck with pure interest about where this author was going with her storyline.. You'll see what I saw as you read.
Wow, the story had a lot of intimate moments that carried this story over many and varied terrains. See what you think
I could not connect with this complicated story or the relationship, nor the narrative. I could not believe the high level of sensual moments. However, I was stuck with pure interest about where this author was going with her storyline.. You'll see what I saw as you read.
Wow, the story had a lot of intimate moments that carried this story over many and varied terrains. See what you think
June 14, 2025
4.5 ✨️✨️✨️
December 21, 2025
Sir Christian
Oh Christian can be my Sir any day. I love how he and Scotlyn were both dealing with their trauma caused by their fathers. But babyyyyy Jona is a mess it seems. Whew
Oh Christian can be my Sir any day. I love how he and Scotlyn were both dealing with their trauma caused by their fathers. But babyyyyy Jona is a mess it seems. Whew
June 15, 2025
✨Book Review✨
📚 Book Review: Emergence & Ascendance (The Collective Book 3) by K.C. Mills – 5 FREAKING STARS!!!
Let me just say this right now: CHRISTIAN. DEVEREAUX. MR. GO-AND-GET-IT HIMSELF.
Yeah… he got me in a BDSM chokehold—and I liked it. 😮💨
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. After the mess his ex-wife Aja put him through, I honestly didn’t think Christian had it in him to trust again—let alone fall in love. The heartbreak he experienced had him grasping for control in every area of his life, which led him straight to the world of BDSM. It’s all surface-level pleasure and no emotional connections… until she walks in.
Scotlyn Whitley is beauty and brains with a sprinkle of “I don’t have time for love.” Fresh out of a ten-year marriage built on lies and raised by a father with the emotional range of a shoe, she’s focused on creating her legacy. Period. Love? Not on her radar. But leave it to her hilarious, ride-or-die bestie Tezni to get her out of her comfort zone. A lost bet lands Scotlyn at Erogenous, a BDSM club, as a submissive—and that’s when her path crosses with the Christian Devereaux.
The gag?
They’re already business rivals 👀 Christian is determined to secure the waterfront property in Crescent Falls—until someone named “Scot Whitley” outbids him. To say he was rocked by a woman being the real culprit, is an understatement. He knew Scot Whitley wasn’t just competition—she was a force. And her beauty? Floor’d him. Her presence? Unshakable. From the moment their paths crossed, Christian wasn’t just intrigued… he was claiming.
The chemistry? Electric.
The banter? Razor-sharp.
The tension? Let’s just say the walls of every room they shared needed a safe word. 😮💨🔥
And I’m a sucker for characters who swear they’re not falling in love but end up neck-deep in feelings before they can finish saying “temporary arrangement.” K.C. Mills delivered that trope on a silver platter.
Now let’s talk kink and care: THIS. IS. HOW. YOU. WRITE. BDSM.
The spice?? Ten outta ten. The connection?? Deep as hell. And the aftercare scenes??? BABYYYYYYY. Christian wasn’t just dominant—he was attentive, nurturing, and sensual. If my man ain’t holding me like that afterward, I don’t want him. Period. He didn’t just know what Scotlyn liked—he learned what she needed. A man. A protector. A safe space. Whew.
And you already know I messaged K.C. to let her know: “I’m calling him Mr. Go and Get It from now on.” Because that man had tunnel vision for Scotlyn and I ate that UP!
Before I wrap this up, two more things I loved:
1. The friendship between Scotlyn and Tezni – 10/10, no notes. Their sisterhood was hilarious, loyal, and full of love. Everybody needs a Tezni in their corner hyping you up and talking you into questionable but fun decisions.
2. Scotlyn’s relationship with her siblings, especially Alex – I loved seeing the softness, the protection, the true family bond. In so many stories with powerful families, the brothers turn into mini-versions of toxic fathers. But Alex? He showed up with love, not control. It was so refreshing.
And now… I’m perched on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what the hell Jona got herself into because Christian was NOT with the shits. But I’m trusting my girl (kinda).
⸻
Final thoughts?
If you love grown-and-sexy romance with depth, spice, a commanding but tender dom, and a woman with brains and backbone? This book is IT. You’ll fall in love, burn up, and laugh your ass off all in the same chapter.
K.C. Mills, YOU DID THAT. I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet, but I’ll be front row for Jona’s story next.
Book: Emergence and Ascendance
Author: K.C. Mills
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
📚 Book Review: Emergence & Ascendance (The Collective Book 3) by K.C. Mills – 5 FREAKING STARS!!!
Let me just say this right now: CHRISTIAN. DEVEREAUX. MR. GO-AND-GET-IT HIMSELF.
Yeah… he got me in a BDSM chokehold—and I liked it. 😮💨
I went into this book not knowing what to expect. After the mess his ex-wife Aja put him through, I honestly didn’t think Christian had it in him to trust again—let alone fall in love. The heartbreak he experienced had him grasping for control in every area of his life, which led him straight to the world of BDSM. It’s all surface-level pleasure and no emotional connections… until she walks in.
Scotlyn Whitley is beauty and brains with a sprinkle of “I don’t have time for love.” Fresh out of a ten-year marriage built on lies and raised by a father with the emotional range of a shoe, she’s focused on creating her legacy. Period. Love? Not on her radar. But leave it to her hilarious, ride-or-die bestie Tezni to get her out of her comfort zone. A lost bet lands Scotlyn at Erogenous, a BDSM club, as a submissive—and that’s when her path crosses with the Christian Devereaux.
The gag?
They’re already business rivals 👀 Christian is determined to secure the waterfront property in Crescent Falls—until someone named “Scot Whitley” outbids him. To say he was rocked by a woman being the real culprit, is an understatement. He knew Scot Whitley wasn’t just competition—she was a force. And her beauty? Floor’d him. Her presence? Unshakable. From the moment their paths crossed, Christian wasn’t just intrigued… he was claiming.
The chemistry? Electric.
The banter? Razor-sharp.
The tension? Let’s just say the walls of every room they shared needed a safe word. 😮💨🔥
And I’m a sucker for characters who swear they’re not falling in love but end up neck-deep in feelings before they can finish saying “temporary arrangement.” K.C. Mills delivered that trope on a silver platter.
Now let’s talk kink and care: THIS. IS. HOW. YOU. WRITE. BDSM.
The spice?? Ten outta ten. The connection?? Deep as hell. And the aftercare scenes??? BABYYYYYYY. Christian wasn’t just dominant—he was attentive, nurturing, and sensual. If my man ain’t holding me like that afterward, I don’t want him. Period. He didn’t just know what Scotlyn liked—he learned what she needed. A man. A protector. A safe space. Whew.
And you already know I messaged K.C. to let her know: “I’m calling him Mr. Go and Get It from now on.” Because that man had tunnel vision for Scotlyn and I ate that UP!
Before I wrap this up, two more things I loved:
1. The friendship between Scotlyn and Tezni – 10/10, no notes. Their sisterhood was hilarious, loyal, and full of love. Everybody needs a Tezni in their corner hyping you up and talking you into questionable but fun decisions.
2. Scotlyn’s relationship with her siblings, especially Alex – I loved seeing the softness, the protection, the true family bond. In so many stories with powerful families, the brothers turn into mini-versions of toxic fathers. But Alex? He showed up with love, not control. It was so refreshing.
And now… I’m perched on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what the hell Jona got herself into because Christian was NOT with the shits. But I’m trusting my girl (kinda).
⸻
Final thoughts?
If you love grown-and-sexy romance with depth, spice, a commanding but tender dom, and a woman with brains and backbone? This book is IT. You’ll fall in love, burn up, and laugh your ass off all in the same chapter.
K.C. Mills, YOU DID THAT. I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet, but I’ll be front row for Jona’s story next.
Book: Emergence and Ascendance
Author: K.C. Mills
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
June 18, 2025
4.5/5
— BDSM is not a typical trope I enjoy but when it is done right, I have no complaints. This story here, gave me what it needed to give. I thoroughly enjoyed Christian and Scotland.
— There was chemistry, banter, forced proximity and tension. I loved seeing this side of Christian, the vulnerable and tenderness he showed Scotlyn.
— Sister Jona, I see you. I can’t wait to read her book soon.
— BDSM is not a typical trope I enjoy but when it is done right, I have no complaints. This story here, gave me what it needed to give. I thoroughly enjoyed Christian and Scotland.
— There was chemistry, banter, forced proximity and tension. I loved seeing this side of Christian, the vulnerable and tenderness he showed Scotlyn.
— Sister Jona, I see you. I can’t wait to read her book soon.
June 28, 2025
MrsTeeReads
I wasn't sure whose story was going to be next, what a treat to learn and understand Christian! Scotlyn represented the boss chics very well. I enjoyed the growth and development of their arrangement and knew it wss gonna end well. The spice was spicy and on point! After their past marriages they both deserved some passion and love.
I wasn't sure whose story was going to be next, what a treat to learn and understand Christian! Scotlyn represented the boss chics very well. I enjoyed the growth and development of their arrangement and knew it wss gonna end well. The spice was spicy and on point! After their past marriages they both deserved some passion and love.
June 20, 2025
Very good. Very spicy.
January 29, 2026
Part 3! I absolutely adored the first books on this series! So I look forward to Christian story
I was kind of thrown off with the BDSM, it's not one of my favorite tropes, but I think it focused more on that. I love that the FMC was older, and I really really look forward to finding out if they have a chance at a family since they both really wanted that.
I kind of wanted more karma for her ex-husband as well.
Not over it 😂😂
I was kind of thrown off with the BDSM, it's not one of my favorite tropes, but I think it focused more on that. I love that the FMC was older, and I really really look forward to finding out if they have a chance at a family since they both really wanted that.
I kind of wanted more karma for her ex-husband as well.
Not over it 😂😂
October 17, 2025
Baby I love a good InstaLove plus a fun age gap! Scotlyn and Christian were everything!
This story was very sexy, BDSM vibes! Once it was determined that they were going to do it, they did it a lot! 🤭 So fya if that is something you aren't ready for. But this was soo good! An older woman with a younger man is always fun when the age gap is not too big and the man is in his 30s! Christian was not playing with Scotlyn and made it his mission to let everyone know not to play with her either. The climax at her family office was brutal, but I think that was best for all parties. I loved seeing the crew Eli/Cress, Ezi/Jhorie, and Jonah. But Jonah Girl, you are in danger. Big yikes! This book ended so beautifully and has me excited for book 4! Jonah’s book: I want a fun update on Scotlyn and Christian, but also the family she's dealing with - whew, that is trouble! I can't wait!
This story was very sexy, BDSM vibes! Once it was determined that they were going to do it, they did it a lot! 🤭 So fya if that is something you aren't ready for. But this was soo good! An older woman with a younger man is always fun when the age gap is not too big and the man is in his 30s! Christian was not playing with Scotlyn and made it his mission to let everyone know not to play with her either. The climax at her family office was brutal, but I think that was best for all parties. I loved seeing the crew Eli/Cress, Ezi/Jhorie, and Jonah. But Jonah Girl, you are in danger. Big yikes! This book ended so beautifully and has me excited for book 4! Jonah’s book: I want a fun update on Scotlyn and Christian, but also the family she's dealing with - whew, that is trouble! I can't wait!
September 13, 2025
What a captivating page turner! Goes on the READ AGAIN PILE!
At first, I hesitated to read this book because of the BDSM factor. However, I was pleasantly surprised that there was way more fascinating plot than crazy sex scenes!
After Scotlyn's horrible betrayal by her sleazy husband and greedy father, she deserved a loving, compassionate man , like Christian, who let everyone know, you mess with her, you messed with him. Whatever she needed, he took care of it, sometimes before she even asked. Awesome, Awesome story!!!!!
At first, I hesitated to read this book because of the BDSM factor. However, I was pleasantly surprised that there was way more fascinating plot than crazy sex scenes!
After Scotlyn's horrible betrayal by her sleazy husband and greedy father, she deserved a loving, compassionate man , like Christian, who let everyone know, you mess with her, you messed with him. Whatever she needed, he took care of it, sometimes before she even asked. Awesome, Awesome story!!!!!
June 18, 2025
Loved this! Christian and Scotlyn were everything.
-These were grown folks! Not young and young minded characters that constantly start or are in drama. They communicated well and it was just refreshing.
- I appreciated that Scotlyn didn’t live in the grief of her failed marriage.
- The way Christian supported her without getting in her way or overstepping was so good. There was a good balance of dominance and submission for both.
-These were grown folks! Not young and young minded characters that constantly start or are in drama. They communicated well and it was just refreshing.
- I appreciated that Scotlyn didn’t live in the grief of her failed marriage.
- The way Christian supported her without getting in her way or overstepping was so good. There was a good balance of dominance and submission for both.
June 23, 2025
I enjoyed this story so much, because it was so unique.
Christian and Scotlyn are both divorcees who are healing from betrayals, both driven professionals, the added layer of their work relationship and their connection at Erogenous 🥵
It was steamy, but mature and I appreciate that we got a HFN ending. I love the age gap and that she was older!
I love the way Christian catered to and was so soft with Scotlyn.
Jona’s book is next and I know it’s going to good-
Kevren Parker 🫠😳
Christian and Scotlyn are both divorcees who are healing from betrayals, both driven professionals, the added layer of their work relationship and their connection at Erogenous 🥵
It was steamy, but mature and I appreciate that we got a HFN ending. I love the age gap and that she was older!
I love the way Christian catered to and was so soft with Scotlyn.
Jona’s book is next and I know it’s going to good-
Kevren Parker 🫠😳
June 19, 2025
Loved it!!!
I am loving this entire series. I know this next one is going to be drama times 20. I'm interested to see who's going to be left as a couple. Y'all just read the damn series!!!
I am loving this entire series. I know this next one is going to be drama times 20. I'm interested to see who's going to be left as a couple. Y'all just read the damn series!!!
September 22, 2025
Scotlyn & Christian were a perfect pairing! Both their exes weren't SHT
February 6, 2026
Scotlyn x Christian
It’s always that 3rd one! Christian “Sir” Devareaux….whew chile! I was squealing and kicking my feet the entire time!
Scotlyn and Christian are both bosses….big egos, big energy, and used to getting their way. They both live for control, survived failed arranged marriages, and keep their hearts locked away . So when these business rivals crossed paths….Walls started crumbling, boundaries got real blurry, and that tension turned into something that was magnetic. I absolutely loved watching Scotlyn trust Christian enough to submit and finally let go of control.
This was an immersive reading experience and the narrators didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend!
It’s always that 3rd one! Christian “Sir” Devareaux….whew chile! I was squealing and kicking my feet the entire time!
Scotlyn and Christian are both bosses….big egos, big energy, and used to getting their way. They both live for control, survived failed arranged marriages, and keep their hearts locked away . So when these business rivals crossed paths….Walls started crumbling, boundaries got real blurry, and that tension turned into something that was magnetic. I absolutely loved watching Scotlyn trust Christian enough to submit and finally let go of control.
This was an immersive reading experience and the narrators didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend!
February 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
Christiiiiiaaaannnnn 🤤 she did that! The character growth and angst we missed in book 2, she brought it back for book 3 yes yes! I loved the BDSM rep, I thought it was very well written and expressed, it is not solely about the Dom but about the Sub and the respect an trust they must have for the other for that relationship to work! I loved it! I love Mills’ writing style and can’t wait for little sis’ story hopefully 🤞🏽 one day!
Christiiiiiaaaannnnn 🤤 she did that! The character growth and angst we missed in book 2, she brought it back for book 3 yes yes! I loved the BDSM rep, I thought it was very well written and expressed, it is not solely about the Dom but about the Sub and the respect an trust they must have for the other for that relationship to work! I loved it! I love Mills’ writing style and can’t wait for little sis’ story hopefully 🤞🏽 one day!
November 28, 2025
Business rivals x spicy contract x second chance (not your typical second chance)
I loved everything about this book. K.C. Mills is one of my fav & most read authors plus I’ve read the first two books in this series so I knew this book was gonna be good but I was thoroughly surprised at how spicy it was. K.C. Was like let me show y’all how nasty my pen can get & I loved every bit of it.
I loved everything about this book. K.C. Mills is one of my fav & most read authors plus I’ve read the first two books in this series so I knew this book was gonna be good but I was thoroughly surprised at how spicy it was. K.C. Was like let me show y’all how nasty my pen can get & I loved every bit of it.
February 8, 2026
omgoodness
This book was really cute having me smiling from ear to ear, I really enjoyed how he took care of her and paying attention to her cues and I’m so happy that they got engaged
This book was really cute having me smiling from ear to ear, I really enjoyed how he took care of her and paying attention to her cues and I’m so happy that they got engaged
November 15, 2025
I so adore Christian and Scot!
I so adore Christian and Scot!
Rivals to Lovers
Power & Wealth
Reverse Age Gap
Loving this series so much!
I so adore Christian and Scot!
Rivals to Lovers
Power & Wealth
Reverse Age Gap
Loving this series so much!
December 13, 2025
4.5/5 This is the best one of series! Hell I think I might be in love with Christian…he’s just that good 😩 I really love this one. I’m interested to see what she does with Jona’s story.
January 31, 2026
I enjoyed the fact the both FMC and MMC are over the age of 37.
January 30, 2026
I think Morris Kellswater is a new to me narrator but something about his voice is familiar I e joyed listening to him.
did-not-finish
February 3, 2026DNF @ 36%.
The storyline is not flowing and is boring.
The storyline is not flowing and is boring.
February 5, 2026
From the beginning Christian wasn't PLAYING about Scotland and I loved that for her!
November 2, 2025
Christian and Scotlyn were both stepping away from divorces that left them feeling like theyd never truly known their exes. One spicy contract turned into a HEA and I was here for it. Can’t wait to see how their story continues to unfold and what is going on with Jona?!
October 25, 2025
Christian was not at all what I was expecting after meeting him in Books 1-2. He felt like such a gentle soul which contrasted perfectly with his alter ego. Him and Scotlyn were such a good match! They could run the whole city together during the day and burn it down with the heat from their power dynamics at night. The twist with her dad was unexpected but I liked how it shifted things for the two of them.
The whole series is worth the read!
The whole series is worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews