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Emergence and Ascendance

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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.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2025

301 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Mills

204 books1,561 followers
KC Mills is an international bestselling author, speaker, and CEO. Ranked along with well respected authors, Mills has over 100 books which have hit number 1 bestsellers. She has proven herself as a leader in her industry with over 120 successful books written and published within a five year timeframe. She is committed to bringing exceptional literary works that offer a romantic twist, as well as subtlety veering away from the norm. She still however leaves you captivated by her stories, characters and always wanting more. Mills’ current focus is her cross over to the script writing arena where she will begin writing for some of Atlanta’s top production companies and the nation’s most notable television networks.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,024 reviews293 followers
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??
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,898 reviews103 followers
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
Profile Image for Monique.
351 reviews15 followers
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.
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
222 reviews36 followers
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: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
365 reviews15 followers
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.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
907 reviews13 followers
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.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
493 reviews109 followers
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!
Profile Image for Michelle.
173 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,588 reviews49 followers
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!!!!!
Profile Image for Crimson.
581 reviews4 followers
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!!!
Profile Image for Simply_YoYo.
397 reviews7 followers
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 🫠😳
Profile Image for SumFire.
623 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed Christian and Scotlyn’s journey. If "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" was a person, cause Honey, lol! Listen, Sis didn't know what she was missing, but Christian was the right one to get her together.

My one caveat was that regardless of HOW she and her sister felt about their father, they left their brother, Alex, to stand ALONE at that funeral. That was selfish AF. At this point, for all intents and purposes, he stood in the trenches with them. So if he turns on them in the next book, I call his actions justified.

Anywhooo, Jona has been missing in action for a while. Baby Sis has finally turned up and is literally sleeping with the enemy. Gasp!

But if I learned nothing else from Elias Omari and Cress Devereaux is you can't judge too quickly ... can you?

This is about to be good, yall!

Oh- there is no murder-murder kill-kill going on here.
💁🏾‍♀️Well, something was being killed, but no guns were involved 😉.
Profile Image for Tasha.
625 reviews16 followers
July 16, 2025
Amazinggggggg

This was an absolute amazing read! What started as a contract turned into something much more. I loved that Scotlynn and Christian crossed paths. Christian found someone deserving of the love he had to give and Scot was able to bask in her soft girl era and she loved it there and I loved it for her.
I have been waiting on this one but didn’t know how I would feel about Christian bc I’m team Omari men, periodt! Turns out I absolutely loved me some Christian. He was intentional with Scot that man didn’t play about her at all. With all the sexing they was doing I just knew she was gone be pregnant by the end. I didn’t really care for the care for the age difference bc I wanted them to have babies 🥹 They are both on board with getting the family they wanted no matter how it comes about and I’m excited to see where they’re at in Jonas story 🫶🏾

One thing about it KC literally never disappoints, goated fr! 🔥 🖊️ 📚 👏🏾
1,160 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment! Scotlyn and Christian are so good together. They have both been hurt from.previous marriages but in a different way!
Age ain't nothing but a number, I love Chriatian level of maturity, which he shows Scotlyn each and every time that he shows up for her.
The families are such opposites, but the same when you think about the siblings and how they are 10 toes down for one another!
I loved the ending and look forward to the wedding, I know there will be some stumbling blocks as well as triumphs.
Teznia is the bestie of Scotlyn, she need a mate. I look forward to Jona's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AMBER.
204 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2025
August Read: Emergence & Ascendance The Collective book #3 by K.C. Mills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This story follows Scotlyn and Christian, both fresh from divorces scarred by betrayal. Scotlyn’s ten–year marriage unraveled under deceit, while Christian is still nursing wounds from his ex-wife’s disloyalty. His focus is set on securing a prime waterfront property in Crescent Falls—until Scotlyn swoops in and outbids him. Shocked to find his rival is not only a woman but a striking one, Christian quickly realizes she isn’t just competition, she’s unforgettable. What begins as rivalry soon stirs into something deeper, with Christian intent on more than just winning the property—he wants Scotlyn herself.
Profile Image for Laine B..
103 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2025
Wowwww.. I wasn’t expecting to love Christian the way I did. I felt like he was a bit of an asshole in the first book and then in the second book he was going through it but boy did he redeem him. He’s my new favorite. The things he went through he didn’t deserve and I was happy to see him finding himself. When he met Scotlyn it was instant match and I was here for it all. The things they both doing had me clutching my pearls like damnnnnn!! They literally belong together. I couldn’t stop reading and I want more.
Profile Image for Tanya LaTasha.
154 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
I really enjoyed Scot and Christian’s journey and it was good to get glimpses of the other couples! Scotlyn was a real bad ssa boss chic and getting to experience her falling in love and overcoming the horribleness of her father and ex was chefs kiss and Christian with all his BDE gave alllll the feels!!! I also enjoyed Tezni and their friendship, but nowwww I want to know what’s going on with Jona so maybe she’ll be next up!
Profile Image for Mybookscafe.
479 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2025
Christian is book boyfriend worthy

Ohhhh chile!!! Love this couple down!!!! Christian, my goodness what a man, K.C Mills took her time crafting this one and he’s top tier.

Scotlyn and Christian had all the appropriate level of spice if you know what I mean 😉😉😉😉 but more importantly their story is heartwarming, intense , funny and memorable.

Side note I’m looking forward toto seeing what Happens with Jona
Profile Image for _dulcekk.
504 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2025
What we deserve……

This was an enjoyable read! Happy that Christian & Scotlyn were able to overcome & learn to trust again. Scotlyn’s backstory & what her father did…. HOW DARE YOU!? Mean & Surly! Christian got his voice with his past and that made me ecstatic! Sometimes you have to play the fool to fool the fool! The chemistry between Scotlyn & Christian was undeniable… she had my man doing the unthinkable…contract where! Lol
134 reviews
July 5, 2025
Solid

I loved that’s Scotlyn and Christian got a chance at real, supportive love. This was a full story. Some may shy away from the BDSM theme, but it was over done for me. (They only had 2 or 3 sexual encounters about half way the book.) There was definitely tension and chemistry throughout the whole book. Background characters were backgrounding! I’m ready for Jona and more. KC Mills doesn’t disappoint with this.
203 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2025
great read

Great story, wonderful characters. Love alpha male Christian. He took care of his family and his love interest, great intimacy, great passion just a great story. Looking forward to the third story actually fourth story Jonas story. Hopefully Christian will have children in his life. Hopefully in some capacity /that’s a positive update and also the next story in the series can’t wait.!!!
Profile Image for Tonya.
282 reviews
August 10, 2025
I want a Christian

When I say BDE on steroids I.wouldnt.be exzaggerating. Christian was very girls dream. His swagger was all that. I was hoping for some pitter patter of little feet for him. Scotlyn didn't disappoint either. The way she handled her daddy showed she could hold her own. Tezni was the best friend a girl could have. Hopefully there's another book in the series with the baby sister. This way we can catch up on Christian.
Profile Image for Jibria.
300 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2025
Redemption

Christian definitely had me side eyeing him in the beginning, but of course he stole my heart. His honesty and vulnerable side was shown way more more I love it. I love that Scot was a boss in every since of the word. She may have lacked confidence in the beginning but sis did that!
Profile Image for Dai Burton.
246 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
This was giving a little Diesel from the Danger series and I was definitely here for it. I felt like Christian was teasing me at times lol. Miss Scot was bout her business in the streets but gave up the control in the sheets. I needed a lot more in the ending though. I can feel that Jona is gonna be a brat but we shall see. Solid 4.5.
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
641 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2025
Loved this

Listen... when a woman finds that space where she can be soft and trust the leadership of her man to guide her while she breathes, it unmatched! Christian was that man, and I loved every page of both of their surrender to love! Well written and structured! Can't wait for Jona's book.
22 reviews
June 28, 2025
Crescent Falls is the Place to be

I was glad to get this book about Christian because he seemed like a lost soul in the other books so for his was well overdue...I absolutely loved Scotlyn for him and she is older too! It didn't matter as long as both got their HEA! K.C Mills is my absolute favorite Author!
Profile Image for Ashontee Billingsley.
148 reviews
June 29, 2025
4.5 stars

I’m so happy this one is out! I loved the relationship of Scotlyn and Christian.

Scot is older than Christian. She wants to venture out from the Whitney name with this beachfront property. At first Christian wanted it but then he made a deal and contract to get Scot. I’m excited to see where the rest of their life goes in book 4!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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