Member Reviews
This book follows Nari, a young woman who hasn't had a great start to life. While at work, she meets Kincaid, who takes a liking to her. He offers her an opportunity for a different life to help himself out of a situation he would rather not be in.
Unfortunately, I felt this book was a little underwhelming. This is classed as a slow burner, and it felt like it was dragging in so many different places, especially in the beginning.
There were some sections I felt should have been explained in more detail but wasn't, and other things I felt there was no need for the detail. At one point, I forgot something big had happened, and that was due to lack of detail.
I did like the relationship between Kincaid and his parents. They felt loving and realistic to the character. Especially when they took Nari into their family like a daughter.
The ending of the book was disappointing, considering the "cliffhanger " is meant to wow the reader to read the next book in the series. Unfortunately, the cliffhanger didn't leave me wanting more.
Well well well. Kincaid is that guy! He had his eye on what he wanted and NOTHING was going to stop him from getting what was his. And I’m not mad at it at all!!
Kincaid & Nari have an “arranged” marriage if you want to call it that (Caid did the arranging lol). But once feelings get involved it starts to get tricky. What didn’t work for me was the miscommunication trope. So many issues could be resolved if Nari just spoke the hell up! The last 2 chapters really irked my nerves because neither one of them communicated effectively and now look at the situation they in! Damn fools.
And let’s talk about the ending! The ending!!! Come on, when will we get part 2 because I need answers yesterday!
Overall I loved this book! I will definitely be recommending to my book friends. But stop playing with me, give us part 2!
Thank you Black Odyssey Media for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!
What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!
This was a good book and I enjoyed the storyline and getting to know the characters personally. Nari has gone through a lot in her life, but so have many other people. A some point you have no choice but to grow up in life and make lemonade with the lemons you have been dealt. Most women want a man like Kincaid who worships the ground that she walks on. Whew, I know I do...IJS. Loved this book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I should note that this book features racially diverse characters.
Kincaid is cocky, extremely possessive, and all alpha male. Honestly, while the book tries to portray him as trying to be neutral in areas, he still comes off as pretty controlling. Nari is strong but scarred by her life growing up in foster homes and has trust issues, which features heavily in their relationship.
Tropes: arranged marriage/marriage of convenience, lust at first sight, different worlds, surprise pregnancy, imaginary love triangle.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, not enough to reach for the next book immediately but definitely raises some questions!
You Could Do Damage is a captivating exploration of love, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, featuring well-developed, relatable characters whose journeys through love and self-discovery are both poignant and realistic. The emotional depth captured in the narrative resonates deeply, as Mills authentically portrays the raw feelings of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and insecurity, making the characters’ triumphs all the more rewarding. The intricately woven plot, filled with unexpected twists, balances romance with suspense and drama, ensuring a gripping read that maintains a sense of urgency while allowing for moments of reflection. At its core, the story emphasizes growth and healing, highlighting how past traumas shape our present selves and relationships, and the importance of vulnerability and communication in building healthy connections. Mills’ lyrical yet accessible writing style brings the characters and their experiences to life, making it easy to get lost in the narrative. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and making their struggles feel relatable. Additionally, the setting plays a significant role in the story, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the characters' world, adding another layer of depth to the narrative. The pacing is expertly handled, allowing for both tension-filled moments and quieter, introspective scenes that give readers time to absorb the characters' emotional journeys. Mills also weaves in themes of friendship and loyalty, showcasing how these bonds can be both a source of strength and a complicating factor in romantic relationships. Overall, "You Could Do Damage" is more than just a romance novel; it’s a profound exploration of love and identity that leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a story that tugs at the heartstrings and encourages reflection on personal relationships. Mills has crafted a tale that not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us of the power of love and the importance of healing, making it a book I will cherish and recommend to others for years to come. The way Mills navigates the intricacies of human emotions and relationships is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate her future works, knowing they will likely resonate just as deeply.
An arranged marriage turned real in this non mafia (but really it's a mafia) romance.
After growing up in foster care and never knowing family or love, Nari is an easy target for Kincaid when he goes looking for a wife to please "The Families". Not to be confused with the mob, The Families are an influential group of international businessmen (legal and illegal) who demand a sense of order and family from their members, especially those tapped to become one of the top men.
As per any good mafia romance there is killing, hand bashing, ambushes, misunderstandings and DUH the characters actually fall for each other.
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley & Black Odyssey Media
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a ARC copy. Here is my honest review .
In You Could Do Damage, K.C. Mills crafts a story that dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and redemption. The book follows the journey of characters who grapple with their pasts and present choices, showing how connections and personal growth can both heal and challenge us. This is a romance with a raw, intense vibe that makes you reflect on what it really means to fight for love and self-worth.
What I enjoyed most about this book was Mills' ability to create characters who felt incredibly authentic. Their emotions were palpable, and the dialogue flowed naturally, reflecting the depth of their experiences. Mills doesn't shy away from hard truths or from exploring the “damage” that we often inflict on ourselves and others, either knowingly or unknowingly. This made the story feel layered and gave the characters a genuine, relatable weight.
There were a few points where the plot seemed to plateau, especially in the middle. The emotional tension dipped at times, making the story feel slightly repetitive as characters struggled to move forward. However, Mills quickly picked things back up, weaving in new elements that kept me hooked and eager to see where their journey would lead.
As for my expectations—this book was more intense and complex than I anticipated. I expected a solid romance, but Mills delivered a story that was both deeply emotional and reflective, going beyond typical romance tropes. Overall, You Could Do Damage exceeded my expectations with its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, making it a memorable read that leaves you pondering long after the final page.
If you’re looking for an emotional, intense romance with real, flawed characters, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Great read!
Characters were well established and chemistry between the main characters was hot!
Would’ve loved to see the relationship between Nari and Kincaid’s mother developed more.
Can’t wait for the next book!!
First of all, thank you to NetGalley, KC Mills and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Secondly, sometimes there also are ARCs you end up not liking – this unfortunately was the case for me. As I promised an honest review in exchange for receiving a copy of this book, I’ll leave my thoughts below and I will not soften them, just because it was an ARC.
This book looks promising at first, with a Forced Proximity/Arranged Marriage scenario between the two main characters set in a loosely hinted at Mafia/Made Men setting. While we meet both characters very early on, it takes quite a few chapters to pick up the pace. When it does, it moves too fast for my taste.
The characters themselves unfortunately lack depth. After reading a whole book about them, I can’t tell you anything more personal about either than their drink preferences and their issues, which tend to be a tad bit repetitive. Their only role seems to be the one of husband and wife, briefly interrupted only by interludes of “imposing Mafia Boss” and “Poor, poor (in both senses) Wife”.
What I usually enjoy in these types of books, was nowhere to be found. The effortless way of commanding a room, the subtle self-assured way of holding himself and the easy-going, decidedly unforced masculinity these Mafia-type men usually are described with fell flat for me in this one. Kincaid is not effortlessly masculine in any cute way, but incredibly insecure, toxic and controlling. That’s not a cute look.
Speaking of cute – that seems to be the only personality trait the female main character possesses she’s hot, she’s cute and kind of awkward, at least according to silver-spoon-Romeo. This even is a claim the narrator makes in a chapter of Nari’s POV, because it’s said: “The issue with that seemed to be I never truly had an identity before he shook up my world.” Wow! This sadly didn’t change throughout the entirety of the book.
Kincaid, the male love interest, also seems like he mostly speaks in “half truths” as he claims, while to an attentive reader these usually are closer to “full lies”.
Also, sprinkle on a bit of homophobic commentary here and there alongside the toxic masculinity and you do end up giving the MCs some sort of … character. And by character I mean a very bitter aftertaste.
The plotline did not feel consistent, as there are multiple opponents introduced and by the time one of the main twists happens, we never get to know who was behind it, before another adversary is introduced. The main thing happening here is one on one scenes with the main characters, possessive, jealous behaviour of the male main character after an outing with his wife (multiple), and ominous “business meetings” the male lead has to go to. Repeat.
For the entirety of the book, I felt like I was scratching on surfaces while my resolve to find out more about these characters was whittled down by every chapter.
The final straw for this rating were the innumerable grammatical errors and spelling mistakes this book surprises you with.
I’m really sorry, but this is my honest opinion and that’s what I have promised to give: I can’t really recommend reading this book.
It was an intense story, and I felt confused. I did like the plot, but the movement was slow from time to time for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
thank you net galley for this arc copy. Nari and kincaid life caused some damage to each other.he really need to learn patience when dealing with her. kincaid was born with asilver spoon in his mouth,but nari wasn't from that world so she had to adjust. so so good can't wait for part two.