I rarely classify a book as outright bad, but unfortunately, this one left me no choice. The reading experience was unpleasant, to say the least. The writing was riddled with odd grammatical errors, and despite being written in dual first-person POV, it frequently used italicized words or “thoughts” as if offering insight into the characters’ minds—when the entire chapter was already their inner monologue. This made the stylistic choices feel inconsistent and unnecessary.

Additionally, the overuse of ellipses (for dramatic effect?) and an excessive number of exclamation marks at the end of sentences that didn’t warrant such emphasis made the prose feel amateurish. The whole book came across like something written by a high schooler with a large vocabulary but little experience in crafting mature or nuanced storytelling.

The characters were shallow, with no real depth or growth. The FMC and MC seemed to fall instantly into “lust,” masquerading as “love,” without any meaningful connection or development. The MC embodied the stereotypical toxic, alpha “caveman,” whose sole reason for loving the FMC boiled down to sexual attraction. Meanwhile, the FMC was disappointingly one-dimensional and never evolved as a character.

The pacing was another issue, as the story felt like it was constantly on fast-forward, rushing through key moments without giving the reader a chance to connect with the characters or the plot. What little intrigue I felt was squandered by an ending that came across as nothing more than clickbait.

Ultimately, this book felt like a wasted afternoon. While I was curious enough to finish it, I was left disappointed and frustrated by its lack of substance, depth, and cohesion.

Overall: 4
Spice: 3

This books ends on a cliffhanger and I'm upset we have to wait for part two. OMG, the twist and turns will have you screaming at your book/kindle/earbuds. I was laughing and cussing. Cannot wait until the next book. If you like drama, you'll love this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The perfect Contemporary Romance with a little bit of spice (🌶️).
This was a stranger arranged marriage love story between a struggling young woman and a rising boss.
Nari was left by her mother as a baby then left broke by her cousin that not only didn’t pay the rent stole her money.

Kincaid an international boss (legal & illegal) was arranged to marry someone else. But when he found out the father was playing his family he found a loop hole that would allow him to marry someone else and that someone was Nari who he only saw in the club that she worked.

Once Kincaid made his mind up that was it and Nari would not know what she was getting into until she said I do.

This boo was soooooo good. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy to put on my trophy book shelf.

10/10
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Absolutely loved this none the character’s. Going into this book I wasn’t expecting it to be so spicy but I loved it.

Let me start off by saying I love me some KC Mills. I am an avid reader of her books. This storyline had me hooked from the beginning. There were times I had to give Kincaid the side eye. He isn’t the usual KC Mills male character or I guess I should say he’s not what I’m used to. I can’t believe she left me hanging with that cliffhanger but I know that part 2 is going to be piping hot.

I had the absolute pleasure of diving into an Advanced Reader Copy of You Could Do Damage by K.C. Mills, and let me tell you—this book doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it grabs them and never lets go.
From the very first page, K.C. Mills masterfully draws you into a world teeming with raw emotion, sizzling chemistry, and the kind of grit that keeps you glued to every word. The characters? Absolutely unforgettable. They’re messy, real, and so well-drawn that you feel every ounce of their struggle and triumph as if it were your own.
The love story at the heart of this book is nothing short of electric but full of “omg did I really just read that” instances. It’s not just romance—it’s a deep dive into vulnerability, trust, and what it truly means to rebuild from life’s wreckage and being able to be loved in the most inconvenient way. K.C. Mills doesn’t just give you a story; she gives you an experience, one that’s equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting.
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance that hits you in all the right places—your heart, your soul, and yes, your nerves and still entice a swoon—You Could Do Damage is a must-read. K.C. Mills has outdone herself with this one. Prepare to feel, fall, be frazzled and maybe even shed a tear or two.

4.5 ☆
"You Could Do Damage," I assume, is a release with a different cover, but it's my first time reading this story. The new cover art is beautiful. 😍

Kincaid needs a wife, and Nari needs a family. When the terms are negotiated, they both realize they've taken on more than they bargained for.

Kincaid is book bae. Black Mafia with a marriage of convenience is my favorite trope. I devoured this book in one day. I couldn't stop reading! I rated this 4.5 because the pacing could have been a little different. It had some slow parts, but besides that, it held my attention throughout the entire story. It does end on a cliffhanger.
•Black Mafia Families
•Marriage of Convenience

Thank you, Netgellay, and Black Odyssey Media for the e-book in exchange for my honest review.

𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎, 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒌𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 @𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒂_𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌’𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

I really enjoyed this book it was such a great read. Each of the characters were a delight to read. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc

You Could Do Damage dives deep into navigating between passion, betrayal, survival and loyalty. When business and the matters of the heart collide, trouble seems to come knocking at the door in this riveting book.

The FMC (Nari) is in a stream of bad circumstances after bad circumstances. She always seems to have one foot in and one foot out. However, one night turns her situation around, but like they say everything that glitters isn’t gold and she has to navigate through this new path while also guarding her heart.

The MMC (Kincaid) is about family, business and loyalty and he stands by that. However, due to his family’s business and some covert secrets that could damage his family’s reputation, he is in need for a wife, uncomplicated and contractual.

When Nari and Kincaid met for the first time, attraction was in the air and the answers to their problems were just a breath away. Kill two birds with one stone (marriage) will eliminate both characters problems, but they triumphed over one battle, only to be thrust into another.

Do I recommend? Yes!

As a big fan of KC Mills, I was a bit disappointed with this book. Usually, I absolutely adore all of KC’s mmc (Elias, Carter, Ezekiel, Red, etc.) but it didn’t click with Kincaid.
The book started nice, then after they got married I started seeing a lot of Kincaid’s personality traits that I didn’t like. He was too controlling and a bit sexist in some ways. I feel like the exploration of his character and his connection with Nari was on a surface level. I didn’t feel any emotional connection with him. I liked Nari a little more but still I felt like she wasn’t that strong fmc I thought I would meet in this book. I thought I’d see getting more comfortable, affirmative and challenging her husband more.
To finish, the story didn’t stick with me. I wish more things would’ve been explored with more depth (The Families dynamic, Kincaid’s internal struggles, him falling in love…), I wish the connection between Nari and Kincaid felt less superficial and rushed and I wish Nari was a more headstrong and steady fmc, most of all with the past she had.
Overall, it was not my favorite KC Mills read but I know what her pen can do, so I’ll keep reading everything she releases. Thank you for this arc.

I absolutely loved this book. It was one of the more mature love with the situation they were in! I have no real criticism or critiques because everything flowed well, and every word was needed.

You Could Do Damage by K.C. Mills offers a tantalizing premise, blending passion, power, and danger in a marriage of convenience that quickly turns into a complex battle of wills. The story of Nari Collette, a woman pushed to the edge after a betrayal, and Kincaid Akel, a man determined to reclaim his position in a criminal enterprise, starts off with great potential.

Nari is a relatable character, struggling with her past while trying to find a way forward. Kincaid, on the other hand, is the brooding, enigmatic figure who is hard to resist. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them keeps the pages turning. The slow-burn romance and the dangerous stakes add an exciting layer to the story.

However, while the premise is strong, there were moments when the pacing felt uneven, particularly in the middle of the book, where the plot seemed to stall a bit. The development of their relationship felt a bit rushed at times, especially given the intensity of their initial connection. There were also parts of the story where the dialogue and interactions seemed a bit forced, which took me out of the narrative.

Overall, You Could Do Damage is an enjoyable read with its share of suspense, sizzling romance, and emotional stakes. It's a solid story, but it doesn’t fully live up to the explosive potential of its premise. If you’re a fan of dark, intense romance, it’s worth a read, though it may not be for everyone.

Nari accepts an arranged marriage proposal from Kincaid. He is dark, dangerous and powerful but she feels the attraction. That and her situation, she is broke and with no house, pushes her to make up her mind.
They start as an arranged marriage but soon things start to evolve. And there is no way back.
Nari will enter an unknown world with Kincaid as the center of it.
I liked the book. The relationship between them is full of passion, power and love.
But now I need to know what happens next!

🌹Marriage of Convenience
🌹Billionaire
🌹 “My wife” 🥵

This is my first book by KC Mills and I want to read more! The writing kept me entertained and the characters drew me in. I definitely didn’t want to put this one down. Kincaid and Nari will live rent free in my head for a long time. Warning though this does end on a cliffhanger so you’ll want to jump right into the next one!

The blurb promised a plot which I expected to be intense, involved and convoluted and I was looking forward to. But alas, it didn't quite hit the mark on the intrigue factor.
However I loved the broken fairy tale aspect.
I loved Kincaid's alpha. I loved Nari with her timid but indomitable spirit.

Nari, is a strong and amazing woman who hasn't been handed the nicest cards throughout her life, but that all changes when Kincaid gives her the opportunity of a lifetime!

Kincaid, an incredibly powerful man who will stop at nothing for this woman. He saw her, and knew he had to have me!

This was a fun read for me! It was short and entertaining. I love an arranged marriage trope, he falls first, AND he’s morally gray!! LOVE IT! I really felt like Kincaid and Nari and had a great connection, but they needed to work on their communication. K.C. Mills, you wrote a really great book, it has the potential to be AMAZING, I would recommend a new editor to help with some typos.

Overall I LOVED this book and I can’t wait to read more, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC, I’m so appreciative!

You Could Do Damage is such a good book to read! Being someone that reads a lot of longer books this is a great shorter read that keeps you so entertained! The story line was great and made it easy to immerse yourself into the characters and their stories. This book is written so well and one that I would recommend to many. I loved reading this book!

Not Val making things seem one way when that wasn't how the conversation went also I honestly think Caid was talking about Aali when he said she was a means to an end. But my thing is why not confront Caid about the messages they agreed to no secrets and no only does Nari leave but she leaves herself vulnerable to people like her Father she doesn't know but goes to willingly meet without backup. This is literally what Caid means when he says Nari is naive. I need the rest of the story I don't like cliffhangers but I enjoyed reading the story just both parties need to be more honest and open with each other.

I ate this UP. Kincaid 😍😍

Im so mad I have to wait for part 2 because Harpo who is that man?! I was nervous but lawdddd, wasn’t expecting that.

Nari was a force.

This was my first arranged marriage book & it definitely wont be my last

Did this book stress me out? Yes. Did I love every minute of it? I sure did. This book follows Nari and Kincaid, who find themselves in a marriage of convenience. Kincaid needs to marry to take a powerful position in The Family, and he chooses Nari after he finds out some unsavory information about his previous fiancée's father. Once these two get married, it's on from there. Watching Kincaid fall hard and fast first was perfection. These two had their issues, mainly Kincaid's need to be in control and not communicating effectively. Nari stood strong and had a hard time letting her guard down, but she does but an incident happens that makes her pull back from her marriage. This book had me stressed out starting at the 80% mark because I knew all of my questions would not be answered in this one. can't wait for book 2 to find out how these two figure out not only their marriage but also who all their enemies are.