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Emotional Descent

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Balor Allen’s heart was damaged when his mother left.
Keiris Dorian’s heart was made whole when Balor arrived.

Some believe only those who have been loved, can love. However, soul ties force emotions that most can’t process or understand until their world shifts.

When two hearts connect in the depths of an emotional abyss, there’s an understanding in a language that is meant only for lovers.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2023

149 people are currently reading
141 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Mills

198 books1,713 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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5 stars
388 (70%)
4 stars
114 (20%)
3 stars
40 (7%)
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4 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,198 reviews427 followers
October 13, 2023
Is it possible to form a soul tie with someone without the sexual connection? Because, Keiris and Balor definitely formed one the night they met. Sis was on the date from hell looking for a reason to leave when the excuse she didn’t know she needed pulled up like the Black Knight and popped a squat at her table. Balor is there to collect his bail jumper and das it but, once the prisoner has been delivered and the paperwork is complete, he finds himself still thinking about the brown skinned cutie from the restaurant. When I say I loved these characters, I 👏🏾 loved 👏🏾 these 👏🏾 characters! Keiris and Balor absolutely stole my heart. The connection they had, their chemistry, and their attraction was just so organic and realistic. Honey, you couldn’t tell me these weren’t two real live people who met and fell in love in real life. Although this is a novella, I’m not going to go into a lot of details because I think Keiris and Balor should be experience spoiler free. Emotional Descent was an instant love story done right. I loved the quick journey these characters embarked on and, honestly, I’m okay with where they landed and I don’t need an update. My boy Balor said he was gon’ put in that work to keep his woman and I believe him. Now, Tynan is another story. Balor got his HEA so, I think it’s only fair that Tynan gets his too. And, considering he was more effected by their mama’s abandonment, he definitely deserves some happiness. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an update on him somewhere down line.
Profile Image for Wobilba.
868 reviews130 followers
December 15, 2023
These are a few of my favorite things from this book:
A very original not so meet cute✅
Instant connection ✅
Insane chemistry ✅
Great storyline ✅
Great characters ✅
& Soulmatism ✅
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,148 followers
October 12, 2023
When I tell y’all I was obsessed with the connection Balor and Keiris formed!!! They were the absolute cutest!!! 🥰🥰

Balor and Keiris met in a very unconventional way! She was on a date with a guy she met via a dating app and he was the Bounty Hunter hunting said date!! Imagine being on a date that was already a waste of time and just when you’re about to call it a night, you’re held at gunpoint while your date is damn near pistol whipped 😩😩😩 chyyyyyy it was an action packed movie 🎥 🍿 and I had my ticket for the midnight show🤣🤣

Balor had no intentions of falling for Keiris the way that he did however their spirits connected like old souls that were lovers in a previous life! She was the calm to his storm, the ointment to his burns, the band aide to his cuts….. y’all get the point 🤭! Balor was a tortured soul and due to trauma from his childhood he had serious trust issues! Despite this, he felt safe with Keiris and she felt equally as safe with him! If right place, right time was a person, it would be these two!

Ugh this is how I want all of my novellas to be! It wasn’t rushed and everything in the story flowed so naturally between these two! I honestly couldn’t get enough of them! This was an enjoyable read for sure!!
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
October 19, 2023
Keiris x Balor

This one right here, it’s a top contender for one of this year’s best reads. It was short, so so sweet, it was deep, it was thorough. This is how all novellas should come. Balor and Keiris had the best meet (not so) cute. That first encounter was insane. But even then, you could already tell there was something between them. Balor’s mommy issues ran deep. But Keiris was the remedy he didn’t know he did. Neither tried to underplay the attraction or feelings they felt. I love the serious conversation and the way they commuted before diving in.
The way these two connected, it was like they were made for one another. I was rooting for them as if they were some friends I personally knew. KC wrote the heck out of this short. Although short, she gave us a full swoon worthy story. 
Get into this asap.  
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,419 reviews155 followers
October 13, 2023
Connection at first sight

Ok KC in her bag with these novellas and I'm here for it!!!

Yesss to another unique story line. This story opened up with a bang and I had no idea what was going on and I appreciated how everything was revealed. Keiris was on a date gone bad, which Balor saved her from. From that brief interaction there was a connection that Balor couldn't explain. It was odd for him to feel something so strong for a random woman, due to the estranged relationship he had with his parents. These two together were a vibe. Keiris was uncomplicated, she just desired to be happy and loved. The pace of this story was perfect, because it was just enough build up to feel the blossoming love between them. This was low key a wholesome read, but with just enough spice. Although, I would read more about this couple I can appreciate the journey we experienced.

Definitely a solid read!
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
541 reviews112 followers
October 19, 2023
A Sweet Short Enemies to Insta Lovers!

First off I love a good InstaLove story! Keris and Baylor's first encounter was an event but when you know you know! Keris was immediately scared and attracted to Baylor aka “Trouble”. Trouble knew there was something about Keris upon first meeting her and feeling a draw to her. The funny part to me was them both trying to resist the other and then ultimately just fully buying into liking each other! Their banter was cute and their need for each other was truly perfect timing. This was a sweet short romance and I loved seeing Baylor work through his trauma while also not burdening Keris! Also, Keris checking that lady and caring for Baylor and his brother was so sweet! Overall I enjoyed this! Can’t wait to see what KC comes out with next!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,026 reviews115 followers
October 11, 2023
This was something else... In a good way!

With each book this week, I've developed a fondness for a good story and a realistic one I could sink my teeth into from The first few pages.The story was about a gorgeous knock out very large Bounty Hunter with Mommy issues. Yes, I said with... mommy issues. Although Balor and his brother were in their mid 30s, the trauma with mommy dearest was real. Stay with me now...
Keiris was minding her business on a date, when her date ends up in custody all tied up, and Keiris being kidnapped. Keep reading, because that was just my brief recap, and I promise you will enjoy this humorous experience. 4.85 stars...
Profile Image for Tasha.
663 reviews16 followers
October 12, 2023
Another One ‼️🐐💪🏾

I stan a good instalove story and this one was everythinggggg. Keiris and Balor met under unfortunate circumstances. They both had this intense connection to each other and neither could understand why. They agree to just let it flow and their beautiful love story began.

I love how this touched on Balor and Tynan’s mommy issues. I felt bad for their dad for some reason even tho he was a grouch holding on to the woman that left him damn near three decades ago is wild.

Amazing read per usual 👏🏾 🐐 ‼️
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,068 reviews317 followers
October 19, 2023
KC has delivered another novella, and despite its short length, I could feel the love between Balor and Keiris. I really liked how their journey went; it moved at just the right speed, and they talked about the issues they were facing. This was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,569 reviews104 followers
October 22, 2023
Yes, K.C.! Come through with another fire novella! Keiris already on a date from hell, encounters this dark, yet handsome man, who seemingly is going to kidnap her. Is this my life? Keiris is scared out of her mind, but also intrigued by the man who is making her senses go haywire! I have to get away from him, or not!

Balor! My heart broke for him and his brother Ty, after learning of that foul ish their mother did to them. Not only did she ruin their childhoods and deprive them of motherly love; she shaped the way they viewed women in their adult lives. Balor could take a woman or leave her. He needed the connection to have his needs fulfilled, but didn't have the capacity to form, build, or maintain a relationship. Until her.....

Balor got the feeling of home almost instantly when he was with Keiris, and as much as he wanted that, he feared it as well. Can I do this? Will I be able to maintain a relationship, and not hurt her?
Will she hurt me? Will she accept all my baggage? While Balor's mind was filled with questions, his body forged full speed ahead, as he could not stay away from Keiris. Their connection was beautiful, magical even! They both knew that they could be setting themselves up for failure, but the pull was too strong for them to ignore. I loved that Balor understood that he needed to heal from his trauma, to be a better man for himself and Keiris, by doing the work. Amazing read!
Profile Image for Nikita.
343 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2023
Emotional Descent

I felt that connection between Balor and Keiris and it was palpable and intense, it held me in a grip. I love love 😊. They brought balance to each other and it was a beauty to see. The best part to me was that Balor and Keiris were open with each other and communicated. LOVED IT! The pain and self doubt both Balor and Ty battle with was heart wrenching. Both the father and mother were selfish, cruel and both pissed me off beyond measure. I couldn’t stand either, ughhh. Anyway, I loved that both brothers realized they needing help for themselves and got it through therapy and making an effort.
Profile Image for Lynn Lewis.
323 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2023
Most times, I don't feel the insta-love, even if the story is good. Not the case here. And these two were open about their attraction, little time wasted on denials and doubts. A lot of books are longer only due to that.
I've kissed a lot of book frogs lately, so this was so refreshing!
439 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2023
Kismet…

I just want to know how you managed to have such developed characters in so few pages. I felt like I knew Keiris and Balor…like really knew them. It was instalove, but it didn’t feel rushed. Each layer of the characters was slowly revealed as the story unfolded. For once after reading a novelette, I don’t feel like I need more from the main characters. I think their story is complete as is, but Ty definitely has one to tell or maybe I was just interested in his therapy sessions. Blair and Ty’s parents were real pieces of work. One holding on to hope that the other will return and the other wanting to clear their conscious—even if it means opening old wounds. It was pathetic, but realistic.

Great job, Ms. Mills!
Profile Image for Plus Size Bibliophile.
1,205 reviews59 followers
October 7, 2024
Balor and Keiris have a soul tie. From the moment they crossed paths when he crashed her date and held her at gunpoint I could feel it lol.

Seriously, I appreciated the instant connection and pull these two felt for one another. I immediately fell in love with Balor and his brother and wanted nothing more than to protect them. Keiris is a good fit for him and will be his peace without question.

This was a quick, intense love story, the spice hit the spot and the themes of addressing childhood trauma and seeking therapy were loud and clear.

Only thing that could have made this better was if our girls whooped his mama's ass.
Profile Image for Tanisa.
87 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2024
Well, well, well, I typically hate emotionally unavailable men, but there was something so attractive about Balor actually understanding where is unavailability came from and wanting to process it so that he could be a better man for his new found love with Keiris, and dare I say maybe his brother Ty as well?

I loved Keiris as well! The way she allowed herself to fall in love with Balor despite his emotional unavailability was pretty nice to witness. Also, shout out to her for putting the mama in check too!

Short read, but it was definitely good. 🥹🫶🏽😮‍💨
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
4,006 reviews
October 10, 2023
loved

I loved him. There was just something about him. And I loved how supportive she was to him. Especially against his mother.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
609 reviews13 followers
November 30, 2025
As someone obsessed with cop shows.. I was imaging Kevin Atwater snatching me up and tossing me around the whole time I read this lol. The beginning had me thinking this would be a very different story than it was but in a good way. Balor and Keiris had top tier banter that always ended in something endearing. This is a fun, quick little Sunday read.
235 reviews
November 4, 2025
Kieiris and Balor had chemistry off the charts. Their initial meeting was happenstance and hilarious because of all the places to meet the love of your life… out on a date with another man isn’t one that comes to mind.

I love how they found peace with one another and a love that felt so natural and secure. Such a beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
38 reviews
October 8, 2025
Cuutee

What a lovely story. I came here from the collective book 3 (is there a way to link to the book when you reference characters from other stories. I had to some digging :) It did feel natural and I love how they had each other’s backs. And the relationship between the brothers and friends.

Exactly what a novella should be
Profile Image for Shades N Pages .
1,002 reviews27 followers
October 18, 2023
This book could go down as one of the top ten most memorable *somewhat* meet cutes in books, because even though the situation was wild, there was no denying the strong connection between Keiris and Balor. It scared Balor because he hadn't expected such a deep connection to a woman, but he decided to go for it and chase the high that comes with being with Keiris. I love Keiris because she just wanted to be loved, respected, and appreciated, and although she had reservations about Balor, she eventually gave in. This story is a testament to the incredible writing talent of K.C. Mills, who managed to captivate me with a seamless, well-written story in less than 100 pages, with multi-dimensional characters and conversations that made me race through the pages. My biggest highlight was the focus on therapy and the importance of doing the work! This has to be one of the most complete novellas I've read in 2023 and an amazing addition to my #petitepageturners catalogue. I'm manifesting an update of the couple and Balor's brother Tynan in the future. This is a must-read!
Profile Image for Pookie.
157 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2025
Keiris x Balor

The heart doesn’t lie and it knows what it wants….

Keiris was pretty much done with dating, but decided to make one last effort by meeting someone on a dating app. Little did she know that her date from hell would lead her to meeting her soulmate.

Balor’s abandonment issues caused by his mother made him distrust women. But when a work assignment put him in proximity with his “peace”, he threw caution to wind, let his guard down, and opened his heart for love.

This was such a cute, short read and I ate it up! I fell in love with these characters and the way they connected. The storyline flowed and the banter kept me giggling. Their commitment to trusting their feelings and just letting things flow showed that soul mates do exist.

I don’t know what it is about K. C.’s writing style, but I absolutely love it! This book makes me want to jump off the high dive into her catalog! Highly recommend!
443 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2023
Hummm…. so nice!!!

Only MS. Mills and maybe a few others will have me read a short story/novella, because half of the time you walk away unsatisfied. But with how her penmanship is designed, this was so fulfilling and so good it didn’t need no more explanation except maybe a second epilogue of them a few years in, married with kids (wishful thinking).
In any case go, grab this delightful story of a beautiful alpha male who is bruised and hurting and the light that found it’s way towards him, Keiris!!!
Love Dree and Ty and the parents were trash… glad they got the help they needed to be whole.
Grab this quick read and enjoy it!!!!
Profile Image for Kia .
11 reviews
August 2, 2025
Emotional Descent is such a cute, feel-good short love story! If you’re looking for gangsters, high-stakes drama, or nonstop violence, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you love a brooding, emotionally guarded man falling for a sweet, hopeless romantic who shifts something deep within him, you’re in the right place.

Though it’s a quick read, K.C. Mills still delivers a meaningful connection between the characters. It’s soft, swoony, and satisfying without dragging things out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a light yet heartfelt romance.
225 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2023
Loved it

Talk about falling fast and hard but it felt right. That soul tie love is something serious. The way Balor fought but welcomed his feelings for Keiris was crazy. Imagine your brain and heart fighting each other for something you’re positive you don’t want but know and feel you need. He and Ty’s parents did a number on them as children but they still turned out to be good. After reading two KC Mills books prior to this one where the feelings were just as strong but the outcomes were different I’m happy to finally get that HEA ending.
1,635 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2024
Emotional

This book truly displayed the emotions of all the main characters. The good thing is that they were all in touch with their emotional states, just unsure of how to handle them. The bonds between the two brothers were solid, supportive, honest and unbreakable.
I loved how Balor and Keiris came together; when it's meant to be, you know. And they were just what the other needed.
This was a solid, well thought out read. My first read by this author has me wanting to read more from her catalog.
1,213 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2023
Loved it

Enjoyed from start to finish! Balor and Tynan vulnerability displayed due to their mother abandonment was well placed! Keiris and Balor meeting was organic in my opinion, he saved her from a really bad date. I love their ability to be open with one another and genuine folks! Balor was his brothers keeper and Keiris best friend was hers! Unfortunately, Balor father was just a miserable man. Great ending!
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,670 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2023
Unexpected changes

Imagine being on a date and finding out the guy isn't who he says he is and he's stolen your wallet! Keiris wasn't looking for a criminal, but was looking for a little romance. The bounty hunter who shows up to capture her date is rude in a way, tortured, and tall, dark and handsome - Bailor. Bailor infiltrates her life and things for neither of them will ever be the same.
Quick read with depth and heat.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,139 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2023
Peculiar…Confused…Conflicted

There were weird elements & peculiar dynamics to “Emotional Descent”. I’m confused and or conflicted about this book and its characters. In fairness to Ms. Mills, I was distracted today. I’ll read this book again tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll have a better appreciation & understanding….
1,213 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2023
Great Read

Baylor found the love of his life while doing a very unpleasant job. Keiris was thankful for the night that Baylor rescued her from the criminal, but she was highly annoyed. It didn't last because she and Baylor found something special that night. They helped each other fall in love and loved every moment. Awesome read!
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