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SAINT BAPTISTE 2: the finale

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Saint Baptiste fell in love. That was never part of the plan. His relationship with Naoki was supposed to be purely physical. He never intended to feel anything for her, but from the moment they locked eyes four years ago, he felt something. At the time, he didn't realize was that the feeling was love. Uncertain how to handle his emotions, he put up walls and tried to maintain control—the one thing he didn't have with her. In focusing on his ego, he did the very thing he never wanted to ignored the 'fragile' label only he could see and mishandled her. By the time he was willing to embrace his feelings for her, he feared it might already be too late.

After years of untreated trauma, Naoki Childs finds herself trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. She's stuck in a cycle, unable to dig herself out of the hole she's in. The saddest part is that she can't find a mask to hide behind; all her pain is on the surface. The remedies she once relied on no longer work, and she feels herself sinking deeper every day.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2024

540 people are currently reading
309 people want to read

About the author

Miss Candice

115 books545 followers
For as long as Miss Candice could remember, writing has been her passion. In the beginning, she wrote poetry. Later on in life, when she was about thirteen years old, she was introduced to fanfiction.

The Coldest Winter Ever was the first urban fiction book she read. It wast then when she took Fanfiction to another level. She perfected her writing skills, and began to write Urban fanfiction. At first, writing was something she did in her spare time. Something that was therapeutic to her. Never in a million years, did she think she would become a published author, although it has always been a dream of hers.

Now, at the age of twenty-eight, she's penned over ten bestselling novels with many more to come.

In addition to writing, She's also CEO and founder of Miss Candice Presents.

http://www.authormisscandice.com

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5 stars
767 (54%)
4 stars
341 (24%)
3 stars
223 (15%)
2 stars
55 (3%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
June 12, 2024
This book is named Saint but it should have been Naoki. This book was a deep dive into her trauma and her journey to self love…then it jumps to an epilogue 5 years later. This was just okay to me - I didn’t feel like there was a real plot or even dialogue between the characters - it was mainly internal.
Profile Image for Big Tash.
36 reviews
June 13, 2024
This book perfectly defines Authors writing for themselves and not the readers.

Saint 2 really broke my heart for multiple reasons. Mainly because we never got to see Saint and Naoki as a couple outside of sex and drama. After all of the push and pull, they only get together in the epilogue? I feel…slighted.

We didn’t get to see the journey of their “fall.” Sure, Saint saw Naoki under her “mask” and expressed his love for her. But after pages and pages of each of them having inner dialogue, I wanted to see them share the reasons for their trauma, with each other. They already told us over the span of two books why they were guarded.

This book should’ve been titled: Naoki and Saint’s Diary.

Profile Image for KC.
109 reviews
June 13, 2024
dnf…
50 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2024
Disappointing

I waited patiently for part two and I'm sad to say how disappointed I was. It didn't match the series in my opinion. This was a journal for expressing some trauma and deep hurt. I couldn't get thru most of the book without flipping pages. Again, this didn't align with the Soul Ties Series, but I see many say they write for themselves not the fan base so I will leave it at that. Read for yourself and form your own opinion.
Profile Image for Taees_Cozy_Corner.
801 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2025
At first my reaction was annoyance and disdain for this book. Then I realized how this is so many women and men battles within themselves based on their past traumas. I think for me it’s was hard because people were there for Naoki, showing up and loving her and she just refused to see it. Refused to try to let anyone in or get any help. I think it’s the therapist in me but I really don’t understand why people don’t seek help when they know they have these walls. She was very conscious of her mask building daily, hell multiples times a day, but instead of seeking help she just let herself be swallowed. Idk I understand the realistic aspect of this but it definitely was annoying. Then the misunderstanding or not communication is killing me. Yall been messing around for 4 years and your just not acknowledging what u knew you felt so long again. You kept going knowing u fell for Saint? You never even tried communicating with me to see if there was a possibility for things to grow with yall. Ugh. Then the ending killed me. U took me through all this shit to only give me 10 minutes of their happiness that’s wasn’t even explained a little. Throw it away
10 reviews
June 12, 2024
I wanted to love it

I loved the first two books. Waited impatiently for this one. It wasn’t the same. Didn’t hit the same. Made me question was it the same author. A scene that could have been written in two pages, was expanded to be 20 pages. So much unnecessary words. And the writing was different and confusing. I was very disappointed and wish the series would have ended as strongly as the other two books
Profile Image for Ambra | ambreadbooks.
450 reviews17 followers
April 24, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
— This book fell a little short for me. I feel like we were all immersed in Naoki’s journey the whole book. We didn’t get much of her and Saint.
223 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
This book took me thru it

OMG when I say this book had me all over the place that is an understatement. Every once in a while I come across a book that makes me do some self reflection and this was one of them. The masks….we all wear them at some point to hide pain, disappointment, discomfort, or traumatic past experiences. Naoki had one for them all and then some. For her to go thru that from childhood to adult hood made me hurt thinking about every little girl or hell even the little boys who grow up without real love from the people that are supposed to protect the. Naoki and Saint represented those lost souls who somehow came together to create something beautiful but the masks kept them from seeing it.

Saint Baptiste was not who I originally thought he’d be. He was so much more. At first I thought he was just a playboy but when he finally stepped into his true self..wow. His childhood trauma and the masks he wore made it all make sense and I couldn’t help but to love him and root for his happiness. If you thought Soul Ties with Jah and Sienna was a roller coaster, you’ll more than go for a ride with these two. So buckle up and get ready and take the ride with them. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for SumFire.
672 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
This is not a love story, so if that's what you're looking for, move around.

"Saint Baptiste is therapy. Saint Baptiste is the depiction of true love. Unconditional love. I hope you love it as much as I do". - Miss Candice

And did!!!

What can I say about Saint Baptiste & Naoki?

Let Jah and Saint tell it...
Jahad - “How was the fall fré?”
Saint “Tumultuous, my nigga,”.

Till the very end, Miss. Candice kept us wandering if these 2 were ever gonna make it. Or if the timing would ever be right.

I feel like Saint's character took a lot of h8 on book one. He simply wasn't the villain some made him out to be, in my opinion. Baby Baptiste felt like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and shoes not too big for him to fit but forced on him, and they just didn't fit.

Q- Who's running the family?? It's clear Jah didn't jump back in. So the cousin?

That's sit down with the brothers was long overdue and necessary. I was beginning to think we wouldn't see Jah.

Naoki, Naoki Naoki! That girl was hurt. That girl was broken, Self sabotaging and a reflection of soo many of us. I just wanted to reach out and hug the little girl in her and tell her she was worthy!

At one point, I have to say I was frustrated as hell because she started off saying she caught feelings for him and when he reciprocated, she turned tail and ran.

In the end, the truth was she couldn't receive love because she simply wasn't ready.
Profile Image for Elisa.
99 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
I was privy to information about the author, and the journey that was writing this book, so that definitely informs my review. I'm not a critic, I'm just a girl who enjoys reading, and knows what I like. This conclusion (maybe???) satisfied in places, and frustrated and others. I thought much more connected to the people, Saint and Naoki, but I felt like I was left wanting more when it came to the love story. This was more of an individual journey story for Naoki, and for Saint, so, if you're looking to see more into their love story, and it's conclusion, you won't get that here. We do see how they end up, but we don't get to sort of revel in that ending. What Miss Candice has here is an emotional journey for two individuals who are learning how to grapple with their inability to step over themselves again and again.
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 76 books191 followers
June 17, 2024
Emotional

This book pulled different emotions from me. Naoki bothered me sometimes, but I understood it was how journey was supposed to go. So much had happened to her and every time she self sabotaged herself, I wanted to read through my kindle and hug her. Saint made me mad a few times, but I enjoyed seeing his growth. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I recommend checking it out.
Profile Image for KeeWee.
78 reviews
June 22, 2024
Slow paced

Ok….so unfortunately this was one of my leastfavorite reads so far this year. Not much of anything happened in this book. It was more so each of them going through the same repetitive thoughts in their heads. When it said that the story was going to be heavy, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that. I would have liked to see the how that conversation went before she left. Overall, it was just too slow.
Profile Image for Fatimah.
462 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2025
Danggggggggggg Naoki had gone through it in the worst way! Her childhood trauma definitely molded her into the broken woman that she was. Saint also was trauma filled from having to grow up to fast. This book started off amazing & finished exactly how I needed it to.

Favorite Quote- “I thought God was punishing me, but what he really wanted me to do was love myself. To accept myself... and to let go of the ugly shit I kept buried.”
Profile Image for Syretta Hines Adams.
2,365 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2024
10 ⭐ hands down!!!

Miss Candice, you've once again out did your self.
Saint and Naoki had me all over the place. I didn't think they were gonna make it. It took alot for Naoki to find her self but she did it. Good read
Profile Image for Shamoya Radcliffe.
238 reviews9 followers
December 16, 2025
Saint really grew on me, I didn't think I would end up liking him more than Jadah, but I did by the end of part 2. Both Naoki & Saint had things that they needed to work on and I'm glad that Saint gave her space to work on what she needed to work on. Hearing the full back story to what Naoki went through was so heartbreaking but also made so much sense why she was guarded. I wish I got more of them together at the end, while we got answers to most of the questions the ending felt a little rushed.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,487 reviews22 followers
October 28, 2024
GREAT READ

Whew, what a read. Saint & Naoki were both dealing with traumas that were preventing them from truly giving their all to each other. This book was an emotional rollercoaster because you get so connected to the characters that you feel their pain. Time apart was definitely needed for Saint & Naoki to get the necessary healing for them to come back together. Glad things worked out for them because they were deserving of the same love those around them had. Highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Plus Size Bibliophile.
1,205 reviews59 followers
July 13, 2025
** REVIEW IS FOR BOTH SAINT BAPTISTE BOOKS I&II **

Book One in this series is Soul Ties. It was super long and had me on an emotional roller coaster. It follows Sienna, Jahad, and HIS wife (forgot her name). Long story short Jahad goes to a sex club for some relief since he can't fk his wife who is on bed rest during her HIGH RISK pregnancy. He hooks up with Sienna and they have an instant connection. A few days later she shows up at his house as the new birth doula for his wife. The entire book pissed me off. They were fucking in the kitchen while his wife was upstairs, and they acted like this shit was justified. At first, I couldn't stand his wife but, in the end, SHE was the only one I was happy for. SPOILER, Jahad & Sienna end up together. And I was like WTF!?! I was NOT happy for them. I NEVER liked Jahad. I did feel a bit of empathy for Sienna but empathy doesn't mean I liked her or was rooting for her. I truly believe that it's not another person's place to keep YOUR partner faithful. But the DISRESPECT was so strong I wanted to snatch that chick up and beat her ass for the wife I didn't even like.

Saint Baptiste (I&II) is about Jahad's baby brother Saint and Sienna's bestie Nyoki both of which, readers are introduced to in Soul Ties. With that said THIS CAN BE A STANDALONE READ if you so choose. BUT due to the introduction of the entire Baptiste family as well as others I would recommend reading them in order. Come find me so we can talk shit on Jahad and Sienna together when you are done.

I really liked both Saint and Nyoki in the first book and was excited to see their story, which picks up 3 years AFTER Soul Ties. I originally did not realize it was told in 2 parts, so when I saw that book 1 was a quick read, I ASSumed it was just going to be their situationship becoming something more.

Yeah, No... I was soo wrong. This was an incredibly emotional story. Both of them are dealing with trauma and grief which results in one being emotionally closed off and the other feeling unworthy of love.

Triggers: Childhood trauma including physical and sexual abuse, a slow death of a parent, forced interaction with abuser, and suicidal ideation.

Our girl goes through it. And while YES, her situationship with Saint is a part of it, her personal journey is mainly about healing from the abuse and guilt brought on from her sexual abuse as a child.

Miss. Candice does a fantastic job showcasing each individual journey of self-awareness and healing with an emphasis that another person can't heal you. You have to put in the work yourself.
Saint on the other hand is dealing with the death of his father, adjusting to the transition as leader of the family (They are a Haitian Mob Family), dealing with feelings of abandonment, processing his feelings for Nyoki, and some other shit.

I loved this couple sooo much more than the Jahad and Sienna. HOWEVER, I will say that in the first book they were always talking about Sienna exuded calm and was super likable and I wasn't feeling it or her. BUT in this book, she was incredibly likable and IF I didn't know her story I would have really liked her.

She was an amazing friend to Nyoki.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,134 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2024
The Birth of Bloom

What🥴⁉️ You’ve got to be kidding me‼️ This book/series was a waste. Where was the plot & character development for the entire book/series 🥴⁉️ “Saint Baptiste II: The Finale - Soul Ties - Book 3” was a disappointment. The series, characters, & their storylines were convoluted & frequently contradicted themselves 🤦🏾‍♀️. Sadly, the background stories of both Naoki & Saint was a disjointed amalgamation of anger, neglect, brokenness & self deprecating destructive behaviors‼️ …yet readers should believe, Naoki miraculously bloomed into a superhero with only a “TikTok account, daily vlogs, morning routines & self-love affirmations.” ..evolved into the birth of bloom! STOP THE MADNESS🥴‼️ It’s not plausible the power of loving yourself was/is the miracle elixir to rectify twenty five years of self loathing that a medical professional couldn’t solve…I’m confused & disappointed with the book/finale🥴. This series was utter insanity! I expected better, but I’m glad its over 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️
877 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2024
Soul Ties

This was definitely different but in the most calming way. I really can't remember if the other stories were written like this one with more inner thoughts than actual conversation. But I liked it, gave more details, it showed the characters in a different light for sure. Oki was complicated but in the sense of not knowing exactly who she was. Taking the words of others and living in that truth, and honestly that was Saint as well. He was pushed into the his lead position buy still handled it in a way that was commendable. I feel like the way these two were when around each other is what made me really love them. The way time doesn't matter, other people don't matter just makes me smile. Healing was definitely the main heading for this because it was needed to really be able to enjoy each other's love.
Profile Image for Debbie Green.
241 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Saint Baptiste 2: The Finale

I’ll be honest, at first this book had me a little frustrated because I was ready to fully dive into Naoki and Saint’s love story. I wanted the romance, the connection, the payoff. But as the story unfolded, I realized this wasn’t just about them falling in love with each other.

This book is really about self-love, healing, and doing the internal work before you can show up fully for someone else. Once that clicked, everything shifted for me. The story became deeper, more intentional, and far more impactful than I expected.

By the end, I appreciated the journey just as much as the destination. Saint Baptiste 2 is more than a romance it’s a reminder that loving yourself is the foundation for loving anyone else. That message stayed with me long after I finished the book.
Profile Image for Shay B..
Author 1 book13 followers
July 1, 2024
Honestly, I’m unclear how I feel about this book. I cried a few times so it hit emotionally. I do feel like she told and didn’t show about some crucial aspects of the story. For instance, mercy. I also feel like Naoki and her mother might’ve needed a confrontation. Wish we could’ve been with Naoki separately, and with Saint, on the healing journey. Also, Saint is just suddenly the deepest dude? Feel like we needed to see that evolution and growth of him. I liked the themes of healing and self accountability and unpacking deep familial wounds, but the book could’ve and probably should’ve been longer. Reading how clearly Naoki hated herself was also a challenge. Watch my full review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jVO5...
8 reviews
July 10, 2024
Excellent Read!

After reading Book 1, I became deeply engaged and invested in the story. It was an excellent read and a compelling love story. Naoki is a relatable and familiar character, representing a common archetype that many readers can identify with or recognize in their own lives. I appreciated the way the plot unfolded, even though the outcome was predictable, it was executed exceptionally well. The characters had a lot of depth and complexity, and the story addressed important and relevant issues related to cultural ideologies and personal trauma. It was an emotionally impactful journey. I would be interested in reading Blaise's perspective to gain a deeper understanding of his point of view.
Profile Image for LaChante Anderson.
516 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2024
HEAVY but worth it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
This story was very much needing to find self love heavy but also was second chance (right person wrong time) too!

I really enjoyed it and so happy Naoki got the love I knew my sister deserved. Saint also went through a lot of reflection that helped him heal as well. During the last couple chapters I did feel like the pace picked up more and felt a little rushed. It didn’t take away how great the story was and how beautiful the ending was.

Since I’m from Detroit I loved all the references and places I could relate to.

Overall this book was so amazing it might put you in a book slump afterwards. I will forever think about this series. MUST READ! 💖
Profile Image for Nikki B..
81 reviews
June 22, 2024
Good story

Naoki and Saint's story was ok. Their journey of self-discovery was the most prominent part of the book, and I loved that! It took a long time before Saint's background was fleshed out enough to understand HIS why, but once it was out, I understood why things had to be the way they were. Naoki's traumas were heartbreaking. The standout for me was actually Eboni's part because I felt that's where she was truly saved from permanent destruction. Overall, this was a good read because of the emotion it evoked. The editing errors and, at times, rambling thoughts hampered the flow of the story and stopped me from giving this a 5 star review.
Profile Image for Alexis💛.
187 reviews
June 19, 2024
wasn’t what I expected😩

But definitely what I needed from these two omgggg 😩😩😫😢🥹🥹🥹🥰😘😍🫶🏽

Saint and Naoki man they had to have the time apart seriously because they were so toxic and needed so much healing between the both of them…However, so in love it was crazy but it was so beautiful in the end 💛

Naoki my poor baby girl went through a lot I thought we almost lost her there a couple times this story turned me around a lot so glad she finally chose herself

Overall⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟4.5
1,212 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2024
Awesome Read

Saint and Naoki both realized that they had fallen in love with one another. It was definitely what Naoki wanted, but not what she needed at that time. It took her some soul searching, but she she knew she had to learn to love herself first. Saint realized the same about himself. He had to do some work on himself, too. His father had him scarred. Naoki was scarred from her childhood. They both took a step back. Once they were ready, they moved forward with each other. Their love was beautiful after that. Awesome read!
Profile Image for Novelist Davis.
Author 2 books4 followers
July 2, 2024
Tears…

When I tell you this book got me in my feelings. If you are on a healing journey like Niqui baby this book is for you. This book took me to a place that I’ve been running from for so many years… Miss Candace you did your thing with this one baby. 10/10 I recommend. The story of Saint & Naoki (to me) was way better and much more deeper than Jahad & Sienna. It was filled with more emotions, more depth and feeling and I wholeheartedly related to this story.

I’m so excited to see what Miss Candice comes out with next…
39 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2024
Pretty good read

This was a pretty good read but I really felt cheated at the ending. It started off so good but it didn't really keep the momentum going for me. There were times that I felt like it was dragging just a little bit and started to get hard to finish, but then it happened. That part that made me cry and want to keep pushing to see if it was time for Saint and Naoki. I definitely felt like a few more chapters were needed after she showed up at his house. Overall it was a good read but I don't think it was the author's best work.
5 reviews
September 2, 2024
Beautiful

This book sent me on a spiral and made me confront some things that I would have preferred to keep hiding from. I broke. I cried. I wondered. I accepted what I knew about myself all along. That I didn’t love myself either. Did not expect to seek healing, but I couldn’t put this book down until I knew how she found her answers. I thank you. I have hope and this book was beautiful in every way.

Added kicker - my birthday is July 30. I honestly believe God led you to write this book for me.
Profile Image for Readaholic Running Realtor.
106 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2024
I just knew Saint was gonna be my favorite but him and Naoki were too immature. From him being the silent observer while maintaining control. To Naoki who tried to display control, confidence, but weak in expression. She was her own biggest obstacle but I also felt sorry for her too. There were several things that were left unresolved that I as a reader would’ve like some closure on.

I’m enjoying the series and definitely looking forward to Blaise. I ready for that one woman to take this womanizer down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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