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Adair Legacy #7
Vicious Saint
From USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn comes an intensely emotional, age gap, friends-to-lovers, dark romance with a possessive alpha who will do anything for his broken heroine.
Lake Sutton has had a chokehold on me since the day she was born.
What was once a feeling of brotherly protection has turned into something more.
Something deeper and more magnetic than my black heart has ever encountered.
Everything changed when she was a teenager.
She left for summer camp happy, bubbly, and full of life.
She returned as a total stranger to everyone who loved her.
At first, she wouldn’t speak to me.
Then she would run from me.
Now, she cries in my arms and hides behind my massive body.
I’m her shield against the world.
Slowly, her smile begins to brighten her face again.
The humor she once possessed makes a comeback.
Then it happens…
The reason for her change shows up on our doorstep, and I’m forced to make a decision.
Let her hide or force out the truth.
They don’t call me Vicious Saint for nothing.
Once I have answers, I’ll stop at nothing to give her the peaceful life she deserves as long as I’m at her side forever.
Lake Sutton has had a chokehold on me since the day she was born.
What was once a feeling of brotherly protection has turned into something more.
Something deeper and more magnetic than my black heart has ever encountered.
Everything changed when she was a teenager.
She left for summer camp happy, bubbly, and full of life.
She returned as a total stranger to everyone who loved her.
At first, she wouldn’t speak to me.
Then she would run from me.
Now, she cries in my arms and hides behind my massive body.
I’m her shield against the world.
Slowly, her smile begins to brighten her face again.
The humor she once possessed makes a comeback.
Then it happens…
The reason for her change shows up on our doorstep, and I’m forced to make a decision.
Let her hide or force out the truth.
They don’t call me Vicious Saint for nothing.
Once I have answers, I’ll stop at nothing to give her the peaceful life she deserves as long as I’m at her side forever.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
15 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Donn
146 books1,681 followersKrystal writes as USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she has over 50 published books in differing romance genres. She enjoys making her readers cry as they go on a deep journey of love and loss through each book.
Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.
Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 24, 2026
When it comes to KL Donn, the wait is absolutely always worth it - and Saint and Lake's story is the epitome of my theory.
Both of these characters are so incredibly fleshed out, so incredibly realistic, so honest and genuine. My heart ached for them, was thrilled for them, cried for them. I wanted to wrap both of them in a blanket and just protect them from all of the viciousness that the world had thrown at them.
Saint may have become my number one KL Donn MMC, and that is not an easy feat. I have been obsessed with King for as long as I can remember, but Saint has officially knocked him off his pedestal. Saint is rugged, unhinged, obsessed, and determined to protect Lake at all costs. His entire universe begins and ends with her, and watching him realize that with her, watching him show up at her door in Indiana was utter perfection. He literally worships that ground that she walks on, is willing to do whatever she wants, needs, or even considers desiring. The love that he feels and shows for her is absolute, and he provides it to her with no requirements or demands. After all Lake has gone through, Saint is her quiet sentry ready to wage war for her at the slightly look.
Lake broke my heart, where Saint feels nothing, she feels absolutely everything. Her past haunts her every single night. There isn't a day she isn't reminded of the horrid things that were done to her. That she was forced to endure. She's weak, she's broken, she's damaged, everything that doesn't stand in her family, and she hates herself for it. Her pain was visceral, it was so intense and honest. I knew going into this book that her story was going to be hard, but reading it and getting a glimpse into her brain after what she experienced really puts into perspective the thought process of what so many victims go through. Her journey is not an easy one, and even when she wants to, she doesn't walk alone. Saint is always there for her, keeping her head above water when all she wants to do is sink.
Saint and Lake as a couple are incredible, they compliment each other so perfectly. As Lake starts to trust herself, her emotions, and believe in her future we get to see her come out of her shell and be the light to Saint's darkness. She keeps him grounded, present, she shines her light so brightly into his dark soul that he can't help but walk with it. And Saint gives Lake little pieces of himself, little balls of his darkness that gives her the revenge and peace that she has been desperately searching for.
The epilogue is KL Donn at her absolute best. I wanted to stay there, I wanted to keep watching Lake and Saint live out their dreams and find the happiness they so truly deserved. No one will ever do an epilogue like KL Donn does, they're always my favorite parts of her stories.
Both of these characters are so incredibly fleshed out, so incredibly realistic, so honest and genuine. My heart ached for them, was thrilled for them, cried for them. I wanted to wrap both of them in a blanket and just protect them from all of the viciousness that the world had thrown at them.
Saint may have become my number one KL Donn MMC, and that is not an easy feat. I have been obsessed with King for as long as I can remember, but Saint has officially knocked him off his pedestal. Saint is rugged, unhinged, obsessed, and determined to protect Lake at all costs. His entire universe begins and ends with her, and watching him realize that with her, watching him show up at her door in Indiana was utter perfection. He literally worships that ground that she walks on, is willing to do whatever she wants, needs, or even considers desiring. The love that he feels and shows for her is absolute, and he provides it to her with no requirements or demands. After all Lake has gone through, Saint is her quiet sentry ready to wage war for her at the slightly look.
Lake broke my heart, where Saint feels nothing, she feels absolutely everything. Her past haunts her every single night. There isn't a day she isn't reminded of the horrid things that were done to her. That she was forced to endure. She's weak, she's broken, she's damaged, everything that doesn't stand in her family, and she hates herself for it. Her pain was visceral, it was so intense and honest. I knew going into this book that her story was going to be hard, but reading it and getting a glimpse into her brain after what she experienced really puts into perspective the thought process of what so many victims go through. Her journey is not an easy one, and even when she wants to, she doesn't walk alone. Saint is always there for her, keeping her head above water when all she wants to do is sink.
Saint and Lake as a couple are incredible, they compliment each other so perfectly. As Lake starts to trust herself, her emotions, and believe in her future we get to see her come out of her shell and be the light to Saint's darkness. She keeps him grounded, present, she shines her light so brightly into his dark soul that he can't help but walk with it. And Saint gives Lake little pieces of himself, little balls of his darkness that gives her the revenge and peace that she has been desperately searching for.
The epilogue is KL Donn at her absolute best. I wanted to stay there, I wanted to keep watching Lake and Saint live out their dreams and find the happiness they so truly deserved. No one will ever do an epilogue like KL Donn does, they're always my favorite parts of her stories.
February 4, 2026
Vicious Saint is Book 7 in the Adair Legacy series! This is Saint and Lake's Story. Before reading you should check triggering warning: as there is S/A on the heroine (off page assault) torture.
Tropes: Traumatic Past/Age Gap/Friends to Lovers/ Dark Romance/Only soft for her/ Double Virgins
This story is an emotional rollercoaster. It has you going through so many emotions. You have Lake who has been the victim of S/A and she is still having horrible and cruel nightmares of what happened to her. You can physical feel the pain and emotions that Lake is feeling through the writing of K.L. Donn. Lake is so traumatized, haunted, broken and she physically can't stand it. She has become a shell of the person she once was. Then you have Saint. Saint is honestly one of my favorite mmc i have ever read. He is so sweet, possessive, obsessive and truly loves Lake with everything he has. He doesn't push her or force her to talk about what happened to her he is just there. When she physically can't breathe anymore and has to get away she doesn't tell anyone and Saint about looses his mind. Of course he can't be without her so he follows her. Through out the story you see her start coming out of her shell little by little with the help of Saint. She started writing in journals purging what she physically couldn't say out loud, they started doing therapy together to understand PPD and the support system from their family was great to see. This story was so honest, raw, heartbreaking, real. The love that Saint and Lake have is so beautiful and amazing to read. I thought this story was so wonderfully written.
Tropes: Traumatic Past/Age Gap/Friends to Lovers/ Dark Romance/Only soft for her/ Double Virgins
This story is an emotional rollercoaster. It has you going through so many emotions. You have Lake who has been the victim of S/A and she is still having horrible and cruel nightmares of what happened to her. You can physical feel the pain and emotions that Lake is feeling through the writing of K.L. Donn. Lake is so traumatized, haunted, broken and she physically can't stand it. She has become a shell of the person she once was. Then you have Saint. Saint is honestly one of my favorite mmc i have ever read. He is so sweet, possessive, obsessive and truly loves Lake with everything he has. He doesn't push her or force her to talk about what happened to her he is just there. When she physically can't breathe anymore and has to get away she doesn't tell anyone and Saint about looses his mind. Of course he can't be without her so he follows her. Through out the story you see her start coming out of her shell little by little with the help of Saint. She started writing in journals purging what she physically couldn't say out loud, they started doing therapy together to understand PPD and the support system from their family was great to see. This story was so honest, raw, heartbreaking, real. The love that Saint and Lake have is so beautiful and amazing to read. I thought this story was so wonderfully written.
January 23, 2026
I think this maybe the hardest review to write yet! The feels have definitely been feeling!! Every single one has been pulled from me, whilst reading this. And my eyes have been attached to my bladder for most of it!!
The Adairs. What can I say? Since King, book one in the Adair Empire, this found family have been in my heart and soul.
If you have been reading the Adair Legacy since book one, you will know there have been hints of what happened to Lake. Nothing and I mean nothing prepared me when the truth came out! But through it all Saint Rivers has stood tall and strong, like a port in an inconceivable storm. He is his father, up and dressed!!
Saint and Lake’s story has truly surpassed anything I could ever expect from this author (and she is fucking amazing!). And I feel that I will fail to adequately articulate how this book has made me feel.
“And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in” - Jane Austen
The Adairs. What can I say? Since King, book one in the Adair Empire, this found family have been in my heart and soul.
If you have been reading the Adair Legacy since book one, you will know there have been hints of what happened to Lake. Nothing and I mean nothing prepared me when the truth came out! But through it all Saint Rivers has stood tall and strong, like a port in an inconceivable storm. He is his father, up and dressed!!
Saint and Lake’s story has truly surpassed anything I could ever expect from this author (and she is fucking amazing!). And I feel that I will fail to adequately articulate how this book has made me feel.
“And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in” - Jane Austen
February 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! From the beginning to the end, I just wanted to keep reading! Saint had my heart from the start. All he wants is to protect Lake-just like he has wanted to from the day she was born.
Lake went through something traumatic and eight years later she is still haunted by what happened. All Saint wants to do is help her. Lake, in my opinion, is one tough girl. She decides to get away for a bit. Who finds her, Saint. From there on out, he is by Lake’s side. Never pushing her, and letting her tell him what she wants when she wants it. He’s also on a mission to destroy who harmed his Sweet Haven. Will that happen? Wait til you find out! Also, as time goes on, will Lake be able to let Saint in. He’s so sweet and never pushes Lake. He lets her go at her pace. In the end, will Lake get her happy ending? You don’t want to miss a single moment!
Lake went through something traumatic and eight years later she is still haunted by what happened. All Saint wants to do is help her. Lake, in my opinion, is one tough girl. She decides to get away for a bit. Who finds her, Saint. From there on out, he is by Lake’s side. Never pushing her, and letting her tell him what she wants when she wants it. He’s also on a mission to destroy who harmed his Sweet Haven. Will that happen? Wait til you find out! Also, as time goes on, will Lake be able to let Saint in. He’s so sweet and never pushes Lake. He lets her go at her pace. In the end, will Lake get her happy ending? You don’t want to miss a single moment!
January 27, 2026
I adore this author and this book is the perfect example of why. Her heroines often go through some very difficult, traumatizing things and she writes them so carefully and deliberately. You fully understand the character's mental and emotional state without living through every moment and I greatly appreciate her talent for doing so. Lake was always meant to be Saint's and now its time to slay all her dragons and make sure she lives her life in the sunshine instead of hidden in the shadows. Lake is finally ready to move forward with her life, with Saint's love and support. Watching them both grow, coming together as they were always meant to be was glorious. The Adair books have always been a favorite of mine and this second gen hits the spot every single time!
January 28, 2026
Saint and Lake’s story is raw, emotional, and unforgettable. Right from the start, you’re pulled into their world, two people who clearly love each other, but are kept apart by a past tragedy that takes time to heal. The writing makes you feel every bit of their heartbreak and Saint’s hope.
Saint truly feels like a safe haven for Lake. His love and loyalty shine through, giving Lake comfort and reassurance that someone is always in her corner. Their connection feels real, and you can’t help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs together.
If you want a series that will make you feel, this is it. The drama, the depth, and the chemistry between the characters make it a read you won’t forget.
Saint truly feels like a safe haven for Lake. His love and loyalty shine through, giving Lake comfort and reassurance that someone is always in her corner. Their connection feels real, and you can’t help but root for them as they navigate the ups and downs together.
If you want a series that will make you feel, this is it. The drama, the depth, and the chemistry between the characters make it a read you won’t forget.
January 25, 2026
Okay wow… I absolutely loved this book! Saint and Lake had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved Saint’s protective nature, and watching Lake slowly come back to herself was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Lake’s trauma is handled with so much care, and the healing journey felt raw, emotional, and incredibly rewarding to read..
I also really enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the previous books. It felt like coming back to a world I already loved, even though I had a few moments where I had to pause and remember who was connected to who.
Honestly, it just made me want to go back and re-read a couple of the previous books 😀. Highly recommend!
I also really enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the previous books. It felt like coming back to a world I already loved, even though I had a few moments where I had to pause and remember who was connected to who.
Honestly, it just made me want to go back and re-read a couple of the previous books 😀. Highly recommend!
January 27, 2026
Lake & saint are just perfect for each other after experiencing something so life changing Lake is struggling, Saint just lives for Lake he feels her pain like it was his own. After having enough of watching Lake fade away he follows her when she runs away for space, she’s slowly able to open up about what happened to Saint. The revenge that saint inflicted on Lakes behalf was great. I loved how patient he was with her loved how Lake & her therapist address her valid concerns about post natal depression. There were plenty of steamy scene’s. Overall the book was an amazing read it’s about overcoming something so horrific and still building the life that you want.
January 28, 2026
OMG I love Saint. He is so understanding and ready to do whatever she asks of him. as a young child hi top priority was to protect Lake and the others. Fast forward to the plot of the story and Saint makes you swoon over his ways, kindness, selflessness.
Lake's past is really playing with her head is an understatement. While she navigates the troubles of her past she finds that she will somewhere find her strength to carry on with her life. The plot thickens towards the middle of the story and both Saint and Lake learn to navigate life together.
5 star review, I can't sing enough praises for this book.
Lake's past is really playing with her head is an understatement. While she navigates the troubles of her past she finds that she will somewhere find her strength to carry on with her life. The plot thickens towards the middle of the story and both Saint and Lake learn to navigate life together.
5 star review, I can't sing enough praises for this book.
January 28, 2026
I loved the original Adair series and thought KL had a way with creating characters who break you and make you feel in the depths of your soul. With Lake, she took this to the next level. Lake is so beautifully broken, she’s resilient and stronger than she gives herself credit for. KL created Saint to be the perfect shoulder, protecting and giving her everything she needs, even when she can’t bring herself to ask for it. If you want to cry, smile and fall in love with so many elements this book is exactly what you’re looking for! I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want it to end. This second generation, KL has killed it!
February 2, 2026
From the beginning of the Adair Legacy Series, I have been captivated by Saint Rivers and Lake Sutton! I’ve been wanting their story and Vicious Saint did not disappoint! The way that Saint loves and protects Lake, even from herself, is amazing and I cannot get enough. Saint was always that intimidating man in the corner but to see the softer side of him really rounded his character to the fullest. Lake’s story was as tragic as I thought it would be and to see her growth filled me with so much pride! I loved this story so much that reading it once wasn’t enough!
January 21, 2026
Vicious Saint is book 7 in the Adair Legacy series and is Saint and Lake's story. This story is intense, emotional and dramatic and pulled at every single part of heart. Saint and Lake are utter perfection together and the extent that Saint goes to for Lake to be safe is endless. This entire series is absolutely fantastic and although I enjoyed every single book, I think Saint and Lake just may be my new favorite!
January 22, 2026
A high-intensity short read full of love and understanding. A deep and emotional topic in this book and the female main character is finding her way in the world and just surviving. It's up to her to make the decision to move forward and Saint is there every step of the way. One by one, fears get "knocked down". It is fate for sure that these two are destined to be together. A spectacular read.
February 13, 2026
Obsessed with this series
This one did not disappoint. The author’s portrayal of Lake’s trauma was so real without being unbearable to read. We all knew Saint’s obsession and love for Lake would be what all us dark romance lovers crave because like father like son! I loved how their love was always there but evolved slowly at the same time. For me personally this story was much anticipated and I’m happy how it was portrayed :)
This one did not disappoint. The author’s portrayal of Lake’s trauma was so real without being unbearable to read. We all knew Saint’s obsession and love for Lake would be what all us dark romance lovers crave because like father like son! I loved how their love was always there but evolved slowly at the same time. For me personally this story was much anticipated and I’m happy how it was portrayed :)
March 29, 2026
wow. this is the best hurt/comfort book i’ve ever read. Lake & Saint are it for each other. Saints been there before Lakes assault and after it tore him up. He did his best to be with Lake 24/7 afterward. He stayed with her, followed her to Indiana, killed her attackers… he helped her heal and realize life is worth living. Saint would also, and he said it, if Lake died by suicide he’d follow her—and i wholeheartedly believe he would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
Oh my effen gosh 😍 I absolutely loved Saint and Lake's book i couldnt wait to see where their book would go and i couldnt have chosen a better storyline for them both !
Another Adair world book done and dusted i hope that they always continue i mean we can do the original crews great great grandparents can't we 🤔😘🤣
Another Adair world book done and dusted i hope that they always continue i mean we can do the original crews great great grandparents can't we 🤔😘🤣
January 24, 2026
This is a quick, fast paced page turner that hooks you from the first chapter. Lake and Saint's story was intense but so good. The secret that Lake holds will surprise you when she reveals all. And let's say when Saint hears it, nothing stands in that man's way. So, so good. This is an excellent read.
January 24, 2026
This is Lake and Saint's book and it is intense. What she has gone through has been hinted at but never really discussed in depth. Saint's patience, his support and his passion are clearly evident. But it's his protection of and support for her needs that truly showcases his integrity and his absolute obsession over her safety.
January 26, 2026
KL Donn literally broke my heart and then slowly healed it piece by piece. This book invoked such a raw and intense feeling inside of me.
Lake is a true survivor!!
Saint is a protector!!
You can actually feel the love Saint has for Lake throughout the pages of this book!!
A must read!! Probably my favourite book to date by KL Donn!!
Lake is a true survivor!!
Saint is a protector!!
You can actually feel the love Saint has for Lake throughout the pages of this book!!
A must read!! Probably my favourite book to date by KL Donn!!
January 28, 2026
I love this series so much, I have read every one more then once.This book was a great addition to the series, I have been waiting for Saints book and it was amazing. I cannot put into words how my heart was broken and then put it back together. The chemistry was amazing but it was their love that had me falling in love.
February 4, 2026
I’ve been waiting for Lake & Saint for so long, and the wait was so worth it. You know from previous books that Lake went through something horrific. You also know she’s become very closed off and not many in her family know the depth of her despair. Saint however has always been watching and he knows how dark her thoughts are getting. When she decides she needs a breather Saint doesn’t know let breathe alone for long, but it’s exactly what she needs. He understands her on a fundamental level and watching her overcome her trauma and dark thoughts with the help of (possibly) the darkest Adair was a beautiful thing. Saint speaks to most, even his family, in grunts and sounds; but Lake gets the side of him no one gets, and that he didn’t even know he had. Holden and Noelle have been my favorite Legacy characters but seeing how Saint help Lake back from the brink of despair makes them shoot to the top.
February 5, 2026
Saint is book boyfriend goals. Lake suffers from a life changing event and with his love and support she finds herself, her strength and her path to healing. This was a roller-coaster of emotions and I loved seeing how their story unfolded. I love this series and look forward to reading more from this author.
February 5, 2026
I know I started at book 7 to this series and by this book alone I know I will go back to read the whole series. The grip this book had on my feels when I was reading it was a whirlwind of trying to keeping my emotions in check. Some part made my heart ache and others made me want to drop kick characters lol. I love this author so much.
February 8, 2026
Please read the triggers …
This is Saint & Lake’s story .
Love after trauma
Age gap
Friends to lovers
Double V’s
Dark romance
Lake is an SA survivor & is still living w the trauma and subsequent healing from the ordeal . Walking around an empty shell of the bubbly person she was … in comes Saint . He is patient , possessive and overall is just wanting to look out for her …
This is Saint & Lake’s story .
Love after trauma
Age gap
Friends to lovers
Double V’s
Dark romance
Lake is an SA survivor & is still living w the trauma and subsequent healing from the ordeal . Walking around an empty shell of the bubbly person she was … in comes Saint . He is patient , possessive and overall is just wanting to look out for her …
January 28, 2026
OMG, what a book. I love that Saint was always there for Lark. Her story was dark, but Saint never gave up on her. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down, I had to see where Lark would end up. Another great read in the series from KL Donn. Definitely recommend reading the series.
January 31, 2026
I absolutely loved reading this fabulous book. I have been waiting for Lake and Saint’s story and I wasn’t disappointed. It was well written and oh so emotional. They were perfect for each other and as she battles her demons, he not only becomes her protector but her saviour.
February 3, 2026
I loved Saint and Lake!!
Saint is fierce and ruthless but he’s so gentle for Lake. I love the way he cherishes her and offers her safety just through his presence. Lake is a little broken but Saint never treats her like she is, and she’s able to heal with him at her back.
Saint is fierce and ruthless but he’s so gentle for Lake. I love the way he cherishes her and offers her safety just through his presence. Lake is a little broken but Saint never treats her like she is, and she’s able to heal with him at her back.
January 31, 2026
I definitely recommend this book. It will nor disappoint. Everything was so good. Definitely worth the time.
February 7, 2026
Saint and Lake were always meant to be. Saint is the definition of if he wanted to, he would. His patience with her after trauma and the way she knows he'll protect her. Chef kiss!
January 28, 2026
This is the first book of this series which I have reads and it reads well as a standalone.
A haunted heroine who lives in the aftermath of her experiences, Lake is no longer the girl Saint remembers. His obsession with her has not lessened and he is determined to make her his.
A story of healing, revenge and love. There are triggers in this plot so be warned.
The epilogue was a fantastic ending to this story.
A haunted heroine who lives in the aftermath of her experiences, Lake is no longer the girl Saint remembers. His obsession with her has not lessened and he is determined to make her his.
A story of healing, revenge and love. There are triggers in this plot so be warned.
The epilogue was a fantastic ending to this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews