What do you think?
Rate this book
Lavender #1
In the Kill
Sage Bradley wants to make the world a better place. He's handsome, smart, wealthy, a talented artist and always follows his heart. Unfortunately, someone wants him dead. Fate brings a mysterious man to Sage's door and a romantic night turns into a tangled web of passion and danger.
109 pages, ebook
First published October 29, 2016
21 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
K. Sterling
102 books487 followersAuthor of the popular Nannies of New York and Boys of Lake Cliff book series, K Sterling has self-published dozens of books. K. is known for fast-paced romantic thrillers and touching gay romcoms. There might be goosebumps and some gore but there’s always true love and lots of laughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 11, 2020
Reread September 2020
I had forgotten how much I love Lavender. He's the epitome of an anti-hero. You can't help but love him.
Originally read March 2018
Lavender has a job to do. He doesn't hesitate...he just pulls the trigger. There's no emotions involved. He does what needs to be done. Except what happens when he can't? When he hesitates and gets to know his victim just a little?
Lavender is a hitman for hire. He's been requested to take care of Sage Bradley. But when Lavender starts snooping around, he realizes Sage is actually a good person. I mean, he gave a cat mouth-to-mouth! Sage is an abstract artist and knits for the elderly because they get cold easily. He's pretty damn near perfect. But why can't he keep a boyfriend? Someone wants him dead and they aren't waiting for Lavender to finish the job.
I loved these two. They are total opposites in every way but they just fit. They're perfect together. Sage makes Lavender feel. Lavender gives Sage the safety and security he needs.
There's plenty of lol moments in this one. Their interactions are sometimes hilarious.
And of course, plenty of hot moments.
I'm looking forward to more of these two and more of their interactions with Lane and Aiden.
I had forgotten how much I love Lavender. He's the epitome of an anti-hero. You can't help but love him.
Originally read March 2018
Lavender has a job to do. He doesn't hesitate...he just pulls the trigger. There's no emotions involved. He does what needs to be done. Except what happens when he can't? When he hesitates and gets to know his victim just a little?
Lavender is a hitman for hire. He's been requested to take care of Sage Bradley. But when Lavender starts snooping around, he realizes Sage is actually a good person. I mean, he gave a cat mouth-to-mouth! Sage is an abstract artist and knits for the elderly because they get cold easily. He's pretty damn near perfect. But why can't he keep a boyfriend? Someone wants him dead and they aren't waiting for Lavender to finish the job.
I loved these two. They are total opposites in every way but they just fit. They're perfect together. Sage makes Lavender feel. Lavender gives Sage the safety and security he needs.
"Why did he have to be so adorable when he was sleeping? Most men made low, primitive sounds or snored or ground their teeth and they farted and scratched their ass and balls. Sage looked like a puppy dreaming about butterflies and rainbows."
There's plenty of lol moments in this one. Their interactions are sometimes hilarious.
"When I first met your mom she said I might be the antichrist,” he said and Sage rubbed the back of his neck. “You heard that?” He asked and Jeremy gestured dismissively. “It’s an obvious assumption and I took it as a compliment”
“What are you going to do if you see someone push our son on the playground or if a boy breaks your little girl’s heart?” He asked and Jeremy frowned. “I’d punch the little son of a bitch in the throat,” he said and Sage gave him a pointed look. “That’s not something we can ever do,” he said and Jeremy narrowed his eyes. “Unless no one finds out,” he corrected
And of course, plenty of hot moments.
He could feel Sage’s arousal more acutely than his own. His own body demanded Sage’s release. He wanted to swallow it, bathe in it and own it.
I'm looking forward to more of these two and more of their interactions with Lane and Aiden.
“I love you so much. You think I saved you but I think you found me and you saved me”~Lavender
July 13, 2018
DNF @ 65%
Fell flat for me and I got bored. But it's just me not the book!
Fell flat for me and I got bored. But it's just me not the book!
November 26, 2016
DNF at 28%
So bad. The bad ass assassins name is Lavender who cares more about the wrinkles in his clothes than his job, his sidekick/job dispatcher is a squeaky queen who asks about the hotness level of the dudes he takes out and the other Mc is so good he could be a Nobel Peace Prize nominee who knits sweaters for the elderly and gives abandoned kitties CPR on the side. Lovely right?
Nope. My brain hurts.
So bad. The bad ass assassins name is Lavender who cares more about the wrinkles in his clothes than his job, his sidekick/job dispatcher is a squeaky queen who asks about the hotness level of the dudes he takes out and the other Mc is so good he could be a Nobel Peace Prize nominee who knits sweaters for the elderly and gives abandoned kitties CPR on the side. Lovely right?
Nope. My brain hurts.
Read
August 7, 2020
Stopping at 48%
I wanted to like this so much, but Lavender didn't convince me as a killer. They first encounter was a flop. He was there to kill Sage but suddenly got a heart.
And then we have Sage, the other MC and the🎯 . Sage was so good, too good in fact, running charities, helping elders, homeless, from a supportive family, which were also into philanthropy.
I wish I could have read this as opposites attracted to each other. But I can't. They didn't work.
I can't get on with this plot either. Implausible to say the least.
Hoping not to be unfriended by my friend. 😬😬😬😬😬😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 14, 2019** 3.75 stars **
I mostly liked the book. The plot was fine, I liked both characters, well I liked Sage during the first half the book and Lavender was unique. Sage seems sweet and unassuming, he comes from money and gives back to community by helping homeless teens and elderly. While that is great I think it was a touch too far with the charity, there was so much mention of it that I could barely see any other character traits of his as if they were overshadowed. What I didn't like was how flighty he was in a sense that he was okay sleeping with Lavender and not acknowledging what he does but as soon as he sees it in broad daylight he starts throwing accusations and withdrawing from him. It's almost like out of sight out of mind kind of vision. Lavender is an unknown at first. He is secretive and aloof. When he shares his story with Sage I must admit it makes me feel bad for him and angry at his family - they are supposed to protect him and to just throw him away like that ... it's unfair and inhumane but happens way too often nowadays. But he becomes a professional killer not as a result of trauma but because he is good at it. I liked that he was competent, honorable and fair - he didn't kill Sage, he decided to know why and who and protected him, and the way Sage made him feel bad about protecting him was petulant and made me like Sage less. The smex and chemistry were of the charts hot and plentiful. But the second part of the book felt as if there should have been more - how Sage came to accept Lavender, the villain and the connection to Sage were not really explained and the main event of getting rid of the nasty was over way too fast and felt kind of flat. I wanted some sort confrontation. I was slightly disappointed. And in the epilogue their whole discussion about future felt cold and disjointed as if they are just neighbors talking about weather - the chemistry was not there, felt a little forced. I hope that in the book with Aiden and Lane I will like this couple more!
I mostly liked the book. The plot was fine, I liked both characters, well I liked Sage during the first half the book and Lavender was unique. Sage seems sweet and unassuming, he comes from money and gives back to community by helping homeless teens and elderly. While that is great I think it was a touch too far with the charity, there was so much mention of it that I could barely see any other character traits of his as if they were overshadowed. What I didn't like was how flighty he was in a sense that he was okay sleeping with Lavender and not acknowledging what he does but as soon as he sees it in broad daylight he starts throwing accusations and withdrawing from him. It's almost like out of sight out of mind kind of vision. Lavender is an unknown at first. He is secretive and aloof. When he shares his story with Sage I must admit it makes me feel bad for him and angry at his family - they are supposed to protect him and to just throw him away like that ... it's unfair and inhumane but happens way too often nowadays. But he becomes a professional killer not as a result of trauma but because he is good at it. I liked that he was competent, honorable and fair - he didn't kill Sage, he decided to know why and who and protected him, and the way Sage made him feel bad about protecting him was petulant and made me like Sage less. The smex and chemistry were of the charts hot and plentiful. But the second part of the book felt as if there should have been more - how Sage came to accept Lavender, the villain and the connection to Sage were not really explained and the main event of getting rid of the nasty was over way too fast and felt kind of flat. I wanted some sort confrontation. I was slightly disappointed. And in the epilogue their whole discussion about future felt cold and disjointed as if they are just neighbors talking about weather - the chemistry was not there, felt a little forced. I hope that in the book with Aiden and Lane I will like this couple more!
March 10, 2018
Lavender ❤️ ‘nuff said
February 6, 2017
Not trying to be mean here, but honestly, little makes sense in this book to me. From insta love (within a couple of minutes of MCs seeing each other) to the reason why Sage was targeted. To Lavender the Sociopath Hitman turning his life around full 180 within a matter of a few hours, 5 to be precise. To Sage's often unhinged behavior, like the fashion show in the hotel with towel bunnies for audience and towels and toilet paper for "haute couture".
-----
Is it me, or are most of 5 and 4 stars reviews seem a little ...similar in style and format? O.o
-----
Is it me, or are most of 5 and 4 stars reviews seem a little ...similar in style and format? O.o
June 26, 2020
4.5*
This was a fabulously OTT read. Mr Lavender is a hitman for hire. He’s cold, detached and professional. All the things a good Hitman should be. He moves from one kill straight to the next. That is until he meets his latest target.
Sage Bradley is handsome and almost too good to be true. He knits for the elderly and even gave a cat mouth to mouth. Who on earth would take a contract out on him?
Mr Lavender is curious. And totally attracted to Sage as well.
What follows is an interesting if somewhat crazy read.
I absolutely loved Lavender and his suits.
This was a fabulously OTT read. Mr Lavender is a hitman for hire. He’s cold, detached and professional. All the things a good Hitman should be. He moves from one kill straight to the next. That is until he meets his latest target.
Sage Bradley is handsome and almost too good to be true. He knits for the elderly and even gave a cat mouth to mouth. Who on earth would take a contract out on him?
Mr Lavender is curious. And totally attracted to Sage as well.
What follows is an interesting if somewhat crazy read.
I absolutely loved Lavender and his suits.
May 2, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/04/20/...
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
November 28, 2018
“Did I just suck your cock while you killed a man?”
“You were sucking my cock when someone rudely interrupted us,” he corrected
When Lavender, assassin extraordinaire, is hired to kill Sage Bradley, he is thrown off his game. Lavender does the one thing he never does, he talks to him You’re usually in and out before they have a chance to beg or cry.
Getting to know Sage, Lavender just refuses to take the hit and decides to protect him instead.
Sage just seemed to be t0o good to be true “Killing a man who rescues kittens and worries about old people being cold is my limit, it seems. I need to know who hired me and what Sage Bradley did”. Besides his conscience, Lavender is utterly attracted to Sage and things heat up between them pretty quickly.
“You’d be the perfect boyfriend if it weren’t for the whole assassin thing”.
This story is best enjoyed when read in combination with the Boys of Lake Cliff Series:
November 25, 2016
I liked this book so very much! How could I resist a sweet artist, Sage, with a heart of gold who rescued a cat by giving it mouth-to-mouth?! Then we have a paid assassin, Lavender/Jeremy, with hundreds of kills who see Sage and is done for. The most unlikely pair but it was fun to read.
January 15, 2017
3.5 stars
March 10, 2018
3.5 stars. A different, short book with lots of sex, a little suspense and intrigue and not much deep background given about any of it. It kept me interested reading about a paid assassin assigned to eliminate what turned out to be a gorgeous guy artist who's life goals were saving homeless gay teens, knitting warm hats and gloves for nursing home patients and saving lost cats. Instant lust ensued between the two MC's, as the assassin realized killing this guy would be a big mistake, and the shy artist falls for this manly man paying him some attention and trying to protect him from someone that wants him dead. Too bad the book was so short and most of the story was just skimmed over.
March 9, 2019
Yes, even a sociopathic assassin can find love. Meet Lavender the hired assassin and Sage his target. I have to say it took me awhile to catch onto the tongue-in-cheek humor. It started a bit over the top, Both of their personalities were bit extreme at first. But once Lavender decided he was taking Sage under his protection, I was on the train cheering them on. By the end of the book, I was laughing out loud.
February 13, 2023
A little too heavy on the sex but my favorite book that K. Sterling written.
February 10, 2017
I am a superfan of the delectable K Sterling; that said, it's been a while since I read one of her stories - I treated myself to this series debut (Lavender Book 1) and finished it last night as I was struggling to get to sleep because I have a bad cold.
No; I didn't mistake this Sage and Lavender for one of those aromatherapy pillows that you put in the microwave (I suspect the Kindle would not appreciate that). I never found them to work and if anything, I always feel worse.
In The Kill - Sage and Lavender - makes you forget you have a cold. I think I have found my perfect travel companions for the journey back home to Europe at the end of this month. Much like those neck cushions you get for the plane - drooling included.
Alp
x
No; I didn't mistake this Sage and Lavender for one of those aromatherapy pillows that you put in the microwave (I suspect the Kindle would not appreciate that). I never found them to work and if anything, I always feel worse.
In The Kill - Sage and Lavender - makes you forget you have a cold. I think I have found my perfect travel companions for the journey back home to Europe at the end of this month. Much like those neck cushions you get for the plane - drooling included.
Alp
x
September 21, 2019
Great book
This book can be read after the third book in the Boys Of Lake Cliff series.
In this book we see how Lavender and Sage meet, Lavender has work to do, he was hired to kill Sage
But as soon as he meets Sage and he talks to him, he realizes that a mistake has been made and decides to protect him.
This is where the connection between them begins
And they can't deny the attraction they have
and there is a lot of hot sex scenes😍
The book is well written
In short, another excellent book for K. Sterling
She has become one of my favorite Author
This book can be read after the third book in the Boys Of Lake Cliff series.
In this book we see how Lavender and Sage meet, Lavender has work to do, he was hired to kill Sage
But as soon as he meets Sage and he talks to him, he realizes that a mistake has been made and decides to protect him.
This is where the connection between them begins
And they can't deny the attraction they have
and there is a lot of hot sex scenes😍
The book is well written
In short, another excellent book for K. Sterling
She has become one of my favorite Author
June 26, 2020
Short but fabulously fun - 4.5* rounded up.
I have now read 8 of the books in this collection and this is by far the best. Like the others it is quite short but packs a lot in. I totally loved Lavender. I liked Sage in this book quite a bit but I wanted to pinch Lavender's cheeks. I loved his suits. I loved his business smarts. And I really really loved how uncomfortable falling in love makes him. This will certainly get a reread at some point.
I have now read 8 of the books in this collection and this is by far the best. Like the others it is quite short but packs a lot in. I totally loved Lavender. I liked Sage in this book quite a bit but I wanted to pinch Lavender's cheeks. I loved his suits. I loved his business smarts. And I really really loved how uncomfortable falling in love makes him. This will certainly get a reread at some point.
October 28, 2018
Well I thought I was in love with Aiden and Lane from this series and I am but wow Lavender is amazing! He's such a beautiful character.This author writes her men so well it is hard not to fall for them.
Lavender has become a cold hearted assassin but he always knows the world is better because they are gone. When he's contracted to kill Sage Bradley he has doubts. Then when he meets Sage he knows two things. He was right to doubt it, and he's not killing him.
Lavender is now in an odd position he's never protected someone but he will do anything to keep Sage safe. This brings him into the company of Lane West. They need each other to help get rid of this danger.
Sage is a good guy he hands out care packages and knits for the elderly! This is so far from Lavender's world it's hard for him to take his help. They are attracted to each other.
This book takes the reader on their journey to keep Sage safe.
As with every book in this series it's well written and definitely a great read.
Lavender has become a cold hearted assassin but he always knows the world is better because they are gone. When he's contracted to kill Sage Bradley he has doubts. Then when he meets Sage he knows two things. He was right to doubt it, and he's not killing him.
Lavender is now in an odd position he's never protected someone but he will do anything to keep Sage safe. This brings him into the company of Lane West. They need each other to help get rid of this danger.
Sage is a good guy he hands out care packages and knits for the elderly! This is so far from Lavender's world it's hard for him to take his help. They are attracted to each other.
This book takes the reader on their journey to keep Sage safe.
As with every book in this series it's well written and definitely a great read.
May 7, 2020
This was disappointing. It had what could have been two interesting characters, who just weren't and what could have been a fun plot, but wasn't. The editing is subpar and the writing feels very much like someone who knows how to plot and structure a novel, but just couldn't be bothered. Everything about this is perfunctory. Only one character has even a veneer of backstory, the other is a cardboard stand-in. The sex is matter-of-fact and uninteresting; this after the insta-attraction. Nothing invites the reader to feel invested in it, not the story, the characters, the romance, the sex, nothing. I read this as part of the The Boys of Lake Cliff collection. At this point, other than the resolve to finish it, I'm not sure why I'm still chipping away at it.
September 7, 2019
Crazy how in the span of one book you can change from fan who wants to read everything the author has ever done to whatever I am now. Nothing about K. Sterling's writing has changed and while I didn't mind before this time around I was barely able to finish the book.
It's not like I hadn't noticed the sloppy world-building, the hopelessly unrealistic 'everything' really and the paper thin plotting before. It was all supported by incredibly strong character work. Aidan in particular is one of the more interesting Romance protagonists I have read in a while.
Unfortunately Lavender and his lover can't hold a candle to Lane and Aidan. Nothing about them is interesting beyond the descriptions they are given. At no point are they ever filled with real life and I don't know how I even finished this book. I am going to put the brakes on reading the rest of this series for now.
It's not like I hadn't noticed the sloppy world-building, the hopelessly unrealistic 'everything' really and the paper thin plotting before. It was all supported by incredibly strong character work. Aidan in particular is one of the more interesting Romance protagonists I have read in a while.
Unfortunately Lavender and his lover can't hold a candle to Lane and Aidan. Nothing about them is interesting beyond the descriptions they are given. At no point are they ever filled with real life and I don't know how I even finished this book. I am going to put the brakes on reading the rest of this series for now.
December 24, 2019
Honestly I'm not sure why I liked this one so much because really it isn't very realistic. The reason Sage was targeted was a bit far fetched and Lavender's decision to change his life was rather quick but there is just something about an assassin who doesn't apologize for who he is and the things he does but still manages to be endearing. I loved Lavender and I really want to read more about him. I love a character who isn't black or white. There were a few moments that really cracked me up in this book as well.
November 1, 2017
Very Enjoyable.
An interesting and enjoyable read. I particularly liked the antagonistic relationship between "Lavender" and Detective West. They gave me a few good chuckles. The topic of the Aspergers was very well handled. Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
An interesting and enjoyable read. I particularly liked the antagonistic relationship between "Lavender" and Detective West. They gave me a few good chuckles. The topic of the Aspergers was very well handled. Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
May 6, 2023
Well, this was extremely sexy but also intense. I have to say that I completely sympathize with Sage when he starts to question his life choices to the point that he has to throw up. We romanticize our hero's and that they would kill for us, but in reality I would also sincerely question my sanity.
June 13, 2018
I really liked this one!
Although, if I ever ran into Sage on the street or something, I'd probably burst into flames being near him. Or he would. Or there'd be some sort of catastrophic event.
He's just a little too perfect
Although, if I ever ran into Sage on the street or something, I'd probably burst into flames being near him. Or he would. Or there'd be some sort of catastrophic event.
He's just a little too perfect
August 26, 2020
Fun introduction to new characters
Adored this! An assassin meets his target and decides not to kill him but protect him instead. Lavender is a great character, cold and brutal with a squishy soft inside for Sage
Adored this! An assassin meets his target and decides not to kill him but protect him instead. Lavender is a great character, cold and brutal with a squishy soft inside for Sage
June 8, 2021
I was interested in the external plot, but one of the protagonists was a little swoony for my tastes. I do, however, love a protagonist who wants to punch all the problems that their love interest has.
February 6, 2018
3.75 ⭐️
August 28, 2018
Oh I just loved Lavender & Sage.. I hope this isn’t the last we hear of them 🙏
September 14, 2018
Huge adorbs for Lavender (Jeremy) and Sage...I couldn't get enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews