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K. Sterling invites you to return to Lake Cliff and catch up with Aiden, Lane, Lavender and Sage in this sequel to In The Kill and the Hide And Keep trilogy.

Can you domesticate an international assassin? Can a criminal be reformed and play well with others?

Happily Ever After doesn't always happen right away or as easily as you might imagine. Lavender must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice for love and if he can make peace with his past.

Despite his hopes, fate isn't ready to let Lane West settle into his own Happily Ever After peacefully. A new threat comes to Lake Cliff and he's forced to team up with his worst nightmare.



“You didn’t bring a vest,” Lane said and Lavender snorted.
“I don’t plan on getting shot,” he said absently as he stared at the diner and Lane rolled his eyes.
“Or it wouldn’t compliment your ensemble,” he muttered and Lavender shrugged.
“What’s the point really?” He asked. “I can’t wear it under my jacket. Even if it fit, I would ruin the clean lines and proportions. And it would be ridiculous to wear it over my jacket,” he added and Lane raised a brow.
“Because it would look stupid?” He asked and Lavender gave him an impatient look.
“No. They’d see it and aim for my head,” he said and Lane winced in agreement.
“Good point,” he said. “You can hang back with the rifle if I have to go in,” he said and Lavender sighed wearily.
“How about you wear your vest because it keeps you from getting cold or jumping at loud sounds and I’ll make sure I don’t get shot?"

156 pages, ebook

First published December 21, 2016

32 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

K. Sterling

101 books484 followers
Author 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.

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5 stars
172 (52%)
4 stars
103 (31%)
3 stars
38 (11%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,652 reviews455 followers
April 29, 2024
Reread September 2020

Still love it. Sage still grated on my nerves with wanting to change Lavender. That man is fine the way he is!

Originally read March 2018

Sage and Lavender have been together almost a year. Things are difficult. Lavender won’t just let go and be “normal”. Sage won’t clean up after himself and smokes pot. The two need to work things out. There’s a new baddie in town trying to take things over. Lane needs Lavender’s help. Aiden is still leery of Lavender but he’s developing a friendship with Sage. "As the Boys of Lake Cliff Turns"

Can I just say, Lavender is my favorite character in this series. I thought it was Aiden and he’s a close second but Lavender is my man. I love his badass self and his quirky ways. He's definitely going to protect what is his.
"The moment one of your men pointed a gun at Sage Bradley and Aiden Sharp, you were finished… The last time someone tried to take Sage from me, he died along with nineteen of the best bodyguards and hitmen his money could buy. You don’t touch Sage or step foot in my fucking home!”

Sage infuriated me in this one. I felt he wanted “Jeremy” to give and give but Sage gave up nothing. I felt he wanted Lavender to be something he’s not and it irked me almost the entire book. Things work out and I truly feel Sage loves Jeremy but I wanted to see him compromise a little more.

I love Lane and Lavender working together. Their interactions and jabs back and forth crack me up. The two may be on completely different sides but they were meant to be friends.

As always this one was filled with hot sex scenes from both couples and plenty of sweet and tender swoony moments.
“Your soul is not my soul’s mate, thank God. You are the pieces my soul always lacked. You are the embodiment of the softer things I always wished my soul included. You are kindness, patience, grace, empathy, sympathy, generosity and most importantly, you are my love and happiness. I could be none of those things or have any of them without you.~Lavender

"I have trusted one person to be the most precious, fragile pieces of me. You are my world, Sage. And I’m so glad it’s you, holding my faulty, malformed heart in your hands. I can’t think of anyone who would handle it more carefully or use it better,”~Lavender

"He loved Lane for an inestimable number of reasons but the way his body came alive, the way his senses merged so effortlessly and then sang when Lane touched him was why he loved him the most. Lane made him whole and real and Aiden knew he could never live without him."~Aiden


I'm so happy I found these boys. On to the next!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,808 reviews492 followers
June 26, 2020
3.75* - would have been higher if not for Sage.


In this we get not only Lane and Aiden. But Mr Lavender and Sage from In the Kill.

This book was fabulous.

I loved Lane and Lavender. I loved that Aiden is making a friend. And that these four are hopefully going to feature in all the other books from now on.

What I didn’t like was Sage. He nearly spoilt the book for me. He lazes around smoking pot. Leaving his clothes and dishes where ever. Not accepting the amazing Lavender for who he is.

Sage seriously needs to get his act together. Because at the moment he doesn’t deserve Mr Lavender.

Profile Image for Chappy.
2,173 reviews109 followers
November 28, 2018
Wow, I'm so in awe of this series. The love between Aiden/Lane and Sage/Jeremy is so palpable you can almost taste it. As usual, the sex scenes are so damn hot!

The tense relationship between Lane and Lavender starts to become more like a friendship. Their back and forth banter is hilarious. Even Aiden makes a friend of Sage. I could just eat these 2 couples with a spoon.

I didn't think I could love Lavender/Jeremy more but his vulnerability is exposed when . He leaned on Sage and those tender moments will stay with me for a while. The name anagram was just the cherry on top.
Profile Image for Mirjam.
1,872 reviews112 followers
July 16, 2019


Hide and Kill is the fourth book in the Boys of Lake Cliff Series and the sequel to In The Kill, whereat Lane is forced to turn to his worst nightmare and a reluctant friendship is born.





Jeremy & Sage have moved to Lake Cliff, becoming Lane & Aiden's neighbours.
When the Russian Mafia tries to take over Lake Cliff to conduct their business, Lane has no choice but to ask Lavender for help “You need help and he’s exactly what you need”





Amidst "taking out the trash in Lake Cliff" Jeremy and Lane to manage to forge a friendship and do Sage & Aiden.
Lane and Aiden's marriage bliss is thriving while Sage does his best to irritate Lavender, who has a really hard time accustoming to "a normal domestic" life.

But of course Aiden needs to solve all problems and he manages to unravel Jeremy's past.
Sage interferes and forces Jeremy to look in past in the eye and deal with it.


This book is best enjoyed after reading In the Kill

Part of the Boys of Lake Cliff Series that is best enjoyed when read in order:
Hide and Keep (Boys of Lake Cliff, #1) by K. Sterling Safe and Sound (Boys of Lake Cliff, #2) by K. Sterling Spark and Flame (Boys of Lake Cliff, #3) by K. Sterling Hide and Kill (Boys of Lake Cliff, #4) by K. Sterling Bleed and Seek (Boys of Lake Cliff, #5) by K. Sterling Find and Keep (Boys of Lake Cliff, #6) by K. Sterling
Profile Image for keren davidi cohen.
213 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2019
4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the series,
The beginning was a bit slow but once things started to heat up I couldn't put the book down.
K. Sterling added another 2 interesting characters - Sage and Lavender.
In the book Lavender and Sage adapt to living together as a couple
Lavender is a magnificent assassin, who helps Lane to get rid from a Russian mobster from Lake Cliff.
The book is full of funny moments among the 4 characters that it was just a pleasure to read.
The love between Lane and Aiden, and between Sage and Lavender is so palpable that you can almost taste it .
I really like this series and the book was good and well written, Definitely recommended

Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,163 reviews79 followers
June 6, 2020
This series is just a lot of fun and I enjoy it so much. I have to admit Lavender is my favorite character - he's just so much fun to read about. He's a badass but also quirky and sometimes just a bit vulnerable. I also adore Aiden and Lane.

It was fun to see the two couples interact and I loved Lane and Lavender working together even though they are so different. The banter between the two was a lot of fun to read. The story was interesting although I learned to just "go with the plot" and not worry about the believability of it all.

Sage actually drove me a bit crazy. He wanted Lavender to change and be more "normal" and yet refused to compromise on the things about him that frustrated Lavender. It seemed very one sided with Sage expecting Lavender to always be the one to give in and basically blowing off any compromise Lavender wanted.

Still overall lots of fun and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Jenn C.
785 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2017
Ok Mr Lavender is growing on me. I lived he and Lane together and it was really nice to see where he came from. I'm not super keen on the direction that Sage is going but perhaps as Lavender settles a little more into 'normalcy' Sage will feel more comfortable in his relationship. Not sure how much the poor sleepy town can face but I would love to see more of these four. Especially for Aiden and Sage - it was particularly nice to see that friendship begin.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,984 reviews38 followers
July 9, 2022
Okay, I'm done. Now, we have also sex scenes between random neighbours /o\

Yes, an ex-assassin and his partner join the protagonist to kick out a Russian mobster from the neighbourhood. I'm sorry, just... no! This book makes no sense at all. I'm not reading more from this author
Profile Image for Emma.
906 reviews58 followers
June 26, 2020
For a short book this one manages to range from 1.5* to 5* == 3.5* rounded down

Lane and Aiden are settled in and happy despite their new neighbours Sage and Jeremy (Lavender). Lane is unhappy with the retired hit man being so close but he mostly ignores the situation until a very well connected Russian mafia members decides to move to Lake Cliff. Lane can't touch him but he knows that Lavender can.

--Lane + Lavender = 5*. Their blooming bromance was so snarkily perfect. They both fought the inevitable every step of the way.
--Lane + Aiden = 4* of sweetness
--Aiden + Sage = 3* mostly because it was nice to see Aiden get a real friend.
--Russian bad guys = 2.5*
--Lavender + Sage = 2* Sage was so unaccepting of Lavender. He only accepts the parts of him he calls Jeremy. He goes on and on about wanting Jeremy to be normal. He makes little to no effort to understand that Lavender is never going to be Sage's rather pedestrian and boring version of normal. Initially I thought this was a good way of exploring compromise in a new relationship, unfortunately that never materialised.
--Sage - 1.5*. He smoked a lot of pot, was boring, selfish, and unimaginative.

The conclusion of the mafia case was a bit weak but I still enjoyed the book overall.


Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book284 followers
May 8, 2020
I am reading this as part of the The Boys of Lake Cliff compilation and I have to admit I enjoyed it more than all of the others, except the first one. The reason is mostly because of the banter between Lavender and Lane. I found it implausible but humorous. Actually, the whole plot is ridiculous--the idea that the Chief of Police is willing to work with and stand beside an assassin, as he kills people, is absurd. Nothing about the plot felt natural. But I still laughed as two alpha men needled each other.

That's about all the book has going for it though. This plotline official killed any belief that Lane is a good Chief of Police and therefore a lot of his credibility as a character. And in doing so, literally whittled all four characters down to sexual partners. Which is especially frustrating since all the sex felt like place holders, even more now that there are two couples for Sterling to give sex scenes to. They held no emotional impact and felt redundant.

Further, both Aiden and Sage are becoming progressively more child-like as the series goes on (Sage especially). What's more, he reminded me of no one more than Shaggy of Scooby-Doo. So, not particularly sexy even.

Lastly, (and this is a spoiler) the book incorporates one of my most hated tropes. Readers, FYI, if someone in your past (even family) has been toxic and hurt you, you are not required to forgive them. Authors, if a family has abused or abandoned a character in the past, they don't deserve a redemptive arc. Having that family show up all tears and apologies puts the obligation of forgiveness on the shoulders of the victim. This can be re-victimization a lot of times. And the fact that Sterling had this drop on Lavender out of nowhere and he responded positively, instead of simply saying, "Get them out of my house," before walking away, felt out of character and unrealistic. From the very first words of the chapter in which I realized this trope was coming, I was angry and I finished the book angry when they were at the wedding. I hate this. It's too often included for cheap feels (and I think it was here) and doesn't give due diligence to the painful history of trauma.
389 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2018
Another amazing book by this author. The plot in this book is gripping and captivating. The relationship between Lavender and Sage and their new friends Lane and Aiden is fantastic. As usual this book pulls the reader in and refuses to let go.
Aiden and Sage have a secret that worries their men but turns out to be the best secret.
Lavender and Lane need to get rid of a problem in Lake Cliff. They work together and have some of the best moments in the book.
This book as usual for this author has the reader going through a range of emotions, from laughing to crying. The sex scenes between both couples are so hot!
I can't recommend this book or series strongly enough. I can't wait to read more about these men.
Profile Image for Tammy.
646 reviews9 followers
October 31, 2018
The start was a little slowly to get my interest, but once things pick up, I was hooked on getting to know the characters more. The characters were likable. Still have to say Lane and Aiden are my fav still. I thought the story was really good for the 4th in the series.
“I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and was not required to leave a review.”
Thank you for sharing your book with us.
557 reviews
March 6, 2017
Lavender and Sage are hot and they'll make you laugh, cry and hold your breath!

K. Sterling has totally outdone herself this time. I didn't think that she could create a character to rival Aiden but she has! Lavender is such a magnificent assassin and such a contrast to Lane, I never laughed so hard. Fabulous sequel to In the Kill!
1,364 reviews
June 17, 2019
Just realized there were more books in this series when I was going back for a re-read of the first books. Wow, very exciting. I have not read about Lavender and Sage before and found them interesting. I loved catching up with Lane and Aiden who are still going strong. The story was interesting and the characters are amazing. Who knew a former assassin could be so entertaining.
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2020
While the generous amounts of sex are starting to get a little tedious and repetitive, (I never thought I would say that) the story just keeps getting more and more interesting. I love watching these two couples interact with one another, especially Lane and Jeremy. They are hilarious! Lavender may be retired but he is never far away, particularly when Sage is in danger.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,550 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2018
Hide and Kill

Lane and Aiden continue to be just what you expect with the addition of Lavender and Sage. I haven’t read their story so I don’t know their history but they definitely add an interesting addition to the story.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,605 reviews
August 29, 2018
Still loving this series & bonus having Sage & Lavender ❤️
3,486 reviews36 followers
March 10, 2017
I have loved every book I've read by K. Sterling and if this should be the last in a wonderful series, I will mourn, and then just reread them over and over.

The two couples face more danger in this novel involving the Russian Mafia, fast cars, faster bullets and some of the hottest sex scenes out there!

Their personalities don't always mesh but humor and love keep them together. Sometimes being 'normal' is really difficult!

Read the previous books before you tackle this one. It will be a great ride!
250 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2016
I'm still smiling

I loved Mr. Lavender before; but I really enjoyed learning more about his history. I really enjoyed the development of Jeremy's and Lane's friendship. Their conversations were hysterical. The dock scene alone was glorious. K hasn't lost her touch. I'm definitely going to read this book again and again.
Profile Image for Becky A.
1,972 reviews
July 2, 2024
"Hide and Kill" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything s/he writes."
Profile Image for Edga.
2,203 reviews24 followers
January 19, 2020
Emotional story

Another excellent read from Ms Sterling. As usual, lots of humour andd action, also a lot of emotion in this one. We find out more about Lavender, and discover how his relationship with Sage develops. Also, there's a huge chunk of story about Lane and Aiden, my favourite of Ms Sterling's characters. A fast moving mystery/romance. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.

Once again, the narration was spot on. Mr Sterling brought the characters alive, thus allowing me to appreciate the story even more. Highly recommended
619 reviews
December 28, 2016
Great Read!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so good and having read the prior books to this series has been great! I hope to see more of Aiden and Lane. They are my favorites and I love to see them as they continue with their relationship and more stories are told. I enjoyed seeing Lavender/Jeremy and Sage again. They are a hoot! Hopefully this won't be the last that we'll see these guys!!!
Profile Image for tammy rufo.
654 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2018
more Lavender! and Aiden! lol i really love these two characters. It's good to see Lane and Aiden going strong and to have more time with Lavender and Sage. of course bad stuff happens and chaos ensues...but hey what do you expect!? lol loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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