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Welcome back to Lake Cliff, a quiet yet inexplicably dangerous suburb of Chicago. When we last visited our heroes, they were calmly and cozily settling into their happily ever afters. Unfortunately, Lavender and Aiden’s brisk yet peaceful morning run through the woods is interrupted by a loud explosion. They return to Holderson Manor to find that Sage has been abducted by a dangerous enemy from Lavender’s past.

With Sage in the wind, it quickly becomes a race against the clock to bring him home. Lavender has assembled a team of friends and allies when Captain Denver Walsh arrives with the missing piece of the puzzle. A tortured and traumatized vet, Denver offers a grim solution only to find himself drawn into the mission and a new family as a British lord, an FBI agent, a Russian hacker, a few cops and a forensic psychologist join forces to hunt a killer and find Sage before it’s too late.

Sometimes, the monsters in our heads are just as dangerous as the ones waiting under our beds and hidden deep in the forest. Our team quickly learns that Denver needs their help almost as urgently as Sage. Aiden looks to a new friend for backup when he realizes he’s in way over his head. Meanwhile, Sage has to make peace with the monster in his head and the one that’s been sleeping in his bed as he struggles to survive. Sage is in for a brutally intense fight but he’s determined to outwit and outlast the horror hunting him and find his way home to his son and the man he loves.

*In The Wind is the seventh book in The Boys of Lake Cliff series and is not intended as a standalone story.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 5, 2019

32 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

K. Sterling

102 books489 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
119 (56%)
4 stars
68 (32%)
3 stars
19 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,669 reviews459 followers
September 20, 2020
And to think I didn't particularly care for Sage...well he has redeemed himself in my eyes. I was glad to see he has gotten stronger and his love for Lavender has grown. There's truly no one else who could love him the way he deserves but Sage. I really liked the parts with Robin and Lavender...so sweet in a semi-retired assassin kind of way 😉
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,863 reviews499 followers
July 15, 2020

I read this out of order.
My friend posted a reading list for this series. But after Lust Marry Kill I started on this, assuming it was next. In fact I should have read Digital Love. By the time I realised my mistake I couldn’t break off. So Digital Love is next.

Despite Sage being my least favourite character I really enjoyed this one. He wasn’t annoying at all in this one. So there is hope for him yet.

This was a fabulous book. Sage is kidnapped and Lavender needs his friends to help find him. He will stop at nothing to get his husband back. But over the years Lavender has rubbed off on Sage. While fleeing for his life Sage channels his inner Lavender. And proves to be a worthy opponent.
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
July 24, 2019
Run from the Cyclops...

I always love catching up with the Lake Cliff boys but this one had me worried.
With Sage being kidnapped by a psycho, I could not feel relief until he was found. Sage turned out to be a lot stronger than I thought. I guess having an assassin as a husband helps.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,256 reviews23 followers
July 5, 2019
Loved!

I do love me a good mystery/thriller, and once again Ms Sterling has delivered. The Lake Cliff books is one of my most read series, and to have all of the characters brought together in one book, was enough to make me nearly swoon. I love them all, but Lane and Aiden are still my favourites. Both feature quite a bit in this story, so this was like the icing on the cake.

I absolutely loved In the Wind, I couldn't put it down, as always I have to read her books in one sitting. I had to find out what was happening with Sage, and I wasn't disappointed. He may be a 'hippy artist,' but he really out does himself in this book.

This is a story that will keep you on your toes throughout, there are lots of surprises from both Sage and Lavender. From the first page the action starts, your heart is in your mouth, and you're wondering how Lavender is going to react to what takes place. Obviously, if you've read the previous books, you know it's not going to be good, and I was so not disappointed.

If you enjoy m/m, mystery/thrillers with great writing, engaging characters and a story which keeps its tension throughout, then this is for you! Also, the way in which the guys interacted with one another, and their romantic partners was priceless.

Only hope there is more to come featuring these guys...fingers crossed. The whole series is highly recommended as a must read.
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,178 reviews81 followers
September 23, 2020
This is book seven and I really don't think you can enjoy it without having read at least some of the previous books in the series.

I do so love Lavender! Sage hasn't been my favorite character and in fact I haven't particular liked him in the previous books. However, in this one I actually began to like Sage. He ended up being a lot tougher than I thought he could be and it seems he's listened/realized more about his husband then even thought he had. The issue for me has always been that Sage doesn't except Lavender for who he is but instead has this version of him (Jeremy) that isn't accurate and therefore the relationship seems a bit false. Lavender always has to pretend a bit to be what Sage wants him to be and that's a recipe for disaster. Finally in this book Sage starts to realize he can't separate Lavender from Jeremy that they are the same person and he needs to accept all sides of his husband. I even believed the way he came about the realization. Of course we get some really fun moments with Aiden helping in his unique way.

This is always an easy to read, fun series for me but truth be told I read it because I love Lavender and well there's quite a soft spot for Aiden and Lane as well. I'll definitely continue on to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Stacy.
7 reviews
July 7, 2019
I loved this book! All of my favorite boys together, what an exciting time! I still love Aiden the most but Toly has a special place in my heart. This was non-stop action from the start and it was just a little bit heart breaking, the reason behind the action. Lavender tried to do something a little selfless that made a mark on his soul as well as Reginald's and it came back to haunt them as well as a new addition, Denver, who is heartbreaking and a little broken.
I know we get to learn more about him and Ezra and hopefully they get to have a HEA, but it will be a hard fought one if they do.
Even with all of the action and angst, I did still laugh a lot, all of the personalities at Aiden and Lane's house, I won't spoil anything but I will leave you with this. Any long time long lover of K's series will understand and appreciate, I think I laughed for five minutes when I read the following line that Lavender said to Aiden:
“Dear God. Do not join forces with Reginald.”
Profile Image for MiaReadsMMBooks  .
426 reviews71 followers
July 5, 2019
When you're thrown right into the action from pretty much page one you know you're reading a K Sterling book. And this one is a cracker of a story, bringing together most of the "good" guy characters from this series and throwing them all together in a mad dash to save Sage from a man hellbent on revenge.

Whilst fast-paced, the author never hesitates to slow things down to remind us of each couples' dynamics and why they're so special to each other. We're subtly reminded of important information and driven to encourage Sage in his mission to stay alive, and to the others to save him from the 'Cyclops'.

You'll get everything you've come to expect from this series, including plenty of Lavender and you'll finish already anticipating the next book.

4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌛
19 reviews
July 2, 2019
Well, K’s books always leave me blown away. I love love all the boys of Lake Cliff and that they all collaborated together to help Lavender save Sage!! I love that Lane really is Lavender’s best friend and that Sage is Aiden’s.
It became clear that Sage definitely learned valuable things from Lavender during their years together.
Once I started this book, I did not want to put it down. It was a nail-biting, teeth-grinding, action-packed thriller throughout the entire book.
We also got a peek into some side characters that I am anxious to read about whenever they get their story!!
Highly recommend if you’re a fan of the Lake Cliff boys and spinoff characters!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews324 followers
July 30, 2019
I think I've said in other reviews of this series that Sage is my least favorite character and this doesn't really change things that much. I appreciate that this book doesn't run the stereotypical plot for a kidnapping and that Sage gets some much needed perspective but I also still don't feel like Lavender can be himself with Sage and until that happens, Sage and Jeremy are a fake couple because there is no Jeremy. Sage is basically in love with a tv character for all the substance jeremy has.

It was nice to see everyone pull together and for Aedin and Reginald become more friendly. It will be interesting to watch Denver and Ezra do their thing.
Profile Image for Stephanie Agenbroad.
42 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2019
I love the Lake Cliff Family! This story is about growth, acceptance, and finding an inner strength that Sage and Lavender didn't know was possible. I still want to take Reginald over my knee and beat his butt! But, it was really nice to see Reginald human side...if you want to call it that😂😂. Getting to see how strong Sage became was beautiful! Plus, Sage finally truly love all of Lavender....I'm glad this finally happened because he was starting to erk me lol. Read this series! Bravo, Ms. Sterling!
Profile Image for Silvia.
41 reviews
July 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, a continuation of the Lake Cliff series. If you haven't started reading the series yet, you are really missing out. I loved the action in this one, and felt that Sage really got to shine. All the characters are so fun; I can't wait for the next installment! (I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for my honest review.)
5 reviews
July 2, 2019
I love the boys of Lake Cliff!! This is one of the best M/M series that I have ever read. The characters, even thought some are very dangerous, bring you in and make you love them and root for them. Sage has grown so much as has his love for Lavender. Ms. Sterling writes so that you can feel the angst and emotions of the characters. I love all of her books!!
1,070 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2019
I just love when there's a new book in the Boys of Lake Cliff series!
The men and their lives are constantly evolving and so is their friendship and connection to each other.  

Sage has until now been seen as the peace loving, pot smoking, chill, loving husband of Lavender and father to Robin but now we get see a Sage that is not only resourceful and savage af, he can also channel his own Lavender when needed. 
And Lavender also finds himself on unfamiliar territory when he's forced to rely on others and is having to deal with fear and uncertainty. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these new sides of them.

I also love the mix of suspense where we see things from Sages and Lavender,  Lane and Wilders perspective and the things that happens when Aiden, Reginald, Toly, Paul and the new faces Denver and Ezra has to share a house. 
Aiden is still one of my favourites and I love to see how long he has come and that he has friends now. His interactions with Lavender,  Reginald and Toly are always hilarious and his non filter and incompetence in the kitchen always cracks me up.

Can't wait to learn more about Denver and Ezra. 
557 reviews
July 5, 2019
Cyclops steals Sage!

This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as Lavender, Lane, Aiden, Reginald, Paul, Wilder, Toly and Denver try to save Sage! The story begins with a huge bang and then:

...Lavender scooped Robin into his arms. “Where’s Sage?” He asked as he rocked and did his best to remain calm but Robin’s cries became louder and they made Aiden’s chest feel tight heavy hard and cold. “The bad, scary man took him! Daddy pushed me into the panic room and he was screaming!” Robin cried and Lavender became pale.

As they do their best to track, online trace and analyze to retrieve the heart of their family, Sage must use every bit of his brilliance and inner strength to get back to the ones he love. Meanwhile Denver is as lost as Sage, but in his mind, and they must save Denver also. Phew, I was hot, freezing cold, crying, laughing, angry, frightened and so not bored with this story! K. Sterling, brilliant synergy of characters — your characters are maturing and evolving (but still so incredibly funny)!
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
July 4, 2019
In The Wind is basically a testament to how deeply each man in Lake Cliff loves their partner, and to how much they care for all the members of their family. Because that's what they've built together: family. I loved the amazing way all the men fit into each other's lives. Mismatched, quirky, strange, some of them admittedly deranged,but they've found home and they would do anything to protect it.

And just like family, when one of them is in danger, all the others would do their best to save him,each with their own set of special skills. And while they try to save Sage,K. Sterling brings out what I love most about her books: the fierceness and the intensity. Because all of her characters can only feel at full power,especially when they love. Packed in action filled plot,there's desperation to not loose the happiness so hardly earned and the peace they've finally found.

In The Wind is a thrilling, emotional ride from beginning to the end and I really recommend it.
93 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2019
Another great story

I love the men of Lake Cliff!!!! K.Sterling's story telling is amazing! You get so involved in the characters and they feel like they are apart of your life, I fact they have become part of my life in a strange way. At the oddest time they pop up and make me laugh, we'll after I have finished the stories. I loved Adain from the very first story and love when a new book comes out, I can't make a grilled cheese sandwich without thinking of him, or a happy meal!. I can not wait until the next one with Denver and Ezra, and hope we get to see more of Robin as well. They are good stories, well written and the characters envelop you! If the synopsis creates an interest for you then don't hesitate to get this, but only if you have read the others. If you haven't read the others, pick those up first you won't be disappointed!!
33 reviews
July 7, 2019
Lake Cliff!

I was really excited to read a new Lake Cliff book, especially since all of the the characters from previous books were included.

Sage gets kidnapped by someone from Lavender's past and the race is on to save him, with the help from their friends and self made family. It was really fun to see some new interactions between characters we already know and love, as well as meeting Ezra and getting to know Denver (very excited for the next book in this series).

K. Sterling's books are always a fast paced, exciting read and this story was no different. You definitely should read the prior books in this series to truly appreciate this one, but it is so worth the effort.

Profile Image for keren davidi cohen.
213 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2019
5 fantastic stars!!😍😍
I loved this book!
All of my favorite boys together
collaborated together to help Lavender save Sage.
And in the book We see glimpses of the connection between 2 new characters between Ezra and Denver.
Sage was kidnapped by a psychopath who appears from Lavender's past
and It became clear that Sage definitely learned valuable things from Lavender during their years together.
The book was well written
and the story will keep you on the edge of your seat Almost to the end
I just so love this book and the series
This is one of the excellent series I've read this year
Definitely recommended!!
90 reviews
July 6, 2019
No matter how you look at it K. Sterling gives the reader a good story with In The Wind: Boys of Lake Cliff Book 7. Revenge is not always sweet or how you envision it and Lavender does not always get the kill. The story is a very bad month in the life of the boys of Lake Cliff. It has all the feels and kills that you expect and some things that you wouldn't. Dr. Aiden Sharpe bonding with...I can't tell you but I was pleasantly surprised and LMAO off through some of the scenes. I can't wait to read Denver's story. K sterling can be such a tease.
41 reviews8 followers
July 5, 2019
FINALLY SAGE

Sage has been my favorite from the get go.
I'm so excited that people are going to see just how awesome he is.
I'm always ready for a trip to Lake Cliff, I miss the guy's.
Since Sage really is the glue for the group.
Everyone is here to help, and a couple new ones.
Lavender is still well Lavender
I really loved how Miss Sterling has shown the growth of the guy's.
Now everyone can see why my beautiful sexy Sage is Lavender's perfect match.

190 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2019
I love the Lake Cliff guys!

This was a fast paced thrilling ride from K. Sterling and I loved it. It was great to have all the guys together although it was an exhaustive couple of days. I can't wait to read Ezra and Denver's story.
2 reviews
July 7, 2019
You'll never look at Sage the same way.

I couldn't put this book down. From the first chapter to the epilogue it's full steam ahead.
Another K Sterling masterpiece that makes you fall more in love with Lake Cliff.
Profile Image for DarcLibrarian .
338 reviews2 followers
Read
November 23, 2020
Hunter, Hunted

When a face from the past makes the mistake of targeting and kidnapping Sage whilst destroying his peaceful haven in Lake Cliff uber sexy assassin Lavender returns with a vengeance. Together with friends old and new he starts searching for Sage who channelling his inner Lavender manages to escape and go on the run. Soon it becomes difficult to determine who is the hunter and who the hunted.

K. Sterling delivers another extremely tense story whilst moving forward our various couples relationships and introducing the reader to a troubled Denver and his possible saviour / partner Dr. Ezra Gabriel. I really enjoyed this book due largely to seeing a softer more vulnerable Lavender and a stronger Sage as well as learning more about what makes this band of misfits tick. I'm not generally a big fan of MM romantic suspense but K. is rapidly changing my mind.. Roll on the next in the series.
81 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2020
Another great Story

Every time you think you know a character they amaze and astound you with their resilience and adaptability to the latest challenge at hand. Sage with his inner Mr. Lavender was amazing and way tougher than I will ever be. I wonder if any of the next books might explain how he knew some of the things Mr. Lavender swears he didn't discuss with Sage.
This was another great Chapter in the Oak Cliff saga. For an erotica writer K. Sterling sure does craft a great story.
Denver and Ezra were another great addition to our quirky cast of characters and I am looking forward to getting to know them better. And just because I finally wrote a shorter review doesn't imply that this book is any less thought provoking, entertaining, and engrossing. It just means the longer it takes writing the review is that much longer before I can start the next adventure.
Just read the book!
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,045 reviews
July 13, 2024
"In the Wind" received FOUR stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

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

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

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

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

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 she/he/they writes."
1,393 reviews
July 12, 2021
Sage is abducted and Lane and Lavender go to find him. Aidan stays home and tries to keep the sanity of the techs and others gathered to assist. Sage is able to get away and then run and hide in the woods to stay away from the bad guy. Sage has to take drastic measures which may end up affecting him more than he thinks. Lavender is glad to recover Sage and get back to their family. We have a possible new couple in Denver and Ezra.
Profile Image for Ilse Marijke.
253 reviews
July 27, 2023
Shane’s a Beast!

This book in the series, just like the others, is a welcome snippet of the adventures of the Lake Cliff Boys. The build-up to the elimination of Boone was better than the moment itself of the elimination of Boone. Other than that, the introduction of Ezra and Denver was good, I will read up on that now, before I continue with the adventures of the Boyz. Recommendable series! ❤️
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2020
This was a great high tension and fast paced story. My heart skipped a beat when Sage was taken but boy did he step up to the plate. He is a bad ass! I thought I would love this one because Lavender would go all psycho. It is so hot when he does. I am very happy with the way it turned out though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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