Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Saint Brothers #2

Kill Me Sweetly

Rate this book
Sometimes reality is the nightmare you must conquer.



JJ has a good life. One where he lives with the people he loves, gets to work in Saintly Sweets with his delicious boyfriend, and takes things a day at a time. Of course, that is until he comes across a broken boy so lost in a nightmare, he vows to do everything he can to help him wake from it.

There’s nothing Shepard Saint won’t do for his JJ. Even help him figure out how to save someone that may be lost to the darkness. He knows this won’t be easy, and the deeper they go, the harder it becomes to climb out.

Shep, JJ, and the rest of the Saint brothers find themselves knee deep in the worst of humanity as they try to save a lot more than they bargained for. Saving people is something Shep and JJ are born to do, but when the enemy tries to destroy everything they love, they almost lose themselves to the evils of the world. Can the love they have for each other be enough to make it out alive or have they finally met an enemy far too powerful?



Kill Me Sweetly is book 2 in my Saint Brothers series. It can be read on its own but if you’re one for order, Slay Ride is book 1.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

117 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Davidson King

56 books733 followers
Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
230 (58%)
4 stars
113 (28%)
3 stars
42 (10%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Nessa.
244 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2024
Welcome back to the Saint Brothers series! I’ve been waiting for this one! You fall hard for the Saint brothers in the first book and I want them all to get their happily ever after. I think you could read book two without reading book one; however, I highly recommend reading in order.

In this book, JJ and Shep are already in an established relationship. We are plucked right into the middle of their relationship, but that doesn’t take away from their story. Them being together doesn’t stop the moments we all love like “the I love you’s”, living together, etc. They work together, much to JJ’s instance, on protecting Four and Max. JJ gets the brothers in agreement to help Four recover from his trauma and Max in saving his daughter.

Overall, quite enjoyable sequel to book one and I would highly recommend this series. Good plot, mystery, and very intriguing.

*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,121 reviews
October 3, 2024
Kill Me Sweetly by Davidson King is Book 2 in the Saint Brothers series. JJ and Shep have been a couple for several years though JJ struggles to tell Shep he loves him. One day, JJ finds a man, Four, covered in blood in the alley and seemingly unresponsive except when given sweets. This was an action packed story as the Saint family try to figure out who Four is, who he works for, and what this strange consortium is up to. I love all the members of the Saint family and I am really looking forward to getting all their stories. JJ and Shep were such a great couple and I teared up when JJ was caught in the house with the “weapons”. This was a very enjoyable story.

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
Profile Image for Dan.
1,744 reviews49 followers
October 2, 2024
This is a very delightful roller coaster of actions and emotions. I really love the regular "meet and fall in love" romance stories, but there's something special about romance stories with an established couple and we don't see enough of that. I love that here we get a loving, established couple dealing with shady people, dangerous situations and sharing their feelings. I liked JJ and Shep as a couple when they were introduced to each other in slay ride and I love them even more now
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,006 reviews64 followers
October 4, 2024
WOW!!! Man oh man, I just love the Saint Brothers! JJ and Shep’s relationship is going strong, and there is not relationship drama, I’m glad to see this. My heart absolutely broke for Four. I can’t wait to see how these relationships develop and the series continues.
Profile Image for Cheryl_cajun .
1,213 reviews29 followers
September 30, 2024
Thanks for the ARC, I voluntarily give it an honest review. I kinda had hoped to have this pick up with JJ and Shep when the brothers had entered/invaded Masons home.
Is it just me but really all the brothers reaction of bring four into their home was just like..why hello and what did YOU DO!
JJ was just supposed to go to the store for flour and eggs, but what he brings back to the bakery instead is a vacate walking conundrum. Four bringing trouble really should be the issue after all I'm right there with JJ that poor boy needed help. Shep is a big bada$$, no one messed with this family! I just can't get enough of these guys.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,315 reviews17 followers
September 28, 2024
Kill Me Sweetly is the second book in the Saint Brothers series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I think it's better to read them in order so why not enjoy the rest of the series. We are back with the Saint brothers and this is Shep and JJs story. I love this book so much. I couldn't put it down once I started because I needed to see what was coming next. So much happens during the story but through it all you see the love between Shep and JJ. I love the characters and world building that Davidson King puts into the story. I loved the intrigue and action in the story. This story made me cry several times while reading. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as a 5 star read.
Profile Image for Christy Roberts.
1,532 reviews50 followers
January 12, 2026
Loved This So Much

We are back with Shep, JJ and the other members of the Saint family that has been created. Time had past and Shep has a bakery that they all own but the other brothers Gabe, Nick, Noel, and Angel are mostly silent partners that help at times. The bakery not just a bakery though also they help people. JJ and Shep are already together and they are a wonderful couple. So well together and loving. It was great to see them already established which we got the start of in Slay Ride. Trigger Warnings are in front of book check them because it gets brutal but also has so much love.

One morning JJ is going along on an errand when something catches his eye which is when things change. There is a teen standing in alley near a dumpster and by the way he looks JJ knows something is wrong. He takes him back to the bakery and from that moment on til the ending we have dark moments just like in first book. Though we do have lighter moments as well mixed in that had me smiling. The moments of family and the nicknames shows how deep they are bonded and love one another. That scene with JJ chasing Angel I was laughing so hard. So a brothers move and they are.

I loved Four and wow was he protective of JJ more than once since he was his savior from the terror his life had been. He turns things around things to a friend of Angel's who's a therapist who specializes in trauma and has been sent in before in times like this. She is brilliant with the first session knowing how to get Four to talk. JJ is extremely protective as well and what he goes through near the end of this is not pretty fair warning for that.

I didn't want this to end. Even paused so I could enjoy it longer because I needed these characters and want them to be as real as they felt. Lizzy who helps at this bakery is a great person. What she caught tips them off to something not being right which I hadn't guessed which but knew one new hire was off. Just didn't expect the one it was.
1,062 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2024
I love Shep and JJ! This was a different type of story from Davidson King. We start this story with Shep and JJ already bring an established couple, but that doesn't mean their book is lacking, quite the opposite. When JJ finds a young man standing lost in an alley, he knows he needs to help the boy. The more information Shep and JJ gathered from Four, the more they realized that the young man came from a horrific place... One that they need to take down.

I liked this story! I thought the characters were excellent, I absolutely adore the relationship Shep and JJ have with each other, they are adorable together and you can tell how much they care for one another. I also liked the baking component to this story, I love when an MC is a baker so this was just an awesome addition in my opinion. I also liked the bond all the brothers have with each other and how close they all are. Them putting things to a vote and checking in with each other I found to be really important and was a nice aspect to their dynamic.

The mystery surrounding where Four came from and who is really behind the Consortium was handled really well! I found the mystery element to be written excellently and was really intriguing! I was invested in figuring out not only where Four came from, but what his life was like at the horrific place he was kept in. I thought the way Davidson wrote about the Consortium was interesting and unique! There was multiple components these men had to plan for in order to take down the people behind turning kids into weapons, and I was invested from the beginning all the way to the end.

I hope that Four will be apart of future stories in this series as I'd love to learn more about him, and be able to see him grow and flourish now that he's not being trained to be a weapon. Overall, a really great book!!
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,960 reviews46 followers
October 11, 2024
JJ has a good life. He lives with the people he loves, gets to work in Saintly Sweets with his delicious boyfriend, and takes things a day at a time. That is until he comes across a broken boy so lost in a nightmare, that he vows to do everything he can to help him wake from it. There’s nothing Shepard Saint won’t do for his JJ. Even help him figure out how to save someone who may be lost in the darkness. He knows this won’t be easy, and the deeper they go, the harder it becomes to climb out. Shep, JJ, and the rest of the Saint brothers find themselves knee-deep in the worst of humanity as they try to save much more than they bargained for. Saving people is something Shep and JJ are born to do, but when the enemy tries to destroy everything they love, they almost lose themselves to the evils of the world. Can their love for each other be enough to make it out alive or have they finally met an enemy far too powerful?

I loved this story with the mystery of the conditioned boys, the evil behind it and the danger that the Saint family were prepared to go to in order to save them. I really hope it cured JJ of his bravery but fear it did not. There were many feelings and emotions in this story that will transport you to the story. This was an MM story with mature content.

** Please read the trigger warnings
Profile Image for LC.
776 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2025
Kill Me Sweetly
Saint Brothers, Book 2
By Davidson King

Shepard Saint and JJ (Jaxon) Porter are still together after Mason’s experience in Slay Ride. In fact, they are in love even if JJ is afraid to say those words. But that is only part of the story in Kill Me Sweetly.

This is the kind of action and adventure I love. Is there romance? Yes, just enough sweet nothings and steamy scenes to make a girl like me happy. The adventure is what I like to find in books and these Saint Brothers are the best kind of adventurers! They put the virtuous in virtuous ki!!ing. They go after the bad guys, save who they can, and come back to love another day.

While this story is well not a totally easy read, it is a fast one for me. I love the characters and how Davidson King writes their story. I love the danger that they always seem to face as a team. I love that they all care for each other. The twins make me laugh. There is so much to like about this book that it makes the whole of the book easy to read in comparison to the smaller parts that are difficult to fathom. Now, I’m off to read Mine to Keep. While I didn’t purposefully wait until so many books were out, my immediate gratification side is super happy today to read two in a row.
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,034 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2024
Life has moved on significantly since Gabe and Mason crashed into each other's lives in the first Saint Brothers book. During this time Sheppard Saint and JJ (Mason’s bestie) have been forging a solid relationship. That's all about to be put to the test, however, when chaos lands on their doorstep in the shape of a traumatised young man…

This can be read as a standalone but I think it's best read in order to get a proper feel for the world building and all of the Saint brother characters, etc. I really like that this is essentially a super sweet romance between an established couple all wrapped up in a pretty dark package. Yes, our MCs adore each other to the point that anyone who hurts them will one hundred percent regret every single one of their life choices that led to that moment and the plot that brings Four into the Saints world is as likely to pull on those heartstrings as any plot that involves mistreated minors.

Long review short, I blitzed through this book like nobody's business…love love loved everything about it and I can't wait to see what happens in the next instalment! 5*

An e-copy was provided by the author. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Bookworm .
154 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
I met the Saint Brothers in the first book, Slay Ride, and was hooked. Davidson King is amazing at writing fast paced books that still give us all the feels. This story broke my heart and put it back together again. The world created for these brothers is one where they’re able to mete out the vengeance I think everyone roots for, but doesn’t get to actually see in the world we live in. A world where people can be saved from the worst of humanity, by the best of humanity. In this new book, Kill Me Sweetly, JJ and Shep get their story. As we get to know JJ and Shep, and get to see their relationship develop, we also learn JJ is a fierce protector and Shep and his brothers are the muscle to back him up. When JJ found a lost boy, the writing is so good that I felt just as heartbroken and protective of him as JJ did. And the beauty of this story is that JJ chose to help that boy no matter what. Even if he dies trying. Will he? You’ll have to read to find out, but you’ll be oh so glad you did!
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
September 29, 2024
Oh when the Saints

Or more like when the Saint Brothers come roaring in, the exact right things happen to the worst people, and I love it! And I forever love this family!!!

“I thought about this family we’d built. I’d die for every single one of them, and I believed they would do the same for me. And without question, without remorse, I’d kill for each and every one of them to be able to live.”

JJ and Shep just click, and I adore how big a heart JJ has, possibly even bigger than his mouth, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. And Shep, the baker who is so sweet on JJ he will burn the world down for the one he loves, most likely literally. Mmm, mmm, mmm, so tasty. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, the found family had me craving hugs and cupcakes, and the love, well it jumps right out at you and just won’t let go. Five huge cheers for the Saint Brothers and their need to right the wrongs.
Profile Image for R.
2,121 reviews
September 30, 2024
Shepard Saint and his brothers were fixers of sorts. They righted wrongs, and if that involved blood and a little murder it’s was all in a days work. No drama. JJ helped people. Simple, but occasionally bloody as well. When he rescued a man named Four, he put his life and the rest of the family in danger. Just another day.

The Saint family, while far from saintly, certainly were entertaining. The author has given us another book full of larger than life personalities. There is no doubt that Saint family would lay down their lives for each other. Some new people added to the mix who I’m sure will figure into future books.

Shep and JJ’s relationship is very steamy and I found them touching together. JJ’s friendship with Four was unexpected and I thought it was touching also.

A couple of twists I didn’t see coming, action, revenge, and enough sweets to give the reader cavities. I liked it.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
3,010 reviews46 followers
October 2, 2024
Kill Me Sweetly is book #2 in the Saint Brothers Series by Davidson King. I am addicted to this series!
The dynamics and chemistry between Shep and his vicious viper, JJ is everything! The combination of heat, love and devotion these two share is amazing.
The family that they have built together with the brothers is such a strong, devoted one that they know they will never be alone. They all have each others backs when needed and the need is great when JJ finds a troubled young man. JJ is unable to ignore or abandon Four and this draws the brotherhood in familiar, dangerous territory once again.

I loved seeing how strong and deep the love is between Shep and JJ. They truly are made for each other. As they are challenged it only makes their bond that much stronger.
Get ready for lots of action, emotions, humor and more on this wonderful ride of a story.
I can't wait for more in this series.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,296 reviews28 followers
October 3, 2024
4.25 Stars!

Kill Me Sweetly is the second book in the Saint Brothers series, and you should read them in order. I started reading it and then went back to read Slay Ride, because I needed more background info, so you're warned. 

I really liked JJ and Shep and felt they were perfect for each other. I enjoyed their interactions with each other and with the rest of the crew, especially JJ's relationship with Four. 

I loved how Four went from being nearly catatonic until he could actually protect JJ and give Shep and the others some valuable information to bring down the bad guys. I also liked catching up with Mason and Gabe, and seeing how far Mason has come from book 1. 

Overall, a great read. Fast-paced and entertaining, action-packed and intriguing. The mystery was well-thought-out, and I enjoyed every twist Ms. King threw at us. Super recommendable! 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Jennifer K.
21 reviews
October 11, 2024
This book gutted me in some ways. This book also made me see that there is still good people in the world. JJ has such an amazingly big heart, but he is so fierce and protective of those he cares about. Shep has only had his brothers for so long, and has only seen such bad for so long he is a bit jaded. When you put these two together they make an awesome team. You can see how much they love and care for each other, and their family. It’s fun to watch Shep slowly bring Four into the fold and start to trust him. Especially when he really needs him to at the end. Four makes sure Shep knows he would give his life to protect JJ. The villian in this book made me want to reach through the pages and strangle him. I have never hated a character so much before. Davidson King wrote these characters so well I cried for them. I laughed with them. I wanted vengeance with them. This was by far one of my favorite books!! I can’t wait for more in this series!!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,145 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2024
great continuation of the series.

I was excited to read the is next book in this series of the Saint Brothers. We have Shep and JJ’s story. They met in book 1 and now we are thrown into a new adventure when they find a young man in a disheveled state and bring him and his problems into their lives. As they love to rid the world of wrong people, they group decided to take on the Consortium that adopts orphan boys and turns them into killers and more.

It was edge of your seat reading as I waited for things to develop and enjoyed the characters antics and let’s not forget JJ and Shep’s love story. Each of the brothers are different but their relationship is solid and they have each other’s backs 100%.

I kinda wanted them to start something with Four but that was not in the cards but they definitely took him in and did what they could to show him love and what a good family and friendship could be.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,870 reviews40 followers
March 21, 2025
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Shep may be one of the big bad Saint Brothers, but he’s mush for JJ. He is so patient and caring for the man who clearly loves him back but struggles to say it. Running Saintly Sweets is the perfect new life for them. At least in between helping people out of tough places.

The way this family seems to find themselves mixed up with the underbelly of society is impressive, and I love how they work as a team, always having each other backs. And you learn the mettle of a person in the process, which is how Shep and JJ just know they are perfect for each other.

I love Davidson’s dark world and how they manage to bring tenderness and love to it all.
Profile Image for Daryn Johnson.
314 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2024
Kill Me Sweetly ARC Review:

This is the second book in this series, I did read the first one so I recommend that reading order for full understanding and to get to know this family.

This book centers around JJ and Shep Saint. Just like the first book, this one has a large group of evil doers this found family is working towards unraveling. What a fun and frightening series and follow up to the first book! This was action packed, with characters filled with care and sass. I enjoyed every moment, even when you find out the horrifying events that happen or happened to the characters. I was glued the entire time. The romance was sweet and established, but keeps the book lighter with how heavy the topics are.

I look forward to more from this series, and this author just got a new fan out of me!

4/5🌟
Profile Image for Lea Aparicio.
204 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
ARC review
🌟🌟🌟🌟

I can’t decide who I like more — Shep a literal cinnamon roll (don’t underestimate him!) or JJ.

The character development between the first book and this one is quite a lot and I love it. The world building is something I love about D. kings writing, she nails it every time.

- Saving kids - say less. I am an absolute sucker for saving kids. It’s a direct line to My mom heart 🖤

You know what else is a constant thread in D.Kings books… found family! I love that it just a part of how she writes. I love it every time. I am one of those people that don’t have a lot of family so every time I see a group of people who choose to be there — it melts me. The “I’ll drop everything for you but also tell you the truth your running from” kind of family.

Go read it for your self.. so good! Entertaining! Keeps you guessing, so it’s perfect for the spooky season
1,269 reviews50 followers
June 10, 2025
story of JJ and Shep

This is a mystery / suspense dark romance, featuring JJ and Shep, and is book two in the Saint Brothers series.

JJ has a happy life with his boyfriend Shep, until they meet a boy trapped in a terrible situation. As they try to help him, they face danger and darkness that could tear their world apart.

I loved this was an established couple from the get go and the story was all about the mystery / suspense. This was a really interesting read, and I read it in one sitting. Read the CW before jumping in.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM dark romance
Check CW
Established couple
Mystery / Suspense
Hurt/comfort
Protective boyfriend
Good vs. evil
Kidnapping
Rescue mission
Love as a lifeline
Close-knit brothers
Emotional healing
Pet names
Found family
HEA
Profile Image for AmyReadsandReviews&#x1f4da;.
22 reviews
September 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kill me Sweetly by Davidson King
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review!

Love, friendship, and found family
As an avid reader of all Davidson King books, I can honestly say that each one has left an imprint on my heart. This book takes you through the ugly side of humanity and what it truly means to have a band of people who would do anything for each other. We see how love has the ability to heal both mental and physical wounds. As always the chemistry was 🔥 and I felt as though I was a part of the Saint brothers crew. JJ and Shep took you on a journey of love, sacrifice, and healing, and I was more than happy to be a part of the ride. Davidson King you did it again!
2,011 reviews25 followers
September 29, 2024
Shep and JJ enjoy a fulfilling life running their bakery and living with their brothers. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when compassionate JJ helps a young person in need, thrusting them into a world of intrigue and danger. Determined to confront the wealthy individuals responsible for a despicable act, the brothers embark on a rushed operation with limited intel. Despite the challenges and a few twists, they ultimately thwart the villains and restore a sense of normalcy.

The book captures the reader's attention from the start, blending steam, drama, and raw emotional moments. As Shep and JJ navigate their new reality, their victories are heartwarming, showcasing the strength of love and family. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
1 review
October 7, 2024
I was not prepared to be hit in the feels with this book. Davidson King has an uncanny ability to combine two things that don't seem to go together but makes them work. It happen with Hug it out and again with Kill me Sweetly.
I absolutely adore and identify with JJ. Someone who wants to help people without asking or expecting anything in return is someone after my own heart. Davidson is also a master at unexpected twists, which this read has a lot of. Be prepared to cry and laugh and maybe both at the same time with this one.
Also worth noting you do not need to read the first book, Slay Ride, to understand this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,753 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2024
Love the Saint brothers

Shep and JJ are happy living their lives, running their bakery, and being a family.
When JJ stumbles upon a young man obviously in need of help he immediately brings him to Shep so they can try to figure out what to do.
Unknowingly JJ has pulled them into danger by helping Four because they become embroiled in an evil, dangerous world involving the most affluent and politically connected people who are exploiting the most vulnerable.
There's lots of fast-paced action, danger drama as the team races to put an end to what's happening behind the scenes.
Lots of snarky banter between the brothers and their partners which results in lots of love and laughter.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,521 reviews14 followers
September 29, 2024
OMG. What a ride. This book takes place two years after Slay Ride. You need to read the first one to get to know about the Saint brothers. This one features JJ and Shep. Shep has now opened up a bakery as it is something he loves. When JJ went to pick up a few items from the grocery store, he sees someone staring vacantly at a dumpster. When he offered his help, he took him home. The story starts from there where the brothers try to figure out who is behind what happened to Four. This world is awesome. Lots of action, high heat and chemistry between the MCs. Loved it and cannot wait to see who is next.
1,552 reviews12 followers
March 18, 2025
I loved reading JJ and Shep’s story.
It was clear from book one that there was something brewing between the two of them, and this book actually starts with the two of them having been together for a while already, but with JJ still unable of opening himself up to Shep completely. Danger seems to have a spotlight for the Saint brothers and their men (or maybe it’s the other way around? – are the brothers always looking for trouble?) and Shep and JJ, together with the other brothers will once again have to fight for their lives and the people they care for.
I am loving this series, and can’t wait for more to come.
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,666 reviews22 followers
September 30, 2024
Fighting for What's Right

Wow, this was definitely, not where I thought this story was heading but it was an excellent twist on dark themes including a corrupt organization that weaponizes children. Shep and JJ were complex characters that have a strong bond that only deepened when they help out a young man. This was an intense plot, that was absolutely riveting and emotional. It was a great read and I look forward to more by this author.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Nichole.
745 reviews
September 30, 2024
The Saint Brothers come again to save the day. I love that Shep and JJ are a committed couple from the start of this book. It's nice to not have a bunch of relationship drama, but instead have a story where they work together for the greater good. The dynamics between the brothers is completely entertaining and love JJ's love for others. There is a rough scene, but it is perfect for the storyline. I really enjoyed this story - I couldn't put it down. Look forward to more from the brothers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.