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Saint Lakes #8
Uncovering the Dark
To find his family, Damian’s forced to take a journey through his past and drag his mate long with him.
Working for one tyrant after another made Damian lose sight of what’s important. That is until he has a vision of his long lost siblings getting killed. To find them in time, Damian must do things he’s never done before, like rely on others and put his mate, Owen, into dangerous situations. He also must go back to the one tyrant he never wanted to face again. His father.
Warning: Talk of abuse. Torture and violence.
Uncovering the Dark is the eighth book in the Saint Lakes Series. It is NOT a standalone and must be read in order.
(An MM Paranormal Romance.)
Working for one tyrant after another made Damian lose sight of what’s important. That is until he has a vision of his long lost siblings getting killed. To find them in time, Damian must do things he’s never done before, like rely on others and put his mate, Owen, into dangerous situations. He also must go back to the one tyrant he never wanted to face again. His father.
Warning: Talk of abuse. Torture and violence.
Uncovering the Dark is the eighth book in the Saint Lakes Series. It is NOT a standalone and must be read in order.
(An MM Paranormal Romance.)
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2019
101 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
April Kelley
111 books229 followersLiving in Southwest Michigan, April resides with her husband and two kids. She has been an avid reader for several years. Writing her first story at the age of ten, the characters in her head still won't stop telling their stories. If April isn't reading or writing she can be found outside playing with the animals or taking a long walk in the woods.
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 6, 2020
Needs someone who can catch misspelled words and other mistakes that this story had. The mistakes made the book felt like it was rushed.
May 27, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series but would someone please proof read them because the mistakes in them are off putting to say the least.
I have enjoyed reading this series but the mistakes in them are very off putting. Really bad typos and spelling.
I have enjoyed reading this series but the mistakes in them are very off putting. Really bad typos and spelling.
September 19, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.25 hearts.
Damien’s evil father made him into an efficient assassin. Therefore, emotions didn’t come easy, which made connecting to his mate, Owen, difficult. In Damien’s eyes, Owen is his opposite – innocence personified, and Damien would do his best not to taint that. But, following a vision, Damien realizes that his father is still out there searching for the siblings who got away, and the past must be faced before the future can be enjoyed. However, Owen sees Damien as a contract killer and has no idea why the fates would pair them together – other than the sexy, intense brooding part.
There’s an intensity about this story that I really liked. Damien wants to search for his brothers, and en route, the story of his past comes to light, making this more of an investigative tale than one containing fights and temperamental mates. In one respect, the story is tame but intense in another because it shows that despite first impressions – the hand that fate dealt can foster understanding and a better future. The way the tale was constructed makes it highly engaging, and had it not been for the number of typos, it would have scored higher.
The story is told in the third person, primarily from the viewpoints of Damien and Owen, though some scenes are from a third party. Worldbuilding has evolved over the previous books. Uncovering The Dark adds yet another dimension that expands the multi-layered realm created. As already mentioned, this manuscript contains more than a few typos. Minor ones I’m not bothered with, and the odd one is to be expected, but when, e.g., closer is confused with closure, it gives the sentence/scene a different meaning and interrupts the story flow. The frequency is also noticeable, which suggests that whoever proofreads the manuscript is getting complacent.
As for the main protagonists, they are delightfully different while not perfect. But, it is Damien who must face his demons instead of sticking his head in the sand. And the journey they took together was a lovely one. Another aspect of this tale I liked was that it wasn’t packed with an array of characters that I struggled to keep track of.
Overall – a super page-turner of a tale, provided you ignore the spelling mistakes.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Damien’s evil father made him into an efficient assassin. Therefore, emotions didn’t come easy, which made connecting to his mate, Owen, difficult. In Damien’s eyes, Owen is his opposite – innocence personified, and Damien would do his best not to taint that. But, following a vision, Damien realizes that his father is still out there searching for the siblings who got away, and the past must be faced before the future can be enjoyed. However, Owen sees Damien as a contract killer and has no idea why the fates would pair them together – other than the sexy, intense brooding part.
There’s an intensity about this story that I really liked. Damien wants to search for his brothers, and en route, the story of his past comes to light, making this more of an investigative tale than one containing fights and temperamental mates. In one respect, the story is tame but intense in another because it shows that despite first impressions – the hand that fate dealt can foster understanding and a better future. The way the tale was constructed makes it highly engaging, and had it not been for the number of typos, it would have scored higher.
The story is told in the third person, primarily from the viewpoints of Damien and Owen, though some scenes are from a third party. Worldbuilding has evolved over the previous books. Uncovering The Dark adds yet another dimension that expands the multi-layered realm created. As already mentioned, this manuscript contains more than a few typos. Minor ones I’m not bothered with, and the odd one is to be expected, but when, e.g., closer is confused with closure, it gives the sentence/scene a different meaning and interrupts the story flow. The frequency is also noticeable, which suggests that whoever proofreads the manuscript is getting complacent.
As for the main protagonists, they are delightfully different while not perfect. But, it is Damien who must face his demons instead of sticking his head in the sand. And the journey they took together was a lovely one. Another aspect of this tale I liked was that it wasn’t packed with an array of characters that I struggled to keep track of.
Overall – a super page-turner of a tale, provided you ignore the spelling mistakes.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
April 25, 2024
disappointing
The Saint Lakes series was good in the beginning but what is happening to the series? Ladon and Mangus‘ book fell flat for me and now Owen and Damian’s story is also going downhill and is loaded with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Sentences have words missing and errors that should be caught by any editor, which makes it a very distracting read.
Simple little mistakes but the fact that there are so many in the book compared to the other books was concerning. I found myself re-reading sentences in order to make the corrections myself.
For example, “they’re” when it should be “their”.
“He might keep down the silent treatment. He’s very good at those.”; down when it should be doing.
“...looked at the number before switched the call over.” ; switched when it should be switching.
“And then Cameron came to close.”; to when it should be too.
Too many sentences that start with “and”.
“And you mom’s pancakes.”; you when it should be your.
“...he still deserves closer. Confronting Michael will give him that.” Closer when it should be closure.
I almost feel like the author is losing track of objectives the more books in the series and the further along in the book. Gone are the pockets of excitement throughout the book, now you have most of the action happening in the last 10 to 15% of the book and almost zero character development. Did Owen learn that it’s OK to take risks sometimes? did we delve into why Owen needs to be so between the lines? Does Damien learn that showing emotions isn’t a sign of weakness and that it’s OK to love and show that side of himself? none of this gets resolved.
I don’t understand the reasoning for this book at all. Other than the fact that I guess Owen needs to have a story and it happens to be with Damien, nothing in this book furthers the plot or the background issues happening in all the books; other than one line that Michael says right before he dies about his coven being ready when the humans find out that was it. The bonding is rushed and I’m not sure if the author realizes that throughout all of her series there is a consensus or statement that if they are fated mates they won’t or can’t harm each other but Damien‘s parents were apparently fated mates and the dad killed the the mom.
The Saint Lakes series was good in the beginning but what is happening to the series? Ladon and Mangus‘ book fell flat for me and now Owen and Damian’s story is also going downhill and is loaded with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Sentences have words missing and errors that should be caught by any editor, which makes it a very distracting read.
Simple little mistakes but the fact that there are so many in the book compared to the other books was concerning. I found myself re-reading sentences in order to make the corrections myself.
For example, “they’re” when it should be “their”.
“He might keep down the silent treatment. He’s very good at those.”; down when it should be doing.
“...looked at the number before switched the call over.” ; switched when it should be switching.
“And then Cameron came to close.”; to when it should be too.
Too many sentences that start with “and”.
“And you mom’s pancakes.”; you when it should be your.
“...he still deserves closer. Confronting Michael will give him that.” Closer when it should be closure.
I almost feel like the author is losing track of objectives the more books in the series and the further along in the book. Gone are the pockets of excitement throughout the book, now you have most of the action happening in the last 10 to 15% of the book and almost zero character development. Did Owen learn that it’s OK to take risks sometimes? did we delve into why Owen needs to be so between the lines? Does Damien learn that showing emotions isn’t a sign of weakness and that it’s OK to love and show that side of himself? none of this gets resolved.
I don’t understand the reasoning for this book at all. Other than the fact that I guess Owen needs to have a story and it happens to be with Damien, nothing in this book furthers the plot or the background issues happening in all the books; other than one line that Michael says right before he dies about his coven being ready when the humans find out that was it. The bonding is rushed and I’m not sure if the author realizes that throughout all of her series there is a consensus or statement that if they are fated mates they won’t or can’t harm each other but Damien‘s parents were apparently fated mates and the dad killed the the mom.
August 26, 2025
This was a fun book to return to the Saint Lakes clan with!
*I received an ALC copy of this audiobook; all opinions are my own*
First things first - Simon Dornet continues to be an excellent narrator choice for this series! I don't know how he keeps up with the dozens of characters and their voices, but it is superb and really makes the whole series incredibly entertaining (and fly by!)
In this book, we are focused on Damian and Owen. Both of whom we have seen in previous books, and we have also seen their tension & glances at each other from across rooms, etc. It seems like they have begun a reluctant fated mates with benefits, but no bonding situation off-page. However, in this book, they do get their bonding moment!
Plus, we get a whole new arm of world-building development, as Damian heads off in search of his long-lost brothers (he is 42, and hasn't seen them since he was 15), who were basically hidden away by a group of other vampires & shifters who protect supernatural kids. In this case they were being hidden away by their villanous father who was the former head of their childhood coven.
We also get a brief mention of Vaughn near the end, and I can't wait to see where his book takes him.
*I received an ALC copy of this audiobook; all opinions are my own*
First things first - Simon Dornet continues to be an excellent narrator choice for this series! I don't know how he keeps up with the dozens of characters and their voices, but it is superb and really makes the whole series incredibly entertaining (and fly by!)
In this book, we are focused on Damian and Owen. Both of whom we have seen in previous books, and we have also seen their tension & glances at each other from across rooms, etc. It seems like they have begun a reluctant fated mates with benefits, but no bonding situation off-page. However, in this book, they do get their bonding moment!
Plus, we get a whole new arm of world-building development, as Damian heads off in search of his long-lost brothers (he is 42, and hasn't seen them since he was 15), who were basically hidden away by a group of other vampires & shifters who protect supernatural kids. In this case they were being hidden away by their villanous father who was the former head of their childhood coven.
We also get a brief mention of Vaughn near the end, and I can't wait to see where his book takes him.
June 27, 2020
I don't like books that are based entirely on a rescue mission. It feels like that the story keeps dragging on and i loose my interest then. I will continue reading the series but if you want to read a big novel consisting entirely of rescuing people then this is the book for you. Hardly any of the earlier characters were mentioned in the book which kind of made it a standalone. I would have liked to read some parts about Lucas and Shawn and sage and even Jules. I will still keep reading next books in the series. Hope they are more related to the main story line rather than going on a different tangent.
September 27, 2020
So far, the last of the Saint Lakes books, although there is more story to go around and one more brother. Another book is in at least the planning stages (it has a name).
April Kelley hasn't made the series cookie cutter redundant. Each book has been slightly different, each mate story unique. The world building is excellent. This is a contemporary series, with cell phones and androids and computer savvy.
And dragons and shifters. And vampires. And magic.
Uncovering the Dark is a bit angsty. A tad (ish) dark. April Kelley doesn't toy with us. Owen and Damian don't spend half the book dancing around each other. A great read, a HEA. No mpreg.
April Kelley hasn't made the series cookie cutter redundant. Each book has been slightly different, each mate story unique. The world building is excellent. This is a contemporary series, with cell phones and androids and computer savvy.
And dragons and shifters. And vampires. And magic.
Uncovering the Dark is a bit angsty. A tad (ish) dark. April Kelley doesn't toy with us. Owen and Damian don't spend half the book dancing around each other. A great read, a HEA. No mpreg.
July 11, 2025
Im going to review this series as a whole, it was very surface level. If you are looking for chemistry or connection between your mates this is not the series. Every set of mates actively fight their pairing. Every true mate has some reason or rather they dont want their mate. And the Alpha doesn't want to be Alpha. The war, naughty vamps are trying to help naughty humans wipe out shifters n get the witch. Why.. a fae n vampires would help do that is beyond me. But anyways.... meanwhile. Interpecies true mates are happening at a sonic speed level n every time someone finds their mate they object, refuse the mating, avoid the mating
May 1, 2020
This is the 8th book in the Saint Lakes Series. another one of the brothers has fallen to a mating. Damien has been trying for his entire life and there is only one that can calm the torment in his mind. Owen not sure what to think of the one that is fated to him. Will they find Damien brothers in time before the monsters destroy all of them in flames. Highly recommend this book and series
if you like reading about vampires and shifters
if you like reading about vampires and shifters
May 15, 2021
Finally!
Finally got my bad guy gets his ass kicked fix! Owen and Damian are the poster for opposites. They work! April Kelley has created a world that will stay with me for a long time. Her characters are always well thought out and the action is intense and wonderful. I wish she had someone reliable to fix the mistakes in the book, but it really doesn’t take away from the book. Highly recommended
Finally got my bad guy gets his ass kicked fix! Owen and Damian are the poster for opposites. They work! April Kelley has created a world that will stay with me for a long time. Her characters are always well thought out and the action is intense and wonderful. I wish she had someone reliable to fix the mistakes in the book, but it really doesn’t take away from the book. Highly recommended
October 2, 2021
This new to me author has hit my top list favorites. Had to have considering; I am trying to get book 7 of this series but, um, have to add to my Goodreads first so I can actually download more in my kindle. 😃
I started out unsure I would like this series due to some parts a bit above my comfort level with violence.
Needless to say ....
I friggin love it. Witches, warlocks, vamps, shifters of ALL kinds.
I started out unsure I would like this series due to some parts a bit above my comfort level with violence.
Needless to say ....
I friggin love it. Witches, warlocks, vamps, shifters of ALL kinds.
Read
July 11, 2019I'm gonna put this one down as a retry for later. I couldn't get into this one from the start as it includes a prologue which I'm not a fan of. Damian and Owen have a heavy storyline which needs the right frame of mind to read especially for Damian's part I think.
August 18, 2019
Owen is fantastic!
When you pair a neat and studios person to a cold closed off assassin, prepare for fireworks. This is a great story that will definitely keep you hooked until the end.
When you pair a neat and studios person to a cold closed off assassin, prepare for fireworks. This is a great story that will definitely keep you hooked until the end.
April 9, 2023
Overall a good plot structure, continuing the arc started from the beginning.
Why do mates always seem to fight one another and not want to mate? Forrest & Angel and now Owen & Damien. Is it just vampires?
Serious grammatical problems that do detract from the reading
Why do mates always seem to fight one another and not want to mate? Forrest & Angel and now Owen & Damien. Is it just vampires?
Serious grammatical problems that do detract from the reading
June 20, 2023
Whoa I wasn't expecting that!
Twists and turns... this just keeps getting better! Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good author. Binge reading this series. Onto book 9. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
Twists and turns... this just keeps getting better! Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good author. Binge reading this series. Onto book 9. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
February 27, 2021
Good paranormal. Right up my alley.
May 30, 2021
Even though this was an extremely entertaining read, my brain is tired! All of those grammatical errors just broke me... *headdesk* ;p
July 21, 2021
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable read.. I liked Damien slot..I also liked the plot of this on slot as well.. Finally a bad guy getting his ass kicked!! Off to book 9
This was an enjoyable read.. I liked Damien slot..I also liked the plot of this on slot as well.. Finally a bad guy getting his ass kicked!! Off to book 9
January 22, 2023
😍😍😍😍
Omg this was so good!!! So much action in this one!!! And another battle!!!! I can't wait for the next o e!!! So sad that this series is almost over!!!!
Omg this was so good!!! So much action in this one!!! And another battle!!!! I can't wait for the next o e!!! So sad that this series is almost over!!!!
June 10, 2024
good
This was a good book. Poor Damian, that is such an evil man. But we get to see another town! And I’m looking forward to reading more about Bailey.
This was a good book. Poor Damian, that is such an evil man. But we get to see another town! And I’m looking forward to reading more about Bailey.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews