What do you think?
Rate this book
Saint Lakes #6
Captive Soul
An Menage (MMM) Paranormal Romance
Jules might be one of the only humans amongst a house full of paranormal being, but they’re his family, and he’s not giving them up for two mates who left him at the hands of a monster.
Jules Somerset has fought hard the past year to get his life on track after being kidnapped by an insane vampire. Since his rescue, he’s gained a family who loves him, has a job he’s good at, and has made friends with a lot of his fellow clansmen. He also holds a longing in his heart for two prejudiced jerks. Okay, to be fair, Hacen is the only one prejudiced. Tommy just goes along. Jules wants to be so over the whole mating thing already but can’t seem to stop wanting them both.
Warnings: M/M/M romance (as in, the story is about a polyamorous relationship between three males). Also, this book is a part of a series and is NOT a standalone. The author recommends reading the book in sequence.
Jules might be one of the only humans amongst a house full of paranormal being, but they’re his family, and he’s not giving them up for two mates who left him at the hands of a monster.
Jules Somerset has fought hard the past year to get his life on track after being kidnapped by an insane vampire. Since his rescue, he’s gained a family who loves him, has a job he’s good at, and has made friends with a lot of his fellow clansmen. He also holds a longing in his heart for two prejudiced jerks. Okay, to be fair, Hacen is the only one prejudiced. Tommy just goes along. Jules wants to be so over the whole mating thing already but can’t seem to stop wanting them both.
Warnings: M/M/M romance (as in, the story is about a polyamorous relationship between three males). Also, this book is a part of a series and is NOT a standalone. The author recommends reading the book in sequence.
228 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2018
143 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
April Kelley
117 books221 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 13, 2018
3.5 stars
June 4, 2018
How to write a review about my least favorite characters in this series? I don't know... *headdesk* :(
April 21, 2018
This book has many problems aside from the usual editing problems.
The plot is weak and faulty, the characters are unstable, unnaturally contradictory and Fabricated. All of them send mixed signals, switch from immature and unreasonable to the opposite and right back and have absolutely no common seance or self control! Both the conflict and the conflict resolution are simplistic and some events and dialogues, including internal dialogues, are extremely stupid! shockingly so!
The Author seems to see it necessary to explain the meaning of common expressions for the readers' benefit! But the really shocking fact is that, she even doesn't know know the difference between subjects taught in elementary school and high school!
I don't know whetherI should call it irritating or disappointing.
The plot is weak and faulty, the characters are unstable, unnaturally contradictory and Fabricated. All of them send mixed signals, switch from immature and unreasonable to the opposite and right back and have absolutely no common seance or self control! Both the conflict and the conflict resolution are simplistic and some events and dialogues, including internal dialogues, are extremely stupid! shockingly so!
The Author seems to see it necessary to explain the meaning of common expressions for the readers' benefit! But the really shocking fact is that, she even doesn't know know the difference between subjects taught in elementary school and high school!
I don't know whetherI should call it irritating or disappointing.
June 20, 2021
Just ok
Jules was so irritating In this book.. and the whole storyline with this trio of mates was not satisfying as well something about the whole kidnapping thing was just unrealistic an Nicolono was suppose to be this bad ass evil vampire which he has been portrayed through previous books… for him to go out as he did was ridiculous to me… hopefully the next book is back on track
Jules was so irritating In this book.. and the whole storyline with this trio of mates was not satisfying as well something about the whole kidnapping thing was just unrealistic an Nicolono was suppose to be this bad ass evil vampire which he has been portrayed through previous books… for him to go out as he did was ridiculous to me… hopefully the next book is back on track
August 25, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3 hearts.
Jules knew his mates were the Vampire, Hacen, and the Warlock, Tommy. Though, at the evil hands of Nicolono, they were not allowed to bond. This resulted in Hacen and Tommy giving Jules another mission. Then they left him behind. The Saint Lakes Dragons rescued Jules, and through them, Jules found a family he loved and needed. Then his mates returned to claim him. Quite rightly and, unfortunately for them, Jules is no pushover. Another obstacle was that Hacen didn’t care for most humans (except Jules) and hated shifters - precisely the makeup of the family Jules had found.
Captive Soul is the sixth book in the Saint Lakes series. The story is necessary for the overall dynamics of who, where, when, and why. For those reasons, it was an interesting read. However, I found other books in the series more to my reading tastes.
The story is told in the third person, mainly from the viewpoint of Jules. The voices of Hacen and Tommy are heard to lesser degrees. The timeline is reset to just before the Saint Lakes battle in book five before it is realigned and taken a touch further forward by the end of the book. The imagery throughout continues to be good, and this story adds to the overall world.
Hacen has prejudices that need to be overcome, and although Tommy tends to be the peacemaker, he has flashes of frustration detrimental to the burgeoning triad. Given the origins of the meeting between the three men, I understand that relations will be strained. To that end, conflicted confrontational interactions between Jules and his mates are akin to a tennis match – one minute, he’s having a snuggle and then telling them to go away. All three seem to have differing agendas, and for much of the story, none are on the same page at the same time. But the constant bickering got to a point where, as much as I got it, I found it irritating to read.
Among other things, the journey the three traveled was learning the difference between protection, and isolation, and that one shifter is not the same as another. There were some sweet times, including Hacen showing his softer side, and braiding Tommy’s sister’s hair. Dramatic events spurred some clan action and revelations, which was good.
Captive Soul is an integral part of the series' bigger picture.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Jules knew his mates were the Vampire, Hacen, and the Warlock, Tommy. Though, at the evil hands of Nicolono, they were not allowed to bond. This resulted in Hacen and Tommy giving Jules another mission. Then they left him behind. The Saint Lakes Dragons rescued Jules, and through them, Jules found a family he loved and needed. Then his mates returned to claim him. Quite rightly and, unfortunately for them, Jules is no pushover. Another obstacle was that Hacen didn’t care for most humans (except Jules) and hated shifters - precisely the makeup of the family Jules had found.
Captive Soul is the sixth book in the Saint Lakes series. The story is necessary for the overall dynamics of who, where, when, and why. For those reasons, it was an interesting read. However, I found other books in the series more to my reading tastes.
The story is told in the third person, mainly from the viewpoint of Jules. The voices of Hacen and Tommy are heard to lesser degrees. The timeline is reset to just before the Saint Lakes battle in book five before it is realigned and taken a touch further forward by the end of the book. The imagery throughout continues to be good, and this story adds to the overall world.
Hacen has prejudices that need to be overcome, and although Tommy tends to be the peacemaker, he has flashes of frustration detrimental to the burgeoning triad. Given the origins of the meeting between the three men, I understand that relations will be strained. To that end, conflicted confrontational interactions between Jules and his mates are akin to a tennis match – one minute, he’s having a snuggle and then telling them to go away. All three seem to have differing agendas, and for much of the story, none are on the same page at the same time. But the constant bickering got to a point where, as much as I got it, I found it irritating to read.
Among other things, the journey the three traveled was learning the difference between protection, and isolation, and that one shifter is not the same as another. There were some sweet times, including Hacen showing his softer side, and braiding Tommy’s sister’s hair. Dramatic events spurred some clan action and revelations, which was good.
Captive Soul is an integral part of the series' bigger picture.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
August 16, 2023
I REALLY liked this & the previous stories of each Somerset mating, but. . .
. . .The blatant and numerous instances of dropped tenses, an occasional missing word or two, and other little typos made smooth reading/enjoyment very difficult, even distracting. Had there been fewer errors, I might've shrugged them off, and I definitely would've left a higher rating. The dropped past tenses were so frequent and predictable after awhile; they're reminiscent of the speech patterns of people who learned English as a added language.
The cruelty and insanity of Nicolono, our villainous antagonist these first six installments, kept me hooked along with the fated mates trope (albeit similar in character conflict, as well as individual mate-bonding difficulties). April Kelley's establishment of the insular setting and other environments (other clans, territories and homes of secondary characters who lived outside of Saint Lakes) as well as the details about each character, shifter type, and paranormal species/race were so well done they were easy to picture. I would definitely recommend this series to others, although the sexy encounters between the mates were repetitive after the first two books -- those types of scenes got to be too predictable, even uncomfortably unnecessary in frequency.
Ramsey & Fane hold top place for uniqueness and likeability as main characters. The three featured characters in this book weren't all that likeable in their previous appearances to me, and Hacen's negativity wore me out. Still, getting their detailed backgrounds in this book helped clarify Hacen's and Thomas' attitudes, though Jules remained an enigma. Jules blew too hot and cold, and was nearly as annoying as Shawn with his erratic, childish behavior and inconsistency of reactions. He was such a perfect victim, but wasn't even close to the irritant that Shawn was. (Is my dislike of Shawn too blatant? Could not stand him, even after getting to know him better in his and Gabriel's installment). Three and a half stars. This writer has a gift for storytelling; the editing needs work, which would then make the books nearly perfect.
. . .The blatant and numerous instances of dropped tenses, an occasional missing word or two, and other little typos made smooth reading/enjoyment very difficult, even distracting. Had there been fewer errors, I might've shrugged them off, and I definitely would've left a higher rating. The dropped past tenses were so frequent and predictable after awhile; they're reminiscent of the speech patterns of people who learned English as a added language.
The cruelty and insanity of Nicolono, our villainous antagonist these first six installments, kept me hooked along with the fated mates trope (albeit similar in character conflict, as well as individual mate-bonding difficulties). April Kelley's establishment of the insular setting and other environments (other clans, territories and homes of secondary characters who lived outside of Saint Lakes) as well as the details about each character, shifter type, and paranormal species/race were so well done they were easy to picture. I would definitely recommend this series to others, although the sexy encounters between the mates were repetitive after the first two books -- those types of scenes got to be too predictable, even uncomfortably unnecessary in frequency.
Ramsey & Fane hold top place for uniqueness and likeability as main characters. The three featured characters in this book weren't all that likeable in their previous appearances to me, and Hacen's negativity wore me out. Still, getting their detailed backgrounds in this book helped clarify Hacen's and Thomas' attitudes, though Jules remained an enigma. Jules blew too hot and cold, and was nearly as annoying as Shawn with his erratic, childish behavior and inconsistency of reactions. He was such a perfect victim, but wasn't even close to the irritant that Shawn was. (Is my dislike of Shawn too blatant? Could not stand him, even after getting to know him better in his and Gabriel's installment). Three and a half stars. This writer has a gift for storytelling; the editing needs work, which would then make the books nearly perfect.
September 23, 2024
Toxic romance that resolves poorly.
Pushed through reading this one just to keep up with the underlying storyline spread through both this and the wingspan series, but my god I had to skip a lot.
(Spoilers?)
There is a fair amount of toxicity handwaved away via the Fated Mates trope across all the books, but this one takes the cake. And the cake is made of poison.
Hacen and Tommy are viciously nasty to Jules through a good chunk of the book and Never properly apologize for taking away his agency. That it’s all fixed with lust and declarations of love to wrap it all up and keep the found family trope steaming along felt disjointed and disingenuous.
Read it to know how the Saint Lakes clan is moving forward, but know that this one is leaps and bounds more toxic than any of the others.
Pushed through reading this one just to keep up with the underlying storyline spread through both this and the wingspan series, but my god I had to skip a lot.
(Spoilers?)
There is a fair amount of toxicity handwaved away via the Fated Mates trope across all the books, but this one takes the cake. And the cake is made of poison.
Hacen and Tommy are viciously nasty to Jules through a good chunk of the book and Never properly apologize for taking away his agency. That it’s all fixed with lust and declarations of love to wrap it all up and keep the found family trope steaming along felt disjointed and disingenuous.
Read it to know how the Saint Lakes clan is moving forward, but know that this one is leaps and bounds more toxic than any of the others.
March 13, 2018
This is such an engrossing series. Jules has two mates who he's not ready to mate with yet due to the fact that he hasn't forgiven them for leaving him alone with a diabolical vampire, Nicolono. Jules is a little spit fire who fights his mates all along the way. He's also brave and tough, and actually handled the bad guy in his life quite well. All of the characters are awesome and supportive, which is what's so heart warming about this adoptive family of shifters and other paranormals. The story has a smooth plot flow filled with spine tingling moments that had me engaged from the first page to the last. The ending was perfect and I really respected Hacen (his vampire mate) for getting over his hatred for shifters(at least Jules family). Yep, this addition to the series was amazing. =)
May 26, 2025
Not my favorite of the series but still relatively entertaining. The plot of this one felt a bit disjointed at times, which I think is due to the fact that the timelines for these characters overlap with almost every book we’ve had so far. There is more focus on the second showdown with the baddie than the romance/their fated mates bond. But I’m definitely curious how the next book is going to go from here.
That being said, as always the narration by Simon Dornet is very well done and he does a great job of giving this HUGE cast of characters unique voices & personality
*I received an alc of this book, all opinions are my own*
That being said, as always the narration by Simon Dornet is very well done and he does a great job of giving this HUGE cast of characters unique voices & personality
*I received an alc of this book, all opinions are my own*
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
March 4, 2018
Love, fated mates or prejudice and anger?
This story has a little of both. In the end the one that wins out is the most stubborn character of the bunch. Some say fated mates are destined to work out and that may be but I think that fate puts them together and then they must figure out if the can make it work.
A wonderful addition to the Saint Lakes series. I love the obstacles that these characters must overcome. Some are funny but most are both sad and dangerous. This will keep you spell bound from the beginning to the end, and wishing for more.
This story has a little of both. In the end the one that wins out is the most stubborn character of the bunch. Some say fated mates are destined to work out and that may be but I think that fate puts them together and then they must figure out if the can make it work.
A wonderful addition to the Saint Lakes series. I love the obstacles that these characters must overcome. Some are funny but most are both sad and dangerous. This will keep you spell bound from the beginning to the end, and wishing for more.
March 20, 2018
An okay story for Jules, Hacan and Thomas. I didn't like this one as much as the others in this series. At the start, Thomas came over as the nice caring guy when it came to Jules but then Hacen is the nice guy in the next scene it kinda put me off a bit. Jules's character really had problems trusting and dealing with what he'd been through with Nicolono and with the guys leaving him there. Definitely a tough time for Jules when he was injured and didn't want to stay at the cabin. As you read you don't know what's gonna happen next and this is definitely true with this series..
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.
May 14, 2025
Within the captivating realm of paranormal romance, readers will find themselves drawn to a compelling narrative centered around a truly resilient protagonist. This individual will face a myriad of challenges, not only from external, often supernatural, forces, but also in the intricate tapestry of human (and perhaps non-human) connections. The story delves deep into the complexities of interpersonal relationships, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and the evolving bonds between characters. A cornerstone of this reading experience lies in the exploration of found family – those unexpected connections that provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging amidst extraordinary circumstances. Prepare to be immersed in a world where love and the supernatural intertwine, anchored by a strong central character and the enduring power of chosen kinship.
March 29, 2018
A good addition to an enjoyable series.
Really enjoyed the development resolution of the relationship of Jules, Tommy and Hacen.
However, the book has serious typos and copy reading errors that I don't recall in others in the series. Chapter 20 in particular is a mess and needs to be addressed by the author or editor as it severely disrupts the flow of the conflict resolution.
Really enjoyed the development resolution of the relationship of Jules, Tommy and Hacen.
However, the book has serious typos and copy reading errors that I don't recall in others in the series. Chapter 20 in particular is a mess and needs to be addressed by the author or editor as it severely disrupts the flow of the conflict resolution.
May 14, 2021
Love Saint Lakes!
April Kelley has created a world that I would love to be a part of! Her characters are always well thought out and the action is believable and nail biting! The only flaw in this series is the editing. She could really use one. Other than that I highly recommend this series.
April Kelley has created a world that I would love to be a part of! Her characters are always well thought out and the action is believable and nail biting! The only flaw in this series is the editing. She could really use one. Other than that I highly recommend this series.
August 27, 2020
So sweet
Jules is sooo sweet. I’m so glad he got his happy ending with Hacen and Tommy. I wish we had been able to have more secedes with all three of them but still a great book in the series.
Jules is sooo sweet. I’m so glad he got his happy ending with Hacen and Tommy. I wish we had been able to have more secedes with all three of them but still a great book in the series.
June 9, 2024
good
This was a pretty good book. Good on Jules for not just giving in and for making them accept his family. The Somersets are awesome. And I liked how Jules is the cuddle brother.
This was a pretty good book. Good on Jules for not just giving in and for making them accept his family. The Somersets are awesome. And I liked how Jules is the cuddle brother.
March 1, 2018
Loved it
Sassy, grouchy, hotheaded, sweet, sexy, a smidge of drama. These three perfectly compliment each other. Can't be wait for more.
Sassy, grouchy, hotheaded, sweet, sexy, a smidge of drama. These three perfectly compliment each other. Can't be wait for more.
March 3, 2018
Worth the wait💖
An enjoyable read with likable characters and an engaging storyline. I really enjoyed Jules' story, I've been waiting on it since book one. It did not disappoint.
An enjoyable read with likable characters and an engaging storyline. I really enjoyed Jules' story, I've been waiting on it since book one. It did not disappoint.
June 29, 2018
Love it
Whole series was amazing can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to seeing more books written by April Kelley.
Whole series was amazing can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to seeing more books written by April Kelley.
January 20, 2023
😍😍😍😍
Omg he's finally free of that monster!!! Broke my heart!!!! Amazing story!!! I loved how these three finally got togther!!! Can't wait for more!!!
Omg he's finally free of that monster!!! Broke my heart!!!! Amazing story!!! I loved how these three finally got togther!!! Can't wait for more!!!
June 19, 2023
And Mr Evil is...
Sorry no spoilers here! Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good authors. Binge reading this series. Onto book 7. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
Sorry no spoilers here! Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good authors. Binge reading this series. Onto book 7. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews