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Saint Lakes #7
Color of Blood
A M/M Paranormal Romance.
For fated mates, going from friends to lovers should be a smooth transition, but Ladon and Magnus have never had things easy.
At twenty years old, Ladon knows he’s too young to be Saint Lakes’ Alpha, but no one listens. Not even his mate, Magnus, and he’s Ladon’s best friend. Magnus is out of town on a dangerous investigative mission when Ladon shifts for the first time. They’ve waited years for this day, because they couldn’t bond until it happened. Almost as soon as it does, Magnus goes MIA, leaving Ladon to wonder if it just isn’t in the cards for them.
For fated mates, going from friends to lovers should be a smooth transition, but Ladon and Magnus have never had things easy.
At twenty years old, Ladon knows he’s too young to be Saint Lakes’ Alpha, but no one listens. Not even his mate, Magnus, and he’s Ladon’s best friend. Magnus is out of town on a dangerous investigative mission when Ladon shifts for the first time. They’ve waited years for this day, because they couldn’t bond until it happened. Almost as soon as it does, Magnus goes MIA, leaving Ladon to wonder if it just isn’t in the cards for them.
281 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2018
116 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
April Kelley
116 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
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 18, 2018
I'm wondering if Ladon and Magnus would like a little cheese with all of that whine... LOL!!!
I know that going from bromance to romance isn't always an easy transition, what with the whole "getting kidnapped" thing happening... but, seriously? Ladon needed to grow up (which he knows) and Magnus needs to learn how to understand "Ladon" speak! *grin*
This story had a good flow and kept me entertained! As always, family support played a big part in making this a good read for me! What it "didn't" have, in my opinion, was enough FANE! That boy rocks!!! *sigh*
I guess we now wait to see how Damian plans to win Owen... this should be interesting! ;D
I know that going from bromance to romance isn't always an easy transition, what with the whole "getting kidnapped" thing happening... but, seriously? Ladon needed to grow up (which he knows) and Magnus needs to learn how to understand "Ladon" speak! *grin*
This story had a good flow and kept me entertained! As always, family support played a big part in making this a good read for me! What it "didn't" have, in my opinion, was enough FANE! That boy rocks!!! *sigh*
I guess we now wait to see how Damian plans to win Owen... this should be interesting! ;D
September 8, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts.
Missing the Vampire/Shifter battle meant that Magnus wasn’t there for Ladon’s first shift. Instead, he was away on an information-gathering mission regarding a group of people who could prove infinitely more dangerous. In the process, Magnus gets captured.
The Color of Blood is the seventh book in the Saint Lakes series. It is well worth a read and is another integral part of the progression of the overall story arc. When one reads the books back-to-back, many of the tales thus far follow a basic pattern and can fall victim to what I call sequelitus. The Color of Blood varies a little from the tried and tested track, making a welcome change. However, while the air of expectation remains (due to the story pattern), seven books in, I’m longing for something different – an extra spark to give me the wow factor. Nevertheless, I do a little jig when certain characters appear because they always add something special to the drama. I’m a self-confessed Fane fan.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Magnus and Ladon. Worldbuilding has developed over each book, and this one has the addition of politicians – which can never be a good thing, and scientists – even worse when it comes to the paranormal world.
Ladan is born to be Alpha, and while he has a natural presence, he is acclimatizing to his role, the needs of his dragon, and the yearning for the mate he has waited until his first shift to claim. It’s a steep learning curve. Yet he has a super support system and new characters arriving all the time that add new elements to proceedings.
Magnus has had years to perfect his investigative skills, but he gets caught out and suffers in the aftermath. As the blurb says, Magnus becomes a science pin-cushion. Magnus and Ladan are stuck between the need to claim their mate and the clan's needs.
The Color of Blood contains some good action alongside new elements that begin a path to the overall arc conclusion. With twelve books in the series – all of which are published, it will be interesting to see how the author keeps the reader's interest.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Missing the Vampire/Shifter battle meant that Magnus wasn’t there for Ladon’s first shift. Instead, he was away on an information-gathering mission regarding a group of people who could prove infinitely more dangerous. In the process, Magnus gets captured.
The Color of Blood is the seventh book in the Saint Lakes series. It is well worth a read and is another integral part of the progression of the overall story arc. When one reads the books back-to-back, many of the tales thus far follow a basic pattern and can fall victim to what I call sequelitus. The Color of Blood varies a little from the tried and tested track, making a welcome change. However, while the air of expectation remains (due to the story pattern), seven books in, I’m longing for something different – an extra spark to give me the wow factor. Nevertheless, I do a little jig when certain characters appear because they always add something special to the drama. I’m a self-confessed Fane fan.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Magnus and Ladon. Worldbuilding has developed over each book, and this one has the addition of politicians – which can never be a good thing, and scientists – even worse when it comes to the paranormal world.
Ladan is born to be Alpha, and while he has a natural presence, he is acclimatizing to his role, the needs of his dragon, and the yearning for the mate he has waited until his first shift to claim. It’s a steep learning curve. Yet he has a super support system and new characters arriving all the time that add new elements to proceedings.
Magnus has had years to perfect his investigative skills, but he gets caught out and suffers in the aftermath. As the blurb says, Magnus becomes a science pin-cushion. Magnus and Ladan are stuck between the need to claim their mate and the clan's needs.
The Color of Blood contains some good action alongside new elements that begin a path to the overall arc conclusion. With twelve books in the series – all of which are published, it will be interesting to see how the author keeps the reader's interest.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
October 19, 2018
4.5 stars.🌟 Another fantastic book for the series with Landon and Magnus story.
The characters are gorgeous I liked Landon's courage when he knew what he had to do. Fighting his dragon's nature so he didn't want to be bossy was doing more harm. I loved the part where he's feeling Magnus pain he needed to be there and save him. The end is great as I got a laugh with there antics, hot sexy scenes included. I cant wait to see what happens next with Owen's story. I'd love to read more of Vaughan and special abilities.
Landon 20 yrs wanted his first shift into his dragon but he was young Alpha. The fates had matched him up with Magnus (a Vampire) while he grew older waiting to bond they'd been friends.
A major clean up after one war (in the previous book), there community must remain a secret from the humans but its slowly not becoming the case.
New baddies are amongst the humans to exploit the paranormal. One being Delano and Dr Perkins, the Senator Fowler is another. A naive Wesley is in the middle of them in a bad situation.
The characters are gorgeous I liked Landon's courage when he knew what he had to do. Fighting his dragon's nature so he didn't want to be bossy was doing more harm. I loved the part where he's feeling Magnus pain he needed to be there and save him. The end is great as I got a laugh with there antics, hot sexy scenes included. I cant wait to see what happens next with Owen's story. I'd love to read more of Vaughan and special abilities.
Landon 20 yrs wanted his first shift into his dragon but he was young Alpha. The fates had matched him up with Magnus (a Vampire) while he grew older waiting to bond they'd been friends.
A major clean up after one war (in the previous book), there community must remain a secret from the humans but its slowly not becoming the case.
New baddies are amongst the humans to exploit the paranormal. One being Delano and Dr Perkins, the Senator Fowler is another. A naive Wesley is in the middle of them in a bad situation.
November 14, 2018
I love this series and I enjoyed reading about Landon and Magnus's romance, or mating. It took me awhile to get into it at first, since Magnus acted as though he couldn't care less if he was able to spend time with Landon or not. I'm not used to that with mates (in shifter stories). However, there were quite a few hurdles that they had to get through before they could finally be together. I loved it, and I loved seeing some of the other characters (from previous books) pop into the story to help with all of the action, while at the same time, Landon learns to grow into himself as the new alpha. I'm definitely waiting for the next book in this series. =)
May 3, 2019
This is the 7th book in the Saint Lakes series. This book took a little bit different approach to mates. They became friends with a small issue that is standing in the way of them begin together. Landon get his full test of being the Alpha during the battle that has left them unsure of themselves. What make the heart grow fawned then to be missed. Magnus wants to protect his mate and Alpha but in the process himself gets caught. The antics that this pack gets into but you can see the love and total bond the brothers have. Cant wait to see what happens in the next book. Highly recommend this series today
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
October 25, 2018
👍 AWESOME!! ☺
⭐ COLOR OF BLOOD is the seventh book in the SAINT LAKES series written by April Kelley. This book is a fantastic addition to this series. If you truly want to enjoy this book (and this series), be sure to begin with reading Book 1 and then continue by reading the books in numerical order.
⭐ I will be anxiously waiting for the release of Book 8! I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen next.
⭐This is a great series. READ & ENJOY!! 😀
⭐ COLOR OF BLOOD is the seventh book in the SAINT LAKES series written by April Kelley. This book is a fantastic addition to this series. If you truly want to enjoy this book (and this series), be sure to begin with reading Book 1 and then continue by reading the books in numerical order.
⭐ I will be anxiously waiting for the release of Book 8! I'm looking forward to finding out what will happen next.
⭐This is a great series. READ & ENJOY!! 😀
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.
July 16, 2019
Landon finally gets his mate.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Landon is aggressive and protective yet still fights his insecurities. When Magnes fines himself in trouble its Landon with some of the family that rescue him. It is a spectacular read.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Landon is aggressive and protective yet still fights his insecurities. When Magnes fines himself in trouble its Landon with some of the family that rescue him. It is a spectacular read.
May 14, 2021
Wonderful!
I truly enjoyed reading this book and the series is wonderful! April Kelley has created a fantastic story with unique and interesting characters. Have enjoyed every book. Needs better editing, but doesn’t detract much from the story. Recommended
I truly enjoyed reading this book and the series is wonderful! April Kelley has created a fantastic story with unique and interesting characters. Have enjoyed every book. Needs better editing, but doesn’t detract much from the story. Recommended
July 18, 2021
Ok read
This was an OK read for me not great but it wasn’t bad either.. I liked Landon and Magnus well enough… but by the end I was more interested in Wesley and Keaton I wanna know what’s gonna go on with them….
This was an OK read for me not great but it wasn’t bad either.. I liked Landon and Magnus well enough… but by the end I was more interested in Wesley and Keaton I wanna know what’s gonna go on with them….
June 10, 2024
good
This was a pretty good book. Although I felt like the time period between when their last call was to when Ladon finally brought it up was unrealistic, especially given the known dangerous circumstances. And I’m surprised Ramsey or Garridan wasn’t more on top of that.
This was a pretty good book. Although I felt like the time period between when their last call was to when Ladon finally brought it up was unrealistic, especially given the known dangerous circumstances. And I’m surprised Ramsey or Garridan wasn’t more on top of that.
August 28, 2020
Finally!
I’m so glad we got Magnus and Ladons story. After reading about them circling each other the wait paid off. Great read.
I’m so glad we got Magnus and Ladons story. After reading about them circling each other the wait paid off. Great read.
January 20, 2023
🥰🥰🥰🥰
And the plot thickens!!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!! Such an amazing series!!! Love these books!!!! Great writing too!!!
And the plot thickens!!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!! Such an amazing series!!! Love these books!!!! Great writing too!!!
June 19, 2023
Aww it was the perfect story for these two!
Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good authors. Binge reading this series. Onto book 8. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
Good story. It's worth reading this book. Good authors. Binge reading this series. Onto book 8. Enjoy. 💞 🥂 🌻
December 3, 2024
Jumped into the series here.
A good book.
A good book.
June 17, 2025
I feel like after the first 3 books in the series, this is the one I was anticipating the MOST!
*I received an ALC of this book, all opinions are my own*
In this book, we circle back a bit in time to Landon finally having his first shift! Both he & his fated mate, Magnus, (along with everyone else in town) know that this means they can finally bond....BUT Magnus has just been sent away on an investigative mission due to the new threats to the clan & Saint Lakes. Some further chaos ensues, and Ladon has to go on a rescue mission to get his mate back so they can bond before they go feral.
Though this story follows the same format as previous books in the series, I enjoyed that it set up a new villain arc & had a good amount of character growth, especially for Ladon, who has to embrace being a very young & inexperienced Alpha.
I absolutely recommend this series on audio & you definitely have to read them in order!
*I received an ALC of this book, all opinions are my own*
In this book, we circle back a bit in time to Landon finally having his first shift! Both he & his fated mate, Magnus, (along with everyone else in town) know that this means they can finally bond....BUT Magnus has just been sent away on an investigative mission due to the new threats to the clan & Saint Lakes. Some further chaos ensues, and Ladon has to go on a rescue mission to get his mate back so they can bond before they go feral.
Though this story follows the same format as previous books in the series, I enjoyed that it set up a new villain arc & had a good amount of character growth, especially for Ladon, who has to embrace being a very young & inexperienced Alpha.
I absolutely recommend this series on audio & you definitely have to read them in order!
June 5, 2025
Dive into a world where yearning hearts collide amidst breathtaking escapades and enchanting wonders. This captivating tale is meticulously crafted for readers who crave emotionally resonant LGBTQIA+ romances, delivered with a relentlessly quickening pace. Prepare to be swept away by the exquisite agony of unrequited love, a powerful undercurrent that heightens the stakes of every thrilling adventure and infuses every magical element with deeper meaning. Immerse yourself in a story where the boundaries of affection are tested by danger, and the pursuit of happiness is intertwined with the unfolding of extraordinary events and the allure of the mystical.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews