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Surf City Littles #1
Love Lessons
Over a year in Surf City and James has found his place. Working as a probationary firefighter is everything James hoped it would be. Working part time at the local coffee shop introduced him to his new best friends. Everything is nearly perfect except for the grumpy Professor who James and his twin rent an apartment from. James doesn’t know why the Professor hates him so much, but he is way too busy to worry about it.
With his twin out of town before the next college starts James has the apartment all to himself. Finding a play cape that his older brother Michael left behind from Christmas James finds freedom to make believe he is a real live superhero. He is confident it will remain his little secret until a meltdown on New Years Eve brings the Professor too close for comfort.
Jacob Lambert likes the quiet and controlled life that he’s made for himself in Surf City and is excited for the new college session coming after the New Year. He might not live as exciting life as his twin Jesse in Las Vegas, but Jacob is happy to visit his brother and Jesse’s boyfriend Lake when he gets the chance. Even if he has to push down the jealousy of seeing his brother so happy with the perfect partner.
Returning home after Christmas Jacob has plans to get ready for the semester and continue to watch over the two young men that rent a small garage apartment from him. Seeing James break down after a bad shift during New Years Eve allows Jacob to finally get closer to James. There is something in James’s eyes that tell Jacob that he might not be so resistant to a firm Daddy in his life. In fact, it might just be exactly what James needs.
This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), Age Play, Daddy/little relationship, and age gap relations. This book is an exploration of a relationship between two (male) consensual adults that are looking for love and acceptance. All characters are over the age of consent. No cheating or cliffhangers.
With his twin out of town before the next college starts James has the apartment all to himself. Finding a play cape that his older brother Michael left behind from Christmas James finds freedom to make believe he is a real live superhero. He is confident it will remain his little secret until a meltdown on New Years Eve brings the Professor too close for comfort.
Jacob Lambert likes the quiet and controlled life that he’s made for himself in Surf City and is excited for the new college session coming after the New Year. He might not live as exciting life as his twin Jesse in Las Vegas, but Jacob is happy to visit his brother and Jesse’s boyfriend Lake when he gets the chance. Even if he has to push down the jealousy of seeing his brother so happy with the perfect partner.
Returning home after Christmas Jacob has plans to get ready for the semester and continue to watch over the two young men that rent a small garage apartment from him. Seeing James break down after a bad shift during New Years Eve allows Jacob to finally get closer to James. There is something in James’s eyes that tell Jacob that he might not be so resistant to a firm Daddy in his life. In fact, it might just be exactly what James needs.
This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), Age Play, Daddy/little relationship, and age gap relations. This book is an exploration of a relationship between two (male) consensual adults that are looking for love and acceptance. All characters are over the age of consent. No cheating or cliffhangers.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
39 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 2, 2026
I wanted to start by saying that I do read a lot of indie author books, so this is not an "indie author hate review". I am strictly honest when I write my reviews, and I wanted to be very honest going into the review of this book.
My first issue with this book started on the very first page of the book. On the very first page of the book the author introduces five characters. Yes, five full characters with no background to judge how these characters are related to each other. It was very confusing from the start. I reread the first page many times to try and understand, but had to move on. But, the author does this multiple times through the entire book. Introducing characters with no background at all (I still do not know who Bryon is and why he is even in the book or connected to Jacob).
The second issue that I have with this book is the author is constantly introducing ideas into the book, but is never following up on them. For instances: Personally, I think the author is doing this as fill in to make the book slightly longer. But ultimately, it just leads to confusion of why it was mentioned or why the new characters were even introduced if we aren't going to go over the ideas.
The third issue that I had with this book was that it could have been edited fairly better. The writing to this book is often times very clunky and hard to read. I had to constantly reread full pages because the author would switch between first-person point of view and third-person point of view in different paragraphs or sentences. They also had several character with "J" names that it was often hard to keep track of who was who. It lead to the reader (me) often times feeling confused. I think this is a super easy fix though, and would be interested to see if any other of Athena's books are written this way.
Now for the actual storyline of the book. I think overall the main plot of the story was okay. I loved learning about James's development throughout the book. Mostly I loved to reading about the character development that Jacob had through this book. Going in to the book, I though I was going to hate Jacob, but then I found myself often times relating to the way he felt in the book. This is the first book I have read about age regression, and I felt like the author did do a great job handling the process of age regression.
Overall, I am giving this a 2/5 rating strictly due to the negatives out weighing the positives for this book. I think that if it was edited slightly better that it could be a very good book that I would recommend to others.
My first issue with this book started on the very first page of the book. On the very first page of the book the author introduces five characters. Yes, five full characters with no background to judge how these characters are related to each other. It was very confusing from the start. I reread the first page many times to try and understand, but had to move on. But, the author does this multiple times through the entire book. Introducing characters with no background at all (I still do not know who Bryon is and why he is even in the book or connected to Jacob).
The second issue that I have with this book is the author is constantly introducing ideas into the book, but is never following up on them. For instances: Personally, I think the author is doing this as fill in to make the book slightly longer. But ultimately, it just leads to confusion of why it was mentioned or why the new characters were even introduced if we aren't going to go over the ideas.
The third issue that I had with this book was that it could have been edited fairly better. The writing to this book is often times very clunky and hard to read. I had to constantly reread full pages because the author would switch between first-person point of view and third-person point of view in different paragraphs or sentences. They also had several character with "J" names that it was often hard to keep track of who was who. It lead to the reader (me) often times feeling confused. I think this is a super easy fix though, and would be interested to see if any other of Athena's books are written this way.
Now for the actual storyline of the book. I think overall the main plot of the story was okay. I loved learning about James's development throughout the book. Mostly I loved to reading about the character development that Jacob had through this book. Going in to the book, I though I was going to hate Jacob, but then I found myself often times relating to the way he felt in the book. This is the first book I have read about age regression, and I felt like the author did do a great job handling the process of age regression.
Overall, I am giving this a 2/5 rating strictly due to the negatives out weighing the positives for this book. I think that if it was edited slightly better that it could be a very good book that I would recommend to others.
February 22, 2026
2.5 stars
This story had a lot of potential. As a spinoff of the last Vegas littles series, Joseph (Jessie's brother from the last Vegas littles series) gave James and his twin brother a cheaper place to stay while James's brother was going to school. The story was set up to be a slow burn of a young man finding out he was a little and discovering the daddy that lived next door, who had been pining for him the whole time.
I had several issues with this story:
1. While Athena's books tend to need a bit of editing due the amount of typos in the finished work, this book almost seemed as if it was written by someone else - the style of writing - while similar - was just slightly different. There were a lot of very short sentences, which made the flow of text hard to follow at times, as well as a significant amount of typos.
2. The book seemed to have inconsistent plot lines, almost as if secondary and tertiary plots were forced to take over from the main plot quite abruptly, only to fade just as quickly as they was brought forward, and then ended with no resolution. (Sorry if this is confusing. I don't want to give spoilers. But I can say that one plot point may be a trigger for some which includes past parental abuse and panic attacks)
3. The main couples relationship was very strange - even in the realm of fiction. It started as almost adversaries to lovers but with a toxic undercurrent. This almost had me DNF the story. My major trigger was that while Joseph claimed to love and respect James almost immediately after meeting him, he didn't show it. Instead he was rude and distrustful, even accusing James of drinking and driving when he should have known James was just getting home from work (and isn't old enough to drink yet). The author explained this by saying Joseph isn't good with people but if that was the case, he wouldn't have a formidable reputation in the kink community (which was mentioned but never brought back into play). This type of relationship (one in which the main characters are almost antagonistic to each other) is an ok plot point, however the toxic element of the one main character not trusting (in my opinion) the other does not equal a healthy consensual daddy/little relationship. And while these relationships look different for everyone, this toxic aspect gave me the ick and I didn't like it as part of their beginnings.
4. Lastly, the pacing of the book was off. This point sort of ties in with all the other points. Some parts were slow while others were emotional (but didn't fit the overall narrative). Almost as if different books were smooshed into one.
Anyway, I'm sorry this was such a long review. The only reason why I powered through was because all of Athena's other books are relatively well written, despite needing another round of edits to look for those typos. Despite this I will still read the next book in the series and hope it's better executed than this one. Spice level: 1
This story had a lot of potential. As a spinoff of the last Vegas littles series, Joseph (Jessie's brother from the last Vegas littles series) gave James and his twin brother a cheaper place to stay while James's brother was going to school. The story was set up to be a slow burn of a young man finding out he was a little and discovering the daddy that lived next door, who had been pining for him the whole time.
I had several issues with this story:
1. While Athena's books tend to need a bit of editing due the amount of typos in the finished work, this book almost seemed as if it was written by someone else - the style of writing - while similar - was just slightly different. There were a lot of very short sentences, which made the flow of text hard to follow at times, as well as a significant amount of typos.
2. The book seemed to have inconsistent plot lines, almost as if secondary and tertiary plots were forced to take over from the main plot quite abruptly, only to fade just as quickly as they was brought forward, and then ended with no resolution. (Sorry if this is confusing. I don't want to give spoilers. But I can say that one plot point may be a trigger for some which includes past parental abuse and panic attacks)
3. The main couples relationship was very strange - even in the realm of fiction. It started as almost adversaries to lovers but with a toxic undercurrent. This almost had me DNF the story. My major trigger was that while Joseph claimed to love and respect James almost immediately after meeting him, he didn't show it. Instead he was rude and distrustful, even accusing James of drinking and driving when he should have known James was just getting home from work (and isn't old enough to drink yet). The author explained this by saying Joseph isn't good with people but if that was the case, he wouldn't have a formidable reputation in the kink community (which was mentioned but never brought back into play). This type of relationship (one in which the main characters are almost antagonistic to each other) is an ok plot point, however the toxic element of the one main character not trusting (in my opinion) the other does not equal a healthy consensual daddy/little relationship. And while these relationships look different for everyone, this toxic aspect gave me the ick and I didn't like it as part of their beginnings.
4. Lastly, the pacing of the book was off. This point sort of ties in with all the other points. Some parts were slow while others were emotional (but didn't fit the overall narrative). Almost as if different books were smooshed into one.
Anyway, I'm sorry this was such a long review. The only reason why I powered through was because all of Athena's other books are relatively well written, despite needing another round of edits to look for those typos. Despite this I will still read the next book in the series and hope it's better executed than this one. Spice level: 1
February 9, 2026
James has settled into Surf City, loving his work as a probationary firefighter and the friendships he’s made — even if his grumpy landlord, Professor Jacob Lambert, seems to dislike him for no clear reason. With his twin away, James enjoys having the apartment to himself, until a rough New Year’s Eve shift leaves him overwhelmed and unexpectedly vulnerable. Jacob returns from visiting family, ready for a quiet start to the new semester, but seeing James break down changes everything. The moment brings them closer, revealing a softer side to James and awakening Jacob’s instinct to offer the steady, guiding presence James has been missing. Their connection deepens as Jacob realises James might need exactly the kind of firm, caring Daddy figure he’s been holding back.
I loved this story. What really stood out to me was the care and patience Jacob showed as he gently guided James through the little/Daddy dynamic. His understanding, steadiness, and willingness to teach without judgment gave their relationship a tenderness that felt genuinely earned. I also loved how their emotions were described — the story takes time to unpack what they’re feeling and why, giving their connection real depth. A thoughtful, emotionally aware romance with a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic handled with sensitivity and warmth. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story. What really stood out to me was the care and patience Jacob showed as he gently guided James through the little/Daddy dynamic. His understanding, steadiness, and willingness to teach without judgment gave their relationship a tenderness that felt genuinely earned. I also loved how their emotions were described — the story takes time to unpack what they’re feeling and why, giving their connection real depth. A thoughtful, emotionally aware romance with a BDSM-like DDLB dynamic handled with sensitivity and warmth. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 22, 2026
｡˚. 🦸🏻♂️I was kindly sent an ARC Copy🦸🏻♂️｡˚.
I’m never disappointed in Athena’s work, every single book I have read which is all of them…multiple times…has captured me in a warm blanket of comfort that makes me want to come back over and over again. This is another one of those, I really loved seeing how two people who each have their own trauma came together and how their relationship blossomed.
James truly became a butterfly to me as Jacob guided him in their exploration. I also really liked seeing James put so much thought into his feelings and how he needed to communicate his wants to Jacob I.e. asking his close friends for advice, taking that first step to communicate to Jacob who feared he’d overstepped! We love a sub who takes initiative - and James was such a natural boy! Jacob getting emotional as he watched him play was so sweet. And Jackson being the prankster he is had me giggling, I’m sure he got very creative in his hiding places! I can’t wait to see what this new series has in store! P.s I really hope Dawson gets a book!
Overall, another great book from Athena! Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a story with a rough start that soon blossoms into something beautiful!
I’m never disappointed in Athena’s work, every single book I have read which is all of them…multiple times…has captured me in a warm blanket of comfort that makes me want to come back over and over again. This is another one of those, I really loved seeing how two people who each have their own trauma came together and how their relationship blossomed.
James truly became a butterfly to me as Jacob guided him in their exploration. I also really liked seeing James put so much thought into his feelings and how he needed to communicate his wants to Jacob I.e. asking his close friends for advice, taking that first step to communicate to Jacob who feared he’d overstepped! We love a sub who takes initiative - and James was such a natural boy! Jacob getting emotional as he watched him play was so sweet. And Jackson being the prankster he is had me giggling, I’m sure he got very creative in his hiding places! I can’t wait to see what this new series has in store! P.s I really hope Dawson gets a book!
Overall, another great book from Athena! Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a story with a rough start that soon blossoms into something beautiful!
January 29, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book
I really enjoy Athena's books and love lessons did not disappoint. You do not need to have read the previous books as this is a new series but it may help with some of the characters, which I loved reading about some more.
James and Jacob start at loggerheads but that really is to do with Jacobs stiffness and inability to communicate he cares, which comes across as Mr Grumpy Bossy pants instead! (you get to understand why learning about his childhood). Obviously James takes offence at every word!
Eventually we get a breakthrough. James is inquisitive being new to age play and Jacob teaches James all he wants/needs to know. James doesn't know how to feel when he enjoys playing super hero pretend as he has always been the strong provider for his twin. He learns to let go and understand his littler side and Jacob learns to let go of his fears that are holding him back and love his bratty boy.
I can't wait for the next book where I think we will see James and Jacob grow into their relationship whilst having a new couple to read about as this book has set the series up nicely. I'm looking forward to James' twin brother Scott to get his story.
I really enjoy Athena's books and love lessons did not disappoint. You do not need to have read the previous books as this is a new series but it may help with some of the characters, which I loved reading about some more.
James and Jacob start at loggerheads but that really is to do with Jacobs stiffness and inability to communicate he cares, which comes across as Mr Grumpy Bossy pants instead! (you get to understand why learning about his childhood). Obviously James takes offence at every word!
Eventually we get a breakthrough. James is inquisitive being new to age play and Jacob teaches James all he wants/needs to know. James doesn't know how to feel when he enjoys playing super hero pretend as he has always been the strong provider for his twin. He learns to let go and understand his littler side and Jacob learns to let go of his fears that are holding him back and love his bratty boy.
I can't wait for the next book where I think we will see James and Jacob grow into their relationship whilst having a new couple to read about as this book has set the series up nicely. I'm looking forward to James' twin brother Scott to get his story.
March 5, 2026
Look, I love, adore Athena's books; she is an amazing writer and her stories are the fluffiest, cutest ever, even when there are heavier topics afoot.
What I do not tolerate AT ALL is not apologizing when someone does something wrong, half a cake left at the door without a heartfelt sorry is total BS. I know James doesn't know the extent of the awful thing he did to Jacob, but he did see his reaction, he did see what his action brought to him, he saw his hurt and scared face when he was literally running away from him, and he noticed that he didn't move for like 2 days. And then! When he learn what his childhood had left him with scars, he still didn't fall to his knees and be grateful to Jacob for giving him a second chance after the AWFUL way he behaved. And I understand he is a brat and that Jacob has a high tolerance, but dude just NO. At this point, I hate the self-centered ass.
I still love Athena and will continue reading, but Jacob definitely deserved someone better than James; he can go for a walk and never come back for all I care.
What I do not tolerate AT ALL is not apologizing when someone does something wrong, half a cake left at the door without a heartfelt sorry is total BS. I know James doesn't know the extent of the awful thing he did to Jacob, but he did see his reaction, he did see what his action brought to him, he saw his hurt and scared face when he was literally running away from him, and he noticed that he didn't move for like 2 days. And then! When he learn what his childhood had left him with scars, he still didn't fall to his knees and be grateful to Jacob for giving him a second chance after the AWFUL way he behaved. And I understand he is a brat and that Jacob has a high tolerance, but dude just NO. At this point, I hate the self-centered ass.
I still love Athena and will continue reading, but Jacob definitely deserved someone better than James; he can go for a walk and never come back for all I care.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
James and Jacob’s book is so good. James and Jacob may have gotten a rough start, but they figure it out. I love the way James discovers more about himself and Jacob is there to help and hold his hand, but doesn't force anything. I love how Jacob encouraged James to be himself, even when that meant being a brat lol. This is a great book and I definitely recommend it!
February 1, 2026
good but a few editing mistakes
I know you weren’t feeling to well at the end of last year and it showed just a little bit in tiny mistakes in the book. That being said however it was an excellent story as usual I like the universes you create. Pulling in Byron and the author whose name is escaping me at the moment.
I know you weren’t feeling to well at the end of last year and it showed just a little bit in tiny mistakes in the book. That being said however it was an excellent story as usual I like the universes you create. Pulling in Byron and the author whose name is escaping me at the moment.
February 2, 2026
little jar of peens
It is so nice to find another batch of littles and watch them find their way. This group is adorable and seems fun!! I love the varying connections across the different groups. The Vegas boys and Rocky Lake crew, not to mention Nicky and Liam!
Glad to visit with the twins again!!!
It is so nice to find another batch of littles and watch them find their way. This group is adorable and seems fun!! I love the varying connections across the different groups. The Vegas boys and Rocky Lake crew, not to mention Nicky and Liam!
Glad to visit with the twins again!!!
February 12, 2026
YESSS loved it.
This was a great first book I had read Micheal’s book and was definitely wondering what would happen to the twins. So for this series I’m all in the new characters and the bond with James and Jacob they complement each so well they were definitely made for one another.
This was a great first book I had read Micheal’s book and was definitely wondering what would happen to the twins. So for this series I’m all in the new characters and the bond with James and Jacob they complement each so well they were definitely made for one another.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed this! James finally exploring things and Jacob is the perfect place for that. Also it took me way to long to piece together what book Michael was from (Jackson) and I'm excited for Luca's book🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Communication between James and his landlord, Jacob has always been strained. When James’s twin goes away for the holidays he is forced to interact with Jacob. Their interactions change when Jacob shows care and concern and over time their relationship develops into something special and James finds himself getting to explore and be the boy he was always meant to be.
A story that is slow in terms of main characters relationship building but good with supporting characters interactions and introductions. There are some cute Daddy /boy scenes and an ending that leaves you wanting more.
A story that is slow in terms of main characters relationship building but good with supporting characters interactions and introductions. There are some cute Daddy /boy scenes and an ending that leaves you wanting more.
January 29, 2026
Love Lessons Fantastic
Absolutely Loved Love Lessons by Athena Stellar another amazing edition to the Surf City Littles Series. Jacob & James are simply wonderful together the way their relationship blossoms into daddy and his cute boy is so very beautiful recommend so much.
Absolutely Loved Love Lessons by Athena Stellar another amazing edition to the Surf City Littles Series. Jacob & James are simply wonderful together the way their relationship blossoms into daddy and his cute boy is so very beautiful recommend so much.
January 30, 2026
Love Lessons
Overall, this was a cute story. The writing felt a bit clunky in places too many names to try and figure out and remember. I definitely will be reading more in this series as it’s a cute quick read.
Overall, this was a cute story. The writing felt a bit clunky in places too many names to try and figure out and remember. I definitely will be reading more in this series as it’s a cute quick read.
January 31, 2026
Loved Jacob and James story! I've been waiting for this spinoff/series and I hope there are many more to come. This book was more of a slow burn than the other little books. Got more insight into jesse and jacobs past. Cant wait for the next one already!!
March 23, 2026
Enjoyable
I enjoyed James and Jacob’s story. It’s a sweet, mildly angsty romance between a seasoned Daddy with more unresolved trauma than he realized and a much younger emerging middle who has carried too much on his shoulders for too long.
I enjoyed James and Jacob’s story. It’s a sweet, mildly angsty romance between a seasoned Daddy with more unresolved trauma than he realized and a much younger emerging middle who has carried too much on his shoulders for too long.
February 3, 2026
Adorable
Another great series starter. I love all of the books from this author and eagerly await the next one. Very much looking forward to Dawson's book!
Another great series starter. I love all of the books from this author and eagerly await the next one. Very much looking forward to Dawson's book!
February 6, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 10, 2026
Enjoyed this new series starter from Athena. I enjoyed Jacob and James story along with the connections from other series. I look forward to learning more about Luca, Dawson and Cal.
February 14, 2026
4.75⭐️
February 17, 2026
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see James realize what he needed. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to see James realize what he needed. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 20, 2026
Happy read
This book is a great start for a new series I enjoy the authors happy stories . this book helped lift my spiris after a hard day
This book is a great start for a new series I enjoy the authors happy stories . this book helped lift my spiris after a hard day
February 28, 2026
So good! Jacob and James were adorable. I loved their dynamic so much!
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