What do you think?
Rate this book
PAHL #4
Gem
Gem
As the oldest triplet, the responsible one, Gem is used to controlling everything around him. In every aspect of his life Gem strives to be the best. With the purchase of a new townhouse, his team on the edge of making the playoffs, and securing the starting goalie position, Gem is on a roll. There is just one thing he is missing…or more accurately one person. First, Gem’s online sub ghosts him. Then, as they reconnect, Gem’s newest teammate is pushing into his thoughts and dreams.
Gem is completely committed to Ty and their online 24/7 D/s relationship. even if Luka Kotov intrigues him with his hot looks and the need that radiates from him. What happens when Gem’s two worlds collide and the control that he holds on to so tightly starts to slip through his fingers?
Luka
Being traded at the last minute from Seattle to Boston throws Luka off his game. He’d planned on retiring in Seattle, and being sent across the country breaks his heart even if it brings Luka closer to the Dom that he’d inadvertently started an anonymous online 24/7 D/s relationship with.
His first game with his new team puts the rookie goalie in his sights, leaving Luka struggling with feelings for both Gem and his online Dom Beelz. That is, until Luka starts to suspect that Gem might actually be the man he has bared his soul to. As he tries to figure out if he’s right, Luka’s feeling for both men start to grow until he breaks. Gem is there to pick up the pieces, but is he there as Luka’s goalie or as his Dom?
It’s time for Gem and Luka to unmask themselves and put their hearts on the line.
This book features a control-obsessed fruit bat shifter Dom and his older, bigger, quiet, and needy yet protective shifter sub. This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), a 24/7 online D/s relationship, punishment/discipline including impact play and orgasm denial. 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 cliff-hangers.
As the oldest triplet, the responsible one, Gem is used to controlling everything around him. In every aspect of his life Gem strives to be the best. With the purchase of a new townhouse, his team on the edge of making the playoffs, and securing the starting goalie position, Gem is on a roll. There is just one thing he is missing…or more accurately one person. First, Gem’s online sub ghosts him. Then, as they reconnect, Gem’s newest teammate is pushing into his thoughts and dreams.
Gem is completely committed to Ty and their online 24/7 D/s relationship. even if Luka Kotov intrigues him with his hot looks and the need that radiates from him. What happens when Gem’s two worlds collide and the control that he holds on to so tightly starts to slip through his fingers?
Luka
Being traded at the last minute from Seattle to Boston throws Luka off his game. He’d planned on retiring in Seattle, and being sent across the country breaks his heart even if it brings Luka closer to the Dom that he’d inadvertently started an anonymous online 24/7 D/s relationship with.
His first game with his new team puts the rookie goalie in his sights, leaving Luka struggling with feelings for both Gem and his online Dom Beelz. That is, until Luka starts to suspect that Gem might actually be the man he has bared his soul to. As he tries to figure out if he’s right, Luka’s feeling for both men start to grow until he breaks. Gem is there to pick up the pieces, but is he there as Luka’s goalie or as his Dom?
It’s time for Gem and Luka to unmask themselves and put their hearts on the line.
This book features a control-obsessed fruit bat shifter Dom and his older, bigger, quiet, and needy yet protective shifter sub. This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), a 24/7 online D/s relationship, punishment/discipline including impact play and orgasm denial. 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 cliff-hangers.
- GenresRomanceBDSMM M Romance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 6, 2026
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the PAHL Series. I thought that Gem and Luka were great together and fate definitely had a helping hand bringing them together, since they’d had an online 24/7 D/s relationship for months before Luka was traded to Gem’s team not knowing his Dom, Beelz was actually Gem. He did eventually work it out after seeing Beelz chest tattoo that he’d noticed on Gem when he was first introduced since Gem had been in the gym working so he was shirtless, sweaty and in tiny little shorts. Luka didn’t really know how to tell Gem but when he did Gem didn’t really take the news well as he believed that Luka had somehow hacked the app.
And was being a complete a*sehole, like other predator shifters towards prey shifters in the league. Luckily Gem gave Luka a chance to prove to him that he’s really Ty, by meeting at the local kink club and unmasking themselves. All I can say is that Luka’s family are complete a*seholes and don’t deserve him, his mum at least loves him but she always sides with his father’s preferences. I’m glad that he has a new family with Gem, his brothers Aries & Nix and their partners Vin & Evan, as well as the triplets parents. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books by Athena in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the PAHL Series. I thought that Gem and Luka were great together and fate definitely had a helping hand bringing them together, since they’d had an online 24/7 D/s relationship for months before Luka was traded to Gem’s team not knowing his Dom, Beelz was actually Gem. He did eventually work it out after seeing Beelz chest tattoo that he’d noticed on Gem when he was first introduced since Gem had been in the gym working so he was shirtless, sweaty and in tiny little shorts. Luka didn’t really know how to tell Gem but when he did Gem didn’t really take the news well as he believed that Luka had somehow hacked the app.
And was being a complete a*sehole, like other predator shifters towards prey shifters in the league. Luckily Gem gave Luka a chance to prove to him that he’s really Ty, by meeting at the local kink club and unmasking themselves. All I can say is that Luka’s family are complete a*seholes and don’t deserve him, his mum at least loves him but she always sides with his father’s preferences. I’m glad that he has a new family with Gem, his brothers Aries & Nix and their partners Vin & Evan, as well as the triplets parents. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series as it continues, as well as more books by Athena in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
May 6, 2026
Gem is a control‑focused overachiever with a thriving hockey career and a committed anonymous online D/s relationship. But when his new teammate Luka arrives, Gem finds himself drawn to him in ways he can’t ignore. Luka, devastated by a last‑minute trade, develops feelings for both Gem and his anonymous Dom, Beelz — until he begins to suspect they might be the same man. As emotions build and Luka reaches a breaking point, Gem steps in, forcing both of them to finally reveal the truth and risk their hearts.
Gem and Luka have an undeniable connection, and watching it unfold — even through all the confusion of their anonymous online dynamic colliding with real life — was a lot of fun at first, even if it did start to feel a bit frustrating as the truth dragged out. I always enjoy spending time with the three fruit‑bat shifter brothers, and their interactions with each other and their partners continue to be a highlight. Their support, teasing, and loyalty add so much warmth to the story. Overall, this was easy to read and understand, full of emotion, and built around a relationship that felt fated from the start. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
Gem and Luka have an undeniable connection, and watching it unfold — even through all the confusion of their anonymous online dynamic colliding with real life — was a lot of fun at first, even if it did start to feel a bit frustrating as the truth dragged out. I always enjoy spending time with the three fruit‑bat shifter brothers, and their interactions with each other and their partners continue to be a highlight. Their support, teasing, and loyalty add so much warmth to the story. Overall, this was easy to read and understand, full of emotion, and built around a relationship that felt fated from the start. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
May 18, 2026
Athena Stella has yet to write a book I haven't loved, and that's exactly what makes this one sting a little. I came in with high expectations after loving Aries and Nix stories and while the chemistry between Gem and Luca is there, the story felt like it ended just when it was getting good.
What's always made this series work for me is its structure: the push-and-pull of getting together, the (sometimes messy) family introductions, the earned happily-ever-after. Here, Gem not recognizing Luca as Ty was the whole conflict, and I felt like so many threads were left dangling: Luca's family baggage, his struggles with his self-esteem, his self-worth — all of it was gestured at but I didn't feel like it was truly resolved. I kept turning pages expecting at least a few more chapters, only to find the story wrapping up with what felt like a "we're fine now, good night."
Stella is still one of my favorite authors, and I'll be first in line for whatever she writes next. But this one left me feeling like I'd only gotten half the book I was promised.
What's always made this series work for me is its structure: the push-and-pull of getting together, the (sometimes messy) family introductions, the earned happily-ever-after. Here, Gem not recognizing Luca as Ty was the whole conflict, and I felt like so many threads were left dangling: Luca's family baggage, his struggles with his self-esteem, his self-worth — all of it was gestured at but I didn't feel like it was truly resolved. I kept turning pages expecting at least a few more chapters, only to find the story wrapping up with what felt like a "we're fine now, good night."
Stella is still one of my favorite authors, and I'll be first in line for whatever she writes next. But this one left me feeling like I'd only gotten half the book I was promised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
The PAHL series is probably one of my favorites of Athena’s and I loved finally getting Gem’s story!!
The dynamic between Gem and Luka was so well done. I love lifestyle dynamics so it was very interesting to read. Gem is so different than his brothers and you really get to see that in his book but you also get to see how soft he is. All he wants is his people to be safe but they also want him safe. I was so sad for Luka initially because he was clearly upset about the trade but obviously, its for the better because he and Gem get to be together. Size difference is one of my favorite tropes & I LOVED that the smaller MC was the dom. These two were so sweet together and I just loved revisiting this universe. Plus we get to see Aries in little mode and Nyx just being his chaotic self.
I cannot wait for Beach Bats!!
The dynamic between Gem and Luka was so well done. I love lifestyle dynamics so it was very interesting to read. Gem is so different than his brothers and you really get to see that in his book but you also get to see how soft he is. All he wants is his people to be safe but they also want him safe. I was so sad for Luka initially because he was clearly upset about the trade but obviously, its for the better because he and Gem get to be together. Size difference is one of my favorite tropes & I LOVED that the smaller MC was the dom. These two were so sweet together and I just loved revisiting this universe. Plus we get to see Aries in little mode and Nyx just being his chaotic self.
I cannot wait for Beach Bats!!
May 6, 2026
I’m a big AS fan since “Baby boy” so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! I enjoyed the dynamic between Gem and Luka, I thought it was refreshing to see a “smaller dom” and “bigger sub”, and Gem being a dom when Aries and Nix were subs was also a nice touch. However I felt like this one was missing the AS spark I’ve come to love. I felt robbed not “seeing” their first night ever (when they were still anon) and then again when they had sex for the first time while knowing each other 😭 I guess I just didn’t expect the “fade to black” when her books are usually descriptive and spicy. I think I just wish it had more plot in general, I wanted to see more of Luka and interaction with Cherry and the others on page. I’m very excited for Robb’s and Marlin’s books, and I hope we get more of that AS sweet/kinky/spicy touch ❤️
I received an ARC of this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
How do you describe one of the best series?
I feel in love with this series and the fruit bat shifters. Gem and Luka was such a beautiful read. I was so sad when it came to an end. The ups and downs are emotional and you can’t help but fall in love with Luka as he fights for Gem. I can’t express enough about this story and this series. If you haven’t read it, you need to get them immediately and when you start with Aries and Vin, you won’t want to stop. I have officially read everything that is available from Athena and she is a rockstar with her books and words. Another great read! I can’t wait for the Beach Bats.
I feel in love with this series and the fruit bat shifters. Gem and Luka was such a beautiful read. I was so sad when it came to an end. The ups and downs are emotional and you can’t help but fall in love with Luka as he fights for Gem. I can’t express enough about this story and this series. If you haven’t read it, you need to get them immediately and when you start with Aries and Vin, you won’t want to stop. I have officially read everything that is available from Athena and she is a rockstar with her books and words. Another great read! I can’t wait for the Beach Bats.
May 8, 2026
I absolutely love this story!! I’m so happy that Gem and Luka get their hfn!! Gem deserves to be happy; I always got the impression that because he was the oldest he had to be serious and protect everyone but what about his needs! Gem is a Dom and Luka is his sub and they been pretty much have an online relationship but they finally meet as teammates! Luka realizes first and the rest is history!! I’m very excited that there will be a summer book and we’ll find out who wins the cup?
Athena is an amazing mm writer! She writes men’s romance so pure, sweet and kinky! Who doesn’t love shifter books and she does so many!!!
Athena is an amazing mm writer! She writes men’s romance so pure, sweet and kinky! Who doesn’t love shifter books and she does so many!!!
April 30, 2026
『••✎••』
｡˚. 🍇I was kindly sent an ARC Copy 🍇 ｡˚.
Athena has done it again, what a brilliant addition to the PAHL series! I devoured this! I have been looking forward to Gem’s story and it was so worth the wait, I adored Luka and he did so good proving who he was to Gem! The dynamic between them was beautifully written and I loved the affirmations Luka would repeat to himself. I just wish there was more! I need more from Gem and the boys! So looking forward to Beach Bats!
Overall, Athena can do know wrong in my eyes and I have loved this series and can’t wait for more!
｡˚. 🍇I was kindly sent an ARC Copy 🍇 ｡˚.
Athena has done it again, what a brilliant addition to the PAHL series! I devoured this! I have been looking forward to Gem’s story and it was so worth the wait, I adored Luka and he did so good proving who he was to Gem! The dynamic between them was beautifully written and I loved the affirmations Luka would repeat to himself. I just wish there was more! I need more from Gem and the boys! So looking forward to Beach Bats!
Overall, Athena can do know wrong in my eyes and I have loved this series and can’t wait for more!
May 5, 2026
Gem and Luca finally took off their masks!! I couldn’t wait for Gem to get his own book and it didn’t disappoint. The twist of Gem having a boy instead of being a boy and it being Dom/Sub and not a daddy story added such a new perspective to the series. I loved how dominant and protective Luka was on the ice and how much he needed submission off the ice. The reverse age gap was another twist that added dimension. They may not have started out on a typical path but it worked for them. This was an excellent read and I can’t wait for their trip to Hawaii.
May 5, 2026
I love Gem and Luka’s book! Such a good story. I have been waiting for this book to see who Gem’s partner is! I thought the way they are brought together is great. I love how Luka realizes that Gem is his Dom, and how he proves it to Gem.
This book is spicy and sweet, with very little angst, like a warm hug and my happy place all rolled into one. I think it’s probably best if you’ve read the first three books before reading this one, and really they’re so good you should read them anyway. I’m so excited for the next book!
This book is spicy and sweet, with very little angst, like a warm hug and my happy place all rolled into one. I think it’s probably best if you’ve read the first three books before reading this one, and really they’re so good you should read them anyway. I’m so excited for the next book!
May 5, 2026
A definite must-read!
This is another great story in the PAHL series. Athena once again captures your attention from the start and you don't want to put this book down until you finish it. Gem and Luka's story is not the daddy/boy story like Aries and Nix's story, but still follows the theme where dominant character (Gem) giving his boy (Luka) what he needs. You'll learn more about the same side characters from the previous book and the great relationship the triplets have with each other. It's heartwarming and a definite on my re-read list.
This is another great story in the PAHL series. Athena once again captures your attention from the start and you don't want to put this book down until you finish it. Gem and Luka's story is not the daddy/boy story like Aries and Nix's story, but still follows the theme where dominant character (Gem) giving his boy (Luka) what he needs. You'll learn more about the same side characters from the previous book and the great relationship the triplets have with each other. It's heartwarming and a definite on my re-read list.
May 17, 2026
Good but could be better
The book was good but felt incomplete and needs some polishing with editing. I’m confused by the information in the beginning about Lucas family because nothing really came of it in the story. Felt like there was a little bit of a rush to just get the story done and the author’s heart wasn’t really in writing this story.
The book was good but felt incomplete and needs some polishing with editing. I’m confused by the information in the beginning about Lucas family because nothing really came of it in the story. Felt like there was a little bit of a rush to just get the story done and the author’s heart wasn’t really in writing this story.
May 5, 2026
Was pleased to see Gem get his boy. He was just what Luka needed. There were some unanswered questions regarding Luka which I was sad to see wasn’t addressed. Hopefully in the next book they will be. I hope we see more from the side characters too.
May 9, 2026
Sweet Addition to Series
I enjoyed seeing Gem and Luka connect. I was surprised that Gem didn't put 2 +2 together before Luka. Still, I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other without their masks and wished the story was longer.
I enjoyed seeing Gem and Luka connect. I was surprised that Gem didn't put 2 +2 together before Luka. Still, I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other without their masks and wished the story was longer.
May 12, 2026
finally Gem gets his boy
Those two made it harder than it should have been!! But, they managed to figure it out. It’s fun to see Gem eat his words with his brothers. Poor Luka had to be brave and it paid off for him.
Those two made it harder than it should have been!! But, they managed to figure it out. It’s fun to see Gem eat his words with his brothers. Poor Luka had to be brave and it paid off for him.
May 5, 2026
Amazing!
Gems book is an amazing addition to the series. I loved getting to see more Gem. He is the best Dom and is perfect for sweet luca. Couldn't put it down
Gems book is an amazing addition to the series. I loved getting to see more Gem. He is the best Dom and is perfect for sweet luca. Couldn't put it down
May 5, 2026
absolutely perfect
i loved seeing both gem and luka get more flushed out together!!! i would have loved to see more from both of them!
i loved seeing both gem and luka get more flushed out together!!! i would have loved to see more from both of them!
May 5, 2026
I loved it!
I absolutely love this series and I cannot wait for more! I loved Gem and Luka together and I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely love this series and I cannot wait for more! I loved Gem and Luka together and I can’t wait for the next book!
May 6, 2026
I loved Gem and Luka! Also getting bits of his brother's made me so happy.
May 6, 2026
Great addition to the series
I really enjoyed this story and I am glad that Gem got his happy ending. I just wish we had seen Gem straighten out Ty's streak.
I really enjoyed this story and I am glad that Gem got his happy ending. I just wish we had seen Gem straighten out Ty's streak.
May 6, 2026
Story 3.5⭐️ Spice 2.75🌶️
May 7, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 8, 2026
Ugh their dynamic was sooooo good. I was a little sad when Gem pushed Luka away. But I love how they can all be kinky together with their brothers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Too short!
I think this one may have been rushed. It needed a little more to finish up. It was good but Aries was for sure the best one of the three.
I think this one may have been rushed. It needed a little more to finish up. It was good but Aries was for sure the best one of the three.
May 14, 2026
I liked this one and they were good for each other but Gem pissed me off when he didn’t believe him and sent him away 😡
May 15, 2026
5+ stars
I absolutely loved this whole series. Gem and Ty are so sweet together and I loved catching up with Nix.
I absolutely loved this whole series. Gem and Ty are so sweet together and I loved catching up with Nix.
May 25, 2026
Felt like it cut off right where the plot should have climaxed
May 25, 2026
Unfinished story. Loved the characters, their relationship, but too many loose ends.
May 10, 2026
three out of three for the fruit bats
Finally, the last of the fruit bat boys have found their partner. This was really cute and fast paced. I love this universe and can’t wait to see more from Athena Steller
Finally, the last of the fruit bat boys have found their partner. This was really cute and fast paced. I love this universe and can’t wait to see more from Athena Steller
May 18, 2026
i’m so sad this series is over i love these bat shifters so much 😭
my only complaint is that this author tends to forget about some of the plots they write lol, like what happened to the triplets being targeted etc?
my only complaint is that this author tends to forget about some of the plots they write lol, like what happened to the triplets being targeted etc?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews