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Daddy's Boy #2
Pretty Baby
The Boy
Caleb has been hiding his true self for so long that he isn’t sure who he is anymore. He’s not the brat he portrays. He’s not confident like others think. Caleb is just a shy boy, who loves pretty things, and animals. No one stays long enough to learn who Caleb really. How could he trust any of them to show his deepest secret? That is, until one night at the club Caleb finds a Daddy Dom that sees right through his masks. Grant demands things from Caleb that scares him. Has Caleb met the one Daddy Dom that he can open up to?
The Daddy
The moment Grant spots the vulnerability that Caleb hides so well he’s hooked. He has plenty of experience reading people as a Detective but Caleb is a mystery in more ways than one. He’s also the sweetest and neediest boy Grant has ever met. Caleb has secrets but Grant will push until all is revealed. Until Caleb is under his thumb and accepts that he is Grant’s pretty princess.
Pretty Baby is the second book in the Daddy’s boy series by Athena Steller.
This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), light BDSM elements, a boy wearing women lingerie and a Daddy who loves it, Age Play, domestic discipline, Daddy/ boy relationship, power exchange, rough sex, phone sex, age gap relations, and naughty times with a giant teddy bear. This book is an exploration of a relationship between two (Male) consensual adults that are looking for love and acceptance. All characters in sexual situations are above the age of consent. No cheating or cliff hangers.
Each book in the Daddy’s boy series will concentrate on a new couple although the characters from other books will visit often. The books can be read as stand alone novels but for better enjoyment it is recommended to read the books in order.
Each book in the Daddy’s boy series ends with a HEA.
Caleb has been hiding his true self for so long that he isn’t sure who he is anymore. He’s not the brat he portrays. He’s not confident like others think. Caleb is just a shy boy, who loves pretty things, and animals. No one stays long enough to learn who Caleb really. How could he trust any of them to show his deepest secret? That is, until one night at the club Caleb finds a Daddy Dom that sees right through his masks. Grant demands things from Caleb that scares him. Has Caleb met the one Daddy Dom that he can open up to?
The Daddy
The moment Grant spots the vulnerability that Caleb hides so well he’s hooked. He has plenty of experience reading people as a Detective but Caleb is a mystery in more ways than one. He’s also the sweetest and neediest boy Grant has ever met. Caleb has secrets but Grant will push until all is revealed. Until Caleb is under his thumb and accepts that he is Grant’s pretty princess.
Pretty Baby is the second book in the Daddy’s boy series by Athena Steller.
This book contains MM sexual content (men having sex with each other), light BDSM elements, a boy wearing women lingerie and a Daddy who loves it, Age Play, domestic discipline, Daddy/ boy relationship, power exchange, rough sex, phone sex, age gap relations, and naughty times with a giant teddy bear. This book is an exploration of a relationship between two (Male) consensual adults that are looking for love and acceptance. All characters in sexual situations are above the age of consent. No cheating or cliff hangers.
Each book in the Daddy’s boy series will concentrate on a new couple although the characters from other books will visit often. The books can be read as stand alone novels but for better enjoyment it is recommended to read the books in order.
Each book in the Daddy’s boy series ends with a HEA.
254 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2020
400 people are currently reading
993 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 8, 2023
made me weep, it broke my heart how Caleb felt and was mistreated all his life 😭😭😭
Caleb was alone in the world, just like he’d always wanted. Except now, Caleb dreamed of something more. Someone to hold him at night and tell him that he wasn’t a loser.
so happy that he found his Daddy, the first person who really understood him 🥰
He saw something in Caleb’s gaze that surprised him. Real need. A desperation that Grant knew the boy had to normally hide.
It was very nice how Grant very slowly gets through to him and teases out his secrets and supports him.
The story is quite simple, no outstanding plot, it's primarily about the emotions and the relationship between Daddy and boy, so it's quite heavy on the daddy-kink, though without spanking or age-play. Caleb is not little, but he definitely has traits of it.
And in terms of sex, more or less vanilla with a little spice.
“Tear up my ass, Daddy! I need it!” Caleb demanded. Grant’s control snapped. He pulled out until only the tip of his cock remained inside then slammed in hard. Caleb screamed. “Yes!” 😊
Caleb was alone in the world, just like he’d always wanted. Except now, Caleb dreamed of something more. Someone to hold him at night and tell him that he wasn’t a loser.
so happy that he found his Daddy, the first person who really understood him 🥰
He saw something in Caleb’s gaze that surprised him. Real need. A desperation that Grant knew the boy had to normally hide.
It was very nice how Grant very slowly gets through to him and teases out his secrets and supports him.
The story is quite simple, no outstanding plot, it's primarily about the emotions and the relationship between Daddy and boy, so it's quite heavy on the daddy-kink, though without spanking or age-play. Caleb is not little, but he definitely has traits of it.
And in terms of sex, more or less vanilla with a little spice.
“Tear up my ass, Daddy! I need it!” Caleb demanded. Grant’s control snapped. He pulled out until only the tip of his cock remained inside then slammed in hard. Caleb screamed. “Yes!” 😊
July 7, 2020
I randomly grabbed this while looking for something "different". It's fluff with some kink on the tamer side of the spectrum. Absolutely readable and will hit the spot if you're in the mood for that kind of thing. It skims the surface of the Daddy/Boy thing though. There's no deep understanding of what makes people who are into it tick.
April 18, 2021
4.5 stars
Gosh this book was great. I love both main characters and their relationship is really beautiful.
Caleb is a broken little boy who never really got to know what it is like to be loved. Grant on the other hand is a wonderful Daddy with a giant heart.
There were are few scenes in this book I cried for Caleb. He really didn’t have it easy and it’s so wonderful seeing him thrive with this new relationship.
I also liked the side characters and now have to read the other books in the series too. Oh and all the animals were so cute and a great addition to the story and Calebs character. I love how he cared for them so much but you could also tell that they gave him a lot of solace.
The only thing I would have liked to get more of is that whole situation with Calebs mother. I wish their would have been kind of a closure for Caleb since I believe he would need it.
Then there is the whole thing with the drug dealer and that weird guy at the end. This was weird. I do hope we get to know more about this in the next book because otherwise I don’t understand why it was even mentioned.
Overall this book just made me happy and therefor I absolutely recommend if you like books about age play.
Gosh this book was great. I love both main characters and their relationship is really beautiful.
Caleb is a broken little boy who never really got to know what it is like to be loved. Grant on the other hand is a wonderful Daddy with a giant heart.
There were are few scenes in this book I cried for Caleb. He really didn’t have it easy and it’s so wonderful seeing him thrive with this new relationship.
I also liked the side characters and now have to read the other books in the series too. Oh and all the animals were so cute and a great addition to the story and Calebs character. I love how he cared for them so much but you could also tell that they gave him a lot of solace.
The only thing I would have liked to get more of is that whole situation with Calebs mother. I wish their would have been kind of a closure for Caleb since I believe he would need it.
Then there is the whole thing with the drug dealer and that weird guy at the end. This was weird. I do hope we get to know more about this in the next book because otherwise I don’t understand why it was even mentioned.
Overall this book just made me happy and therefor I absolutely recommend if you like books about age play.
September 8, 2024
I wasn’t really into this. There was way too much age-play for my liking. I know it says age-play in the blurb but I guess I didn’t really understand what that meant. Also, this wasn’t really that well written. The characters were pretty flat, everything was too easy, and there were a lot of grammatical mistakes.
March 29, 2020
I’m 31% in and my eyes and brain are really struggling. This reads like a quick first draft. The amount of grammatical errors is alarming. Sentence after sentence in desperate need of commas, additional words in sentences that make no sense, and pluralizing words for no apparent reason. It looks like no one read over this in the least.
I find the story so far very sickly sweet, characters barely developed, and the Insta-Love isn’t even believable, but had the grammar not been an issue I could have overlooked it and appreciated this for at least a quick 3 star read. Unfortunately that just isn’t the case.
I find the story so far very sickly sweet, characters barely developed, and the Insta-Love isn’t even believable, but had the grammar not been an issue I could have overlooked it and appreciated this for at least a quick 3 star read. Unfortunately that just isn’t the case.
April 18, 2023
Book safety! Spoilers ahead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2022
Talk about an instant connection! Despite the fact these two have known each other (though never really had a decent conversation) for years, they absolutely feel in love at first.... Speak.
This was all sweet and fluff and while I really loved Avery it was nice having a Boy that was less Little in this one.
Some of the scenes though we're so dirty and came as such as a surprise but I totally loved it! Extra points for that kink alone!
This was all sweet and fluff and while I really loved Avery it was nice having a Boy that was less Little in this one.
Some of the scenes though we're so dirty and came as such as a surprise but I totally loved it! Extra points for that kink alone!
April 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Book two was much better than the first. The POV were much more defined and easier to understand.
Grant and Caleb were a great addition to the story. Looking forward to Mitch and Byron's story and yes what is up Mac???
Book two was much better than the first. The POV were much more defined and easier to understand.
Grant and Caleb were a great addition to the story. Looking forward to Mitch and Byron's story and yes what is up Mac???
September 17, 2021
Sweet
This was a lovely, fluffy, low angst read. Caleb was such a sweet boy, and Grant really was the best person to find him and take care of him.
This was a lovely, fluffy, low angst read. Caleb was such a sweet boy, and Grant really was the best person to find him and take care of him.
November 1, 2025
1.75 ⭐️
🥃 Daddy/Boy
🩲 Sort-of Brat
🥃 Little-ish
🩲 Lace Things
🖤 Breakup: No
🩶 OM Drama: No
🤍 Roles: Strict
This is a cute story, but the writing itself is bad. It reads a rudimentary at times like it’s just a list of what a character does, but the real issue is the editing (or lack thereof). I genuinely wonder if anyone edited this book. A book with this many mistakes should NOT be published.
I found 30+ typos! OVER THIRTY! In a <300 page book. That’s absurd and it doesn’t even include general grammatical improvements that could be made and commas that should be added. I feel like even an author editing their own work should catch some of these. It just baffles me because I wouldn’t want to put out a piece of work with this many mistakes. It sucks the enjoyment out of reading for me when I can barely make it ten pages without an error.
Also, what was that random drug dealer plot? We know that one character is a detective but his job has nothing to do with the rest of the story and there’s a random scene at the end that is kind of open ended but also serves no purposes for this book other than confusion. Maybe it’s a set up for future books but it doesn’t intrigue me enough to figure it out. If you’re adding mystery or crime to your book, it needs to be well explored or at least somewhat fleshed out.
Rant over.
🥃 Daddy/Boy
🩲 Sort-of Brat
🥃 Little-ish
🩲 Lace Things
🖤 Breakup: No
🩶 OM Drama: No
🤍 Roles: Strict
This is a cute story, but the writing itself is bad. It reads a rudimentary at times like it’s just a list of what a character does, but the real issue is the editing (or lack thereof). I genuinely wonder if anyone edited this book. A book with this many mistakes should NOT be published.
I found 30+ typos! OVER THIRTY! In a <300 page book. That’s absurd and it doesn’t even include general grammatical improvements that could be made and commas that should be added. I feel like even an author editing their own work should catch some of these. It just baffles me because I wouldn’t want to put out a piece of work with this many mistakes. It sucks the enjoyment out of reading for me when I can barely make it ten pages without an error.
Also, what was that random drug dealer plot? We know that one character is a detective but his job has nothing to do with the rest of the story and there’s a random scene at the end that is kind of open ended but also serves no purposes for this book other than confusion. Maybe it’s a set up for future books but it doesn’t intrigue me enough to figure it out. If you’re adding mystery or crime to your book, it needs to be well explored or at least somewhat fleshed out.
Rant over.
April 19, 2021
This was interesting and nice to read.
February 14, 2020
I enjoyed this much more than Baby Boy. The characters were more developed.
I think Steller got some beta readers this time because the grammar was massively improved and there didn't seem to be any major inconsistencies. The switch between POV was really clear.
I liked the characters and the story was sweet. I usually just skim through sex scenes because they all tend to be the same and that's just boring. But this book had a few scenes that were definitely not boring.
I'm glad I decided to read this one and I'm looking forward to Mitch's story (I soooo want to learn more about him and so I hope there is some good character development in the next book.
I think Steller got some beta readers this time because the grammar was massively improved and there didn't seem to be any major inconsistencies. The switch between POV was really clear.
I liked the characters and the story was sweet. I usually just skim through sex scenes because they all tend to be the same and that's just boring. But this book had a few scenes that were definitely not boring.
I'm glad I decided to read this one and I'm looking forward to Mitch's story (I soooo want to learn more about him and so I hope there is some good character development in the next book.
January 1, 2023
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Use of the f slur and brief homophobia
Kink: Daddy kink, age play, lace and lingerie, domestic discipline, plush-play, JOI, phone sex, exhibitionism
Pretty Baby by Athena Steller is a romance between femme little Caleb and his daddy, Grant.
Pretty Baby is one of my favorites in this series, because I really enjoy how we see Caleb’s playboy-type exterior is really just covering the hurt inside and isolation he struggles with. I like how Grant sees that in him and wants to help - and how that manifests in their kink life. Domestic discipline, power exchange, and the way that they are able to explore his own unique gender expression without fear. The conflict that comes up and Caleb learning to take accountability I think was a good character arc for him.
It’s also a hot read! There are plenty of good sex scenes in here. I love plush-play and that was in this book, too. There is age-play, but it’s not sexual, and there are no diapers for those concerned about that.
There is a side character who I originally thought was a villain - apparently he’s actually a character in a later book? I understand the author wanting to give us sneak peeks to feature main characters, but it was oddly done. I did like the bonding between Caleb and Avery, and hope that the friend group continues to grow close.
This is the second edition of the book so precious errors have also been adjusted for those worrying about that. Not that the editing is perfect, but it’s a lot more readable.
If you’re into the kinks, I recommend this one!
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Use of the f slur and brief homophobia
Kink: Daddy kink, age play, lace and lingerie, domestic discipline, plush-play, JOI, phone sex, exhibitionism
Pretty Baby by Athena Steller is a romance between femme little Caleb and his daddy, Grant.
Pretty Baby is one of my favorites in this series, because I really enjoy how we see Caleb’s playboy-type exterior is really just covering the hurt inside and isolation he struggles with. I like how Grant sees that in him and wants to help - and how that manifests in their kink life. Domestic discipline, power exchange, and the way that they are able to explore his own unique gender expression without fear. The conflict that comes up and Caleb learning to take accountability I think was a good character arc for him.
It’s also a hot read! There are plenty of good sex scenes in here. I love plush-play and that was in this book, too. There is age-play, but it’s not sexual, and there are no diapers for those concerned about that.
There is a side character who I originally thought was a villain - apparently he’s actually a character in a later book? I understand the author wanting to give us sneak peeks to feature main characters, but it was oddly done. I did like the bonding between Caleb and Avery, and hope that the friend group continues to grow close.
This is the second edition of the book so precious errors have also been adjusted for those worrying about that. Not that the editing is perfect, but it’s a lot more readable.
If you’re into the kinks, I recommend this one!
March 14, 2020
This is an author to look out for. The books are amazing and I cant wait to see the next in the series. The characters are well thought out and very lovable. The sex scenes are down right sizzling off the pages word for word. I can only imagine the feeling of be love and protected like this by a daddy in my life. It to me is a must read for all daddy doms tropes and readers alike.
January 7, 2026
love the dynamic, hated the execution
Perchè far capire al lettore in medias res che i due personaggi già si erano incontrati e rapportati l'uno con l'altro? E se i due personaggi hanno già interagito allora la dinamica deve ripartire da lì o quanto meno con una menzione dell'incontro che non sia 100 pages deep into the book. Inoltre il 'club' più che un club sembrava una sala per il gioco di tombola dalle dinamiche descritte all'interno dello stesso.
Ma veniamo al tasto dolentissimo, l'esecuzione della dinamica daddy-boy/little, chiedo scusa io alla comunità BDSM per questa straziante descrizione del daddy/dom kink; riferirsi a libro Piece Us together di TJ Hamel per conosce un vero Dom, anche se non daddy, perchè Hunter si che vi cambierà la vita.
Perchè far capire al lettore in medias res che i due personaggi già si erano incontrati e rapportati l'uno con l'altro? E se i due personaggi hanno già interagito allora la dinamica deve ripartire da lì o quanto meno con una menzione dell'incontro che non sia 100 pages deep into the book. Inoltre il 'club' più che un club sembrava una sala per il gioco di tombola dalle dinamiche descritte all'interno dello stesso.
Ma veniamo al tasto dolentissimo, l'esecuzione della dinamica daddy-boy/little, chiedo scusa io alla comunità BDSM per questa straziante descrizione del daddy/dom kink; riferirsi a libro Piece Us together di TJ Hamel per conosce un vero Dom, anche se non daddy, perchè Hunter si che vi cambierà la vita.
April 18, 2020
3.5
This is my favorite form of D/b. I loved this relationship. I loved that they were able to see passed each other’s outer shell enough that they were able to find love. I LOVE that the Daddy wasn’t rich. I often wonder how it works if Daddy isn’t some millionaire. But Daddy’s love was truly all that was needed.
My only issues was, why didn’t we get to experience the first really kiss. And in the very beginning there were texts and long phone calls. It would have been nice to experience those. Help establish more of the relationship with the reader.
I’m super excited about The next story. Very intrigued by both MC’s
This is my favorite form of D/b. I loved this relationship. I loved that they were able to see passed each other’s outer shell enough that they were able to find love. I LOVE that the Daddy wasn’t rich. I often wonder how it works if Daddy isn’t some millionaire. But Daddy’s love was truly all that was needed.
My only issues was, why didn’t we get to experience the first really kiss. And in the very beginning there were texts and long phone calls. It would have been nice to experience those. Help establish more of the relationship with the reader.
I’m super excited about The next story. Very intrigued by both MC’s
September 6, 2023
This Series is Unputdownable!
I absolutely adored book 2 more than book 1! Grant and Caleb are the unexpected match that end up being perfect for each other. They have known each other forever, but never saw each other in a romantic way till one night. And the wooing and romance in this one is amazing. The friendship group, pets, and the way the character’s develop individually and together makes this series addictive.
I absolutely adored book 2 more than book 1! Grant and Caleb are the unexpected match that end up being perfect for each other. They have known each other forever, but never saw each other in a romantic way till one night. And the wooing and romance in this one is amazing. The friendship group, pets, and the way the character’s develop individually and together makes this series addictive.
August 23, 2021
Some age play, but Caleb is not really a little, so this is more D/b focused. It's a sweet story, but the poor editing was annoying again, just like in the previous book. I do want to find out if Mitch lets his Daddy in, so I'm sure I'll be reading the next book, but it probably won't be for a little while.
February 26, 2020
3.5 stars. The idea of the characters in this really appealed to me but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous one. It has the same vibe but the intro of them getting together came kind of left of field so it threw me for a loop and then I just wanted to see where it would go.
January 14, 2023
Entertaining. No complaints here. ⭐️3
April 4, 2020
2.5* The daddy/little kind is not really my thing but I keep reading them. I think because Kindle keeps pushing you to more of whatever you read. They have no interest in having your expand your reading.
Anyway, I'm good with the fancy underwear and I felt sorry for Caleb who had really no childhood but he seemed to be little ALL the time and super juvenile and I just couldn't visual a full-grown adult behaving that way, clapping hands and running? Maybe I don't get the little thing. LOL So it was okay and I liked it well enough and I have no clue why I keep picking these up, but they are easy reads that are escapes which I guess I need these days.
Anyway, I'm good with the fancy underwear and I felt sorry for Caleb who had really no childhood but he seemed to be little ALL the time and super juvenile and I just couldn't visual a full-grown adult behaving that way, clapping hands and running? Maybe I don't get the little thing. LOL So it was okay and I liked it well enough and I have no clue why I keep picking these up, but they are easy reads that are escapes which I guess I need these days.
January 27, 2021
Caleb is misunderstood at the club because he puts on a bratty face to protect himself. Grant looks closely at Caleb one night and sees there is more to him than the brat he's met before. This is book 2 of the series and we met Caleb and Grant in book one but this can be a standalone. I liked the first book much better though. This one was okay but I felt there was stuff missing. Caleb and Grant talk early on how Caleb is not a little, but then there is age play without any real discussion about it. I'll keep reading the series thought to see what happens with their friends.
March 7, 2020
Cute Daddy/boy read
Grant and Caleb were the perfect Daddy /boy couple. The two knew of each other but neither was ready to make a go at it before. They had ups and downs trying to get used to each other but I think the overall plot and story was lacking
Grant and Caleb were the perfect Daddy /boy couple. The two knew of each other but neither was ready to make a go at it before. They had ups and downs trying to get used to each other but I think the overall plot and story was lacking
January 25, 2022
it's sad really that i have to rate it this low but the grammatical errors and just the overall format of this book is too jarring for me. it was really sweet but it looked like a draft with no editing done and it made it feel less sweet and fun while reading.
May 30, 2022
The relationship moved wayyy too fast for me. This type of relationship involves a lot of trust and I just don't feel like they had enough time to develop it. I also felt like there was a lot of holes in the plot and the ending was very abrupt.
December 27, 2024
Pacing is bad. A bit overly dramatic at parts. Didn’t care for the extended cast. Felt very shallow. I wish it just stuck with the lingerie. The little stuff was just a little too much.
March 19, 2024
Athena Steller's "Pretty Baby," the second installment in the Daddy’s boy series, delves deeper into the complex dynamics of Daddy Dom/little boy relationships, presenting readers with a nuanced exploration of identity, vulnerability, and acceptance. Through the characters of Caleb and Grant, Steller crafts a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is erotically charged, striking a delicate balance between the physical aspects of their relationship and the psychological depths that define them.
Caleb is a character many will find instantly relatable, embodying the struggle to reconcile one's public persona with their true self. Steller skillfully peels back the layers of Caleb's brash exterior to reveal the shy, sensitive soul beneath. His love for "pretty things" and a deep-seated desire to express his femininity through wearing women's lingerie are depicted with a tenderness and understanding that speak volumes of Steller's commitment to portraying her characters with authenticity and depth. Caleb's journey is one of self-discovery, and his vulnerability is his greatest strength, drawing readers in and inviting them to root for his happiness
Grant is introduced as a detective with a keen ability to read people, yet it is Caleb who presents an intriguing challenge and ultimately captures his heart. Steller presents Grant as the quintessential Daddy Dom—firm yet caring, demanding yet protective. His desire to uncover all of Caleb's secrets is driven by a genuine concern for Caleb's well-being, making their dynamic compelling and heartwarming. The portrayal of Grant's dominance and his appreciation for Caleb's uniqueness add depth to their relationship, highlighting the transformative power of acceptance and love.
"Pretty Baby" tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to be one's true self with sensitivity and insight. The incorporation of light BDSM elements, age play, and power exchange are handled with care, emphasizing the consensual nature of Caleb and Grant's relationship. The exploration of femininity within the context of a MM relationship is particularly noteworthy, challenging traditional gender norms and celebrating the beauty of individual expression.
The narrative is engaging, with a pace that keeps readers invested in the unfolding relationship between Caleb and Grant. The erotic scenes are tastefully executed, complementing the emotional development of the characters rather than overshadowing it. Steller's writing shines in her ability to convey the complexities of the Daddy Dom/little boy dynamic, making "Pretty Baby" a standout in its genre.
"Pretty Baby" is a compelling addition to the Daddy’s boy series, offering readers a deep dive into the lives and loves of its protagonists. Athena Steller has crafted a story that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming, with Caleb and Grant's journey towards acceptance and love serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of being true to oneself. With its satisfying HEA and the promise of more character-driven stories to come, "Pretty Baby" is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a unique blend of romance, eroticism, and emotional depth.
Caleb is a character many will find instantly relatable, embodying the struggle to reconcile one's public persona with their true self. Steller skillfully peels back the layers of Caleb's brash exterior to reveal the shy, sensitive soul beneath. His love for "pretty things" and a deep-seated desire to express his femininity through wearing women's lingerie are depicted with a tenderness and understanding that speak volumes of Steller's commitment to portraying her characters with authenticity and depth. Caleb's journey is one of self-discovery, and his vulnerability is his greatest strength, drawing readers in and inviting them to root for his happiness
Grant is introduced as a detective with a keen ability to read people, yet it is Caleb who presents an intriguing challenge and ultimately captures his heart. Steller presents Grant as the quintessential Daddy Dom—firm yet caring, demanding yet protective. His desire to uncover all of Caleb's secrets is driven by a genuine concern for Caleb's well-being, making their dynamic compelling and heartwarming. The portrayal of Grant's dominance and his appreciation for Caleb's uniqueness add depth to their relationship, highlighting the transformative power of acceptance and love.
"Pretty Baby" tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to be one's true self with sensitivity and insight. The incorporation of light BDSM elements, age play, and power exchange are handled with care, emphasizing the consensual nature of Caleb and Grant's relationship. The exploration of femininity within the context of a MM relationship is particularly noteworthy, challenging traditional gender norms and celebrating the beauty of individual expression.
The narrative is engaging, with a pace that keeps readers invested in the unfolding relationship between Caleb and Grant. The erotic scenes are tastefully executed, complementing the emotional development of the characters rather than overshadowing it. Steller's writing shines in her ability to convey the complexities of the Daddy Dom/little boy dynamic, making "Pretty Baby" a standout in its genre.
"Pretty Baby" is a compelling addition to the Daddy’s boy series, offering readers a deep dive into the lives and loves of its protagonists. Athena Steller has crafted a story that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming, with Caleb and Grant's journey towards acceptance and love serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of being true to oneself. With its satisfying HEA and the promise of more character-driven stories to come, "Pretty Baby" is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a unique blend of romance, eroticism, and emotional depth.
January 28, 2023
Both characters are mentioned in book 1 and both had some of my interest then.
Caleb appears bratty, spoiled and a tease, often riling up Doms and creating chaos for the sake of attention. I liked this in book 1 and wish there had been more of it than a couple pages in his own story. He basically goes from brat to baby in short couple chapters and trusts his new Daddy from the get go.
Grant appears like a VERY side character, really forgettable in Baby Boy, to the point where at times I thought Jace only had the one friend, a little, and had to be reminded Grant existed. That said... in this book he does show a bit more about himself, how he takes control of situations and sees more in Caleb than he shows, says, does. Their relationship builds a lot better than in book 1's romance and it's a lot more realistic. Even the touch about their financial differences.
The way they also mesh their interests is fun. I was expecting something like it from the title and was pleased to read it, although I would've wanted more, not as sissy-fication but as a preference of style, more... gender fluid in that sense. But it was entertaining to read and it didn't clash with Caleb's little mindset or behavior. It was also good to see the differences between Avery and Caleb but also how they connected as littles.
What I wasn't convinced about was Grant's job. From the beginning there's a plot going that could've turned the relationship into a difficult or dangerous situation, or him or someone he cares about. That could've developed him as character and in his profession and the world of a law enforcement but no... the situation gets "fixed" in a way that's IN NO WAY FIXED and in any case creates more trouble and Grant should've handled it different... actually, he handles nothing and there's no mention of him passing this information to any authority or fellow in his job.
Then comes the most RIDICULOUS situation ever in which a new character is "revealed" probably just so he can get a book... and he's also the ex-machina fixing everything for Grant's little problem. Talk about stalker, creepy, insane dude appearing out of nowhere, but the novella treats it as if he's someone to talk to, there's something more and sure the characters should interact more at the moment instead of high tailing it to the nearest police station.
So while not very deep or nail biting interesting, it was good at giving a very real, natural ABDL/little dynamic and situations, as well as differences in preferences by Doms/Daddy and littles. The rest... well... it was very lacking and a bit stupid. I don't particularly recommend it, and I say it's not worth it to follow the series, so far. While good enough to go to a 2.5 from 5 stars I'm re-reading this or probably reading much more than this series from this author.
Caleb appears bratty, spoiled and a tease, often riling up Doms and creating chaos for the sake of attention. I liked this in book 1 and wish there had been more of it than a couple pages in his own story. He basically goes from brat to baby in short couple chapters and trusts his new Daddy from the get go.
Grant appears like a VERY side character, really forgettable in Baby Boy, to the point where at times I thought Jace only had the one friend, a little, and had to be reminded Grant existed. That said... in this book he does show a bit more about himself, how he takes control of situations and sees more in Caleb than he shows, says, does. Their relationship builds a lot better than in book 1's romance and it's a lot more realistic. Even the touch about their financial differences.
The way they also mesh their interests is fun. I was expecting something like it from the title and was pleased to read it, although I would've wanted more, not as sissy-fication but as a preference of style, more... gender fluid in that sense. But it was entertaining to read and it didn't clash with Caleb's little mindset or behavior. It was also good to see the differences between Avery and Caleb but also how they connected as littles.
What I wasn't convinced about was Grant's job. From the beginning there's a plot going that could've turned the relationship into a difficult or dangerous situation, or him or someone he cares about. That could've developed him as character and in his profession and the world of a law enforcement but no... the situation gets "fixed" in a way that's IN NO WAY FIXED and in any case creates more trouble and Grant should've handled it different... actually, he handles nothing and there's no mention of him passing this information to any authority or fellow in his job.
Then comes the most RIDICULOUS situation ever in which a new character is "revealed" probably just so he can get a book... and he's also the ex-machina fixing everything for Grant's little problem. Talk about stalker, creepy, insane dude appearing out of nowhere, but the novella treats it as if he's someone to talk to, there's something more and sure the characters should interact more at the moment instead of high tailing it to the nearest police station.
So while not very deep or nail biting interesting, it was good at giving a very real, natural ABDL/little dynamic and situations, as well as differences in preferences by Doms/Daddy and littles. The rest... well... it was very lacking and a bit stupid. I don't particularly recommend it, and I say it's not worth it to follow the series, so far. While good enough to go to a 2.5 from 5 stars I'm re-reading this or probably reading much more than this series from this author.
March 31, 2020
Favorite book this year
Well hi, I wasn’t expecting to really like this book too much since I’m not into boys wearing lace. But once again Athena has turned out an amazing book, and for me, done the impossible, made me finally understand the appeal of boys in lace.
From start to finish you were swept up by the main characters and the supporting cast. You cared what happened to Caleb and Grant was that perfect mix of sweet, strict, and aggressive in bed that knocks your socks off.
The story was good, no instalove but a strong instaattraction that was totally ok because it’s a romance novel.
I gave the book my coveted 5 star review because it made me appreciate a kink I hadn’t yet been able to get behind, and because this is a story I’m going to want to read again. I almost downgraded it to 4 stars because the author still hasn’t gotten a beta or an editor. There are so many missing word, wrong word tenses, confused words. In some places it’s pretty bad. But the story was good enough I breezed by them to find out what would happen next. I’m guessing there were around 30 easy to find errors and that’s too many- so the author really needs to take time to have this read over. Actually I’m shocked a standard word processor didn’t find 75% of the mistakes.
Still, unless your a grammar freak out that aside and read this book, I think you’ll find this to be one of the best daddy series out there, and this is one of the best books of the year!
Well hi, I wasn’t expecting to really like this book too much since I’m not into boys wearing lace. But once again Athena has turned out an amazing book, and for me, done the impossible, made me finally understand the appeal of boys in lace.
From start to finish you were swept up by the main characters and the supporting cast. You cared what happened to Caleb and Grant was that perfect mix of sweet, strict, and aggressive in bed that knocks your socks off.
The story was good, no instalove but a strong instaattraction that was totally ok because it’s a romance novel.
I gave the book my coveted 5 star review because it made me appreciate a kink I hadn’t yet been able to get behind, and because this is a story I’m going to want to read again. I almost downgraded it to 4 stars because the author still hasn’t gotten a beta or an editor. There are so many missing word, wrong word tenses, confused words. In some places it’s pretty bad. But the story was good enough I breezed by them to find out what would happen next. I’m guessing there were around 30 easy to find errors and that’s too many- so the author really needs to take time to have this read over. Actually I’m shocked a standard word processor didn’t find 75% of the mistakes.
Still, unless your a grammar freak out that aside and read this book, I think you’ll find this to be one of the best daddy series out there, and this is one of the best books of the year!
January 5, 2023
Caleb has hidden his true self for so long that he isn't sure who he actually is now but he is not the brat that he portrays and is certainly not as confident as others think. He is just a shy boy who loves pretty things and animals. Usually, no one stays long enough to learn who Caleb really is but then how can he trust anyone to know his deepest secrets? Grant demands things from Caleb that scare him so has he met the one Daddy Dom he can open up to? The moment Grant spots the vulnerability that Caleb hides so well he is hooked as he has plenty of experience reading people as a Detective. Caleb is a mystery but the sweetest and neediest boy he has ever met. Caleb has secrets but Grant will push until all is revealed. Until Caleb is under his thumb and accepts that he is Grant’s pretty princess.
I enjoyed this story with the frustrated and confused Caleb who was crying out for affection and someone to love him for himself. Thankfully Grant is a careful, observant and thoughtful Daddy Dom who is prepared to give his boy what he needs. I loved this story with the pretty boy with his love of silky underwear and the Daddy who loved his boy in silky underwear. Easy to read, feel and understand. This book contains mature MM content of a BDSM-like relationship with DDLB, domestic discipline and a boy who loves wearing feminine lingerie. The books are better to read in order for full enjoyment although each ends with a HEA.
I enjoyed this story with the frustrated and confused Caleb who was crying out for affection and someone to love him for himself. Thankfully Grant is a careful, observant and thoughtful Daddy Dom who is prepared to give his boy what he needs. I loved this story with the pretty boy with his love of silky underwear and the Daddy who loved his boy in silky underwear. Easy to read, feel and understand. This book contains mature MM content of a BDSM-like relationship with DDLB, domestic discipline and a boy who loves wearing feminine lingerie. The books are better to read in order for full enjoyment although each ends with a HEA.
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