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Drake had no idea when he took a human’s blood in order to perform a duty for his family that the human was his mate. One taste and Drake’s world is rocked. Now not only does he need to convince the human that Drake is his forever, but Drake also has to teach Lawson how to fit in with his paranormal family.

It had started so innocently. A visit to a club so Lawson can play as a pup. A man turns into a bear, he gets swept away by a handsome stranger, and learns that vampires are real, and he’s supposed to be a mate to one. Life has never been fair to him, but this time Lawson thinks he’s way over his head.

Will Lawson find the family he’s been searching for or will the paranormal world be too much for him to handle?

Precious is set in the same timeline as Trinity, the second book in the Unlocked Mates series. It is highly recommended to read these books in order, to follow along with the characters first meeting their mates.

Warnings – This book contains M/M sexual content (men having sex with each other), Daddy/ boy relationship, power exchange, and puppy play.
This book is an exploration of a relationship between two (male) consensual adults who are looking for love and acceptance. All characters in sexual situations are over the age of consent.
No cheating or cliffhangers and an HEA is a guarantee.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2022

140 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Athena Steller

40 books339 followers

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5 stars
545 (48%)
4 stars
359 (32%)
3 stars
177 (15%)
2 stars
30 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews456 followers
March 26, 2022
Hmm, I'm not sure I liked this all that much. It was okay and I still liked all the guys, but I was pretty bored throughout.

I will continue with the series, because there's always the potential for fluffy goodness with Athena Steller.
Profile Image for Aziza.
222 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2022
This was boring. Also the editing mistakes and wrong names used annoyed me.
Profile Image for Tünde Kasza tóth.
1,299 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2022
I get that there is some saying about if you are good at something keep doing it, but I don't think that works with books. Especially if you are writing the same characters over and over again.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,287 reviews44 followers
March 13, 2022
The vampire and the human

Even with the few quibbles I’ve had with this series, I really am enjoying it. Drake and Lawson were a wonderful addition to the mates couples in the house.

Once again, our story starts at the same time as the previous two. Drake meets Lawson and then has to explain how paranormal creatures are real. Turns out, Lawson and Drake are mates. Lawson took the news surprisingly well, as did his two brothers.

I really did like Drake and Larson together. They were sexy and funny. I HATED that the first time Lawson and Drake are together intimately was off page. Why does the author keep doing that?! However, there was so much yummy time on page that I can overlook it. Lawson as a pup was well done and Drake was such a great master.

We get to discover what type of paranormal Levi is and I am super excited for his story with the park ranger! Lawson’s brother, River, is contending with his mate Anton, and I am curious how that will pan out.

This was a solid edition to this series and I am looking forward to more from this group.
Profile Image for Danielle Hendrikse.
313 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2024
"Precious," set within the vibrant and intricate universe of the Unlocked Mates series, dives into the unexpected and whirlwind romance between Drake, a vampire with deep familial obligations, and Lawson, a human who finds himself suddenly thrust into the bewildering realm of the paranormal. This narrative not only explores the shock and awe of discovering the existence of vampires but also delves into the complexities of mate bonds within this supernatural world.

Drake's encounter with Lawson is serendipitous, a twist of fate that neither expected. The act of taking Lawson's blood for a duty-bound ritual reveals an undeniable connection that shakes Drake to his core. The realization that Lawson is his destined mate sets off a tumultuous journey of discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of a love that defies the norms of both human and vampire worlds.

Lawson's introduction to the paranormal is nothing short of dramatic. From witnessing a man transform into a bear to being swept off his feet by Drake, he is forced to reassess his understanding of reality. The concept of vampires, let alone being mated to one, challenges Lawson in ways he never anticipated. Yet, beneath the incredulity and fear lies a deeper quest for belonging and love, themes that resonate at the heart of this story.

The author skillfully navigates the delicate balance between the erotic and emotional dimensions of Drake and Lawson's relationship. The exploration of a Daddy/boy dynamic and puppy play adds layers of depth to their connection, emphasizing the themes of care, consent, and mutual respect. These elements are handled with sensitivity and insight, showcasing a relationship that, while unconventional, is rooted in the genuine affection and understanding between the characters.

Set against the backdrop of the Unlocked Mates series, "Precious" benefits from the richly developed world and character relationships established in earlier books. The recommendation to read the series in order enhances the reader's appreciation of the intricate dynamics at play and the evolution of the overarching narrative. The inclusion of familiar faces and the continuation of their stories provides a comforting sense of continuity and community within this supernatural world.

Warnings about the book's content are thoughtfully provided, ensuring readers can approach the story with an understanding of its themes and the nature of the relationships portrayed. The assurance of no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA (Happily Ever After) offers a promise of satisfaction and closure, making this a compelling read for fans of MM romance and paranormal fiction alike.

In conclusion, "Precious" is a captivating addition to the Unlocked Mates series, offering a passionate and tender exploration of love's power to transcend the boundaries of the ordinary and the supernatural. Through Drake and Lawson's journey, the story affirms the universal desire for connection, acceptance, and the finding of one's place in the world, no matter how extraordinary the circumstances. This novel is a testament to the enduring allure of paranormal romance and the endless possibilities it presents for storytelling.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I rated this book 3.5 stars so I’ve rounded it up to 4 stars. I thought this was a cute story but I found book 2 way more interesting. Drake is a vampire, not sure how old he is. He left his bio family when they found out that he was interested in men and told him that he’d never find a male mate (since it wasn’t talked about at the time) so he should choose a female instead. He left with nothing and was by himself until Axel and a couple of others from his family came into the restaurant where Drake worked and spoke to him. It was the first time Drake had felt safe in years. From that moment on Drake found his family. Lawson and his two brothers River and Sebastian have been taking care of each other for years, as their parents cared more about d*ugs than their own sons. They’re just scrapping by but at least they have a room over their heads, even if it’s a sh*tty one bedroom trailer it’s still home. Lawson, River and Sebastian go to the k*nk club so Lawson can play to his hearts desire but not long after they enter the playroom, all hell breaks loose when a man shifts into a bear as he found both his mates and shifted and scars them. Axel goes to make sure that his mate Bryce is alright since he was scared too and Axel hadn’t gotten around to telling him about him and his family. Drake tells him that he’ll take care of the humans, meaning he’ll wipe their minds.

Drake noticed Lawson as soon as him and his brothers came into the playroom. He takes them to his office where he explains that the paranormal world exists and that Craig, the bear lost control of his shift as he scented his two mates. After he tells them that he’s a vampire and they don’t freak out and that Lawson has always been obsessed with them, Drake’s thinking that maybe Lawson is his mate as Bryce was obsessed with Dragons and ended up mated to Axel. Drake asked Lawson if he could drink from him which Lawson agrees, his brother River isn’t happy about it as he’s protective of him. Drake finds out that him and Lawson are mates due to that taste of bl*od so he doesn’t need to wipe their memories and that they’re now part of his family. Drake’s found family made the boys feel instantly welcome, Lawson was happy to work at Drake’s restaurant and help out with the bar or waiting tables, River already works for Shawn’s construction company so was given more responsibility after Shawn checked with his supervisors and Sebastian could help with the paperwork side of things in some of their families businesses since they’re not good at paperwork, as well as helping with proposals etc. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series as each of their found family find their mates. I’m surprised that Shawn’s story is next as I really thought it would be River and Axel’s brother Anton’s story, but maybe they need longer since Anton has a lot to make up for and River is not sure about being someone’s mate let alone Anton who was an a*sehole when they first met and first impressions count. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Laura.
775 reviews49 followers
Read
May 21, 2022
This was, um...a book, you know? This was a book. That's about it for the impression left on me after finishing this. I'm really sorry to the author, but this was so fucking boring. Yes, I could have just stopped reading, but I've read a few of her other books in the past and I liked them well enough to slug through this in the hopes that it might get better on the next page or in the next chapter. The summary provided on Goodreads is literally all that happens, and most of that is within the first few chapters. The rest is sex, puppy play, and everyday events being detailed out with pretty bland conversation and narration.

This would be a somewhat decent read if you're looking for a slice-of-life story with shifters/paranormals involved in the kink community. Other than that, there's no real conflict in here to reel in the reader and make them become invested in the storytelling.

However, I will be reading the previous book "Trinity" about Craig, Bo, and Nate purely for the angst it promises--- though I'm not keeping my hopes up. Same thing goes for the next book, "Dimples" about Shawn and his mate. There was a preview provided, but there's no summary out yet. Even though this particular book was disappointing, I did like the author's writing from other books enough to try the rest of this series. After "Dimples" comes out, I'm hoping for a book each on River, Levi, and Sebastian with their mates.

This wasn't bad enough to warrant a 1-star rating, but I also didn't feel like it was good enough for the "just ok" rating of 2 stars, so I'm leaving this unrated. I'm sorry again to the author; this was just a huge miss for me.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books104 followers
March 18, 2022
These books all kind of take place at the same time so are overlapping, scenes copied from other books from the other point of view. In this case 3 humans are at the BDSM club, one a puppy when the bear shifter freaks and shifts in front of them. Ooops. Drake plans to erase their memories until he realizes pup Lawlor is his mate, so he's determined to bring all three (including Lawson's twin brothers) into the family.

That's really about it. There is little drama, just Drake's uncertainty that Lawson will accept his vampire-self and Lawson being very independent and worried people will think he's after Drake for his money as the boys' parents were druggies who abandoned them.

I like these because they are fun and fluffy and don't have a lot of drama. Like some naughty junk food you enjoy and I think I liked River, one of the twins better than Lawson. The puppy play is very lite and only happens once or twice, and shy freaked-out Lawson becomes quite the little minx, but it's what it is. Nothing wrong with him, he was just a bit of bland perfection who made everyone feel great.

However, I am usually really easy-going on editing, but a few times it pulled me up. "He at his @ss". What? Ohhh, ate. And Levi was called Levin twice. He was called Levin once in another book so I'm presuming he used to be called Levin and it was changed and not all find/replace worked. So despite enjoying the series in general, I would give this 2.75 because of the editing.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,886 reviews46 followers
February 11, 2024
Vampire Drake tastes a little of Lawson's blood and realises that he is his mate. Ne now has to convince him that he is his forever but how to fit in with his paranormal family. Lawson only visited the club so he could play as a pup but then a man turned into a bear and then learns that vampires are real and he is supposed to be mate to one. Life has never been fair to him, but this time Lawson thinks he’s way over his head. Will Lawson find the family he’s been searching for or will the paranormal world be too much for him to handle?

I enjoyed this story which was good from the sections between Drake and Lawson but that was expanded into something far more to read with the inclusion of Lawson's two brothers. I loved the way that the family came together to welcome the three men and the communication issues between Drake and Laws9n where they made far too many assumptions. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic including puppy play.
Profile Image for Angi.
837 reviews15 followers
June 15, 2022
Another awesome book in the series. I love the characters so much and it was great to get to know Drake better through this book and also to finally really meet Lawson.
These two were great characters and they were great together. I do wish there would have been a little more puppy play but I do also like that it just focus on their relationship in general.
Something I love a lot about this series is that this whole bunch of characters are really like a big family. There is lots of moments of the mcs interacting with side characters. Through these scenes we got to know the side characters better as well.
Also there is no stupid jealousy because one of the two is being nice to someone else. That makes their relationship feel so much more wholesome and mature.
I am very very VERY much looking forward to more books in the series. To be honest I can’t wait for dimples to be released because I love Shawn and the little sneak peek got me extremely excited for his book.
4 reviews
May 23, 2022
Can't wait!

Enjoying this series so much I can't wait until Shawn's story is out. Anyone who ever dreamed of someone loving them and accepting them with their whole heart will love the depth of feeling in these characters. This chosen family of shifters and mates are closer than most birth families. The humans are just ordinary Joes and gives us imperfect people that read about these characters an understanding and an acceptance of ourselves. Even the paranormals are aware of their perceived flaws and are anxious about being accepted by their mate. Please excuse my long winded review. Just wanted you to know what you are in for when you read this series.
1,055 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2022
Not as good

So 3 stars because while there were still some editing mistakes, there didn't seem to be near as many as the first 2 books. And I didn't notice any wrong names thrown in so yay! But I'd have lowered it to 2 stars because there really wasn't much puppy play. If that's suppose to be the biggest kink I need it front and center. And the 2 MC's only plyed together a 2 times, the very first being more then 60% thru the book. Plus a lot of talk about sexy scenes but not much on the page.
138 reviews
January 8, 2025
3.5 stars

This series is super cute. Lawson meets Drake at the local kink club when Drake's bear shifter brother shifts in front of Lawson and his brothers. When Drake talks to Lawson in order to erase the memories of what happened he realizes Lawson is his mate. This book is very similar to the previous with a concentration on the development of the relationship with a little kink thrown in. There is an overarching plot that hasn't fully developed but I'm excited to read more. Spice level: 1.5
276 reviews
April 9, 2022
Absolutely loving this series. All my favourite tropes in one go. Drake and Lawson were a lovely couple and the continuing story line is beginning to pick up. I have given 5 stars just for the storyline alone however, there is a need of a proof reader for this series but I am so excited by the story that I have let this go. It would be good though to see it at its sparkling best. I am excited for the next instalment.
Profile Image for America.
703 reviews2 followers
May 14, 2022
It was cute, but not as engaging as the previous two. I don't care much about puppy play, so I guess that's why I didn't like it as much as the first one, or even the second one, because I found age play more endearing. Still, the characters were really sweet, the main couple was cute together, I am intrigued about the next books, because the author did a really good job setting the stage for the next couple. I'm looking forward to that book.
Profile Image for Malissa Hilton.
608 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2025
Vampire’s Mate

Lawson has always had to be strong and responsible for himself and his two brothers, the twins. Drake runs the fancy restaurant in town and has taken upon himself to be the cook for his family. One human, Lawson and one Vampire, Drake is put together in this sweet, romantic, cuddly, book. Witty and funny this book is perfect for a nice read. Athena Steller has this whole world of family amd how they are finding their mates. This story is truly wonderful w
Profile Image for Gemi Star.
163 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2022
Another win

I loved this one as much as the first, and then I find out 3 more to come. Woohoo, so excited. I love these characters all of them mesh so well, and I love how we meet the characters that are not always in the next book but are going to be important too. We'll written and a HEA I cannot wait for the next one
Profile Image for Mandy Tunstill.
516 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2022
Adorable & Cute 💞💞

I'm absolutely loving this series what an amazing family paranormal's and their mates Drake and Lawson wow the chemistry between them the fun and games with the puppy play and the little's play time love it can't wait for the others to meet their mates Levi, Sebastian Shawn so special. 💖💖
49 reviews
March 21, 2022
Vampire Love

I enjoyed this book a little more than the others. Lawson and his vampire mate. The puppy play seems like just an aside things as if Lawson doesn't need that side. There some grammar errors and a scene in which the forgot who was there and where. Sad that slot of books are no longer proofread, it interiors the reader.
Profile Image for CB.
3,196 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
Sweet, entertaining series with low angst and perfectly imperfect characters that are perfect for each other.

4 books out now but more to come. Each could probably be read stand-alone but much better read in order. Each book features a different couple who get their HEA but the secondary MC's all show up randomly throughout each other's stories and the timeline progresses.
Profile Image for Joslin.
245 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2022
cute fun but needs helps

It’s a cute story but needs some help editing. The writer has some serious trouble with continuity errors in the series. Someone named Christian again made an appearance, but so did Logan, so now I’m thoroughly confused now if they are the same person or not. Stellar really, really needs a proofreader!
22 reviews
February 9, 2025
so sweet

I really enjoyed this third book Drake’s understanding of Lawson’s need to take care of his younger brother and make sure they knew they were family was wonderfully written. The chemistry between the characters was great. I love how Lawson has kind of become the person others come to for advice.

I can’t wait for Levi’s book though lol.
Profile Image for Donna Miley.
164 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2022
More fun mates

I am enjoying this series quite a bit. This group of shifters have been a solid family and now they are discovering their mates. Drake not only got a mate but twin younger brothers too. Fun sexy times follow. Can't wait for book 4.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,231 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2022
Why did the ending come so fast!!

I need more! I love this series so much. I want mates for all of them. Plus I need to know what they are going to do about Axel’s father. Anton better straighten up and do right by River. Please tell me more is coming soon.
1,108 reviews
March 15, 2022
So good!!

I’m loving this series and this may be my favorite so far! Drake and Lawson are a sweet couple and I liked how easily Lawson and his brothers fit into the family. I’m looking forward to Shawn’s book next and really can’t wait for Anton and River’s story!
Profile Image for Marie.
850 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2022
Good addition

Enjoyed reading Drake’s book. I am enjoying the over arching story line and hope to see Levi’s next. There was a few areas that desperately needed a proofer but overall enjoyable.
911 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2022
I am enjoying this series and found Drake and Lawson funny and sexy. I loved how Lawson and his brothers found a family that loved them and made them feel safe. It will be interesting to see Shawn with his mate and how River handles his mate Anton.
Profile Image for andrea moran.
2,125 reviews
April 1, 2022
Precious

This is shaping up to be a fantastic series with each of the men finding their perfect mate who adds to the found family they are building, very sweet and low angst reading
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