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Shawn
Shawn wasn’t looking for a mate when he’d accompanied Bryce to a book signing at the newly opened bookstore in town. The big bow-tied cutie isn’t Shawn’s usual type but when Shawn sets eyes on the bookstore’s owner, he feels something shift inside him. The boy that draws his attention is perfect in every way. Even before his wolf scents his mate.

Sam
Sam is starting a new life, with a new business, and he’s excited for his future. He isn’t in town long before he sees the sexy biker who runs away from him. Sam thinks he’s lost his chance at learning more about the attractive guy. That is, until Shawn returns with gifts and sweet words.

Sam would love to curl up against the biker and maybe whisper the word Daddy in his ear. He knows he doesn’t look like a typical boy. He’s too tall, too chubby, but that doesn’t mean his heart doesn’t crave to belong to a Daddy.

Shawn sets out to woo his shy mate, but when a blast from his past makes Sam feel unwanted, things go from bad to worse. Then Shawn is shot by hunters and while he recovers, Sam goes in search of answers.

Things are heating up and moving fast for our paranormal family. Unlocking the love of their mates might be the only way to save them all.

Warnings – This book contains M/M sexual content (men having sex with each other) and a Daddy/ boy relationship.
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.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2022

127 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Athena Steller

40 books339 followers

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5 stars
534 (50%)
4 stars
339 (31%)
3 stars
163 (15%)
2 stars
26 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews456 followers
August 5, 2022
This was definitely cute. I loved reading about everyone in the pack.

It did feel like I was missing just that something that makes a book more. But I will keep reading this series. These guys are cute.
Profile Image for mellismoodreads.
100 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2022
Had a hard time connecting with both protagonist. The Daddy Kinn felt like a add on and just didn't work in their relationship. Also, Sam did behave judgy in the first half towards Shauwn which made him kid unlikeble. Will probably read the next ones in the series as well but in the hopes for something as good as the first two books.
Profile Image for Angi.
837 reviews15 followers
July 21, 2022
Another super sweet book in this series. I love Shawn and Sam was a cute giant teddy bear. I personally think the whole Daddy link didn’t work so well this time. It’s not because of Shawn being a giant but rather that I didn’t feel like they honestly were into it.
They were still great together.
I also liked the „side“ story and I am very much looking forward to the next book as well as the short story.
492 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2022
Awwwwwwwwwww!

20 star story but man the editing REALLY needs to happen. Every single one of them has been like that. I absolutely love the story and love the characters but its really distracting when random quotations just appear and disappear. Plus people change size and shape constantly depending on whatever is going on. Sam was a few inches taller than shawn, then he had to stand on tip toes to kiss him (or maybe Shawn got on a chair and I didn't notice?), then they were the same height and then Shawn is taller again? That happened with Bryce too. He was 40 and chubby, then he was 20 and skinny... I love a variety in characters, especially when they don't "fit the mold" but an author really needs to keep track of that and not change their dimensions when it suits them.

Loved the story though and the characters. I highly recommend this whole series in spite of it seeming like an unedited draft. Can't wait for the next!
Profile Image for Laura.
775 reviews49 followers
July 29, 2022
This was ok. I liked that the suspense and angst was drawn out a little more in this one, but I do feel like the issue with Shawn's ex kind of disappeared into nowhere and went unresolved.

I do like the world that the author has created in this series, and I think that's why I keep coming back to it, even if I'm not completely blown away by the writing. I'm looking forward to reading the stories of the other characters in the family/pack, but I will be going back to read Anton/River/Rainier's book that takes place between books 3 and 4. I somehow missed that one and had been thinking that the author just skipped over them for some reason. This book was a lot better than book 3, and I really liked the cover.
Profile Image for Danielle Hendrikse.
313 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
"Dimples" dives into the heart of a burgeoning romance set against the backdrop of a paranormal world, seamlessly blending elements of MM romance and Daddy/boy dynamics. The story revolves around Shawn, a rugged biker with a heart ready for love, and Sam, a new bookstore owner seeking a fresh start and a place to belong. Their tale is one of unexpected connections, the search for acceptance, and the power of love to transcend past hurts.

Shawn, while supporting his friend at a book signing, finds himself inexplicably drawn to Sam, the bookstore's owner. Sam, with his bow ties and a demeanor that exudes a mix of vulnerability and strength, is far from Shawn's usual type. Yet, the immediate recognition of Sam as his mate ignites a protective and tender desire within Shawn, prompting him to pursue Sam with a mix of determination and care that is both endearing and sincere.

Sam's character is beautifully crafted, representing those who, despite not fitting societal norms of attractiveness, possess an inner beauty and strength that shines brightly. His yearning for a Daddy to call his own, coupled with his initial hesitance due to past rejections, paints a poignant picture of his longing for acceptance and love. Shawn's intuitive understanding of Sam's needs and his unwavering support highlight the depth of their bond, even in the face of external challenges and dangers from Shawn's past.

The narrative skillfully addresses themes of self-acceptance, the importance of community, and the struggle against external prejudices. The inclusion of a paranormal element adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, with the presence of hunters providing a tangible threat that tests the strength of their relationship and the support of their paranormal family.

The author's handling of the Daddy/boy dynamic is respectful and thoughtful, presenting it as an integral part of Sam and Shawn's relationship that enhances their emotional connection. This aspect of their romance is explored with sensitivity, focusing on the mutual care, trust, and consent that defines their dynamic.

"Dimples" is more than just a paranormal romance; it's a story of finding love where least expected and the journey of two souls towards acceptance and fulfillment. The book's assurance of no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA provides a comforting framework for the reader, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the emotional and suspenseful storyline.

Overall, this novel is a heartwarming addition to the genre, offering readers a mix of sweet romance, tantalizing paranormal elements, and a message of love's enduring power to heal and unite. It's a must-read for fans of MM romance, especially those who appreciate the nuances of a Daddy/boy relationship set within a supportive and loving paranormal community.
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,886 reviews46 followers
February 13, 2024
Wolf shifter Shawn wasn't looking for a mate as he accompanied Bryce to a book signing at the new local bookshop. When Shawn sets eyes on the shop owner, the big bowtied cutie is not Shawn's usual type his wolf scents him as his mate. Sam is starting a new life with a new business and is excited for the future. Then his attention is caught by the sexy biker who then runs away from him and so he feels sad that he lost his chance with him. Then Shawn returns with gifts and sweet words. Saw would love to curl up with Shawn and whisper the word Daddy in his ear but he is too tall and chubby to be a typical boy. Shawn sets out to woo his shy mate, but when a blast from his past makes Sam feel unwanted, things go from bad to worse. Then Shawn is shot by hunters and while he recovers, Sam goes in search of answers. Things are heating up and moving fast for our paranormal family. Unlocking the love of their mates might be the only way to save them all.

I enjoyed this story with all of the danger and drama around the start of the relationship between Shawn and Sam. It was great to see how they and for some the entire family handled the sources of that drama and danger. The relationship between Shawn and Sam was sweet and I liked that there was respect and care taken so that they could fall in love properly with each other. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like Daddy/boy dynamic.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,008 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2022
A little disappointing but a decent story all around

I normally enjoy Athena’s books. Unfortunately, there were a couple of things in this book that irked me and took away from the experience. The two main issues were some serious slut shaming (which was never properly dealt with and the character who did it never actually properly apologised) and the decision to repeatedly refer to a ‘villain’ as Fatty. Shaming someone for having consensual casual sex is not okay and if it does happen proper grovelling needs to happen. Also, I don’t care if someone is a bad guy, Fatty is not okay. Not only is it immature but it makes all the alleged body positivity earlier in the book ring pretty hollow.

Hopefully the next book in the series will be more like the Athena Steller books I’ve enjoyed in the past.
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,287 reviews44 followers
September 3, 2022
I liked Shawn’s installment for this series. He and Sam seemed well matched. I really liked how sassy Sam was written.

This book seems to be setting up for another story arc with how things play out. Also with the arrival of Dean, a mage, which makes me super intrigued.

Shawn was so nervous with Sam. He really didn’t want to mess things up with his mate, but really didn’t know how to handle himself or his wolf. I loved that things didn’t go perfectly. Sometimes it’s the imperfections that make things right. I don’t need a perfect love story, but one that is perfect for the MCs is so wonderful. Both Shawn and Sam had insecurities and it was nice to see them work on them together.

I’m excited to see where the rest of the stories take us and look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Aziza.
222 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2023
It started out ok then quickly went down hill. I really didn't like Sam. He slut shames Shawn, asks for space, then gets upset that Shawn isn't contacting him. Like what dude? Who would chase after someone who treated them that way? I mean I know that us the readers know that Shawn is hurt but still. Then he has the nerve to go around demanding to know where Shawn is. He's lucky that Shawn can't resist the mating pull and forgives him easily. Not that he even bothered to apologize. More like he demanded that Shawn understand where he's coming from on the subject. It irritated me.

Another thing that I didn't like in this was the way the daddy kink was written. It made me cringe.

As usual there were editing mistakes in this. Sadly I seem to be getting use to it from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tam.
Author 21 books104 followers
August 31, 2022
Jeez, Shawn turns into a total bumbling idiot in this book which they blame on his youth. I found it annoying. I did like that Sam is a larger guy who believes he's a boy but hasn't really been able to explore it. There is also the sub story of Sam's roommate who finds his mate and it's just kind of thrown in. Again, more spelling mistakes. He's been here "ever sense" instead of ever since and Shawn is called Shan. Just lazy mistakes in my opinion which a copy editor should catch. This adds to another layer to an over-arching mystery when it appears someone is trying to "hunt" paranormals, but I just get frustrated with the poor quality.
111 reviews
August 3, 2022
Perfect

I Love this series! I like how Sam is working on his positive body image on his own, but Shawn is there as a positive, loving and encouraging support. Sam is also so sweet and naughty! A great combination. It is so hot how the shifters have a hard time controlling their animal when finding their mate!! And with Shawn being young, its nice to see a different prospective. The found family love and protectiveness is touching and such a great part of the story. I cannot wait for more in the series!!
911 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2022
I love this series and loved Sam and Shawn. I really identified with Sam about his weight and appearance and loved how Ansley helped him stave off the negative feelings he sometimes had. I really liked Shawn and I cringed when the nasty Twink caused trouble and made Sam run off. I am so glad he gave Shawn a second chance after Shawn ran off and got shot by hunters. I love the compound and members from other stories and was amused when Ansley met his mate and I hope that Adam gets his mate someday.
Profile Image for Malissa Hilton.
608 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2025
Wonderful

What a wonderful sweet, funny, aww, book. Athena Steller did an amazing job with Shawn’s story. If you read the first book you will first get a view of Shawn being that he is Bryce’s best friend. A young shifter compared to the rest of the shifter and paranormals in Shawn’s found family he didn’t want a mate right now. At least that’s what he told himself. But Fate has its own ideas. Enters Sam, the new book store owner. From there poor Shawn has a heck of a time. It’s cute, funny, adorable and just right for these two. 5 star ⭐️ worthy. 💜
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
1,998 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2022
Shawn finds his mate in bookstore owner, Sam. Problem is that Sam is human. And Shawn hasn't a clue on how to go about claiming him. His idea to woo him is met with lots of support from the found family/pack. Unfortunately, every time he gets close to his mate, Shawn gets tongue tied and runs away.
There is danger as an unknown magic user is out to get Arden's family. There's sexy times. And sweet fun as Sam meets the mates. Very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
August 14, 2022
Intense and carrot paced shifter romance with risk & kink!

Shawn was a little confused by his recent battle of shifter wolf/man. The mate scent escalates the balance, until it balances it out. Sam, Book owner has wanted to live in the series his best friend writes. Until he faced believe in stories become reality or lose it all. Sudden death makes everything become clearer. MM romance, with Daddy boy dynamics.
9 reviews
October 10, 2022
Book 5 not 5…

This is a great read and I’ve enjoyed the whole series.
Just remember to read the novella first!
It popped up as book 4 after reading book 3. However, after a few chapters I was confused and it felt like I’d missed a book!
Turned out I had! There’s a novella in between book 3 and 4 so read it first so you don’t find yourself wondering who Rainer is and why River suddenly has 2 mates not 1…
Great series though!!
22 reviews
February 9, 2025
beautifully written

I love the story between Shawn and Sam. How happy that everybody was for Shawn that he met his mate and how clumsy he was courting him. There were some angst a misunderstanding cause by a stalker and Shawn getting hurt and losing his phone, not responding to texts. But they caught most of the bad guys except for the mysterious mage, and another one found their mate. I’m wondering if that twink stalker ends up as the magic user I didn’t like him.
Profile Image for Juniper Cole.
Author 9 books70 followers
July 23, 2022
Not judge the book by its cover

I know they say dont judge a book by its cover but I usually do. Its kept me from reading some good books I'm sure. I'm so glad I took the chance on this series. Its fun and quirky and sweet. The characters are all unique and each story has Been fun to read. So look past the covers and give these books a try
749 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2022
Love this series

I am a fan of Athena Steller. She is a one click author for me. This series is paranormal fated mates without mpreg. This book is for Shawn, Bryce's best friend and I loved reading about Shawn finding his mate Sam. I also really enjoy the background storyline of the threat to the family that is ongoing in the series. Can't wait for what happens next.
Profile Image for Marie.
850 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2022
Dimples

I really like that Shawn met his mate and enjoyed Sam also. However I felt like Shawn was written more like a boy. Sam seemed so much more dominant and his boy moments seems forced. The new over arch story left lots open for the next book with hopefully books for Adam, Logan and Levi.
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 Katharine.
238 reviews41 followers
November 5, 2022
social awkwardness at its finest

Well written as always. Precious story. I’m so happy for these mates. I won’t lie: I cackled several times at the secondhand embarrassment. Definitely more spice than the first but it was tamer in my mind than some of the other boys’ stories. Overall very good. Can’t wait for the next mates!
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,446 reviews
July 25, 2022
3.25 stars

Overall I enjoyed the book, but I didn't connect with the Daddy/boy dynamic of the story. For me they could have stayed just a Fated couple and leave the kink out. That part didn't work for me.
Profile Image for Kelly Gress.
648 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2022
Sweet Addition to Series

I enjoyed Shawn and Sam's story. I'm looking forward to seeing how the author will continue to expand this world. There are so many supporting characters that I want to see get their own HEA.
1,108 reviews
July 26, 2022
Enjoyable

I enjoyed Sam and Shawn’s book. It’s sweet, low angst, and has an interesting side story that should carry through at least to the next book in the series. There are a few grammar errors, but I enjoyed the storyline enough that they were easy to ignore.
Profile Image for Emily.
105 reviews
July 30, 2022
cute 🥰

Another great addition to the series. I’ve liked Shawn’s character since the very first book and it was great to see him get a mate of his own, he and Sam are very sweet together.
Profile Image for Riley Moore.
23 reviews
August 1, 2022
When reading this I didn’t know it was book 4 in a series but I wasn’t confused at all so I guess you could read it as a stand alone. But it was a good book love the couple definitely gonna go back and read the first 3.
180 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2022
Please let there be more !

I've so enjoyed watching the characters develop. Even though each story clearly stands alone, the continuing characters from each are embedded. I really need Sebastian's story! And what about Levi? And Logan? Who is this Dean guy? Please write more!
Profile Image for Mary Dunlap.
1,226 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2022
What a good book

I really enjoyed it.... Shifter books are the best.. Finding mates and all the Smexy times.. And the sweetness of it all is very enjoyable... With a HEA is also the best
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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