JoAyyn

The Pet Project #3

by Amanda Milo

My alien keeper rescued me from a man I should have been able to trust: my father.
Raised by an alien, I never really learned how to interact with human people.
And that’s fine. I’m happy just as I am. I never feel like I’m missing out on anything.
...So I don’t understand why this new human, Lee, affects me so strangely.
Then again, he did just admit that he’s been hunting me.
If he hurts me, and Keeper finds out--he’s a dead man.
Ask me how I know.

Genres: Science Fiction, Aliens, Romance, Dark, M F Romance, Novella, Science Fiction Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2020

Reviews

[Katie Reus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up really liking this novella. Writing so much emotion in such a short medium can be difficult to pull off but this was great. And the hero ended up being really sweet.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - First, major CW for child SA. That is how this book opens and you should definitely know this going into the book. Beyond that... I continue to be intrigued by this series. It is an interesting premise to try to make a romance work in, and while I'm not sure it's always wholly successful (to me, in terms of world building, there's a huge gap here in the Keepers continuing to keep their "pets" if they KNOW they are capable of language, rationale thought, artistic creation, etc.), I find myself intrigued to read more

[Imogen Keeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one's even better than the first. Maybe? I like them both equally, but what was unusual about this one was that you get the POV of the keeper.

I'm kinda ... I'm sitting here trying formulate my thoughts. I'm taking a break from my own steamy aliens and dark dystopians and this ... these books are fresh. That's the best word to describe them.

They're not dark or sordid. I don't feel gross after reading them like I do after some stuff I've delved into lately. I don't feel depressed or emotionally conflicted. I don't know if I even feel like they're kinky--though what's kinkier than pet play?

I think the root of it is, these aren't pet play books. These aren't dystopian books even though it's a world in which people are kept in cages. It's almost utopian. The keepers function as benevolent entities who watch and make sure we behave as our best selves, who nurture us and give us chances to grow and become better than we must me. At least, if they deem us worthy. I recognize the darkness there. There are men kept in group stud cages, but they seem to be relegated to the bad men. The men who shout out at women and jerk off when they come close and urinate to prove their manliness.

The men and women who rise above get a chance to become something more. Protectors. Defenders. Lovers. I can't really understand my own feelings. There's so much wrong in this world, but the focus is on Joayyn/Melissa. She is a favored kept pet, even sleeping at the foot of her keepers bed and living inside his house. She falls for a tracker/hunter man who sleeps outside--not in a cage, cuz he's special. He gets a doghouse. Lol. I know, i know. That's crazy to write. It's a testament to the author that somehow it worked.

It had some of the best dialogue I've ever read.

Example (my fan fic version): She's walking around the gardens (most pets are locked up) and he comes upon her and startles her, he crouches low, "don't be afraid."

"Does Keeper know you're free?"
Lip curve. "Your keeper set me free."
"Does Keeper know you came after me?"
"Your keeper set me to hunt you."

Except he isn't hunting, he's observing, learning, gauging, recognizing. And Keeper was training him for his competitions where he hunted. They were practicing. Keeper would never let anyone hurt any of them. They were almost like children to him ... except for the whole pesky cage thing. Lol. All I can say is, I think if you can give these a chance and embrace them for what they are, you might find some educational action beats (this author does a phenomenal job with body language and revealing human physical tells since the aliens cant communicate so well). The physical beats in particular were a real education.

Also, I found myself laughing out loud at several points. It definitely gives insight into the behaviors of some of our pets.

These books were incredibly unique. Fun. Outrageous. Silly. Emotional. Intense. Enlightening. I could keep going. But I wont.

I love them.

[Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, I read these both last night (Unnatural Selection & JoAyyn)

This author was new to me and I really enjoyed both of these stories set in the same universe with some overlap. I did not read the first book and feel that I didn't need to, but I would suggest reading 2 before 3.

As I said in my review for Unnatural Selection, this world is the perfect magical collision of brilliant execution meets seemingly crazy idea. But it works so, so well. The subject matter in the first 3% is definitely upsetting, but the in-your-face bit was just a blip - just enough to get the point across - and the author was able to very quickly, with a few sentences, give us a good understanding of the species' morality framework and where this particular alien 'keeper' (Keeleel's friend Uteep from the first book) stands on the spectrum. He's a good egg, I'll put it that way. Both Uteep and Keeleel seem to be really good representations of their species and we're able to suss that out for ourselves without being outright told by the author, which is pretty impressive tbh. I just loved Lee's character. What a sexy sweetheart he was ... and just perfect for JoAyyn. I loved this couple, I loved the way they came together, I loved the whole thing. I'm especially impressed at how much this author was able to accomplish in such a short time, TWICE (both book 2 and book 3 were pretty short, quick reads, but really left an impact.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

Aw! Okay, I'll add this author to my cute alien romance list. =)

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final book of the Pet Project series. I didn’t love the last book, but these are all short so I decided to finish the series. The book has Joaynn’s story, as well as an added novella that is loosely connected to The Pet Project.

Joaynn’s book came with a special trigger warning. She was sexually abused by her father, and although not graphic, the first chapter could be hard for some to read. She has a completely different relationship with her keeper (BFF of the keeper from The Pet Project: Unnatural Selection--A Kept In Alien Captivity Romance) he keeps pets, but has raised Joaynn since he rescued her at 6-years-old, so they have a more father/daughter relationship. Also, J and her keeper can communicate, and she can speak with other aliens, so there’s back and forth communication. This one is narrated from H’s, keeper’s, and Lee’s POV’s.

Initially, the timeline felt wonky. In the epilogue of the The Pet Project: Unnatural Selection--A Kept In Alien Captivity Romance; J is grown and having her daughter meet Theresa’s son, then, the book opens with her age 6. In the first few chapters in flips back and forth to different time periods, and switches POV’s. Eventually, everything catches up, and it ends with an epilogue 3 years forward, which I believe is 2 years prior to the epilogue of The Pet Project: Unnatural Selection--A Kept In Alien Captivity Romance.

Overall, this is a pretty sweet read. Lee is really supportive and devoted to Joayann, and her path to healing. It’s a slow journey, and not really smutty.

The Emperor’s Son is a short story that features the Emperor mentioned in the epilogue of book 1. They’re interested in “adopting” a pair of tenders from the breeding facility from The Pet Project, and it says they are from the original couple’s line (Pet & Beastly’s and Prime & his mate), but doesn’t specify how. (maybe grandkids ??) It revolves around both couples the Emperor/wife and the tender couple, and a kidnapping plot to steal the E’s son. It was ok, but so short there wasn’t a ton to it, and I have to say some of the nastiest sexytime I’ve ever read…turns out alien bird sex inspired by snail mating is a hard limit for me. 🤢

[Diana Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite of these three.
Lee gives me beagle vibes! Need to squish.

The end story is so funny. I am like 'Oh, I didn't know that was hot ' lol. *****FILTHY!!!!

I consumed all three stories in one night. My only regret is reader remorse.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing and you don’t just get One Book but Two!
JOAYYN’s and also THE EMPEROR’S SON

I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5.

Im in looove with this universe, the concept is so good and addictive! I’m not going to spoil anything, these are definite rereads for me.
I can’t wait for more books to come out in this universe! 🥰

HEA(?): Yes, for both!
Relationship Type: since there are couple(s) featured in both: Book 1> MF & MF, Book 2> MF & MF
Romance: 4.5-5/5
Heat: 4/5
Pacing: Mid
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 3.5/5

[Kristy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might by my favorite in the series so far. I loved watching JoAyyn grow up, the scenes with her as a little girl were so sweet. I loved the love that Uteep had for her. To the point he put his love life on hold until he felt she was comfortable with him getting married and sharing his attention.

I felt like Lee was almost two different personalities. The first half of the book Lee and the second half Lee. The first half he was quiet and speculative. He watched and took everything in. He was hunting. But when he took action and set his trap, he started talking and he was a really funny guy. I loved that there was so much more to him than what we saw in the first half, it made him so much more desirable.

I love these stories, but even though I love them, I felt an undercurrent of sadness that they are still considered pets. They can’t ever decide for themselves how many children they can have or live on their own. That’s a sad concept. But at the same time, this story in particular was more a family unit with their pets. JoAyyn was basically Uteep’s daughter. I loved it.

I am really bummed I've read everything in this series. But I was super excited when I found out the bonus book, The Emperor’s Son, was also set in this world.

It was so good and it made me crave more. Amanda Milo has such a way of dragging me into her stories. She mentions a character a couple times and I’m dying for their story. For example the human who protects the emperor, I want him to get a mate and find his happily ever after. I want more!!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FAVORITE QUOTES

I spy two glasses on the dining table. Two glasses next to each other. “Did Keedeel come by?”

“No. Why?”

I point at the glasses. “Who were you drinking with?”

“Myself,” she answers quickly.

I stare at her. “Yourself.”

“Yeah. Me. Myself. I. She gestures to the whole of her person, which seems to get more alien by the day sometimes. “We were thirsty.”

~Uteep and JoAyyn (when he comes home from a trip and she doesn’t want him to know she’s been spending time with Lee.)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Keeper stares at Lee. “I liked you very much when you were quiet.”

“I’m only quiet when I’m hunting,” Lee admits.

“Hmm,” Keeper says. “Am I to assume you’ve been hunting JoAyyn?”

“Affirmative. I marked her for mine when you told my former keeper that you were coming back for me.”

~Uteep and Lee

[Ann Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, some of the best world-building I've seen in decades! Book 3 (and 3.5!) didn't fail. In fact, I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. Though this book did state it was a novella, it's more like a shortish novel. (I'm the only usually complaining that books nowadays are too short!) We're now getting to see the life of Melissa/JoAyyn and the Hunter/Tracker Lee. It's fun to see characters (both Keeper and Y-Dax) from Book 2 and how they interact with our characters in Book 3. Just too much fun!

Great characters, both main and secondary. The continuity is definitely there. It's a great day-in-the-life as well as action/adventure (see Book 3.5) that is absolutely endearing.

I wish I could write more. It's cold where I am, and I don't know how long I have in terms of electricity and internet access. But I will say this: BUY THIS BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THIS SERIES!! You won't be disappointed. Great world-building. Original/logical storylines. What can I say? I'll be rereading these books again in the next few days. (I've already read the last two-three chapters of each book already in the past 24 hours!!)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

JoAyyn

I am still so thrilled with this book and the bonus at the end was awesome! I'm not sure why the review I wrote when I first read this book is not here. But rewriting it just says how much I loved this series. Awesome stories and characters! I highly recommend this series.

[effin surrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Lee was really sweet and patient to Joaynn. The emperor’s son is also a great read. I want more from this series❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[78sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieser dritte Band der Reihe war wieder ganz anders als noch die anderen beiden. Dieses Mal geht es zwar wieder um die gleichen Aliens wie in Band 1 und zwar um den besten Freund von Keedeel dem Keeper aus Band 2. Uteep hält mehrere Tender (Menschen) aber JoAyyan ist etwas ganz besonderes für ihn. Auch hier wird wieder viel zu Nachdenken angeregt auch wenn das für viele wieder ein merkwürdiges Konzept bei Erotikbüchern sein mag. Ich finde diese Sozialkritik einfach genial in Dark-Erotikbüchern und genau das macht dieses Genre momentan so interessant für mich. Uteep hat ganz am Anfang seiner 'Halterkarriere' eine Menschenfamilie gekauft und durch Zufall dann entdeckt, dass der Mann sein kleine Tochter missbraucht. Da ist er völlig ausgerastet und hat den Mann vor der gesamten Familie umgebracht. Die Szene und auch diese Vergewaltigungsszene mit dem Kind waren absolut abartig und ich war kurz davor das ganze abzubrechen. Sowas geht für mich gar nicht und da hört dann auch Dark-Erotik für mich auf. Allerdings war das ins keinster Weise erotisch geschrieben und es wurde auch sehr deutlich das dies nichts mit Erotik zu tun hatte. Trotzdem hinterließ es lange Zeit und eigentlich das ganze Buch über einen schlechten Beigeschmack und ich muss sagen, dass es mir deutlich lieber gewesen wäre, die Autorin hätte es einfach nur als Blick in die Vergangenheit oder einfach nur als bereits passiert erwähnt. Ich fand es unnötig dies direkt einzubauen. Erklären sollte es wahrscheinlich die besondere Beziehung zwischen Uteep und JoAyyn. Nach diesem Erlebnis hat der Alien nämlich soviel Mitleid mit dem kleinen Menschenmädchen, dass er sie mit ins Haus nimmt und sie dort mit ihm leben lässt. So wie wir Menschen viele Haustiere vermenschlichen, so macht er es eben mit dem kleinen Menschenmädchen. Er verwöhnt sie auch wenn andere seiner Art dies als nicht angemessen ansehen. Sie entwickelt Verhaltensweisen, die anderen ihrer Art nicht entwickeln und ist eher schüchtern und zurückhaltend ihrer eigenen Art entgegen. Als dann Lee in JoAyyns Leben tritt ist es wirklich eine sehr niedliche Liebesgeschichte für einen Dark-Erotik Roman. Daher kann man die Bücher von Amanda Milo wirklich super schlecht einordnen. Selbst innerhalb dieser Reihe waren die Bücher so unterschiedlich. Lee ist ein Tender-Mann, der zur Jagd ausgebildet ist. Als eine spezielle Zucht. Uteep geht auf Wettkämpfe mit ihm und bildet ihn dafür aus. Das spielt aber nur eine Nebenrolle. Lee ist unglaublich geduldig und kein bisschen fordernd und dominant wie die meisten anderen Männer in dieser Reihe. Trotzdem ist er kein Weichei und setzt sich gegen die anderen Männer durchaus durch und zeigt JoAyyn, dass sie ihm vertrauen und auf ihn zählen kann. Er gibt ihr alles Zeit der Welt, weil er instinktiv merkt, dass sie traumatisiert ist und das ist wirklich total süß geschrieben. Diese Liebesgeschichte war wirklich etwas ganz besonderes auch wenn sie unter dieses schwierigen Bedingungen stattfindet, denn egal wie süß sie ist, man weiß als Leser eben doch immer, dass er ein erzwungenes Setting ist. Die beiden sind nun mal Sklaven/Haustiere eines Aliens egal wie gutgemeint die Absichten des Aliens sind.
Etwa ein drittel des Ebook ist eine andere Geschichte, die aber im selben Universum spielt - „The Emperor's Son“. Sie hat mir allerdings nicht so gefallen. Sie war eher action-lastig und auch sonst gefiel mir das ganze Setting und die Dynamik zwischen den Charakteren nicht. Ein Tender-Paar wird vom Emporer und sein Frau gekauft, damit der Tender-Mann insgeheim seinen Son ein wenig mit bewacht. Also theoretisch wie ein Wachhund. Mein Problem war von Anfang an, dass der Mann sehr anhänglich zu seiner schwangeren Frau war. Die wurde zwar mitgekauft und die Frau des Emporers zeigte viel Zuneigung für die Tender-Frau aber es wirkte irgendwie komisch, so wie ein Anhängsel. Und wenn er dann von seiner hochschwangeren Frau getrennt war, um den Sohn des Machthabers den ganzen Tag zu begleiten, so war er sich nicht glücklich und bei der Wiedervereinigung am Abend wirkte das dann auch so. Auch dieses ganze Beobachten von Intimitäten und so war mir einfach zu Grenzüberschreitend und, ja es ist Dark-Erotik, aber hier war es einfach nicht mein Fall. Irgendwas passte für mich nicht. Außerdem gab es hier eine sehr, sehr merkwürdige Szene die so merkwürdig war, dass ich sie nicht einmal richtig in meinem Kopf als Szene zusammensetzten konnte und ich es glaube ich auch nicht wollte. Der Emporer und seine Frau sind eine Art Vogelwesen und wenn man in den anderen Teilen der Reihen vom Sexleben der Aliens kaum etwas mitbekam, so ändert sich das hier und ich hätte ehrlich gesagt drauf verzichten können.


Story 4,4/5
Schreibstil 4,0/5
Charaktere 3,6/5
Erotik 3,6/5
Gesamt 4,0/5

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met JoAyyn previously in passing and, well, her story's a doozy. In a good way. Mostly. Her Keeper protected her when she was young and ended up basically raising her himself. Which worked for her because she didn't have to worry about terrible things happening in the dark of night, but it also left her as a bit of an outsider among the other humans. While she was comfortable enough interacting with them, she was most comfortable with the alien who treated her like a beloved daughter.

Which means she was a wee bit undone when a certain human male in Keeper's stable started creeping into her thoughts. She really had no baseline for how healthy romantic relationships played out and she was very skittish around Lee at first.

But Lee was patient and calm and won her over by just...being there. Being there and being protective and not pushing her into anything she wasn't ready for. Which was fortunate because Keeper would have LOST IT if he had tried to force JoAyyn to do anything she didn't want. (No lie, she had that alien wrapped around her finger and he didn't mind it one bit.)

I'm a little sad to have reached the end of the published books in this series. It's been a ride and I had no idea I would like these aliens and their human pets nearly as much as I have. Just *thumbs up* all around.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Ana Paes · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠TW: sexual abuse of infant, death, gore.

JoAyyn is the favorite pet/daughter of her alien keeper after he rescued her from her father. She never really interacted much or showed interest in other humans, but that's fine because she is happy taking care of the other pet humans and her alien keeper. That's when she starts to notice Lee, a mismatched-eyes, handsome human kept in the male's pen. He is quiet and seems to be hunting JoAyyn. If her keeper finds out he is a dead man. Will he win his prey? And will she be able to love a human being?

So, I liked this book. It was my favorite of the trilogy (although I didn't read the bonus story), it's an uncomfortable setting, it's slightly disgusting sometimes, it's very uncommon if not straight up bizarre. But I loved it, Lee is the most adorable, funny, wholesome character I've ever seen and Joan is a dork. She is awkward, she doesn't know how to interact with humans, she is quiet and amazing.

I think it was the right length but at the same time, it was too short. And the timeline was slightly messy but not something that would make me enjoy less.

I liked it, I would reread it and would recommend it to friends!

[Zoey River · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so, this is gotta be the most bizarre/morbid setting I’ve ever read.

But despite the hella morbid situation the humans in the story are in, this ended up being really damn cute. Which is kind of unsettling when you think about it considering the themes of the story.

I adored the father-daughter bond between Joayyn and Keeper. And I adored the romance between Joaynn & Lee. I actually adored them so much that I really think there needed to be more to their story - more development, more of their happy ending. We needed more of them bonding, we needed to seem them reach the "I love yous", Joaynn opening up to him about her trauma. This book really needed to be longer in my opinion. Lee was so damn patient and gentle with Joaynn that I fell hard for him. I wish we got to see more of Joaynn falling for him because their relationship had the potential to be even better.

But overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[Catheryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this just so oddly delightfully adorable. The subject of this story is very odd. Humans are treated like dogs (not bad, just how humans treat dogs- aliens treat humans in a similar way) Of course some 'pets' are allowed in the house and can cook and shower inside.

This story follows JoAyyn, which we see her in the previous book. Lee is probably one of the best heros. He patiently waits for and has no interest in any other women before her. The story is told from Uteep (the alien keeper), Lee and JoAyyn's POV. I loved this story and I'm shocked that such a concept can be so sweet.

[DemetraP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the hero. He basically fell in love with her the moment he saw her. He had a plan to slowly get her comfortable with him and have her fall in love with him too.

The heroine had childhood trauma after she was raped by her father as a 6 year old. Her mother abandoned her along with the heroine's siblings. So her alien "Keeper" had to raise her in his house from when she was a kid. He tried to have other human families adopt her but nobody wanted her.

Her "Keeper" wants her to fall in love so he keeps trying to find guys she will like and she doesn't want any of them. Until the hero comes along.

[Sasquatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: child rape

This novella wasn't my favorite because of said trigger warning and I'm not going to spoiler this review because you need to know that this book starts off with that particular trauma.

It does have a very happy ending though. It's an extremely sweet romance, lots of spice.

There is a short story after that is about a bird like alien being protected by humans that was really cute. Very raunchy. The alien sex scene was mostly disturbing, so be warned about those scenes as well.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series was. . . Disturbing?

It's definitely making me rethink dogs. Or birds.

I think it doesn't really work as a world, in the sense that the keepers both think humans can't speak which is what makes them treat people like pets and also have conversations with them and recognize we do better picking our own partners. But then there might be more world building and these wouldn't be novellas.

I would recommend Beyond the Next Star by Melody Johnson if your looking for a full length novel in a similar vain.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story. Definitely trigger warning nothing really graphic but it does mention the situation as its happening. Its also a little slow to start and then pics up. The relationship with Joayyn aka Melissa and Lee starts of usual and slow but then speeds up and seems to move pretty quickly so it is a pretty short story. I feel like it could have been extended a bit more thats why I only gave it a 4 star. But over all good story.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition. It’s also kind of a two in one with The Emperor’s Son at the end (I had no clue, I liked them both a lot). At first I was a little hesitant to get a story from characters we were introduced to in the previous. I liked how the first two were connected basically only by the world. But as I read it didn’t bother me that we met JoAyyn in the last. If Amanda Milo wants to write stories in this world forever I will keep reading them, they’re great.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird but good

This is actually two novellas. They are unusual in set-up but the relationships are so sweet. The keepers are so caring and the humans are admittedly in a strange situation, but clearly feel positively about their keepers.

There is definitely a focus on relationships of all kinds. And the romantic relationships are so sweet. Lee is so understanding and gentle. And in the second book Vaughn is so chill and protective. It's perfect.

[Connie J Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

JoAyyn

Quick reads with a touch of Harlequin Romance and The Outer Limits.
JoAyyn could be the first Mother Earth female, wearing boho peasant blouse and long feminine skirt. Add in the Birkenstock sandals and natural childbirth... that is JoAyyn.
I'm hooked. Grab a glass of wine, find a quiet meadow, quiet the flower tucked in your hair enjoy the alien human story...

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pet Project best!

The two stories included here are the best so far (and a gave the previous stories 5 and 4 stars respectively). Less dark-ish than the previous two, they leave you with the hope of a healthier future for the human race where they find a more equal place among the aliens.

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series is a masterpiece to me. There are such interesting emotional connections between characters of the same species and different species. There are deep emotions and lighthearted feelings. Just all the feelings ;)

This kindle book has a surprise novella about some characters we have heard of in previous books! It’s just as good as all the other stories but free!!!

[Booklass Garrahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

Milo has a gift with writing thoughtful prose and laugh out loud humor. This, like her other books, gave me moments when my heart tugged and moments when I was snort laughing like a dork. I also enjoyed the bonus story very much.

[Cora lee loy-olazabal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pet Project: JoAyyn was fun to read!

I really enjoyed getting to know JoAyyn and Lee. If only a real human male could be so patient. This Keeper was so caring, I am happy he got a happy ever after.

[Karen Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

This series is as unique and incredible as they come. If you enjoy science fiction, off beat plots, and crazy good writing, well, my friend, look no further. Can’t recommend them highly enough! Enjoy!

[Mrs Clarereadstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

I really like this authors style. The book does have parts which are hard to read.

I enjoyed the concept of humans being mistaken as pets without vocabulary. The characters are good and well develop.