| Genre | Gay / Science Fiction / Aliens / Other Planets / Outer Space / Interspecies / Erotic Romance / Dubious Consent |
| Reviewed by | Christy Duke on 10-December-2025 |
He’s a rebel without a planet—and his defiance may be his undoing.
He swore he’d never kneel again—but surrendering to his alien master might be the only way to survive.Captured by the powerful Travian Empire, Joel, a hot-tempered human with a history of fighting authority, becomes the unwilling plaything of Commander Arath. The alien’s strict control and icy discipline should terrify him—but Joel’s fury burns into fascination, and every stolen glance threatens to break his resolve.
Arath has clawed his way up from the lowest caste to command a space station on the edge of war. He has no patience for weakness—or the human pet forced into his quarters. Yet Joel’s fiery spirit and sensual defiance awaken desires Arath has long buried beneath duty and command.
As political intrigue ignites and loyalties are tested, both men must decide: will they fight fate, or surrender to the dangerous passion that could unite—or destroy—them both?
Includes exclusive KU bonus scenes not in the original release.
Reader Advisory: This book contains sex scenes of a non-consentual nature, as well as scenes of dubious consent, violence, abuse and torture.
First edition published at Pride Publishing, April 2016.
I was looking forward to this second installment in Samantha Cayto's 'Alien Slave Masters' series as I enjoyed the first novella, its world building, and the characters. I will say that the publisher has provided a reader advisory at the end of the description, and if any of those situations make you uncomfortable, then this might not be the book or series for you.
I admired the heck out of Joel when I first met him. Strong, and full of pride, he took nothing the Travians did cowering. Oh no, he fought every moment of his time with Firth. Joel isn't gay, and I wouldn't classify him as bisexual as he just isn’t interested, so being the pet of a large alien who uses him isn't something Joel is very amenable to. Now, however, Firth is very ill and their ship has docked at a space station for him to get medical treatment, and Firth insisted Joel accompany him. The female governor of the station, however, doesn't allow Joel to remain with Firth, and instead gives him to the station commander, Arath. Travians are a matriarchal society and their commands must be obeyed.
Oh was Joel wrong in his first impressions of Arath. Arath is remarkably compassionate under his aloof exterior, one that he must keep at all times in order to not show weakness to the men who serve under him. Arath is very young to have gotten such an elite command and there is nothing he won't do to ensure he keeps it and continues to rise in rank. Arath confuses Joel with his compassion and kindness, and Joel is horrified when his body begins to react pleasurably to his master. Both Arath and Joel are confused by the feelings they develop for the other.
I really enjoyed Joel and Arath's story. There were many cultural differences that they each had to muddle through, and much like in book one, Joel helps the Travians to escape a bloody coup. I definitely liked the slow development of their feelings for each other, and I look forward to more in this series. Another exciting action/adventure in space!
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.
| Format | ebook |
| Length | Novel, 183 pages/58561 words |
| Heat Level | |
| Publication Date | 09-December-2025 |
| Price | $3.99 ebook |
| Buy Link | https://www.firstforromance.com/book/the-rebellious-pet-special-1 |
