Lotus in the Wild

Garden of Exile #2

by Fae Sutherland, Marguerite Labbe

Six months after freeing his slave Roman and his thrall Aron, Wulfgar finds himself bored with the choices of bed partners in his lands. Thus while on a twice-yearly trip to Londinium to replenish supplies, Wulfgar visits the local slave auction in hopes of finding something to pique his interest. His eye is caught by Kintaro, a beautiful, feminine slave boy from the Far East.

Enthralled, Wulfgar doesn’t care how much Kintaro costs; he’s got to have him. But Kintaro is a very different sort of slave from Roman. He loves his duties, is proud of his skills, and as the former prized slave of an official of his homeland, is used to being spoiled and pampered in return for his efforts.

Though oblivious to matters of the heart, Wulfgar is enamored of Kintaro, but his son Gaeric is furious that this new slave feeds his father’s unnatural desires. Wulfgar’s passion, Kintaro’s pride, and Gaeric’s temper will clash as a ritual from the past and a dream of the future come to fruition… and Wulfgar’s heart is finally fulfilled.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, BDSM, M M Historical Romance, Erotica

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Fae Sutherland is the award-winning, bestselling author of 30 M/M erotic romance novels - co-authored and solo. She also writes M/F erotic romance under a pen name.

When Fae's not working on new stories to make her readers sweat, she loves website design, spending too much time on Twitter, and watching oodles of Food Network with her beloved life partner. If there's any time left over, it's spent snuggling the cat.

Reviews

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Sigh*

I never set out to absolutely hate a book, but in this case, Dorothy Parker's quip about this not being a book to be taken lightly but hurled against the wall with great force holds true. Unfortunately, it's an e-book and I'm not inclined to punish my poor Nook for the sins of this hot mess. There are several precious hours of my life I will never get back. Lotus in the Wild had all the elements for a wonderful read, especially featuring an Asian male character, and to say it was a let down is the understatement of the decade. This is the book gay men who have issues with straight women mis-appropriating their lives can hold up as an example of what not to do. This is the book Asian men can hold up as yet another example of being stereotyped by privileged straight women. And the Asian male in this case was a total stereotype. How anyone could have written this with a straight face or completely unaware of the major RACEFAIL they were committing leaves me stunned. And please, spare me the "oh but it's historical" excuse. Historical is no excuse to commit any sort of FAIL or even just to write a bad book.

Writing about slavery isn't something an author should think is easy. Even if it's fantasy, there must needs be a feeling that the slave is still a fighter, even if it's not physical. There needs to be a feeling the slave character still operates somewhere under their own agency in order to make them sympathetic. If we're talking about erotica, a writer must still be mindful that this isn't a relationship of equals, which in itself can cause a lot of friction and tension (and could make for great reading). Which is precisely why Wulfgar's and Kintaro's "love" just didn't work here. In fact, the entire notion of Kintaro having been born and trained as a pleasure slave is kind of sickening. This is a man who's known nothing but the use of his body without his consent, but has learned to accept it and even to see it as a badge of honor. Really? And this is supposed to somehow be romantic? Sorry, but I didn't get that Tweet, could someone re-send it again please?

Wulfgar was just annoying. Real barbarians don't deserve to be insulted by this guy. In fact, real barbarians should hunt him down and beat his ass with a mace then fuck him with it (without lubricant). One would think that after having two of his former slaves run away together, he'd settle down and find someone who wasn't a slave and who would actually want to be with him as a free man. I mean, you're related to the king! You've got lands, status, wealth, a bunch of men who follow you--what self-respecting gay man of ancient Britain wouldn't want you? I did find it pretty ironic that old Wulfie got upset when his cousin the King took a shine to Kintaro and decided to bed him as was his right. Hey dude, that's what slaves are for!

Oh, let's talk about the MAJOR RACEFAIL for a moment shall we? Kintaro represents everything Asian men have to struggle with when it comes to being viewed multidimensionally. He's shorter, weaker, speaks broken English (though the story indicated he had enough time between masters to have picked up on more of the language besides the word "fuck") and obviously needs a stronger man (Wulfgar) to look after him. I thought I'd lose my lunch after reading where Kintaro was always "curling up" in Wulfgar's arms like a child (uh, just NO!!!). There was nothing even remotely erotic about him; he was just "exotic" and trust me, the authors never let me forget that--the word "exotic" popping up on nearly every other freaking page. The only thing I can say is the authors thankfully didn't make him skilled in martial arts--because well, we all know Asian men are like Bruce Lee and/or Jackie Chan. His cries for sex sounded suspiciously close to "Me so horny, me love you long time". But wait, look at the fact that he could take the mighty barbarian Wulfgar's big cock and ask for more! Well duh! He's trained to. I mean really, what the hell does anyone think would happen if he told Wulfgar "no"?

The only saving grace of this disaster was Brandr. I liked him, and unlike Wulfgar, seemed more like a human being rather than a caricature. I know there's a book before this one, but I won't be reading it. There's only so much FAIL I can take. Thankfully, I'm reading No Souvenirs, which features a complex and well-written Asian male lead and which is happily taking away the bad taste of this book. Honestly, I can't believe this book won an award either. Oh, I'd give this an award--EPIC RACEFAIL of 2010--though I'm sure there are other contenders as well.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful spin off for Bee Among The Clover. Where I found the first volume hard to read in places and never thought I could learn to like Wulfgar, he comes into his own in this second book. Which, by the way, can be read on its own.

I loved Kintaro, who is an unashamed "bedslave". The way he tried to hold onto his culture despite Wulfgar's misguided attempts to make him behave differently was utterly believable - and charming. Seeing Wulfgar struggle with trying not to make the same mistakes he made with previous slaves (while not willing to change his underlying attitude) and still make most of them all over again was amazing. The misunderstandings both lovers have to overcome before they can understand, never mind love each other, are tremendous.

This story is as much about communication between cultures and learning to truly understand your partner as it is about a slave and master evolving into partners. I thought it was fascinating.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I didn't read Bee Among The Clover, the first book in this series but I don't think you have to even though I now probably will. To understand how Wulgar, the thane, has grown as a person from his relationship with his other two slaves, Roman (Marcus) and Aron, I will probably need to get it. But this book can stand by itself. You get enough of the background to understand what went on but it's not so bogged down in that history that you lose the present story.

I love stories with the exquisitely beautiful boy who's actually a tiger and his alpha master with a heart of gold. That is what this story has going for it. Kintaro is from Japan, he is a pleasure slave and unlike all the other slaves Wulfar has had, he really doesn't want to be anything else. He has been raised since childhood to do his "bedroom best" and even when, later in the book, Wulfgar ends up having to "loan" him out to hsi king for the night, Kintaro knows that how he acts reflects on the thane and he is proud to show the king what an amazing possession his master has in him. Guilt or shame does not live in Kintaro and I liked that about him. The authors did not try and put present day morality on him, he is a true representation of his time. Wulfgar is as well. He does not try and get Kintaro away from his king, even though by this time his feelings are changing, instead he does his duty and accepts that his new favorite slave will be pleasing his king for one night.

What I loved about the book was Wulfgar and Kintaro's deepening love and that at the end, you know they will be together forever and everyone will understand that Kintaro has a new postion not as slave but as Wulfgar's partner. As in their home and their land. Kintaro grows to know his worth and Wulfgar learns to trust again. The sex is sizzling as Kintaro knows all kinds of tricks that his new master needs to learn. The secondary characters, Gaeric (hiss) and Brandr (loved him!) are great too. The ravaged girl Moira was also a lovely touch. I love the cover for this book as well, it would look great as a piece of art hanging on the wall.

[Angel Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

As some of us often point out, a five star rating system isn't always adequate. I want more shading in my reviews, more gradation for works like this.

Gut reaction first. Or heart reaction. My heart adores this book. It plucked all the right chords and accomplished all the right things a romance should. I wanted more for Wulfgar, I wanted someone to come along just for him. And here we are. I love both protagonists, our enormous, gruff thane and feisty little Kintaro (yes, yes, he's a little over the top in some scenes, but he's genuinely caring, intelligent and people-smart - gotta love he little drama queen :) )

Intellect reaction says this is well done as a historical and the premise and plot are engaging, the writing well done, the sex scenes sizzling. The whole 'kidnapping' felt a little forced at times, though, with a feeling of 'haven't we done this before?' as far as the 'don't know what you have until you've lost it' lesson. I understand the why of it and I applaud the result. Just wish there had been a more believable way to go about it.

Nits aside, I greatly enjoyed the story and send my gratitude to Fae and Marguerite for satisfying my Wulgar craving. (yum.)

[Alexi Silversmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: M/M Historical Romance, interracial
Length: Novel (271 Pages)
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Summary Review

A moving and well-written romance that just misses excellence because of a really annoying Deux Ex Machina.


THE BLURB:

Six months after freeing his slave Roman and his thrall Aron, Wulfgar finds himself bored with the choices of bed partners in his lands. Thus while on a twice-yearly trip to Londinium to replenish supplies, Wulfgar visits the local slave auction in hopes of finding something to pique his interest. His eye is caught by Kintaro, a beautiful, feminine slave boy from the Far East.

Enthralled, Wulfgar doesn’t care how much Kintaro costs; he’s got to have him. But Kintaro is a very different sort of slave from Roman. He loves his duties, is proud of his skills, and as the former prized slave of an official of his homeland, is used to being spoiled and pampered in return for his efforts.

Though oblivious to matters of the heart, Wulfgar is enamored of Kintaro, but his son Gaeric is furious that this new slave feeds his father’s unnatural desires. Wulfgar’s passion, Kintaro’s pride, and Gaeric’s temper will clash as a ritual from the past and a dream of the future come to fruition… and Wulfgar’s heart is finally fulfilled.

THE REVIEW:

Those of you who read my review of Bee Among the Clover will know how much I was looking forward to its indirect sequel, and although this novel does stand alone, I still recommend reading Bee Among the Clover first, because having that prior knowledge of the characters definitely enriched the experience. However, I found Lotus in the Wild such a different book to the earlier one that it was unfair to try to compare them. Despite being about the rough-and-tumble Wulfgar this is a much gentler and more conventional romance.

The story starts off with a bang, as Wulfgar (the sometimes harsh, sometimes kind master of Aron and Roman/Marcus from the last book) lays eyes on the exotic Japanese slave Kintaro, buys him and screws him into a contented puddle within about fifteen pages. From there on the story shows us the two getting used to life with one another. It’s not always easy. Kintaro, despite being born a slave, is a spoiled, vain and sex-obsessed creature. Wulfgar is as brash as ever (though perhaps a little more mellow) and just as used to being obeyed without question.

As time goes on the pair become more and more fond of each other. Wulfgar has never been with a man who loves sex as much as Kintaro, but it’s more than that – Kintaro cares about his master, considers himself responsible for Wulfgar’s happiness and well-being, and really wants to be with him. For Kintaro, he becomes enraptured when he realises that he has found a master who can truly stand up to him for the first time. Soon their feelings have clearly surpassed the bonds of master and slave, and everyone around them can see it, including the jealous Gaeric, Wulfgar’s son.

This entirely new depth of feeling bewilders and sometimes even scares Wulfgar, but luckily he seems to have learned a lesson from the results of his cruel treatment of his previous bed-slaves, and he resists the temptation to take his worried emotions out on Kintaro. Kintaro, for his part, is a rather uncomplicated soul (he had to be, really, as Wulfgar is so clueless that he crushes anyone with more complex emotions) and merely basks in the happiness of loving his master, determined to make himself indispensible. Gaeric’s attempts to get between the two merely seem to bring them closer together, despite what could have been a catastrophic misunderstanding.

So far, so good. The story is engaging and humourous and the misunderstanding above, along with hints of possible trouble from Wulfgar’s son, have got me hooked. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Then the Deux Ex Machina from the last book reappears. Cate the Fae woman pokes her nose in to check on happenings at the Hall, and for some reason decides that the contented couple described above need some interference. Drastic interference.

During Wulfgar’s absence on a visit to the King, she uses Gaeric’s jealousy to separate the pair, taking Kintaro all the way to Rome in a quest to show them both that they love each other. Or something. Now if this abduction had been real – if Kintaro had really been taken by slavers and dragged away from Wulfgar to an unknown and probably unpleasant fate – this would have been a heart-stopping last third of the novel. But since we know from the beginning that the slaver buying Kintaro from Gaeric is Cate, that no harm of any kind is going to befall Kintaro, and that Cate’s ultimate aim is to reunite the couple, any suspense or conflict is pretty much dead.

We’re then treated to scenes of the lovers suffering horribly through being apart, to the extent that Cate is forced to let Kintaro visit Wulfgar in dreams so the two of them can make love (a canny move on the authors’ parts, since the sex is hot and steamy enough to keep you reading though this difficult section). At this point I’m wishing I could give Cate a really good slap for being such an unfeeling twit. So is Kintaro. Wulfgar would be too, if he had the faintest idea what was going on. But Cate’s still ploughing ahead with her plan.

After a short intermission (which allows Wulgfar to make peace with his former bedslaves – though frankly if I were Marcus I’d have been a lot less forgiving) Kintaro and Wulfgar are finally reunited and I was cheering them on. The outstanding quality of the writing and characterisation ensured that I cared about them and believed in their love despite Cate’s shenanigans, and is the reason this book got four stars instead of three.

But at the end of the story I was still left wondering why, if there had to be a dramatic kidnapping, it couldn’t have taken place without Cate’s influence. Kintaro – and Wulfgar – wouldn’t have escaped such an ordeal unscathed, but it would have been much more satisfying that way.

If you don’t mind faery goddesses randomly popping up to wreak havoc on a story and then fixing everything with a wave of their hand, you may very well love this book. Even if you do mind, you’ll probably still enjoy Lotus in the Wild; I did. I’m just sorry that the too convenient conclusion kept the book from being as brilliant as I’m sure it could otherwise have been.

[H.B. Pattskyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 3.75

Simply a beautiful (if slightly unconventional) love story. Oh yeah, the sex was great, too ;-) I love Kintaro's spunk. He might be a slave, but he isn't one to be bossed around... there were times when it wasn't quite clear who really owned whom.

spoiler: My only issue with this one was the supernatural element; I didn't think it was necessary, but that's just me. I hadn't read the first book, so I wasn't aware of it going in.

[Absynthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved it. I think more than Bee in the Clover actually. Kintaro is just fun to read. He's bold and brazen. This book made me laugh quite a bit. I'll probably reread this at some point.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare say this is the best book I've read all year. I got it years ago and the cover put me off but I finally gave it a chance today. The slave is very adorable and lovable. Like there is literally no boring page in the book because of his quirky personality. He's vain and so confident and I'm here for all of it. For real, like nobody can tell this boy his worth because he knows it. Then the master, is a gruff barbarian. He doesn't always understand his slave and it's interesting to see as they grow and make compromises for each other. This was an utterly compelling and very unique dynamic. You don't usually find slaves that are as willing as Lotus was lol.

[Merreille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely felt good while reading this although there was a tad too much canoodling in every other chapter. A bit longer than it should have been but Kintaro is just so adorable that it's okay. Just wished that Kintaro's speech would have improved, given his admission of proficiency in learning languages. All those third person "Kintaro wants, "Kintaro wishes", etc. does grate a bit.
Most uttered phrase: "F**k Wulf gar-sama!” Hahahaha

[TheWhiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not a favorite:/

[Charly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable characters and a very healthy dose of sex

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- Kintaro is a slave, but he is much more empowered than such characters tend to be in fiction. He has no qualms about letting his master know exactly what he wants or exactly what it is about certain situations that make him unhappy. He certainly isn’t a doormat.
- The change that is wrought in each of the characters is significant, yet I felt as though their respective awakenings were well-paced. I never raised an eyebrow because some realization on the part of one character struck me as too sudden.
- The sex scenes are plentiful (maybe a little too plentiful for some readers) and well-written. They’re detailed and pretty hot, but what I liked most about them is that for the most part, they serve to illustrate Kintaro’s and Wulfgar’s personalities. The two characters’ actions toward each other and their impressions of their sexual connection combine to paint well-rounded views of their personas.
- The setting is unusual for this genre, thus I found it interesting. It’s set in the England/Europe of the Early Middle Ages (somewhere around the time of the Vikings), and the world contains a good amount of historical detail without being overwhelming.

CONS:
- The POV undergoes constant shifts, from one character’s head to another’s. The main problem with this is that the shifts are unpredictable: some scenes are entirely from one character’s perspective, whereas others are told from four different characters’ perspectives. In the multiple-POV scenes, sometimes the POV switches after one or two paragraphs, and other times it switches after an entire page. I found it difficult at times to determine whether I was reading Character A’s thoughts or someone else’s perception of him.
- It isn’t necessary to read this book’s predecessor, Bee among the Clover, in order to enjoy the story related here. However, parts of the writing assume that readers HAVE read the earlier book, for characters and events from Bee among the Clover are mentioned repeatedly without much explanation as to their significance or relevance. For example, three characters from the earlier story are referenced many times in this book, and I didn’t learn until over 200 pages in that two of those characters are actually the same person, referred to by his real name and a nickname.

Overall comments: I don’t think this book is amazing, but it’s a pleasant read with likeable characters who form a real connection in spite of the nature of their initial relationship (master/slave--in the true sense of those words, not in the BDSM sense). There’s a lot of sex, though, especially at the beginning of the book, so if you prefer more plot and less sex, I’d advise against this one.

[J'aime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the authors' erotic romance, "Bee Among the Clover," so I was excited for this sequel. After reading it, I felt that the first novel had a better story, but this sequel had a better romance. Aron was forced to become a thrall to his thane, Wulfgar, after his father failed to pay his tithe. Thereafter, Aron meets Roman, who has been the bed slave of the thane for 4 years. The two are the central figures of that romance. Here, Wulfgar and his new slave Kintaro are the focus.

The reason I thought the romance was better this time around is it had less painful angst. Roman was a noble; captured, enslaved, raped, even forced to relinquish his given name. He in turn falls in love with Aron who, despite his hatred of being forced to serve the thane in bed, would be free again after a year. How the two eventually found happiness made for a very good plot, with some mild paranormal elements, but their pain overshadowed the romance somewhat. In contrast, Kintaro was born and bred as a pleasure slave, and takes pride in his service. The challenge for him and Wulfgar is to see past a simple, albeit satisfying, sexual relationship. The resulting romance was more fun, and had a lot more explicit sex than the first book (which has good points & bad), but the plot was weak. It is not until the last third of the book that the mystical Cate, who helped Marcus and Aron achieve happiness, returns to wreak havoc on Kintaro and Wulfgar. I was happy for this character's return, and hope that the hints dropped about her an Brandr mean another book!

Kintaro is one of those characters that most readers will probably love, or hate, on sight. I liked him. It is not necessary to read "Bee" first, as this stands on its own very well, but readers will miss out on some inside information. Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable sequel, with steamy hot sex and a fun romance. Highly recommended to erotic romance fans.

[Larena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wulfgar is not happy with the choices for bed partners he is facing since he freed his slave Roman and his thrall Aron six months ago. Hoping to change that situation he visits the slave auction in Londinium when he goes to replenish his supplies during one of his twice yearly visits. When Wulfgar sets eyes on Kintaro he finds a slave he has to have no matter the cost.

Kintaro is from the Far East and is very proud of his status of slave and greatly enjoys his duties as such. He is used to being pampered and spoiled for his efforts as he was the slave of an official in his homeland. Kintaro is different from any other slave that Wulfgar has ever had before.

Life gets interesting when Kintaro’s pride, Wulfgar’s passion and Wulfgar’s son, Gaeric’s temper all collide. Wulfgar may not know much about matters of the heart but he knows that Kintaro is more to him than any other slave before Kintaro.



This is wonderfully written story that is sure to please many readers. The characters are fun to read about and to see how they figure out the many obstacles that are standing in their way to finding happiness. The path that the characters take to find their happiness is very twisted as they have to work to figure out what they want and then how to get it. With misunderstanding to work through the reader gets emotionally invested in seeing the characters get their happy ever after. While the ending is a little abrupt the story is still very good and will have the reader eagerly turning the pages just to see what will happen next. This one can be read as a stand alone but is greatly enriched with reading it with the first story, Bee in the Clovers.

[Honey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lotus in the Wild" is the story of a young bed slave, Kintaro, and Wulfgar a Viking chief.

Kintaro has grown up and been trained as a bed slave. From a very young age he was taught how to be the most pleasing bed partner and how to be everything that his Master would need of him.
The story begins with Wulfgar, he is a Viking chief and on a shopping trip in Londonium decides that it is time he found a new lover as he had been abandoned by the two he had previously had when they fell in love with each other and ran away. Looking around the market he falls instantly in lust with Kintaro and knows he must have him.

Kintaro and Wulfgar make a great couple; they are perfect for each other in their own way. Wulfgar is proud, gruff and does not know how to deal with his wild lotus, who is vain, naughty and whilst acts demure, has not got a modest bone in his body. Their physical relationship is as easy as breathing, they complement each other both in bed and out of it, but outside of it Kintario is a slave and Wulfgar has been hurt before and does not believe in love.

I enjoyed this story because both characters were developed beautifully, they grow and mature and their love story is sweet. Kintario is also very entertaining but I couldn't give it 5 stars because of what happened when the King visited Wulfgar's halls. I was disappointed that Wulfgar allowed it to happen. However, I won't spoil the story by telling you what that was. It's just something that ruins a story for me and doesn’t allow my total enjoyment of it.

[Felicia (Ferishia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was read for the M/M Monthly Challenge.

I cannot believe that I hadn't read this book until now. I purchase this book back in 2010 *facepalm* probably about the same time I purchased Bee Among the Clover. That would explain why I only had a vague recollection of the previous book and characters. Wulfgard I remembered, but his previous two slaves, Aaron and Marcus (Roman), I did not. That did not stand in the way of my enjoyment of this book though.

I still liked Wulfgard, even though he had on very few occasions to mistreat Kintaro. That was usually due to something Kintaro did to provoke him. I loved Kintaro, mainly for the fact, even if it wasn't specifically said, he was of Asian decent. I'm a fan of the culture and this reminded me slightly of a yaoi novel, the Japanese version of M/M romance novels. I don't quite remember there being that much smexy times in the previous book, but this brought the smexy to the table and then some. Kintaro's character, although a slave to Wulfgard, didn't quite seem like he really was. As the story progressed, both characters developed deeper feeling for each other, but wasn't quite sure how to identify what they felt. It's not until a mettlesome fae interfered in their lives, do they realized how much they mean to each other.

I think this was a great follow-up to the Bee and the Clover story. Sadly, I'm not sure if you don't already have this in your library if it can be found.

[LD Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A total guilty pleasure read. I thoroughly enjoyed Kintaro and Wulfgar. I think I've been waiting for a pairing like these two for a long time.

Technically, this book was a bit sloppy, clearly being the result of role-play writing. The constant POV switching would have been annoying if I wasn't totally into the characters. I thought the kidnapping was odd and only there to show off characters from a previous book. But, again, I was fine with it because I was just totally into the main characters.

I'm so glad that the viking looked nothing like the cover picture and instead had a beard. Not only did he have it, but it wasn't glossed over. I loved the size difference between the two main characters, and I loved the pairing of Japanese and Viking. Brilliant. Kintaro stole the show, really. I love confident, bossy, and smart characters like him who don't have to go through pitiful melodrama. Kintaro was a slave, he was a good slave, and he knew it and thought very highly of himself. He enjoyed his place and I, the reader, didn't have to go through any silly angst. (Not that that isn't fun, when done well.)

I think if I wasn't completely in love with these characters, I'd have not enjoyed the book. But this is one story that caught me and pulled me right through the things that always annoy the heck out of me. A very happy fluke in my favor.

[Domino (aka Meme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a lovely novel. i believe it had more romance than the novel it follows. Wulfgar and Kintaro were definitely meant for each other. and i just loved the ceremony at the end were they said their vows. too cute =D
this novel also tied up the story. Wulfgar was able to see Aron and Roman again and realize her was over their betrayal. he also realized how in love he was with Kintaro. i just wish something had happened between Cate and Brandr. there was definitely a spark. hehe.
the punishment Wulfgar gave to Gaeric for selling Kintaro was befitting. he explained why he did it and it just showed again how he felt for his father and was jealous of Kintaro.
and let me not forget to mention how steamy this book was. Sutherland surely knows how to write some great sex scenes =D i can't wait to read something else by her. this is definitely a great m/m couplet and i recommend to m/m readers who like a great romance with historical background.

[Smokinhotbooks K.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession: I stayed up until 5:00am reading Lotus in the Wild and Bee Among the Clover.

When I saw this was Viking man love story I immediately said 'yes please.' I read the first story Bee among the Clover and although I liked it, I feel that Lotus in the Wild didn't have as many forced sex issues. Kintaro has always been a slave and enjoys being with Wulfgar so there wasn't that forced sex situation like in the previous book. I liked their relationship dynamic more so in this one.

P.S. I am now wearing my silver cuff bracelet and if I could I’d throw Mr. Smokin’ over my shoulder & ravage him on our kitchen counter, I would. Let’s keep this between us.

[Janean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of my QGB Q2 Challenge picked by Alyosha. I totally adored Kintaro and Wulfgar's story. I liked that there were no pretenses between the two. In fact, I was almost annoyed that Cate created the situation that brings about their declarations of love. I understood the need for closure on Wulfgar's part regarding his former slaves but did not feel it was absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the interactions between Kintaro and Wulfgar - even Kintaro's so called "punishments" which Kintaro thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, a great read!

[Reader (Show me, don't tell me) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I would say the story was well thought out and an okay read, I did not like any of the characters. Wulfgar is an unintelligent moron. I disliked him in the first book, Bee Among The Clover, and Lotus did not change my mind.

All I wanted to do was drown Kintaro. What loving yet hateful little bee. For all his better qualities, I could not like him either.

BTW, is the tall guy on the cover Wulfgar? Where is his beard?

The other thing was that there were too many (ebook)pages of the character(s)reflections. I'd say a paragraph or two could have summarized a lot, at most 1 page.

[Trefoil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this - liked it more than the first book, actually. Wulfgar is such an interesting character. There was something that bothered me in this book however. There was some foreshadowing about the character, Brendr, throughout some sections in the book - but nothing ever more happened with him. I don't know if the author was initially planning to write a third book.. but it's been 6 years since this book was published, so I don't think I can expect a continuation. Brendr was interesting as well

[Ashley♥Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I could have loved this one but I spent the majority of my time skimming through sex and wishing Kintaro wasnt speaking in broken English. (it seriously made no sense that after a year he'd still be speaking like that.) I did enjoy the world that was built. I liked the characters. I wished there were more details about some things and a crap ton less sex.

[Nene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Wulfgar and Kintaro are just lovely together! I love big, tough guy Wulfgar being brought to his knees by his little wisp of a slave. I loved that Kintaro loved himself and what he was enough to just enjoy being what he was.

[Sair]

Haven't started yet
BUT the cover is SO sexy!

[Elianara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't like slave stories, but this one I found I couldn't put down. A good paranormal historical mm romance.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing and characters, sex to advance, not overwhelm the story - definitely will be rereading

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)

[Bookbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Pretty good story; a LOT of sex!

Still love Brandr! Love, Love, Love!