Lotus in Between

by I.V. Shady

Watched. Wanted. Claimed.I only meant to go for a hike.
Early summer. Sun on bare skin. A quiet lake hidden behind reeds and lotus flowers. A few stolen chapters of a scandalous novel to keep me company. That was the plan.
I didn’t plan on hearing those sounds.
I definitely didn’t plan on staying to look.
What I found behind the tall grass wasn’t danger — it was temptation. Two men. One commanding. One surrendering. And me… watching a little too long to pretend I wasn’t affected.
I should have walked away.
Instead, I stepped closer.
Some fantasies are meant to stay on the page. Mine stepped out of the reeds, fixed me with an icy stare, and asked if I enjoyed the show.
I did.
And when he told me to come here?
I didn’t run.
I knelt.

Lotus in Between is an MM+ romance about a summer hike that turns unexpectedly intense. At a secluded mountain lake, two men are drawn into a magnetic connection while a third watches, captivated. What begins as curiosity soon deepens into something far more intimate.

This story contains explicit content and mature themes and is intended for readers 18+ only.

Genres: M M Romance, Polyamory, M M M, Romance

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

About the author

IG: shady.ivy.author
TT: shady.ivy

I.V. Shady writes bold, provocative short stories that explore power, desire, and the thrill of surrender. A passionate supporter of indie authors and a longtime romance reader, she dove into writing to create the kind of heat she always craved—intense, immersive, and unapologetically spicy. No matter the subgenre, her stories always promise a happily-ever-after… and plenty of fire along the way.

Reviews

[Nikota]

Doesn't everyone want their steamy, sexy, dom daddy book boyfriends to jump from the pages and ask you to join???? No just me? Can't be! You're a liar!!

[Catbytheseareads ♡]

sizzling & sizzlelicous!
I really enjoy Ivy's short stories.
This one was a MM steamy short
where a man stumbles upon two men together
and he cant pull his eyes away. Its super steamy.

[Amanda]

A short spicy story! 5/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶

It starts with a guy just wanting to spend time by a secluded lake to find some spicy action going on like a scene from his book. Once the heat gets started, it just got hotter!! This was my first book by I.V. Shady and I'll be looking to read more ^_^

[BooktokGirlie04]

I loved this book so much! It was such an easy read for me, thank you so much to the author for sending me her ARC and i cant wait to read whatever comes next 🩷

[Willow Katz]

Lotus in Between is HOT hot 😮‍💨🔥

Not one, not two, but THREE MMCs?? Sign me UP!!!!

This was my first MMM story and I didn’t even realize how much I was missing out on 🥵😂 The spice was definitely spicing 🌶️ starting from the very beginning and only getting hotter to the last page! I.V. Shady absolutely understood the assignment with this spicy read 😮‍💨

10 out of 10 highly recommend.

[Issa]

I absolutely devoured Lotus in Between by I. V. Shady because WOW… this story was pure tension from beginning to end. It’s short, but the intensity? INSANE. The whole Watched, Wanted, Claimed vibe as you can see in my insta 😜 had me completely hooked from the start to finish 🤞😘

The setting was honestly perfect 🫠 a hidden mountain lake surrounded by reeds and lotus flowers that made everything feel so secretive and tempting like sooo sooo tempting mann you can definitely see 🙈 all in the graphics hehehhee soo naughty those ppl . I could literally picture every scene so clearly while reading cuz my imagination as a reader hahaha runs wild 😜

The story follows a hiker who accidentally stumbles upon a private moment between two men and instead of walking away… just stays. And the second the dominant lead notices them? GOD uk the tension i had to hold onto ??? The tension skyrockets instantly. One stare, one question, and suddenly the entire atmosphere changes.

What I loved most was how immersive and intense the writing felt. It wasn’t just spicy, it was magnetic like super magnetic it pulled you into the book 😉 . The chemistry, the power dynamics, the teasing tension 🤷👉👈 everything blended together so perfectly that I couldn’t stop reading.

And honestly? The mysteriousness of the encounter made it even hotter because it felt raw, impulsive, and intimate all at once.

Just trust me on this one: do NOT read this in public unless you have the strongest poker face imaginable cuz this will definitely 😁 be testing your sanity hehe👉👈

Just trust me and go grab the book already cuz this one ? You really don't want to miss it 🤞

[Leanna Streeter]

This was such a quick, addictive read and exactly what I wanted going in.

If you’re in the mood for a bold, steamy MMM erotica with strong tension and chemistry, this one absolutely delivers. The setup pulls you in right away with that “I shouldn’t be watching this” moment, and it only escalates from there in the best way.

The dynamic between the three characters is what really makes this stand out. The chemistry is intense, the power dynamics are well done, and there’s a balance between dominance, tension, and just enough emotional connection to keep it engaging beyond the spice.

I also loved how fast-paced it was. It’s a shorter story, but it doesn’t feel lacking, it’s focused, immersive, and leaves an impression.

Overall, a great pick if you’re looking for a hot, fast, and memorable MMM erotica with strong chemistry and a compelling dynamic.

[neeshreads]

What happens when a hike at a secluded mountain lake has him stumbling upon two men in the throes of passion? The unexpected visitor turns from watching on the outskirts to an active participant in ways he only thought possible in his wildest fantasies…

🪷MMM Erotica
🪷Vøyēurïsm & Exhibitionism
🪷D/S Dynamics & Power Exchange
🪷Pet Names
🪷Instalust that Burns Fast & Hot
🪷Strangers to Lovers
🪷Filthy Mouthed Dom
🪷Praise & Degradation
🪷Hand Necklaces & Edging
🪷C💦m & Spit Play & DP

Our watcher was in for a treat when he went on his hike 🔥 seeing our grumpy dom and his Lotus Flower has this unexpected visitor desperate to be a part of the exchange…and when our watcher gets invited to play? The heat, which was already scorching, gets even hotter! The power exchange and sizzling chemistry create a delicious atmosphere of surrender to dominance, fulfilling one another in MANY ways 👀 and as the reader, you’ll be hoping that this chance encounter is just the beginning for this new dynamic!

Story:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Courtney | mamareadsandreviews ☮️]

ARC Review:

Have you ever had a fantasy come to life right in front of you? A spicy scene from a book that jumps right off the page and fulfills all your deepest desires?

Little Peek-a-boo just wanted to find a quiet place to get lost in his spicy book and relieve some tension from his recent sex drought. When he stumbles upon two men, deep in the throes of passion, he can’t look away. He knows it’s wrong, but he is mesmerized. Before he can make an escape unseen, the man in control calls him forward - and who could resist a command from a Dom?

[Nomi]

An amazing impossible to put down, short and spicy MMM story. The chemistry between three was 🥵🥵. The way it started with Grumpy and Blondie / Lotus Flower was just wow, the power Grumpy had. When the Little Creeper joined the two the chemistry was right there and you could feel it.

Damn what was it good and it did not disappoint.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lotus in Between is part of the Garden of Desire Collection. These book are coming out in May. Lotus in Between releases May 11th and preorders are open!

[Crystal Reads]

Talk about a spicy, but short read. He only planned for a hike, but what he got was a show and so much more. The last thing he expected was to watch two men together and then being asked to join?

I love a good MM romance, so throw in an extra male and the spice gets better. This book is full of steam and spice.

[Heather Burt]

I only meant to go for a hike.

This is a fast moving, high heat, no plot, no character depth or development, erotic novella and I loved every moment of it. The secluded lake setting, the heat simmering beneath every interaction, and the magnetic dynamic between all three characters made this such an addictive read.The interaction between the three men is visceral and well-defined, marked by a commanding presence that captivates both the narrator and the reader.

Content and Trigger Warnings:

Intended for mature audiences. This novella features MMM themes, encounters in public nature settings, voyeuristic elements, and intense power dynamics involving commanding language and themes of submission.

[shadowarc13]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Lotus in Between is a gripping contemporary romance focused on an unexpected meeting at a remote mountain lake. What begins as a peaceful summer trek evolves into an intense exploration of emotional and physical attraction between the characters: grumpy the dom, lotus flower his sub, and the peek-a-boo. The story delves into themes of magnetic connection and the complexities of desire within a passionate group dynamic. A fabulous, quick read story that goes straight into the middle of everything. 💛

[Amber Lemons]

Well this MMM was a quick fun spicy time! Even with less than 50 pages it managed to have me clutching those pearls and chugging that water from the first few sentences! Absolutely obsessed with I.V. Shady’s writing style and became an instant fan!

[Becky Wood]

Short story but intense. You’re pulled in with the voyeur.

Plan to read more of her work as this was my first read.

[Nightwalker]

Intense

A hike turns into a chance encounter. When a hiker stumbles across a scene that changes his life he considers it fate and hopes its forever.

[Lori Hamilton]

This was an extremely smutty short story that starts as M/M and very quickly turns into a M/M/M when the third stumbles upon a couple of guys and can’t walk away from what he’s seeing.
Very spicy!

[Cafedarc]

Well, this was a quick and deliciously spicy read. I loved the forbidden voyeur angle — and the moment the watcher gets caught? Yeah, that hit just right. A must‑read, especially for Pride Month.

[Ajay Howarth]

Some Hikes Are Worth Getting Sweaty For

I read this start to finish without coming up for air, then had a cold shower. The chemistry is instant, the power play is hot as fuck, and all three men understood the assignment. It’s short, explicit and gets straight to the good stuff, with just enough feeling to make me want a hell of a lot more of them.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[B.J. Nicole]

If you're looking for a short book that's basically one long spicy scene, this is it! I.V. Shady writes fantastic spice and I love these shorter books. 5/5 spice!

[Michelle]

Quick & dirty. Just what I needed.

[Emin3mzHoe69]

This is my favourite book so far by I.V. Shady! I truly enjoyed reading this! It was so easy to visualise places, characters etc also it was well written.

"Such a good Lotus 🪷 Flower, taking all that I give you." - Grumpy

I enjoyed the story and the characters. As usual mega spicy, explicit, dominant and sexy!!

If you like your Dark romance spicy with M/M/M then pick this up!!!

[Sarah Reapz]

Time for a walk

A nice walk along a trail finds him self something very interesting to watch.
This was truly steamy to read and loved the MMM moment as well as the MM.
Who doesn't love a Dom taking care of his toy. 🤤

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy]

A Sizzling Autopsy of Desire: Short, Sharp, and Utterly Trance-Inducing

Spice: 5/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Lotus in Between by I. V. Shady is a masterclass in atmospheric tension. Shady has crafted a piece that refuses to stay clinical. It is every smut reader’s dream come true—a brief but intense dive into the Watched. Wanted. Claimed dynamic.

The setting—a secluded mountain lake hidden behind reeds and lotus flowers—serves as the perfect backdrop for a story built on the friction of curiosity and surrender. This isn't your standard romance; it is an intense encounter captured on the page.

The story follows a hiker who stumbles upon a private moment between two men and finds themselves unable to walk away. The power dynamics are immediate and intense. When the commanding lead fixes the observer with an icy stare and asks if they enjoyed the show, the tension doesn't just rise—it explodes.

Though it is a very short story, the impact is massive. Shady’s writing is immersive and unapologetically explicit, delivered with enough heat to make your hands unsteady.

The anonymity of the encounter adds a layer of raw temptation that feels both voyeuristic and deeply intimate.

Just a warning: do not read this in public unless you have a world-class poker face. 😉

Lotus in Between is part of The Garden of Desire Multi-Author Collab.

[🖤 alyssa 🩶]

Lotus in Between was a quick and fun, super spicy read 🩷 I loved how even though Peek-A-Boo, Lotus Flower, and Grumpy’s story is short, there are emotions layered in with all that heat and chemistry packed into it. I enjoyed and thought it was interesting that the characters didn’t have direct names, just pet names, as it made the story more focused on the emotion, feeling, and what’s happening! What starts off as just a scene in his book, suddenly becomes real life right in front of Peek-A-Boo’s eyes, and he cannot look away from the sight of Lotus Flower and Grumpy 👀 And if he couldn’t look away, he definitely isn’t going to be able to walk away once Grumpy calls him over! The spice is absolutely scorching hot and had me fanning myself, and the power dynamic was burning 🥵 This was a short and entertaining read, was descriptive, and also had red hot heat! 🩷

[TJ]

This was a MMM short with a whole boat load of spicy BDSM energy.
I wasn't 100% sure on this after reading the TWs and seeing, 'Dubious-consent undertones' but since I'd agreed to review it figured I could always back out if I wanted to. However I never really picked up the DC, it was hot, heavy and intense but there was an obvious relationship and a lot of trust between Grumpy and his Blondie.
Added to the mix was our peeping Tom whose every submissive fantasy come true!
The author laid out a comprehensive TW which I think was a great inclusion due to the intensity of the action!
Overall a great very short, very hot BDSM spicy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arcturus170]

I received an advance copy through Booksprout and this is my honest review.
4*
I get the title now. 😏 That was hot. Intense, demanding, desperate. These guys are insatiable. Like, give it a few minutes between rounds please. 😂 Thinking back on it, the author mostly did give them breaks, it’s just that those moments are still horny and keep the pace moving. So, nicely done there.

The whole scene has the feel of being lifted from the narrator’s daydreams while himself reading spicy romance, which is a fun way to frame the story.

I like the ending being vaguely hopeful from the narrator’s POV. It’s not the ending I expected from erotica and it made my thoughts drift to what could be.

[Sarah]

Lotus In Between by @shady.ivy.author

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Sometimes you need something short and sweet which is super spicy and Lotus In Between is what you need the answer to that craving.

A super short novella focussed on one encounter, with no names, just nicknames leaving what happens after the encounter entirely to the reader. Full of dom and sub dynamics and a whole heap of MM with an extra M watching before he joins the party.

It was exactly what I needed after some heavier reads - we all know I love a spicy why choose 😜. I could have happily read another 100 pages @shady.ivy.author ; the vibes were 👌.

[emmaz.bookshelf]

If you're looking for a fast paced, spicy MMM romance, this is definitely worth picking up! It's short, steamy, and full of tension and desire. This was my first MMM read, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the power dynamics throughout the story. If you're in the mood for a quick, spicy read, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to I.V. Shady for the ARC! ♥️

[Harmeet Kaur Ghai]

Arc review!!

What started as a short spicy read turned into a spicyyy little obsession 👀🔥
If you want an MMM romance with three hunks, one hike, and a whole lot of tension… Lotus In Between is IT. Or should I say… someone is going down?👀😮‍💨 Hot, dominant, jaw-dropping, and impossible to put down for such a short story. The tension? Absolutely insane. Definitely one of those quick reads that leaves you staring at the wall after 😵‍💫🖤