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Garden of Exile #1
Bee Among The Clover
A slave and an indentured thrall learn what it means to love and trust in a fantasy 5th century Britain.
Roman, captured slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased with the thane's acquiring of a new pet, the prideful Aron. Bound to Wulfgar in payment for his father's debt, Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now...though his choice in the matter is lost the moment he is bound to Wulfgar.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave that life can still be sweet, even as a slave. He is intrigued, threatened and ultimately terrified of Aron and the things the beautiful young man makes him feel.
The two form a bond greater than any hold another could claim on them and determine, whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy...together.
Roman, captured slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased with the thane's acquiring of a new pet, the prideful Aron. Bound to Wulfgar in payment for his father's debt, Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now...though his choice in the matter is lost the moment he is bound to Wulfgar.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave that life can still be sweet, even as a slave. He is intrigued, threatened and ultimately terrified of Aron and the things the beautiful young man makes him feel.
The two form a bond greater than any hold another could claim on them and determine, whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy...together.
256 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
8 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Fae Sutherland
29 books230 followersFae 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 8, 2010
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Length: Novel (346 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
One Line Review: A beautifully written, action-packed, moving romance that just misses perfection because of too many misunderstandings.
BLURB:
Roman, a slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased when the thane acquires a new pet: the beautiful and prideful Aron. Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now, but when he is claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debt, his choice in the matter is lost.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned that life as Wulfgar’s bedslave can still be sweet. He is intrigued, threatened, and ultimately frightened by Aron and his feelings for the young man as they are thrown together by both cunning plan and charmed circumstance.
Roman and Aron will form a bond greater than any other claim upon them and determine that whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy—even if that means risking their lives to find freedom together.
REVIEW:
Bee Among the Clover is set in what appears to be Britain during a period near the end of the Roman occupation. As the Dreamspinner Press website notes, this is ‘A Timeless Dreams title’, which means that the novel ‘celebrate[s:] M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma’. Which is perfectly fine with me, because it means this book gets to be jam-packed full of some of the most erotic sex I’ve come across in quite some time.
The story begins when Aron, a proud (even arrogant) young man is tricked into becoming a ‘thrall’ to the Thane (or Lord) Wulfgar, in order to save his family from being punished after Aron’s father fails to pay the taxes due to Wulfgar. A thrall is essentially an indentured servant who is in many ways identical to a slave, except that his term of service to his master has a set term. In this case, Aron is to stay with Wulfgar for a year, which is bad enough: but then he discovers that Wulfgar has a very particular job in mind for him. Bed warmer. And Aron’s never even looked at a man that way before, not to mention being so angry at Wulfgar, his father, and the situation, that he can’t even see straight.
Aron is by turns grateful to, resentful of and baffled by Wulfgar’s existing bed companion, Roman. Roman is a slave proper. He belongs to Wulfgar outright, and in more ways than are immediately apparent. He is kind to Aron and tries to help him adjust to his new role, but Aron cannot understand how Roman can take pleasure in Wulfgar’s often clumsy embrace, and his prickliness, combined with Roman’s feelings of worry about what might happen to him if Aron replaces him as ‘favourite’ cause their relationship to be fairly rocky at the start.
Gradually, though, the two begin to develop a sense of kindredness, friendship and understanding which eventually develops into a deep and passionate love. Unfortunately, neither of them is supposed to be looking at anyone other than Wulfgar, and even though he often directs them to make love to each other in order to entertain him, he always keeps a tight control on the action. He’s even trained Roman so that the slave can’t orgasm unless Wulfgar says the word. Nevertheless Aron and his ‘Darkling’ steal moments together, dreaming about impossible futures and desperately trying to keep their love alive.
Now, you’d think the above would be quite enough to fill a book, but the authors aren’t content here to rest after setting up this intriguing situation. They fill the story with many other elements, including Pagan Gods, escape attempts, a psychotic War Lord and many, many misunderstandings. With a fine hand for characterisation (Wulfgar being an example of a perfectly rounded and believable character) and beautiful prose, they create an epic story which brought me to real tears at least three times. In the middle of the story a self-sacrificing Roman finds the strength to give Aron up in order to save him, and my feelings about this book reached such a pitch that I would have given it five stars, a DIK and had ‘Darkling and Aron Forever’ tattooed across my heart.
Unfortunately, the last third of the book is rife with misunderstandings between the characters that separate them emotionally time and again, even as they come together physically. Initially these rifts do make sense, because Aron, despite being a thrall, does not really understand what it is to be a slave, to belong to another and have no sense of self, while Roman is horribly emotionally scarred after his years of belonging to the slightly clueless Wulfgar and finds it hard to know who he really is.
By the time we reach the last misunderstanding of the story, though, I found my patience had worn a bit thin, and my reaction this time, instead of tears, was an eyeroll. The book was already quite long enough, and I felt as if the issues between the characters could have been resolved in a different way. It eventually takes the intervention of a Celtic Goddess to get the two back together – that’s how much of a mess they make. To be fair, even the Goddess (who has appeared often throughout the story to aid them) seems exasperated by their lack of communication. She devises an ironic lesson to drive the point home, and from that point on the story becomes golden again, providing a climax that was all I could have asked for.
A warning: in many ways this is not a conventional romance, since even though Roman and Aron are madly in love with each other both of them are also having extremely enjoyable sex with Wulfgar most of the time as well. Even when Aron manages to get Roman out of Wulfgar’s bed for good, he himself has to keep servicing his master. I can’t say the sex is consensual exactly, since sex between slave or thrall and master (especially when the threat of violence for disobedience is held overhead) can’t ever be truly consensual, but neither is this a story where the main characters grit their teeth through sex with anyone except each other.
I don’t generally like historical m/m romances at all, but this book was just so enjoyable that I can’t wait until the sequel (a story concentrating on Wulfgar) falls into my eager little hands. I’m hoping the Big Misunderstanding Problem won’t reoccur in that one. So if you can live with a slightly over-long final third to the book and a literal Deux Ex Machina ending, I highly recommend Bee Among the Clover
Length: Novel (346 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
One Line Review: A beautifully written, action-packed, moving romance that just misses perfection because of too many misunderstandings.
BLURB:
Roman, a slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased when the thane acquires a new pet: the beautiful and prideful Aron. Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now, but when he is claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debt, his choice in the matter is lost.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned that life as Wulfgar’s bedslave can still be sweet. He is intrigued, threatened, and ultimately frightened by Aron and his feelings for the young man as they are thrown together by both cunning plan and charmed circumstance.
Roman and Aron will form a bond greater than any other claim upon them and determine that whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy—even if that means risking their lives to find freedom together.
REVIEW:
Bee Among the Clover is set in what appears to be Britain during a period near the end of the Roman occupation. As the Dreamspinner Press website notes, this is ‘A Timeless Dreams title’, which means that the novel ‘celebrate[s:] M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma’. Which is perfectly fine with me, because it means this book gets to be jam-packed full of some of the most erotic sex I’ve come across in quite some time.
The story begins when Aron, a proud (even arrogant) young man is tricked into becoming a ‘thrall’ to the Thane (or Lord) Wulfgar, in order to save his family from being punished after Aron’s father fails to pay the taxes due to Wulfgar. A thrall is essentially an indentured servant who is in many ways identical to a slave, except that his term of service to his master has a set term. In this case, Aron is to stay with Wulfgar for a year, which is bad enough: but then he discovers that Wulfgar has a very particular job in mind for him. Bed warmer. And Aron’s never even looked at a man that way before, not to mention being so angry at Wulfgar, his father, and the situation, that he can’t even see straight.
Aron is by turns grateful to, resentful of and baffled by Wulfgar’s existing bed companion, Roman. Roman is a slave proper. He belongs to Wulfgar outright, and in more ways than are immediately apparent. He is kind to Aron and tries to help him adjust to his new role, but Aron cannot understand how Roman can take pleasure in Wulfgar’s often clumsy embrace, and his prickliness, combined with Roman’s feelings of worry about what might happen to him if Aron replaces him as ‘favourite’ cause their relationship to be fairly rocky at the start.
Gradually, though, the two begin to develop a sense of kindredness, friendship and understanding which eventually develops into a deep and passionate love. Unfortunately, neither of them is supposed to be looking at anyone other than Wulfgar, and even though he often directs them to make love to each other in order to entertain him, he always keeps a tight control on the action. He’s even trained Roman so that the slave can’t orgasm unless Wulfgar says the word. Nevertheless Aron and his ‘Darkling’ steal moments together, dreaming about impossible futures and desperately trying to keep their love alive.
Now, you’d think the above would be quite enough to fill a book, but the authors aren’t content here to rest after setting up this intriguing situation. They fill the story with many other elements, including Pagan Gods, escape attempts, a psychotic War Lord and many, many misunderstandings. With a fine hand for characterisation (Wulfgar being an example of a perfectly rounded and believable character) and beautiful prose, they create an epic story which brought me to real tears at least three times. In the middle of the story a self-sacrificing Roman finds the strength to give Aron up in order to save him, and my feelings about this book reached such a pitch that I would have given it five stars, a DIK and had ‘Darkling and Aron Forever’ tattooed across my heart.
Unfortunately, the last third of the book is rife with misunderstandings between the characters that separate them emotionally time and again, even as they come together physically. Initially these rifts do make sense, because Aron, despite being a thrall, does not really understand what it is to be a slave, to belong to another and have no sense of self, while Roman is horribly emotionally scarred after his years of belonging to the slightly clueless Wulfgar and finds it hard to know who he really is.
By the time we reach the last misunderstanding of the story, though, I found my patience had worn a bit thin, and my reaction this time, instead of tears, was an eyeroll. The book was already quite long enough, and I felt as if the issues between the characters could have been resolved in a different way. It eventually takes the intervention of a Celtic Goddess to get the two back together – that’s how much of a mess they make. To be fair, even the Goddess (who has appeared often throughout the story to aid them) seems exasperated by their lack of communication. She devises an ironic lesson to drive the point home, and from that point on the story becomes golden again, providing a climax that was all I could have asked for.
A warning: in many ways this is not a conventional romance, since even though Roman and Aron are madly in love with each other both of them are also having extremely enjoyable sex with Wulfgar most of the time as well. Even when Aron manages to get Roman out of Wulfgar’s bed for good, he himself has to keep servicing his master. I can’t say the sex is consensual exactly, since sex between slave or thrall and master (especially when the threat of violence for disobedience is held overhead) can’t ever be truly consensual, but neither is this a story where the main characters grit their teeth through sex with anyone except each other.
I don’t generally like historical m/m romances at all, but this book was just so enjoyable that I can’t wait until the sequel (a story concentrating on Wulfgar) falls into my eager little hands. I’m hoping the Big Misunderstanding Problem won’t reoccur in that one. So if you can live with a slightly over-long final third to the book and a literal Deux Ex Machina ending, I highly recommend Bee Among the Clover
April 4, 2011
I liked this one. There was a bunch of angst but it still left me with a smile in the end.
I must say while Aron and Roman are the MCs, it was really Wulfgar that captured my attention the most. He's harsh and sometimes brutal but overall he just wants to be loved. He's caring and sweet and treated Aron and Roman as best as he could considering their positions. He sometimes regretted how he treated them and would try and make up for it. He's vulnerable but strong at the same time and while he didn't show it, you just kinda knew he was heartbroken when Aron and Roman eventually leave. I liked Roman a lot, though. He may seem docile and obedient but it was the only way he knew how to survive and it worked for him. He still had his strong, determined self underneath the layer of obedience and he used that to try and free Aron from slavery. Aron was probably my least favorite character. I'm not sure why because he's a strong, passionate man but I just didn't like him all that much even with how sweet he was with Roman.
The only things I didn't like about the story was the constant misunderstandings and how long the sex scenes were. For me, it felt like the story dragged whenever there was a sex scene coming up; not to mention how those scenes took up pages more than I thought should have been there. Finally, while there's not many sex scenes, I still decided to skip over them because of how long they really were. :-/
The misunderstandings were a big part of the story. It was one after the other between Aron and Roman. One of them would think one thing and act one way and the other would think and act the total opposite. It was great in the beginning because it made my heart ache with how wrong they were of each other but towards the end they were just redundant and annoying. However, the sweet moments when they would make up and actually talk kind of made up for the misunderstandings.
Overall, this was a good story. I really liked it and I'm looking forward to reading how Wulfgar gets his own HEA.
I must say while Aron and Roman are the MCs, it was really Wulfgar that captured my attention the most. He's harsh and sometimes brutal but overall he just wants to be loved. He's caring and sweet and treated Aron and Roman as best as he could considering their positions. He sometimes regretted how he treated them and would try and make up for it. He's vulnerable but strong at the same time and while he didn't show it, you just kinda knew he was heartbroken when Aron and Roman eventually leave. I liked Roman a lot, though. He may seem docile and obedient but it was the only way he knew how to survive and it worked for him. He still had his strong, determined self underneath the layer of obedience and he used that to try and free Aron from slavery. Aron was probably my least favorite character. I'm not sure why because he's a strong, passionate man but I just didn't like him all that much even with how sweet he was with Roman.
The only things I didn't like about the story was the constant misunderstandings and how long the sex scenes were. For me, it felt like the story dragged whenever there was a sex scene coming up; not to mention how those scenes took up pages more than I thought should have been there. Finally, while there's not many sex scenes, I still decided to skip over them because of how long they really were. :-/
The misunderstandings were a big part of the story. It was one after the other between Aron and Roman. One of them would think one thing and act one way and the other would think and act the total opposite. It was great in the beginning because it made my heart ache with how wrong they were of each other but towards the end they were just redundant and annoying. However, the sweet moments when they would make up and actually talk kind of made up for the misunderstandings.
Overall, this was a good story. I really liked it and I'm looking forward to reading how Wulfgar gets his own HEA.
September 4, 2011
This book started out well, though there is a rape scene in the beginning and some dub-con scenes throughout. This is a love story between two slaves, so those scenes really did fit into the story and didn't feel at all gratuitous. Aron and Roman are both bed slaves to Wulfgar, Aron because he swore a year's service to him, and Roman because he was kidnapped during a battle. The fact that both men were slaves and that one would end his service in a year and would have to leave the other behind should have provided all the conflict this story could need, but the author filled it with one Big Misunderstanding after another which became frustrating. The Big Misunderstandings come about a third of the way into the book, and once they start, the reader is subjected to every single thought either of the MCs have on the matter. Pages and pages of one character's pondering about the matter, followed by pages and pages of the other character's pondering on the same subject. For the second half of the book I only read the first line of each paragraph unless it was an action scene. That's a lot of excess writing that could have been edited out. The two main characters were well developed, especially Roman, but I was quite tired of reading them by the end. Wulfgar became the most interesting character in the book, mainly because we didn't get his every thought on anything that anyone said or did. He remained a little bit of a mystery. Wulfgar proves the power of showing over telling, because his was a deeply flawed character, yet he is also the only one I have any interest in reading more about. I might read the next book in the series, but I worry about the editing, or lack thereof.
January 15, 2013
this was by far the best m/m book i've read so far. it had great development and some really great characters. Roman was my favorite but i liked Aron and Wulfgar. i even saw the necessity of Osric, though i hated him.
when i first started reading the book i thought the sex scenes were going to be soft, but then i got further in to the book and was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. the scenes were hot and some were very endearing especially between Roman and Aron.
the plot of this novel was really good as well. u have Roman who is a slave to Wulfgar and protected and even cherished a bit by him. then comes along Aron who steals some of Roman's interest to Wulgar. Aron and Roman dislike each other for a while and realize they actually love each other.
they have some communication issues that keep them mad at each other a few times and making decisions that strain their relationship, but keeps the story engrossing. there are also a few scenes that enraged and sadden me. when Osric beat up Roman and Aron and pretty much didn't get penalized for it. and how beat up Aron was, seeming almost to death.
some of the other things i enjoyed in this novel was the language the author used. it seemed as if it was really how people talked in that day. and the customs they had which are so different from our own now. it made it intriguing to read.
i am very pleased in reading this book and plan on reading the sequel and any other books this author has in print =D
when i first started reading the book i thought the sex scenes were going to be soft, but then i got further in to the book and was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. the scenes were hot and some were very endearing especially between Roman and Aron.
the plot of this novel was really good as well. u have Roman who is a slave to Wulfgar and protected and even cherished a bit by him. then comes along Aron who steals some of Roman's interest to Wulgar. Aron and Roman dislike each other for a while and realize they actually love each other.
they have some communication issues that keep them mad at each other a few times and making decisions that strain their relationship, but keeps the story engrossing. there are also a few scenes that enraged and sadden me. when Osric beat up Roman and Aron and pretty much didn't get penalized for it. and how beat up Aron was, seeming almost to death.
some of the other things i enjoyed in this novel was the language the author used. it seemed as if it was really how people talked in that day. and the customs they had which are so different from our own now. it made it intriguing to read.
i am very pleased in reading this book and plan on reading the sequel and any other books this author has in print =D
November 10, 2009
Really long story, slow to start and I'll shamefully admit I put it down twice to read another book, but third time was the charm and I vowed to myself I'd finish it and quite frankly I'm glad I had. I was not disappointed in the least.
Once I got into the nitty gritty of it this story turned and captured my interest. The two men in this story went through quite an ordeal with their avoidance of what faced them the whole time, their love for each other and lack of communication just goes to show how everything can be misconstrued and twisted and by this to acting on instincts and taking the easy route out rather than face your fears and confronting them.
This story holds a lot of real life's lessons and much can be learned from this fictional write.
Well done, Fae, well done!
Once I got into the nitty gritty of it this story turned and captured my interest. The two men in this story went through quite an ordeal with their avoidance of what faced them the whole time, their love for each other and lack of communication just goes to show how everything can be misconstrued and twisted and by this to acting on instincts and taking the easy route out rather than face your fears and confronting them.
This story holds a lot of real life's lessons and much can be learned from this fictional write.
Well done, Fae, well done!
August 11, 2016
The writing is fluid and this story starts out very promisingly. However, I became increasingly annoyed at Aron, who is whinny, bad tempered, selfish and seems also rather dim. I could not cheer at all for the romance between Aron and Roman because I disliked Aron so much and just couldn't understand what Roman saw in him. I mean, here you already have a virile powerful warrior king and you instead choose a sullen and thoughtless peasant?
I loved Wulfgar. Was rooting for him the whole time. The scenes where he dominated Aron and Roman were the best ones in the book for me.
I think I might have given this book 4 stars just for Wulfgar, but then there appeared a super-obvious and completely extraneous deus ex machina to wrap this up and I had to drop another star.
I loved Wulfgar. Was rooting for him the whole time. The scenes where he dominated Aron and Roman were the best ones in the book for me.
I think I might have given this book 4 stars just for Wulfgar, but then there appeared a super-obvious and completely extraneous deus ex machina to wrap this up and I had to drop another star.
June 26, 2015
What an epic journey for my mind! Character growth was exactly right ("Promise me . . . that we’ll talk instead of concluding wrongly") and the vicissitudes to get there were an enthralling read, what with the suspense, the power imbalances, the action, the FEELZ. I feel as if I've travelled *forever* with these men, and yet, a mere three days have passed.
The alternating paragraph head hopping made me gnash my teeth (like a Rubix cube, I tell you!), and their sheer idiocy enraged me at times (Wulfgar's patience with them really was admirable), but... what a remarkable journey.
I look forward to reading more about Wulfgar's struggles in book two.
4.5
The alternating paragraph head hopping made me gnash my teeth (like a Rubix cube, I tell you!), and their sheer idiocy enraged me at times (Wulfgar's patience with them really was admirable), but... what a remarkable journey.
I look forward to reading more about Wulfgar's struggles in book two.
4.5
August 6, 2016
Oh I do love my angst and this book had plenty of it! Aron and Roman are the MC's but Wulfgar is the real star of the show and luckily there's plenty more of him in Lotus in the Wild, which is the second book in this series.
There is a real feel good factor to this book and it leaves a smile on your face. I would definitely recommend!
There is a real feel good factor to this book and it leaves a smile on your face. I would definitely recommend!
March 5, 2010
This book enthralled me. Overall it kept me captivated the entire way through. There were a few elements that might have been used better, but they were minor. The story kept me reading late into the night. If you like historical with a touch of the mystical, you will love this story.
4.5 out of 5.
Andrew
4.5 out of 5.
Andrew
August 4, 2016
3.5 stars. Oh, the angst,
THE ANGST.
did-not-finish
September 28, 2024DNF @ 30%. No rating.
This wasn't my cup of tea but I seem to be the only one who had issues with certain aspects, so maybe this subgenre (sex slaves) isn't for me. To start with, I was taken aback at how long each sex scene is. The scenes weren't overly complex and were pretty repetitive so there was no reason to drag things out, but they went on...and on...and on, and when you think it's going to wrap up, the scene continues for a while longer. Maybe that's a staple for slave fic, but it was weird.
But much more important, I had problems with the strong rapey vibes coming from Aron and the resulting dub-con situations between him and Roman. It was off putting to me that Aron condemned Wulfgar for forcing Roman to have sex with him while Aron constantly pushed Roman to have sex with him. At one point, Aron congratulates himself for restraining himself from raping Roman...? Then there's the weird vibe when Aron is outraged that Wulfgar calls Roman by a name he made up, but then Aron makes up his own name for Roman and doesn't ask Roman's opinion about that name either. It seemed like Aron is jealous of Wulfgar being Roman's master and that Aron wanted to take Wulfgar's place, as opposed to Aron actually liking Roman and wanting what's best for him. That's not the type of vibe I want in my romance novels, so I decided this book isn't for me.
This wasn't my cup of tea but I seem to be the only one who had issues with certain aspects, so maybe this subgenre (sex slaves) isn't for me. To start with, I was taken aback at how long each sex scene is. The scenes weren't overly complex and were pretty repetitive so there was no reason to drag things out, but they went on...and on...and on, and when you think it's going to wrap up, the scene continues for a while longer. Maybe that's a staple for slave fic, but it was weird.
But much more important, I had problems with the strong rapey vibes coming from Aron and the resulting dub-con situations between him and Roman. It was off putting to me that Aron condemned Wulfgar for forcing Roman to have sex with him while Aron constantly pushed Roman to have sex with him. At one point, Aron congratulates himself for restraining himself from raping Roman...? Then there's the weird vibe when Aron is outraged that Wulfgar calls Roman by a name he made up, but then Aron makes up his own name for Roman and doesn't ask Roman's opinion about that name either. It seemed like Aron is jealous of Wulfgar being Roman's master and that Aron wanted to take Wulfgar's place, as opposed to Aron actually liking Roman and wanting what's best for him. That's not the type of vibe I want in my romance novels, so I decided this book isn't for me.
March 18, 2010
Have you every watched/read somthing where you absolutely hated a character, and then they went on and did something that was thier redeemming grace, at just the moment you couln't possible hate them more?
That is how the character Wulfgar was for me. I totally hated that he was enslaving Aron and Roman, but then he would do something that was totally out of character and I would be thrown out of my hatred for him almost resentfully so. I didn't want to like him but in the end I must begrudgingly say that he grew on me. I almost wish we could have heard his pov more often, than the one time we were able to peek in side his head. :)
I love a book that can stir these kind of emotions in you while reading it. Although I talk about Wulfgar for this review, this book focused mainly on the slave Roman and Aron the thrall. Despite their many many misunderstanding (that almost drove me up the wall they were so numerous) and circumstances they found love and freedom.
I very rarely read historical, so this was a nice change of pace, and really well done!
Hotness Rating: 3/5
That is how the character Wulfgar was for me. I totally hated that he was enslaving Aron and Roman, but then he would do something that was totally out of character and I would be thrown out of my hatred for him almost resentfully so. I didn't want to like him but in the end I must begrudgingly say that he grew on me. I almost wish we could have heard his pov more often, than the one time we were able to peek in side his head. :)
I love a book that can stir these kind of emotions in you while reading it. Although I talk about Wulfgar for this review, this book focused mainly on the slave Roman and Aron the thrall. Despite their many many misunderstanding (that almost drove me up the wall they were so numerous) and circumstances they found love and freedom.
I very rarely read historical, so this was a nice change of pace, and really well done!
Hotness Rating: 3/5
March 8, 2010
Bee Among the Clover by Marguerite Labbe and Fae Sutherland was an interesting read. Set in England when the Romans were still hanging out in London, this was a historical romance between a captured slave and an indentured thrall. The book was rather long with much smex amongst the animal skins and the odd menage with the head honcho. This last element did not get in the way of the romance between our two star crossed lovers, but made the book more feel a little more well rounded and kinda grubby! The 1st half of the book had great pace, but I did find my feet dragging in the 2nd half. There were a great deal of misunderstandings, which is a trope that I can usually cope with in very small doses. Unfortunately, this element made the story too drawn out and I did find my attention wandering at times. It was a little disapointing after such a good 1st half. For all that it was a reasonably good read and one to check out.
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http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2010/03/...
May 17, 2015
The initial premise of the story was good, set in Roman Britain. As was the building relationship between the slave 'Roman' and the 'thrall' Aron. I didn't get the distinction between the titles slave and thrall- because a thrall is also a slave...anyway... They had a surprisingly nice master and lived on a virtual holiday camp by the sounds of it. Apart from the obvious baddie- a jelous, violent battle lord, neither had a bad time of it as slaves. The discourse and miscommunication between the couple became a little ridiculous a third of the way into the story. The sex became 'paint by numbers'- 'he did this, then he did that' and for a couple having such mindblowing sex, in reality they were unable to communicate their simplest feelings! The use of 'Darkling' as a name of affection for Roman was sweet at first, but it's over use became grating. A sweet ending- if not a little 'Mills and Boon'. A pleasant read over all.
April 21, 2012
I laboured to finish this book, which deals with issues I personnally find offensive.
Well-written but said issues that do not go hand-in-hand with HE made the rating. Plus a few "is that so?" regarding the Roman time in north England.
At another point in my reader's life, i.e. before e-books, this would have been a material book thrown against the wall in frustration and anger. Guess this is not possible when your whole library is in your PC least you destroy even the wonderful and favorite reads...
Well-written but said issues that do not go hand-in-hand with HE made the rating. Plus a few "is that so?" regarding the Roman time in north England.
At another point in my reader's life, i.e. before e-books, this would have been a material book thrown against the wall in frustration and anger. Guess this is not possible when your whole library is in your PC least you destroy even the wonderful and favorite reads...
June 19, 2010
It's a great book, but it's so incredibly long and slow... I picked it up twice and had to stop. Last time I was much closer to the end, but I life happened and I lost the patience to go through with this story. I do want to start it again and eventually read the sequel (I'm sure I saw a sequel at one point), but not right now. On hold :D
April 24, 2010
Title: Bee Among the Clover
Author: Fae Sutherland and Maguerite Labbe
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Length: Novel (346 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
One Line Review: A beautifully written, action-packed, moving romance that just misses perfection because of too many misunderstandings.
BLURB:
Roman, a slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased when the thane acquires a new pet: the beautiful and prideful Aron. Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now, but when he is claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debt, his choice in the matter is lost.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned that life as Wulfgar’s bedslave can still be sweet. He is intrigued, threatened, and ultimately frightened by Aron and his feelings for the young man as they are thrown together by both cunning plan and charmed circumstance.
Roman and Aron will form a bond greater than any other claim upon them and determine that whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy—even if that means risking their lives to find freedom together.
REVIEW:
Bee Among the Clover is set in what appears to be Britain during a period near the end of the Roman occupation. As the Dreamspinner Press website notes, this is ‘A Timeless Dreams title’, which means that the novel ‘celebrate[s:] M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma’. Which is perfectly fine with me, because it means this book gets to be jam-packed full of some of the most erotic sex I’ve come across in quite some time.
The story begins when Aron, a proud (even arrogant) young man is tricked into becoming a ‘thrall’ to the Thane (or Lord) Wulfgar, in order to save his family from being punished after Aron’s father fails to pay the taxes due to Wulfgar. A thrall is essentially an indentured servant who is in many ways identical to a slave, except that his term of service to his master has a set term. In this case, Aron is to stay with Wulfgar for a year, which is bad enough: but then he discovers that Wulfgar has a very particular job in mind for him. Bed warmer. And Aron’s never even looked at a man that way before, not to mention being so angry at Wulfgar, his father, and the situation, that he can’t even see straight.
Aron is by turns grateful to, resentful of and baffled by Wulfgar’s existing bed companion, Roman. Roman is a slave proper. He belongs to Wulfgar outright, and in more ways than are immediately apparent. He is kind to Aron and tries to help him adjust to his new role, but Aron cannot understand how Roman can take pleasure in Wulfgar’s often clumsy embrace, and his prickliness, combined with Roman’s feelings of worry about what might happen to him if Aron replaces him as ‘favourite’ cause their relationship to be fairly rocky at the start.
Gradually, though, the two begin to develop a sense of kindredness, friendship and understanding which eventually develops into a deep and passionate love. Unfortunately, neither of them is supposed to be looking at anyone other than Wulfgar, and even though he often directs them to make love to each other in order to entertain him, he always keeps a tight control on the action. He’s even trained Roman so that the slave can’t orgasm unless Wulfgar says the word. Nevertheless Aron and his ‘Darkling’ steal moments together, dreaming about impossible futures and desperately trying to keep their love alive.
Now, you’d think the above would be quite enough to fill a book, but the authors aren’t content here to rest after setting up this intriguing situation. They fill the story with many other elements, including Pagan Gods, escape attempts, a psychotic War Lord and many, many misunderstandings. With a fine hand for characterisation (Wulfgar being an example of a perfectly rounded and believable character) and beautiful prose, they create an epic story which brought me to real tears at least three times. In the middle of the story a self-sacrificing Roman finds the strength to give Aron up in order to save him, and my feelings about this book reached such a pitch that I would have given it five stars, a DIK and had ‘Darkling and Aron Forever’ tattooed across my heart.
Unfortunately, the last third of the book is rife with misunderstandings between the characters that separate them emotionally time and again, even as they come together physically. Initially these rifts do make sense, because Aron, despite being a thrall, does not really understand what it is to be a slave, to belong to another and have no sense of self, while Roman is horribly emotionally scarred after his years of belonging to the slightly clueless Wulfgar and finds it hard to know who he really is.
By the time we reach the last misunderstanding of the story, though, I found my patience had worn a bit thin, and my reaction this time, instead of tears, was an eyeroll. The book was already quite long enough, and I felt as if the issues between the characters could have been resolved in a different way. It eventually takes the intervention of a Celtic Goddess to get the two back together – that’s how much of a mess they make. To be fair, even the Goddess (who has appeared often throughout the story to aid them) seems exasperated by their lack of communication. She devises an ironic lesson to drive the point home, and from that point on the story becomes golden again, providing a climax that was all I could have asked for.
A warning: in many ways this is not a conventional romance, since even though Roman and Aron are madly in love with each other both of them are also having extremely enjoyable sex with Wulfgar most of the time as well. Even when Aron manages to get Roman out of Wulfgar’s bed for good, he himself has to keep servicing his master. I can’t say the sex is consensual exactly, since sex between slave or thrall and master (especially when the threat of violence for disobedience is held overhead) can’t ever be truly consensual, but neither is this a story where the main characters grit their teeth through sex with anyone except each other.
I don’t generally like historical m/m romances at all, but this book was just so enjoyable that I can’t wait until the sequel (a story concentrating on Wulfgar) falls into my eager little hands. I’m hoping the Big Misunderstanding Problem won’t reoccur in that one. So if you can live with a slightly over-long final third to the book and a literal Deux Ex Machina ending, I highly recommend Bee Among the Clover.
Author: Fae Sutherland and Maguerite Labbe
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Length: Novel (346 Pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
One Line Review: A beautifully written, action-packed, moving romance that just misses perfection because of too many misunderstandings.
BLURB:
Roman, a slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased when the thane acquires a new pet: the beautiful and prideful Aron. Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now, but when he is claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debt, his choice in the matter is lost.
Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned that life as Wulfgar’s bedslave can still be sweet. He is intrigued, threatened, and ultimately frightened by Aron and his feelings for the young man as they are thrown together by both cunning plan and charmed circumstance.
Roman and Aron will form a bond greater than any other claim upon them and determine that whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy—even if that means risking their lives to find freedom together.
REVIEW:
Bee Among the Clover is set in what appears to be Britain during a period near the end of the Roman occupation. As the Dreamspinner Press website notes, this is ‘A Timeless Dreams title’, which means that the novel ‘celebrate[s:] M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma’. Which is perfectly fine with me, because it means this book gets to be jam-packed full of some of the most erotic sex I’ve come across in quite some time.
The story begins when Aron, a proud (even arrogant) young man is tricked into becoming a ‘thrall’ to the Thane (or Lord) Wulfgar, in order to save his family from being punished after Aron’s father fails to pay the taxes due to Wulfgar. A thrall is essentially an indentured servant who is in many ways identical to a slave, except that his term of service to his master has a set term. In this case, Aron is to stay with Wulfgar for a year, which is bad enough: but then he discovers that Wulfgar has a very particular job in mind for him. Bed warmer. And Aron’s never even looked at a man that way before, not to mention being so angry at Wulfgar, his father, and the situation, that he can’t even see straight.
Aron is by turns grateful to, resentful of and baffled by Wulfgar’s existing bed companion, Roman. Roman is a slave proper. He belongs to Wulfgar outright, and in more ways than are immediately apparent. He is kind to Aron and tries to help him adjust to his new role, but Aron cannot understand how Roman can take pleasure in Wulfgar’s often clumsy embrace, and his prickliness, combined with Roman’s feelings of worry about what might happen to him if Aron replaces him as ‘favourite’ cause their relationship to be fairly rocky at the start.
Gradually, though, the two begin to develop a sense of kindredness, friendship and understanding which eventually develops into a deep and passionate love. Unfortunately, neither of them is supposed to be looking at anyone other than Wulfgar, and even though he often directs them to make love to each other in order to entertain him, he always keeps a tight control on the action. He’s even trained Roman so that the slave can’t orgasm unless Wulfgar says the word. Nevertheless Aron and his ‘Darkling’ steal moments together, dreaming about impossible futures and desperately trying to keep their love alive.
Now, you’d think the above would be quite enough to fill a book, but the authors aren’t content here to rest after setting up this intriguing situation. They fill the story with many other elements, including Pagan Gods, escape attempts, a psychotic War Lord and many, many misunderstandings. With a fine hand for characterisation (Wulfgar being an example of a perfectly rounded and believable character) and beautiful prose, they create an epic story which brought me to real tears at least three times. In the middle of the story a self-sacrificing Roman finds the strength to give Aron up in order to save him, and my feelings about this book reached such a pitch that I would have given it five stars, a DIK and had ‘Darkling and Aron Forever’ tattooed across my heart.
Unfortunately, the last third of the book is rife with misunderstandings between the characters that separate them emotionally time and again, even as they come together physically. Initially these rifts do make sense, because Aron, despite being a thrall, does not really understand what it is to be a slave, to belong to another and have no sense of self, while Roman is horribly emotionally scarred after his years of belonging to the slightly clueless Wulfgar and finds it hard to know who he really is.
By the time we reach the last misunderstanding of the story, though, I found my patience had worn a bit thin, and my reaction this time, instead of tears, was an eyeroll. The book was already quite long enough, and I felt as if the issues between the characters could have been resolved in a different way. It eventually takes the intervention of a Celtic Goddess to get the two back together – that’s how much of a mess they make. To be fair, even the Goddess (who has appeared often throughout the story to aid them) seems exasperated by their lack of communication. She devises an ironic lesson to drive the point home, and from that point on the story becomes golden again, providing a climax that was all I could have asked for.
A warning: in many ways this is not a conventional romance, since even though Roman and Aron are madly in love with each other both of them are also having extremely enjoyable sex with Wulfgar most of the time as well. Even when Aron manages to get Roman out of Wulfgar’s bed for good, he himself has to keep servicing his master. I can’t say the sex is consensual exactly, since sex between slave or thrall and master (especially when the threat of violence for disobedience is held overhead) can’t ever be truly consensual, but neither is this a story where the main characters grit their teeth through sex with anyone except each other.
I don’t generally like historical m/m romances at all, but this book was just so enjoyable that I can’t wait until the sequel (a story concentrating on Wulfgar) falls into my eager little hands. I’m hoping the Big Misunderstanding Problem won’t reoccur in that one. So if you can live with a slightly over-long final third to the book and a literal Deux Ex Machina ending, I highly recommend Bee Among the Clover.
did-not-finish
January 1, 2020I'm marking this as DNF. Cause I didn't read it all.
66% : I'm struggling. I finished a chapter and don't want to pick the book back up. I wanna know what happens, or should I say, I wanna know how they will inevitably get to their HEA, but I don't actually wanna invest more time in finishing the book. This troubles me.
Maybe this book wasn't a great fit for me. I was under the impression it was a slow burn, but it's really not.
*sigh* I don't know what to do. Bleh.
99% : I super-skimmed the rest of the book after 66%. I wanted to know how it ended without investing time. It was a wise decision. Rolled my eyes pretty hard.
66% : I'm struggling. I finished a chapter and don't want to pick the book back up. I wanna know what happens, or should I say, I wanna know how they will inevitably get to their HEA, but I don't actually wanna invest more time in finishing the book. This troubles me.
Maybe this book wasn't a great fit for me. I was under the impression it was a slow burn, but it's really not.
*sigh* I don't know what to do. Bleh.
99% : I super-skimmed the rest of the book after 66%. I wanted to know how it ended without investing time. It was a wise decision. Rolled my eyes pretty hard.
March 12, 2024
This is like 3.5, but I rounded up because some people may think it’s cheesy but them both being like “if you’d only said the words I would have stayed with you” and “if you’d only asked, I would have given it to you” really got to me haha this was super sweet
May 4, 2013
Blurb awkwardness is awkward. ("Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave...")
I mean, yeah, the dude's name kind of has a meaning behind it, but couldn't you have found a better way to phrase the blurb? It's not actually that punny or amusing...
about the actual story:
TROPE.
Aron is so deluded. Actually, Roman/ is really damn deluded, too.
...I mean, they kind of seem to click, and they kind of seem to love each other, but are they maybe better off without each other?
I can't decide if maybe they're not soulmates after all or if they are soulmates, but their souls are...idk, not calibrated in such a way that they actually come together or something?
Idk, man. I don't quite like the ending. It was really...simplistic.
There were also a few points of grammatical weirdness, but I think I'm starting to become resigned towards the fact that most people do not know how to use commas.
I guess it's not bad? It's just really annoying because those two stupid idiots aren't in sync for most of the thing, so it's all about them about them being determined, "whatever the cost," to NOT find a way to be happy with each other. Or perhaps find ways to be happy according to their own limited, highly biased, prejudiced, etc. views.
Lots of stupid farce.
I got to a point where I kind of just wanted them to resign themselves to the fact that shit ain't working out and move the fuck on. I mean, seriously. They could have done so much more to actually get together. A lot of it, though, is that their personalities weren't designed in such a way to allow that.
By the end, I was kind of more "thank god it's over" and not "ooooh I want to read the next book!"
idk, man. I might end up reading it out of curiosity, since I'm not really sure how the two characters' story can be continued.
Jk. I just took a look. It's about Wulfgar instead.
Oh, yeah. Another weird point was how blasé everyone was regarding the whole gay sex thing. But hey. It's their universe. I guess they can do with it what they will...
I mean, yeah, the dude's name kind of has a meaning behind it, but couldn't you have found a better way to phrase the blurb? It's not actually that punny or amusing...
about the actual story:
TROPE.
Aron is so deluded. Actually, Roman/ is really damn deluded, too.
...I mean, they kind of seem to click, and they kind of seem to love each other, but are they maybe better off without each other?
I can't decide if maybe they're not soulmates after all or if they are soulmates, but their souls are...idk, not calibrated in such a way that they actually come together or something?
Idk, man. I don't quite like the ending. It was really...simplistic.
There were also a few points of grammatical weirdness, but I think I'm starting to become resigned towards the fact that most people do not know how to use commas.
I guess it's not bad? It's just really annoying because those two stupid idiots aren't in sync for most of the thing, so it's all about them about them being determined, "whatever the cost," to NOT find a way to be happy with each other. Or perhaps find ways to be happy according to their own limited, highly biased, prejudiced, etc. views.
Lots of stupid farce.
I got to a point where I kind of just wanted them to resign themselves to the fact that shit ain't working out and move the fuck on. I mean, seriously. They could have done so much more to actually get together. A lot of it, though, is that their personalities weren't designed in such a way to allow that.
By the end, I was kind of more "thank god it's over" and not "ooooh I want to read the next book!"
idk, man. I might end up reading it out of curiosity, since I'm not really sure how the two characters' story can be continued.
Jk. I just took a look. It's about Wulfgar instead.
Oh, yeah. Another weird point was how blasé everyone was regarding the whole gay sex thing. But hey. It's their universe. I guess they can do with it what they will...
June 5, 2010
Hooray! A historical that's pre-2oth century! This fact alone attracted me to the book. I even rather liked the cartoonish (almost anime-esque) cover - something appealing about actual art work instead of the image manipulation one sees on most covers these days.
Sorry. There is a story here, as well.
At its heart, this is a romance that illustrates in no uncertain terms how damaging it can be to turn hurt inward and keep silent. It causes the principles of this story no end of grief and nearly kills Roman. (Which would have been a shame, I truly like Roman.)
The historical aspect is well done - the food, the architecture, the materials used - all fit the period. The time line is a teensy bit off. Once the Angle/Saxon/Norse types began settling on the eastern shore of Britain with established kings and all, the Romans had already beat feet and abandoned the place. But that's not such a big leap and you can sense that the pull-out isn't far off in the story.
A couple of small issues...I had some trouble warming up to Aron. I still haven't. In his first scene, he does a truly noble thing, taking the thane's wrath on himself to save his family, so i thought we were supposed to see him as noble and honorable. He is anything but. An oathbreaker and a stubborn brat, he's one of those young men who never, ever admit that anything is their fault. I was hoping for some serious character growth by the end, and while he did grow up a little in regard to Roman, that's the extent of it.
I will say the boy was true to character throughout. Completely consistent, so as a character, even if I didn't LIKE him, it works.
Also not happy about how Wulgar is treated by the boys. In historical context, Wulgar is well within his rights as thane for every action he takes and, let's be honest, is really far more lenient than he should be. I do see there's a sequel...hoping that Wulgar gets his HEA, too, poor dear...
All in all, it's well done, though, both from a plot and genre standpoint. And as you can see from above, my emotions were fully engaged, full steam ahead. Angry at points? Yes. But it was quite a ride.
Sorry. There is a story here, as well.
At its heart, this is a romance that illustrates in no uncertain terms how damaging it can be to turn hurt inward and keep silent. It causes the principles of this story no end of grief and nearly kills Roman. (Which would have been a shame, I truly like Roman.)
The historical aspect is well done - the food, the architecture, the materials used - all fit the period. The time line is a teensy bit off. Once the Angle/Saxon/Norse types began settling on the eastern shore of Britain with established kings and all, the Romans had already beat feet and abandoned the place. But that's not such a big leap and you can sense that the pull-out isn't far off in the story.
A couple of small issues...I had some trouble warming up to Aron. I still haven't. In his first scene, he does a truly noble thing, taking the thane's wrath on himself to save his family, so i thought we were supposed to see him as noble and honorable. He is anything but. An oathbreaker and a stubborn brat, he's one of those young men who never, ever admit that anything is their fault. I was hoping for some serious character growth by the end, and while he did grow up a little in regard to Roman, that's the extent of it.
I will say the boy was true to character throughout. Completely consistent, so as a character, even if I didn't LIKE him, it works.
Also not happy about how Wulgar is treated by the boys. In historical context, Wulgar is well within his rights as thane for every action he takes and, let's be honest, is really far more lenient than he should be. I do see there's a sequel...hoping that Wulgar gets his HEA, too, poor dear...
All in all, it's well done, though, both from a plot and genre standpoint. And as you can see from above, my emotions were fully engaged, full steam ahead. Angry at points? Yes. But it was quite a ride.
August 25, 2013
Since this book was published approx 5 years ago, seems silly to rate it, but here goes.
This book is exhausting to read. The head-hopping, and the constant POV switches-and sometimes within the same paragraph-had me crazy. The constant explaining and justifications of everyone in this book was exhausting. The epithets had me bat-shit insane... The thane, the thrall, the slave, his darkling.(The constant overuse of that endearment got old very fast.) These characters have names, so I am left wondering why they weren't used by the author(s), and why the author(s) were distancing the reader from the story. I was constantly kicked out of the story because of that.
I'm also left wondering if this body of work was even edited, because the constant use of the epithets would have been cut out right off the bat by a good editor. The head-hopping would have been culled as well.
So 1/2 star for technical.
I'm giving two stars for the story/plot. I'm a weakling, and I don't do good with violence, even when the time and place call for it. So in that, it's not anything the author(s) could do about how I would react to such things. I found those parts very difficult to read, and I had to shut to story down to get it back together again. I am also not a menage person either, but I'm willing to try them out. Not sure if it worked here or not.
I also had trouble with the characters not really being consistent throughout. Sometimes I was left wondering if the two of them were really indeed men. Time and place wouldn't call for all the lovey/mushy exchange between Aron and Roman (Marcus,) but maybe so.
I don't ~like giving a negative review, because I know it's hard, hard work to write, and to tell a story. But the technical component( the lack of hard-core editing here) left me very frustrated, dissatisfied, and exhausted.
:/
This book is exhausting to read. The head-hopping, and the constant POV switches-and sometimes within the same paragraph-had me crazy. The constant explaining and justifications of everyone in this book was exhausting. The epithets had me bat-shit insane... The thane, the thrall, the slave, his darkling.(The constant overuse of that endearment got old very fast.) These characters have names, so I am left wondering why they weren't used by the author(s), and why the author(s) were distancing the reader from the story. I was constantly kicked out of the story because of that.
I'm also left wondering if this body of work was even edited, because the constant use of the epithets would have been cut out right off the bat by a good editor. The head-hopping would have been culled as well.
So 1/2 star for technical.
I'm giving two stars for the story/plot. I'm a weakling, and I don't do good with violence, even when the time and place call for it. So in that, it's not anything the author(s) could do about how I would react to such things. I found those parts very difficult to read, and I had to shut to story down to get it back together again. I am also not a menage person either, but I'm willing to try them out. Not sure if it worked here or not.
I also had trouble with the characters not really being consistent throughout. Sometimes I was left wondering if the two of them were really indeed men. Time and place wouldn't call for all the lovey/mushy exchange between Aron and Roman (Marcus,) but maybe so.
I don't ~like giving a negative review, because I know it's hard, hard work to write, and to tell a story. But the technical component( the lack of hard-core editing here) left me very frustrated, dissatisfied, and exhausted.
:/
February 7, 2013
Roman became a slave four years earlier when he was captured from Roman held Londinium. He has learned that life can be sweet even as the thane’s, Wulfgar, bedslave. Roman has built a place for himself that becomes threatened when Wulfgar acquires a new pet, Aron who is both beautiful and prideful.
Aron finds himself claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debts. Aron has never been with a man before nor does he wish to be with one now but since he is forced to be a thrall he has no choice but to accept the will of his thane.
Roman finds himself threatened, intrigued and frightened by Aron and the feelings Aron arouses in him. The more Roman and Aron are thrown together but fate and cunning plan the more they are unable to fight their attraction to each other. Roman and Aron form a bond that becomes greater than any claim made on them both by others. They are also determined to find a way that they can have some happiness together no matter what the cost is even if it ultimately means their lives.
This is a really well written story that will pull readers in and will not let them go until the very last page. This has some great twists in it that keeps the story moving along and have readers wondering what could possible happen next. The story also brings that time period to life and gives readers a small glimpse of what life was like for slaves and thrall. While at times the readers will find themselves wishing to knock some sense into both Roman and Aron they will equally enjoy reading how Roman and Aron find their way to each other. This one will also have readers eagerly reaching for the sequel to it.
Aron finds himself claimed as a thrall to pay his father’s debts. Aron has never been with a man before nor does he wish to be with one now but since he is forced to be a thrall he has no choice but to accept the will of his thane.
Roman finds himself threatened, intrigued and frightened by Aron and the feelings Aron arouses in him. The more Roman and Aron are thrown together but fate and cunning plan the more they are unable to fight their attraction to each other. Roman and Aron form a bond that becomes greater than any claim made on them both by others. They are also determined to find a way that they can have some happiness together no matter what the cost is even if it ultimately means their lives.
This is a really well written story that will pull readers in and will not let them go until the very last page. This has some great twists in it that keeps the story moving along and have readers wondering what could possible happen next. The story also brings that time period to life and gives readers a small glimpse of what life was like for slaves and thrall. While at times the readers will find themselves wishing to knock some sense into both Roman and Aron they will equally enjoy reading how Roman and Aron find their way to each other. This one will also have readers eagerly reaching for the sequel to it.
April 25, 2010
4.5 stars. Very engrossing read, despite the length, I finish the whole book in less than a day.
Roman, the slave is a fascinating character and all the supporting and minor characters are all well-drawn, they leave impressions to readers. As the writer has indirect sequel of it, I am sure some of the smaller characters will return as well.
The period and place set in the story will always be a test for readers who can't stomach non 100% consenusal sex. in this case, Roman is a slave, new comer Aron is a thrall (slightly higher ranking than slave), both belong to Lord Wulfgar as his personal bedmate. While Wulfgar is not a bad master (in fact, quit charming in times), Roman and Aron aren't willing bed parnters to him, but merely accepting their fate under the circumstances. This situation further put into test when Aron and Roman fall in love with each other.
The story is rich with almost non-stop action and development. I'd think that given their situation, their romance already have very serious obstacles to overcome. I appreciate that the authors add another layer of emotional conflicts onto it due to the difference in their personalities and life experience, however, there are just too many communication problem for readers to take them all seriously. In fact, they start to grate on me toward the end and I thought the story should end soon after the "big fight" which resolves many of Roman's inner turmoils. All the problems and misunderstandings come afterward feel forced and unnecessary.
having said that, still a top-notch m/m romance to read.
Roman, the slave is a fascinating character and all the supporting and minor characters are all well-drawn, they leave impressions to readers. As the writer has indirect sequel of it, I am sure some of the smaller characters will return as well.
The period and place set in the story will always be a test for readers who can't stomach non 100% consenusal sex. in this case, Roman is a slave, new comer Aron is a thrall (slightly higher ranking than slave), both belong to Lord Wulfgar as his personal bedmate. While Wulfgar is not a bad master (in fact, quit charming in times), Roman and Aron aren't willing bed parnters to him, but merely accepting their fate under the circumstances. This situation further put into test when Aron and Roman fall in love with each other.
The story is rich with almost non-stop action and development. I'd think that given their situation, their romance already have very serious obstacles to overcome. I appreciate that the authors add another layer of emotional conflicts onto it due to the difference in their personalities and life experience, however, there are just too many communication problem for readers to take them all seriously. In fact, they start to grate on me toward the end and I thought the story should end soon after the "big fight" which resolves many of Roman's inner turmoils. All the problems and misunderstandings come afterward feel forced and unnecessary.
having said that, still a top-notch m/m romance to read.
May 3, 2010
I know that with Viking stories you'll probably more than likely read some forced sexual situations. There was some of that in Bee among the Clover, but I wasn't bothered by it or speeding dialing my therapist. Aron agreed to 1 year of servitude as Wulgar's thrall. Unaware of Wulgar's particular duties Aron would be serving, there are some scenes where Aron is afraid and hurt by being a bed slave. Until Roman is asked to join Wulgar and his new bedmate, Aron sees something in Roman and eventually falls in love. How is a slave and a thrall going to find their HEA...?
I liked this one, I didn't love it, probably due to at time I felt a wee bit uncomfortable with how Roman was treated. Wulgar once or twice backhands both of them and there is some torture when Wulgar finds out he has been betrayed. But hey, this is a viking story. My ho-hum had to be the amount of obstacles Aron & Roman faced, it seemed like more than one road block after another was placed in their way.
I read this and Lotus in the Wild and out of the two, I enjoyed Lotus in the Wild a bit more because it wasn't as violent. Both are good reads for those looking for a more erotic, man love story.
I liked this one, I didn't love it, probably due to at time I felt a wee bit uncomfortable with how Roman was treated. Wulgar once or twice backhands both of them and there is some torture when Wulgar finds out he has been betrayed. But hey, this is a viking story. My ho-hum had to be the amount of obstacles Aron & Roman faced, it seemed like more than one road block after another was placed in their way.
I read this and Lotus in the Wild and out of the two, I enjoyed Lotus in the Wild a bit more because it wasn't as violent. Both are good reads for those looking for a more erotic, man love story.
February 13, 2013
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I liked the pacing of the story and the character development. The only thing that kept this book from being a 4 star book for me was that Roman and Aron repeatedly kept misunderstanding each other and choosing not to communicate with each other. This happened time and time again to the point where I got pretty sick of it and it took away from my enjoyment of the whole story. I also thought the inclusion of a goddesslike person in the form of Cate to be verging on deus ex machina, which is kind of a copout on the part of the author. Overall, I liked the book, but it could have been better.
May 15, 2013
This store is well written and I adore the characters. I enjoyed reading the story, I was emotionally invested in their HEA .. so why 3 stars? Well I didn't like the misunderstandings that constantly cropped up between the MC's. Simple misunderstandings that after a few months "knowing" each other and being emotionally invested that should have been easily avoided. As I read it became telling that the authors were struggling with trying to contrive a convincing conflict that would delay the HEA moment. Despite this flaw the book is awesome, the characters are well fleshed out and story flows so well that it's easy to overlook the short comings mentioned.
March 27, 2012
This book is cliche after cliche. Classic if you love someone then set them free if thu don't come back they were never yours yadda yadda yadda blah blah blah. In truth I didn't really like his book because it was very plain and not a lot of dialogue between the main characters and if there was diogue it was all so expected and cliched that I often found myself rolling my eyes. I mean come on!! I love cheesey love but even I have my limits.Good slave/master relationship if that's what floats your boat. Other than that this book is nothin to rave about.
November 16, 2015
This was the most mundane, long suffering novel I have ever read. I felt like I were reading in a circle of angst, miscommunication, lack of communication, assumptions, sex and triviality so that in 300+ pages I went absolutely no where and I didn't freaking care. The writing was good but the story was terrible. Its also sad that this is the work of two authors. This story made me want to avoid both authors but I actually like the Gladiator's Master by Sutherland, so I don't know what happened here but I would say SKIP. Read an returned.
October 9, 2011
This was a tough read since I don't care much for rape or enslavement.
But it was a well written story that kept my interest up until the end. Yes, there was a lot of angst and misunderstandings. That's what kept the story going. To see the two main characters working out their differences towards the final conclusion. Lesson to be learn from it, if you love something set it free, if it's meant to be, it will come back.
But it was a well written story that kept my interest up until the end. Yes, there was a lot of angst and misunderstandings. That's what kept the story going. To see the two main characters working out their differences towards the final conclusion. Lesson to be learn from it, if you love something set it free, if it's meant to be, it will come back.
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