The Butterfly Project

Shel: The Butterfly Project is exactly the kind of book I need--it was healing. Let me back up to say that in the last few weeks I've read several books that are the beginning of or middle of a series and they're all tortuous in their cliff hangers which means I've been in twisty knots of angst for days. I reached for this novel because I knew 2 things: less importantly it's a stand alone so I knew I'd have a resolution by the end, most importantly Emma Scott has an innate ability to cocoon me in her words and I knew I was in for a night of fantastic storytelling.

Court: She does. And it is exactly as you said. Healing, yet searches for a truth that was somewhat quietly profound as we went on this reading journey. I had no idea what to expect, because the first one I read was so beautiful I was a little afraid of this one...in a good way! I read this one in one sitting and fee like I'm immensely better for it. I like when an author is capable of using words and putting a little bit of a healing balm on a crack in my soul, and Emma Scott has that tremendous ability and I can't wait to read her words more and more.

Shel: When I think about the story of Zelda and Beckett I think of it terms of these words: forgiveness, redemption, risk, and love. While these words sometimes apply to the characters differently, they all apply. Until they both took risks, they were living in a world of grey--a world that I imagined looked a lot like Zelda's comic book world. Thankfully, Zelda took a huge risk and asked Beckett for help and slowly their grey world began to warm with color and color. In order for the full technicolor picture could envelop them, they both had to find a way to be open forgiveness (and redemption). He had to be willing to let it be given to him and she had to discover if she had any to give. Again a huge risk because the inability to tap into that emotion would be the death knell to a future not crippled by the past.

Court: Forgiveness is definitely the primary theme, but it comes in so many forms. Forgiving others: those who don't deserve it, and definitely didn't ask for it, those who did...but most of all forgiveness of yourself. Their journey is a hard one...but it's the way that their paths are so very different from each other that the story is original and complex at the same time. The added elements of their pasts as they are unveiled do bring a lot of questions and a few angsty feelings along the way but I had faith that we'd survive...and we did!

Shel: Another huge emotion both of them tangled with was love. Allowing themselves to feel it seemed like a betrayal to the people they held onto in their past. Being in love meant a sort of happiness neither of them seemed able to wholly accept. It was hard as a reader to see that they both needed it and deserved it and yet they couldn't or wouldn't give in...until they did. And that moment---gahhh, they evoked these huge balloons of emotion inside of me.

Court: Huge balloons!!! I loved the setting of the story too and the way their respective jobs really felt authentic to the heart of the city of New York. I love when a setting is such a big part of the book, and it became a place of new beginning for the two of them in a way they neither expected. Zelda and Beckett in my brain are old souls, and they related to each other in a beautiful way. They became friends when neither expected, and the journey to the will they or won't they become more is one that you cannot miss.

Shel: I loved everything about this novel--their struggles emotionally. I loved their definition of home. I loved their crappy apartment and their friends. I loved Roy and Aunt Lucille. But I especially loved watching these two go from living lives that felt like they were just existing..just living in a black and white world (or gray) to living in full color.

Court: Shel, that is the best description of the heart of it. I hope everyone picks this one up immediately! You won't regret it...and definitely will discover a word of books Emma Scott has written that will such up you heart, mind and soul!

“I must be crazy,” he muttered. “Or you are.” He nodded at the tracks. “This is me. Or…us?”
This is us.
I went with Beckett Copeland to Brooklyn.

Okay, let me first say that I love Emma Scott's writing; it is so beautiful in its simplicity. It’s such a treat, like sweet ice cream that you just want to keep shoveling in your mouth. But you don’t because you either get fat, or in the other case—a book hangover.

So while I absolutely loved the writing like I do in all her books, it takes more than that to love a story, and there were just too many misses for me to be completely invested.

The thing about The Butterfly Project, is that both characters are dealing with heavy trauma or severe guilt; the kind that either holds you back or keeps you from living a life you deserve. I didn’t connect with either issue they faced. And that is the number one reason I didn’t connect with their story.

I’m a very optimistic person. I’m a live in the moment, go for it, why the hell not? kind of woman. Everything about this story was just conflicting to everything I am, or that I would do. I understood their feelings, but I didn’t connect with them. And that’s a completely subjective situation.

I don’t believe in groveling in my own despair, or blaming myself my entire life for a mistake. And that is what both characters did. The entire story.

To be honest, this story started off really strong for me. I loved Beckett, and the honest lifestyle he lived. We’re all used to the millionaires or even better—billionaires, and it was really refreshing reading about a hero who’s a busboy, a bike messenger and struggling to get by. It was very real, and I felt like it was the kind of love story that’s probably happening right now in New York.

I really disliked Darlene. And she was such a prominent character that I couldn’t escape her. Sometimes I felt like the story revolved around her and her issues instead of the main characters.

After halfway through, it was really lagging for me. The slow-burn seemed like there was no end in sight, and the chemistry just wasn’t there for me. They lived with each other, and there was never any real tension. They just made coffee, did their own thing, and went to sleep. Nothing happened. She didn’t once see him with his shirt off! I was begging for any kind of action. Bare forearm action? Calves? I mean, come on, I was getting desperate. And by the time they got there, I was too uninterested to even care.

The comic thing…I didn’t like it at all. Whenever they would talk about it, I was falling asleep. It just seemed this book lacked everything that I love, and had all the subject material I don’t like. I’m seriously in the minority. So if you love Emma Scott’s other books I would still give this one a try. Just be prepared for a really tame, slow-burning relationship between two damaged people.

Here's what you need to know above everything else:
This is the first book I know will end up on my Top Reads of 2017!!
Yes, it is that good.
In the span of one year, this author was barely on my radar, to now being an automatic 1-click author for me. Why? She delivers something uniquely beautiful every time.

There are two things about this book that set it apart from others:
1) The creative plot theme involving two broken people.
2) A strong connection to the main characters.

The theme of regret and loss is not new. What makes this story special is how the author takes that regret and has the characters reflect on it and grow past it via a graphic novel they create together.

Zelda Rossi arrives in New York with big dreams of getting her graphic novel, Mother, May I, published. The idea behind her novel is so interesting - a dystopian world with a main character stopping criminals before horrific crimes can be committed against innocents. The story itself being a form of therapy for Zelda who has had her own personal loss that she can't forgive herself for.

While the novel has potential, she is told it needs work, and that leads her to meeting Beckett Copeland. Their meeting is random. Their minimal verbal exchange is basic. However, their situations are such that they can both walk away and suffer on their own, or make a go of it together and help one another.

Like Zelda, Beckett lives under a blanket of regret. It consumes him day to day. Even when he has moments of happiness, the reminder of his criminal status is always there, bringing him down once again. Although what he did was wrong, it is clear early on that he is one of the good guys. And that's why Zelda trusts him and a bond is formed.

I absolutely loved how the author blended the characters pain and gave them an outlet, the graphic novel, to right their wrongs, giving them a second chance. Brilliant. I also adored both characters. Sometimes I feel that the emotional state of a character isn't carried out well, and it comes across like they are being overly dramatic. Not here. I felt a deep connection to Zelda and Beckett and the pain they felt through panic attacks, judgement by others, and the desperate need for forgiveness.

The bonus in this story were the compelling side characters.
Roy Goodwin - Beckett's parole office, this guy offers so much beyond his duties. And he plays a role in this reader’s very happy tears.
Darlene - Beckett's friend and co-worker. I was worried about her several times in this book, one being some sneaky author trickery, but she is a good person who is just struggling to be accepted like everyone else.
Mrs. Santino - Beckett's seemingly rude neighbor. This lady was a character and I loved how Beckett just laughed it off and kept giving to her. He eventually is rewarded in such a cute way.
Aunt Lucille - Zelda's aunt came off a bit loony at first, but she actually plays a big role for Zelda.

One 400 square foot apartment.
A deep connection to another.
An outlet for the pain.
Redemption.
The author did a beautiful job of blending the above to create a story that consumed me. Another home run and a book I'd highly recommend.

Final note: Fans of the Full Tilt duet will be happy to see that Theo gets a mention in this story (but you don't have to read that story to follow along here).

<b>5 Second Chances – ALL the Feels – Warm fuzzy feelings Stars</b>

What is the butterfly Project? I’ve seen reviews of this book and EVERYONE loved it. I had no idea what it was about. I saw the quirky cover and the title kind of sounds like the Butterfly effect, so I figure, why not?

I’m so glad I didn’t realize this was the same author as How to Save a Life. I wasn’t too fond of How to Save a Life, but it just goes to show. NEVER give up on an author.

<b>The Butterfly Project is what everyone says it is. It’s a really GOOD BOOK.</b>

There were a lot of things that I don’t like in a book, which this book had, but after reading it, I couldn’t see it any other way.

There was a struggling artist, yup, not into that. The Heroine was almost homeless and penny less because her stuff was stolen, wasn’t looking for a down-on-me book and the Hero was a convicted felon. Yeah, not really a storyline I can jive with.

BUT the more I read, the warmer I got. Like, the warm fuzzy feeling in my belly kind of feeling (if that even make sense).

Zelda is a graphic artist (I LOVE the little pictures in the book). She’s a struggling artist in NY and after getting robbed she is almost homeless and penny less. Beckett is a good guy with a bad past. He’s a felon, but he’s trying very hard to atone for his mistakes.
What makes this book work so well was the storyline and how well thought out the characters were.
This book is so many layers and I really enjoyed reading the characters. I completely got Zelda and her need to put her heart and soul into a book she cared so much for. I completely got Beckett’s struggle to just maintain life and not really live it because he felt like he didn’t deserve it.
The best best part of the book is the chemistry between Zelda and Beckett. I loved that they were two different strangers with totally different backgrounds, but they needed each other. Very badly.

It was the opposite I thought this book would be. It’s a very uplifting book and I love pick-yourself-up kind of read.

It’s a melt you heart kind of book too. I highly recommend.

I really loved The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott. This book is a story about two broken people who by dumb luck find each other in New York, and how through a chain of events are where they are today.

This book has two main characters that are well developed and also a few minor characters that are really likable as well. Zelda Rossi is a young woman, who at the age of fourteen, witnessed her little sister being lured away by a sexual predator and though she chased after them, she was not able to save her sister. At the age of 24, she has come to New York to try to sell a graphic novel she has written that tells the story of being able to time travel back and forth to catch these people committing heinous crimes before they actually commit the crime. After she sees a few people at different publishers, who all turn her away, one woman sees the potential in her graphic novel and tells her to change it a bit and to give the book a heart, so Zelda walks away, and winds up at an italian restaurant where she orders food , but feeling a panic attack come on, goes out into the alley for air.

While out there she runs into a young man named Beckett Copeland who is a worker at the italian restaurant twice a week and messenger boy by day delivering messages on his bicycle. He has lost the will to ever be happy after committing a robbery two years before, and watching the homeowner die right in front of him. This devastated him so badly he feels he does not deserve happiness and being on parole limits what he can get for work. After seeing Zelda home and learning about her misfortune of being stuck in New York, although at first he does not want to, when she asks him if she can stay with him until she does her rewrite, against his better judgment allows her to share his small cold studio apt.

As they get used to each other and start to give each other comfort, through the pages we learn that separately they may not have made it without each other, and though they are both strong willed, it is through their shared experiences that they both learn the power of forgiveness -especially forgiving themselves.

I loved this book, and hope you will read it! I gave this book 5*****stars and can't wait to read more by this author.

“No matter what happens, even on your worst day, find something to be grateful about. It’ll make you feel better.”

What a gorgeous book!! Emma Scott has a way of writing that is so beautiful, it is almost painful. But she also makes her characters seem real, very human, funny, flawed and just very authentic.

Zelda finds herself all alone in New York City, having been robbed and left with nowhere to stay, She came to New York to try and see her graphic novel but is rejected and told to revise her project to give it "more heart." She and Beckett meet by chance and I am not sure I have ever encountered two lonelier people than these two.

"One person alone against winter was rough. But two people, together… Together. A word I never used."

Beckett and Zelda both have heartbreaking pasts. They both can't seem to move on but Beckett takes a chance on Zelda and lets her stay with him in his tiny apartment, temporarily and just as roommates. Slowly, they begin to realize that they care for each other but neither of them think they truly deserve happiness. This is a slow-build romance and the author takes care in creating a connection between the two main characters. I could feel them falling in love and was literally sobbing at the end. It is hard to explain when a book has that certain spark that makes it memorable but whatever it is, The Butterfly Project has it all. The writing is beautiful and there is plenty of steam but it is believable and very explosive when Beckett and Zelda finally get together.

"...I realized you could get used to anything—even being alone for years — right until the moment you touched something better than what you had."

A very sexy and emotional story, The Butterfly Project is one of my favorite books. It is a powerful tale of love and forgiveness. And the "extras" in this book are absolutely fantastic! All the stars to Emma Scott for this gorgeous story.

“You are my home, baby,” he said. “I never want to be anywhere else.”

My first Emma Scott!!! I know, where have I been? I do have a very nice rock that I like to live under. I have no excuses, my darling friend, Lisa, even gifted me this book upon it's release... I don't know. At any rate, here I am now!

Anyone that follows my reviews knows that I don't post spoilers, that isn't my way; so if you're looking for that kind of review... sorry! You're going to have to look elsewhere! What I will tell you is that the story is different from so many that I've read. The main characters are Zelda, a young woman... and I just love her name, and Beckett, a needed *beta* hero in this literary landscape that is weighted down with so many alphas, in my humble opinion; a pair of people that are down on their luck... And we are treated to this enchantingly slow burn tale of ... them.

The world building is fierce. Ancillary characters were charming and I would have loved to see more of them!

A slight criticism, it did wrap pretty fast at the end... especially with the rate the book had progressed up until that point. However, I understand word counts and book length, yadda yadda yadda...

4.5 All of the -nesses Stars... stringing Christmas lights in your honor, Ms. Scott. I was truly captivated! Gonna ramp up to 5, because the store won't let me rate half stars.

I don’t usually go for artistic covers when picking my books, but since finishing Flutter by Olivia Evans I was looking for another book that had real depth to its storyline. After reading the blurb for Butterfly Project I knew I had found what I was looking for, and yep it turned out to be a phenomenal read that will stay with me.

In Butterfly Project Emma Scott gives the reader two beautiful and tortured characters in Zelda and Beckett. The author delivered a story rich with raw emotions and the words felt so palpable as the scenes played out vividly in my mind, and kept me turning the pages as I lost myself in the story. The Butterfly Project is a story of regret, redemption, self-worth, forgiveness, hardship, second chances and not letting mistakes define one's future.

Zelda is a comic strip artist trying to get her first break, and Beckett is trying to make it in the world with any job he can get due to his criminal record. These two characters coming together makes this a slow-burn romance, and the wait is so worth it as the heat turns up between Beckett and Zelda. Their connection is undeniable and I have to say OMG I loved Beckett Copeland like hello new book boyfriend! Both characters are weary to open up to the other due to their past, but when circumstances has them sharing space they learn to lean on each other and provide a feeling of warmth, self-worth, belonging, hopes of a brighter future and love. Whilst Zelda is an amazing character I have to say Beckett stole my heart in this book. He’s that guy who made one mistake which cost him his happiness and a tainted future. His character had real depth and I loved how he was sweet, kind, thoughtful, protective and sexy. Not forgetting the secondary characters especially Roy who added so much warmth to the story, whilst Mrs Santino added hilarious humour.

Well, Emma Scott has once again given us a brilliantly different and wonderful story!!! I was barely able to sleep after I finished it, I was filled with so many thoughts and emotions. There is no better feeling than getting completely and hopelessly lost in a book and that's exactly what happened to me.
From its first page this story pulls you in and it never lets go. Emma Scott writes her characters and stories with so much heart and so much soul, and Zelda and Beckett had it in spades! They both carry around enough guilt for a hundred people, I mean the weight of the world was on their shoulders yet they have not let it break them. I am completely in awe of each of them!
Zelda has taken a giant leap moving to NY to fulfill her dream of publishing her graphic novel. She has a very sad past and she's just hanging on by a thin thread. Despite that, she keeps on trying as if her life depends on it. Beckett is a NYC lifer and is struggling to get by every day. He is filled with so much sadness and regret it completely destroyed me. My heart bled over and over for each of them. The amazingly talented Emma Scott writes this story so flawlessly that the reader feels their pain and heartbreak.
How can you be happy when you carry guilt around? How can you move on and make amends? How can you face the past alone? Ms Scott shows us how to do all of it!!! Every word, every page, every chapter has meaning. Zelda and Beckett show us that everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance. Mrs Scott shows us that there is hope for mankind after all!
Easily, I see The Butterfly Project being in my top books of the year.

Wow! Just wow!
Emma Scott proved once again that she is an amazing storyteller and this was an amazing emotional journey from the beginning to the end.
I was hooked from page one.
I kept thinking about this book during the day, and that is always a good sign.
It kept my attention and I can honestly say that I was captivated.
Emma's writing style is pure perfection. Unique, beautiful, refreshing and truly moving love story that will strengthen your belief in second chances in life and love.
This is an incredible story of forgiveness, redemption and two wounded people with deep scars, Zelda and Beckett.
I won't tell you anything about their pasts cause' those would be spoilers, but just trust me on this one. They have this indescribable bond and slow burn chemistry that is quite hard to express in words. They are so intense together even when they only talk to each other. You can just feel it while reading. Both went through a great deal of pain in the past and they were trying to overcome their insecurities and move forward in their lives.
This one will stay with me for a long time. I went through so many emotions while reading it.
I highly recommend it!

The Butterfly Project is a standalone contemporary romance which melted my heart and had me sobbing into my tissues. After reading the Full Tilt duet, Ms Scott jumped straight to my top 10 favourite author list and when I saw that she had a new release, I couldn’t wait to read it. And she did not disappoint. She writes from the heart and the characters become real to me and I am drawn into their world. I literally could not put this book down!

Beautifully written, emotional and heart-warming, The Butterfly Project is about forgiveness, healing and love. Out of financial necessity, Zelda and Beckett share a tiny studio apartment together and slowly form a friendship that forms the foundation of healing their tormented souls. Beckett has served time in prison for armed robbery, where an innocent man died, and Zelda struggles constantly with guilt and grief after witnessing a heinous crime at age 14.

This beautiful story is still in my heart and my thoughts. It is just unforgettable, uplifting, and blew me away. And what an absolutely gorgeous cover!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

An emotionally intense novel, the story of a graphic novel artist and an ex-con, their interaction, and the past encroaching on the present made for a somewhat sad, definitely tense New Adult novel.

The pacing was a bit slow for my liking, though I don’t think it would put off a lot of people. Fans of slow burn romances might even find a favorite book in this. As it was my first of this author’s books, I can’t verify whether the rest would be as nice as this one, but The Butterfly Project would have me entertaining the thought of reading more of her work.

If I had to choose which of the main characters I preferred, I would say Beckett. While Zelda had her graphic novel artistry going for her, something I admire because manga and comic books have been a big part of my life for a long time, Beckett’s voice and his perspective chapters felt more real to me. I looked forward to the camera lens coming from his eyes, even when it was something as simple as looking at his neighborhood in Brooklyn, his walk-up apartment, the other people in his building.

Roy, Beckett’s parole officer, was an awesome character that really warmed my heart. Usually in books I wouldn’t have seen his character as someone to like, but Emma Scott crafted a caring individual who trusts and does his job in an effective manner.

The location of this story was something I liked in The Butterfly Project. I live close enough to NYC to visit a few times a year and while I’m not intimately familiar with all of its landscape, the way Emma Scott described it made it feel like I was right there on the street with Zelda and Beckett. It was easy to picture the hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant where they first meet, the streets they walked to get Zelda back to her hostel early on in the book. It wasn’t a sanitized version of the city and I liked the atmosphere that was created.

The relationships formed, the ones that were broken and offered to the reader as insight into Zelda and Beckett’s character, these all came together and formed an interesting story that had dips and turns, pain and attachment, as in life. New Adult needs more books at the forefront and this could be one of them.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I really dislike this cover. I feel like it gives off the impression of being a self-published book which might hinder some readers from looking into it deeper. The cover also felt a bit disconnected from the actual story for me.

Another quick aside before I get into the meat of the story is that The Butterfly Project has a small crossover from the Full Tilt series. Zelda was a side character in that series and now she's the leading lady. Theo is mentioned and has an extremely short phone call with Zelda, and that's about it. But I personally appreciated the fan service of tying these two together.

So Zelda left Las Vegas with the dream is getting her graphic novel published. While I've read books in the past that feature authors or aspiring authors, I've never read one who focused on graphic novels so I liked this aspect. It was interesting to see more about her art and process of creating. And of course, it makes sense because Zelda was a tattoo artist in Vegas. While I can see her wanting to pursue a different avenue career-wise, when you're strapped for cash, I find it hard to believe that Zelda could make near the amount of money from waiting tables as she could from tattooing. When things are desperate you tend to go for practical. Or at least, I do. But Zelda's struggling with a traumatic event from her past. She witnessed a terrible crime and it has shaped her in many ways.

As the description says, Beckett served two years in prison for armed robbery. And he's currently on parole. He's spent every day since feeling regret and guilt over the entire situation because a man died. And despite Beckett's attempts to atone by doing good where he can, he doesn't feel that he deserves anything good in his life. He doesn't deserve to be happy. So when Zelda walks into his life he's reluctant to allow the light she brings to lift him up.

Zelda and Beckett have a slow building relationship. They become roommates out of desperate necessity. Then they become friends. Beckett ends up helping Zelda on her graphic novel to the point where they become partners. And eventually it turns into more. And really this slow building relationship is what drew me into this story.

Beyond Zelda and Beckett's relationship, these two both have pasts that they have to work through. They both harbor guilt over things that they couldn't control and didn't directly cause to happen. Zelda's situation was more innocent than Beckett's in that nothing she did caused the pain she feels. Beckett's the opposite. His decisions indirectly contributed to a man's death. Both have to grieve, forgive themselves, and let go in order to move forward. And stories about true forgiveness are usually among some of my favorites because we've all made mistakes. We all need forgiveness, but so often people and characters truly struggle with forgiving ourselves and others for the hurts we've caused and experienced.

The new adult genre almost always brings with it extensive language as well as graphic scenes. This was true for The Butterfly Project. The physical scenes weren't present really until about 70%, but after that they were fairly frequent. There's also child violence touched on. Prison and death penalty also if these things bother or concern you.

I enjoyed The Butterfly Project. I appreciated the crossovers from the Full Tilt series. Zelda and Beckett were easy to like and root for. And more than anything I enjoyed the message of forgiveness woven throughout. The language and physical scenes are always something I find myself mentioning with this genre. but also there were some cheesy lines. In the end, I feel like The Butterfly Project deserves 4 Stars. Have you read The Butterfly Project? What did you think? Let me know!

This was SO cute.

The story is written from alternating perspectives. There's Zelda Rossi, who was fourteen when it happened, and she was never the same again. But she channels her anger and grief into her graphic novel. The same graphic novel that was rejected by several comic book publishers, dashing every dream she ever had. Then there's Beckett Copeland. He's still on probation for an armed robbery that sent him to prison for two years, and he's struggling to keep his life together. It's a bit difficult when a criminal is the only thing he feels like he will ever be. Long story short, Zelda needs a place to stay. And Beckett's got a bit of room to spare.

This was amazing. I loved the characters, and they were even better together. To be honest, I wasn't too sure what I was expecting when I opened it up - the cover isn't really what the typically contemporary romance has. But nevertheless, this was a really quick read, with just the right blend of heartache and happiness.

The graphic novel aspect of this book was a delightful plus as well - there are some scenes from Zelda as well, and it was pretty cool to be able to imagine that there was another story within the story.

Nothing about the plot was really surprising; I thought it was pretty predictable, which is why I couldn't give this a full five stars. Nevertheless, it was really a touching story, and I loved that there were subplots - even for the minor characters, which made the book a lot more realistic.

The idea for it is really amazing, and it goes back to something I'd always been interested in: the butterfly effect, or the idea that a butterfly's tiny wings could create changes in the atmosphere. As a metaphor, it refers to how little actions can have large effects - something I think this book expressed beautifully.

This books is beautiful, raw and gritty. The emotions overcome you and engross you into the world Emma has created. This is not only a book about finding love but finding it in your heart to love yourself. The characters have a great depth to them and shattered souls which makes you instantly connect with them. You feel their pain just as they have and it breaks your heart to see the hardships them have overcome. The plot is original and done at a great pace but I must be honest I had to finish this book in one sitting. I get lost in Emma's books and to me that alone proves she is an incredible writer. Emma has this amazing talent where her writing is so descriptive it's as if your are experiencing the book at the same time as the characters. I love her writing style and I can't wait to read more of her amazing books. This was definitely at top read of 2017 for me.

I was given a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

This was a story about two lost souls connecting when both were struggling and in need of someone to bring them back from the fog of guilt and grief. One night the two lost souls find each other and in being found they also find friendship and love.

Zelda has been in the fog of guilt and grieving for a decade and has put all of it into her comic Mother May, I. Her guilt is over not being able to save her sister. She grieves for the life that could have been if she were alive. She recently has moved to NYC in hopes of having it published but has been turned down by everyone except one who says it needs heart and to work on it and bring it back. She's crushed but with it meaning so much to her and her past she refuses to give up. But with little money to her name and not knowing anyone in NYC she knows she's going have to go back to Vegas. But everything changes when she meets, Beckett.

Beckett has been in the fog of guilt and grieving for a little over three years. His guilt is over the crime he committed which left a man dead but not by his hands, just the mans poor health. He's grieving for he future he knows his past won't allow him to have. He's working two jobs trying to keep his head above water but he's still short on his rent. He does what he can to earn extra cash from selling his blood to the vinyl records he inherited from his grandfather who raised him. But his luck changes the night he meets, Zelda.

Zelda instantly feels safe in Beckett's presence. Beckett instantly feels the need to help her. They bond instantly and when Zelda asks for help with needing a place to stay Beckett isn't onboard right away and actually turns her down. Ready to go their separate ways he can't let go of the need to help her so he changes his mind and says, yes. That simple yes changes everything for them.

That simple yes gives Zelda another shot at making her novel a reality and without knowing it, it gave Beckett another shot at a future. They go from roommates, to friends, to partners, and finally to lovers. The way the story progressed and unfolded was beautifully done. It wasn't rushed and it wasn't a slow burn. It happened as should have at the pace it was meant to be at. I absolutely loved reading how Zelda and Beckett found their happy ending.

What was also really great about this book was the side characters. Darlene made me laugh and I liked her right off. My heart also broke for her and I shed a few tears for her. Roy was amazing as was his wife. I adored them both and what they did for Beckett. Then there was Mrs. Santino. The woman was funny with her fast speaking Italian and her slamming doors. I liked her a lot. These characters just made the story that more richer.

In the end I completely fell in love with this story and it's characters. They all felt real and touchable. I laughed a lot and cried quite a few times. Some of the tears were out of sadness but there were a few I cried out of happiness as well. It was hard not to feel the emotions of the characters when they felt so real and like they could be people you knew and were friends with. This was my first book by this author and I am positive it won't be my last.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a unique romance. You will for sure come away loving this book.

Happy reading dolls! xx

“No heart”, this is how aspiring comic book writer, Zelda’s first project was exactly described. I can tell you without preamble that Zelda and Beckett’s story is the 100% complete opposite of that! In fact, every single book I’ve read by this author is full of heart which is literally why I keep on coming back for more.

The Butterfly Project is a story about two people who are stuck in their troubled past and how they are able to find love, peace, and solace in one another. It is about looking past the desperation and realizing that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

What I loved most about this book was how I walked away feeling inspired. The Butterfly Project is without a doubt heartwarming and uplifting. It is a beautifully crafted, well-written story to be cherished, one that I wouldn’t mind reading over and over again.

BANGOR BELLE BOOK BESTIES

I truly am stuck for words, this book is just beautiful in all senses, beautifully written, and a story that is just so heart melting yet uplifting at the same time.

This is the story of two young people, both have experienced circumstances that has left them reeling in life, unable to move forward, unable to fully live. Two damaged souls that find each other. Beckett Copeland made a mistake during a time of desperation and he now lives with the regret, guilt and the self loathing every single day. He feels unworthy of ever being happy again or to strive for the “normal” things in life. Zelda Rossi witnessed a horrendous occurance involving her younger sister, her grief, pain and anger are still what controls her life. She can’t help the nightmares, nor the guilt that’s deep in her soul because she couldn’t save that same sister.

Zelda has come to New York to try to have her art work and graphic novel hopefully published. She meets Beckett and the story of these two beautifully damages souls begins.

This story will tear at the very deepest of your emotions. No over the top dramatics, just two people, trying to find a path in life that will bring them some much needed peace. Their story takes you to emotional places you forgot existed. The characters just embed themselves into your heart, my heart truly broke for them, and i really wondered if it would ever be possible for them to find a place in life where they could finally let their feelings and emotions thrive. Sometimes Love Can Conquer All, and sometimes an author writes a book that conquers your heart. This is such a book, it will capture you, hold you and will take a piece of your heart and never let go!!!

When Zelda was fourteen, she experienced the most tragic thing anyone could - her sister was kidnapped in front of her and eventually her body found. Now the killer is sitting on death row, and Zelda's way to get past it is by delving deep into her art and creating her graphic novels called Mother, May I? They are about a mother who goes back in time to kill child abductors etc. before they can harm anyone else's children. It's an amazing piece of work, and she has come to New York to sell it, everyone but one gives her a harsh rejection. The last wants revisions as it lacks heart. When she returns to the hostel she is living in; she discovers her roommate has stolen her stuff. Now with only a bit of cash and no supplies, it looks like Zelda will have to return to Las Vegas. The thing is, her room has been given to someone else so now she is homeless too. Enter Beckett, he meets Zelda one night at his job as a bus boy, and they click. One thing leads to another, and they end up rooming, but Becks has his demons as well. He is currently on parole as years ago a man died, and he and his friends were responsible. Together can Zelda and Becks move forward as they are both stuck in the past by their demons? Can this graphic novel be the thing that they both need to forgive each other, learn to love again and move forward with their lives?
Find out in The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott, a book that has graphic novel strips scattered throughout the pages and at the beginning of most chapters which I thought was an awesome touch to the story.

4.5 stars

Emma Scott consistently blows me away with her unique characters and storylines; THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT was no exception. This makes everything she writes stick with me, in the best way. I can recall her books in detail.

THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT explores a number of issues such as surviving in near poverty, living with guilt, fractured family relationships and trust. This is all accomplished through Zelda, the graphic novel artist with a hideous experience that haunts her and Beckett the most lovely guy with much to regret. These two were such interesting and likeable characters, I felt so curious to get to know more about both of them. Their meeting was truly serendipitous and their friendship was a gradual joy. Beckett was reluctant to let himself live and I really wanted something more for him in life.

This was a read of undulating emotions, sometimes very level but with pitching to the high emotions. It made me cry a few times and I'm a reluctant crier at books, which demonstrates Emma
Scott's ability to really make you invested and feel what Zelda and Beckett were. The graphic story really spoke to the emotional temperature too. The side characters were rich and full of depth, Roy was my favourite, he made me all warm and fuzzy.

If you've not dipped your toe into Emma Scott's writing yet, this is a good one to start with and it's a standalone.

A copy of this book was provided by the author through netgalley, in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

The Butterfly Project has been sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read since February. I kept putting off reading it because I knew I was going to be in for an emotional ride. Emma Scott is an amazing author, but she packs a powerful emotional punch in all of her books. I wasn't sure I was ready for the experience The Butterfly Project was going to give me yet.

I'm so happy I went ahead and started reading it. I loved The Butterfly Project! It was definitely an emotional read, but it immediately drew me and had me invested. I wasn't willing to put the book down. I stayed up way too late reading it because I needed to know what was going to happen to Zelda and Bennett.

If you haven't read Emma Scott's Full Tilt duet, you may not know that Zelda was an employee of Theo's Las Vegas tattoo shop. She's decided to branch off on her own, and take her comic book to shop publishers in New York. The reception of her comic book is not what she had hoped, and she has to figure out how to spend more time in New York to make the revisions she needs to it. Zelda refuses to give up on the one thing that may help her entire family heal. A chance encounter with Beckett gives her the possibility to stay in New York.

Beckett isn't super thrilled to have Zelda around. He's got his own tragedies and regret to deal with. What begins as a partnership, slowly turns into companionship for Beckett. He realizes maybe he's not as alone as he thought. His friendship with Zelda is the only thing heating up his cold and dreary days.

The more entwined their lives get, the more Zelda and Beckett want more from each other. Before they can truly fall, let will have to decide if they can let go of the past and live in the future.

Zelda and Beckett were really amazing characters. Both were living their lives by the day, trying to make it through. They were emotionally stunted by things they wished they could change in their pasts. The sadness and guilt connected them, but their different outlooks on each other's situation brought a strength to their friendship. Zelda knew what Beckett needed and Beckett knew what Zelda needed. Their friendship turning into a romantic relationship was inevitable. They got each other and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved every minute of their romance.

All of the secondary characters were magic. Each brought a little bit of something special to the story. I especially loved Zelda and Beckett's Italian neighbor lady. She cracked me up! I also loved getting a tiny bit of Theo in this story. I had forgotten how much I missed him.

One thing I thought was super cool in this story was the use of the comic book. I liked the glimpses of it I got to see and how the story created helped Zelda and Beckett heal. It was a cool way to connect two characters.

I don't know what else to say about The Butterfly Project except that I loved it. I would highly recommend it to new adult romance readers. The healing and love in this story is amazing. I'm so happy I finally read it!!!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Dual

"When you find something that shines against all that dirt and darkness, you gravitate toward it."

Zelda Rossi was a graphic novel artist. Art was her life; she had one big chance to change her life path with a company in New York City. Leaving everything behind, she decided to pursue her dream; it wasn't just a dream to her it was personal she wanted her comic story to be known to be something she could share with the world. When she meets a stranger she feels like it was sign to not give up and keep going.

Beckett Copeland was paying for something he did when he was young and immature. A big mistake that now has cost him his freedom. His life now is a struggle; he lives with guilt every day because he knows it will be a long time before he could truly be free. When he meets Zelda he feels connected to her in every way possible but his situation makes him frustrated and does not allow himself to freely enjoy her company as much as he wish to because he don't want to stop her from reaching her dreams.

"Maybe Zelda was changing my destiny. Already she was an artistic partner-something I never saw coming. I gazed at her beneath a garland of twinkling lights. She was something I never saw coming."

This story was unique; I have not read anything quite like it before. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I fell in love with these two main characters and the story itself right from the start. When Beckett let Zelda in and decides to give love a try it was magic. This two were just perfect for each other. Zelda asks Beckett to help her with her dream project. At first he thought it was pretty cool but when Zelda realizes that his contribution to her story was EPIC and exactly what the story was missing; she couldn't deny that her dream was now both of their and there was no way she will not give him credit for it. Beckett had only agreed to help because he knew deep inside that this was so important to her and somehow he figured the only way to help her was thru her own story.

"Maybe I can help her move past the rage and pain to something else. Some peace. I set my fingertip by hers, in the empty space above Ryder. "He tells her, "There's another way."

I was fascinated with the idea of the comic book and how cool Beckett and Zelda work together with it. I was mesmerized by it all. I truly enjoyed all the side characters on this story and the message this book delivered. This book wasn't just a typical love story; it was so much more. This story will be appealing to readers looking for a book about forgiveness; about second chances and about forgiveness and strength.

A copy was kindly gifted to me, thank you so much.

I liked this story about perseverance, acceptance, and forgiveness. You have two people burdened with guilt: one who is desperate for a chance at redemption; the other who accepts his life of hardship as penance. Zelda and Beckett are quite similar. In addition to living under a cloud of regret, they are both completely broke (and broken) and basically alone in NYC. After a chance meeting, they decide to join forces in a mutually beneficial financial arrangement.

Zelda pours her grief, remorse, and creativity into creating a graphic novel that she is determined to get published. It is so inventive of Emma Scott to allow the reader to experience Zelda’s character growth throughout the novel’s creation process. I loved her tenacity and optimism, even in the face of great pain. I particularly enjoyed her struggles early on in the book when she first arrives in NYC.

Beckett can’t seem to shake his demons and is merely going through the motions of being alive. He is such a truly decent man, and I just wanted to hug him throughout the entire story. With Zelda in his life, he begins to see a brighter existence. Beckett is stubborn, though, and feels she deserves someone who has more to offer. I appreciated the bond they form and the slow burn of their relationship. Although, honestly, I found it difficult to understand why Zelda so desperately tries to deny her attraction to Beckett. This leads me to my main issue with the book.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a card carrying angst ho, but the tension has to come from a logical, emotional place. It’s one of the things I’ve come to enjoy about Emma Scott’s work. Fundamentally, in this case, I just couldn’t understand the degree of guilt that Zelda carries for such a long period of time. I felt like I must be missing something. Why resist Beckett? Why the dramatic reactions to the mere mention of family?

There are aspects of the story that are sometimes depressing, but mostly sweet and inspirational. I found The Butterfly Project to be an engaging story with a powerful message and an enjoyable variety of characters. I’m sure it will resonate with a lot of readers.

‘I realized you could get used to anything – even alone for years – right until the moment you touched something better than what you had.’

Emma Scott is such a supremely talented author who is able to deliver emotional and character driven stories that don’t rely on unnecessary drama or angst to engage and captivate her readers. In The Butterfly Project, she has once again brought to life a story with characters we have taken to our hearts. Zelda and Beckett felt so incredibly true, their plight, and their pain, identifiable and honest, we couldn’t help but become swept up in their story of second chances, redemption and love.

“Do you ever wonder, Zelda, if you’re allowed to be happy?”
“Yes, all the time. Every minute.”
“I hate to hear you say that. I hate that I can’t take that pain from you.”
“Me too,…for you. You carry too much.”
“Maybe we both do. But I don’t know what to do or what is too much to ask for.”

We first met Zelda Rossi, as the tattooist working for Theo in Full Tilt Duet. Zelda has moved to New York from Vegas to pursue her artistic talents and hopefully publish her graphic novel. When we catch up with Zelda she’s contemplating a move back to Vegas after failing to achieve the success she had hoped for. It’s then she meets a friendly, sweet and kind busboy.

Beckett Copeland is a man who exudes kindness, and is such a sweet and tender man, who’s easy on the eye, and shrouded in an aura of sadness. He’s made mistakes and lives and breathes them every minute of every day, and he would quite literally give away his last dollar to someone in need. Beckett is struggling to make his rent when Zelda makes him an offer that could help them both. Beckett is sceptical at first, but decided Zelda’s offer to become roommates could actually work out.

‘He smiled a sad, wistful kind of smile as the tidal was crashed around us, around him. I stood in the shelter of his tall, strong body and the water never touched me at all.’

Both Zelda and Beckett are crumbling over the guilt that plagues them from their pasts, both victims of circumstance, attempting to deal with, yet not believing they have the right to erase the guilty burden that overwhelms them. Zelda’s coping mechanism to deal with the harrowing memoires of her past is to bring to life her graphic cartoon, Mother, May I? seeking her vengeance through her art. Beckett seeks cathartic release through a series of letters he writes to cope with his guilt.

‘I wanted to listen to the sound of someone else’s breathing beside my own I wanted to hold a woman and have her body pressed against mine, her arms and legs wrapped around me tight, our bodies shielding each other from the cold. One person alone against winter was rough. But two people, together…..Together. A word I never used.’

For Zelda and Beckett, life is a series of events culminating in pivotal moments for them both, with Emma Scott exploring how one moment, one action/reaction can change our lives.

“No past. No guilt. Just you and me. Let’s top thinking so much about the past or the future. Stop thinking or talking or wondering what we deserve.”

Emma Scott has written a warm, beautifully textured uplifting and slow building love story whose foundation is the depth of characters and emotion rather than shock tactics or overabundance of angst. Through her words, we are made to feel Zelda and Beckett’s pain and loneliness, and in turn, we care deeply about their healing process. The Butterfly Project is sweet, heart-warming, moving and wonderfully romantic. It’s a story that made us believe in fate and second chances, redemption and forgiveness……but most of all how love can be the most powerful healer of them all.

‘I felt sleep settle over us both, as if we’d exorcised some of the ghosts that haunted us and now could get a little bit of rest.’

Well now! Once again I am speechless. You want heart? THIS BOOK IS ALL HEART!!!
Once again, I did not expect anything less from Emma Scott. The Butterfly Project was brilliant and unique – nothing I have read in the past. Zelda witnessed something that haunted her since she was 14 years old. Zelda was a kid herself but she could not shake the guilt and responsibility she felt for what happened. She suffers from PTSD and panic attacks as the result. Nothing seems to help even with the smallest trigger. Zelda’s passion is graphic novels. Her latest plot is about time travel – The Butterfly Project a story about special agents traveling back in time to stop crimes before they happen. In the story, the heroine’s quest was to murder pedophiles and kidnappers without mercy. Unfortunately, while Zelda was in New York pitching her comic book idea, she was turned down by every publishing company, except one. That one required she change the story and give it more heart. With little money left and a bruised ego, Zelda felt like a failure — desperate and lost. That’s when she ran into Beckett, who is a messenger by day and table-busser on the weekends. Beckett was also in the same predicament – always scrapping by for the next meal waiting for the other shoe to drop. All because he made one huge mistake as a young man. Beckett also lives with guilt and regrets from his past. The two lost souls help each other through hard times at first just by sharing rent and a meal. But in the end Zelda and Beckett teach each other more than survival, but rather an important lesson on forgiveness, healing, friendship, and love.

“Lessening the misery of the past will lead to a brighter future.”

I have to say, right from the start I was intrigued by the story and it captivated me the whole way through. The plot is definitely different from anything I’ve read in the past. My heart hurts for both Zelda and Beckett for what they have been through. I am a believer in second chances – we are all humans and humans are flawed. So, I am so glad the author gave Beckett that ending. Zelda is a great character – she is so strong and what I love most about her is her loyalty to Beckett. I think that is one quality that is essential in life. Zelda cannot move on with her life and truly be happy until she finds peace within – Beckett understood that and in a way he is her saving grace. He helped her realize that she must move past the pain and rage and that “there is always another way”. I think Emma Scott’s books almost always have a solemn, thoughtful, heart wrenching tone to them but I love that she always offers some wisdom for us to take away at the end – the Emmanism. I think The Butterfly Project is about forgiveness and second chance. It’s about being kind to one another because gosh, all of us deserve to be happy and to be loved.

I don’t have to say much about Emma Scott’s writing – flawless as always. The characters and the storyline were phenomenal – brilliantly executed!!!

Wow! I loved this book so much! It’s beautiful, emotional and unique. I love all the characters, the writing, the cover, the meaning of the title and the drawings in the book. I know I’ll reread this book in the future and love it again. I highly recommend it! A must read!

Zelda loves art and she can make beautiful drawings. She goes to New York to chase her dream, but it isn’t going according to her plans. She’s a little lost and almost broke. Zelda will find a place to stay with Beckett. Beckett is a man who Zelda meets in New York and who is almost broke even though he has two jobs. They spend a lot of time together and grow closer.

It’s impossible to not love Zelda and Beckett. Zelda is kind, talented, passionate, shy and insecure. Beckett is sweet, caring, talented, hardworking and selfless. Zelda and Beckett both have a past that made them who they are today. They still carry guilt, but they will help each other with moving on. They both deserve all the love and happiness.

The Butterfly Project is a slow burn romance. Zelda and Beckett aren’t looking for love when they find it with each other. Zelda and Beckett will first become great friends before admitting their feelings. They are a beautiful couple. They are made for each other.

I have no words right now.....
The Butterfly Project is yet another beautiful breathtaking novel by Emma Scott, she writes with such passion and heartache that leaves you in goosebumps.

Zelda and Beckett's relationship is not an ordinary love story. These two will break your heart while filling it with hope. Towards the end of this gripping, heart pounding novel.... throughout all your tears you have shed..... you will be smiling in glee when you hit the very last page.

A perfect love story.
A must read.
I Can't recommend this book enough.

Definitely Emma Scott's best yet.

For some reason the book blurb didn't really interest me so I wasn't in a big hurry to read this one. But my love for Emma is endless and she's never disappointing me so I eventually dug in.

Wow. Emma totally did it again. This is definitely a slow burn and the first few chapters are actually a little slow so it takes a bit to suck you in but once it does you cannot put it down.

My favorite thing about this story was even in the face of a few conflicts the pair stays together. They don't instantly break up when things get tough, they stick together. It's refreshing since most romances have the hero and heroine split at the first sign of trouble.

There's no cheating, no cliffhanger and a wonderful HEA that you so desperately want to read. Also, if you're into "roommate" stories, this is a pretty great one!

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This was a deeply emotional book. This had a great plot and setting. As I was reading this I felt like I was reading Beckett & Zelda's journal. It was so realistic with all of life's ups and downs and obstacles that real life people experience. Beckett and Zelda meets by chance. Both are wandering through life trying to run from their past.
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Zelda's past haunts her everywhere she turns. The day her sister was kidnapped replays in her mind everyday. She blames herself for not being able to stop the kidnapping. Zelda's character was strong on the inside but brittle broken on the outside. Beckett was just the right person to come into her life and save her from herself.
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All the setbacks in life that Beckett had to withstand is all because of one bad decision. A decision that will haunt him for many years to come. He doesn't feel like he deserves forgiveness. His self-hatred and loathing pushes people away.
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The ending was uplifting but had me in tears. If everything in life turned out the way it did for Beckett & Zelda then this world would be a much more happier place.

**Copy received through Netgalley for voluntary review**

What a great read. I have a feeling Beckett and Zelda are going to be my favorite book couple this year. They are perfect together. I loved their slow burn friends to lovers romance. I liked the graphic novel aspect of the storyline and how it brought them together. The artwork was fantastic. I also loved the acceptance and redemption they both found. It was emotional. There were many moments where I shed a tear. This is my first read from Scott and won't be the last. It was brilliant. I highly recommend.

The Butterfly Project is the story of Zelda Rossi and Beckett Copeland. Two flawed souls who feel undeserving of love and happiness for different reasons. Their story is phenomenal. There’s romance, friendship, and the power of forgiveness. The banter between them was full of humor and their communication was clear and mature. They were mature and considerate despite the desperation of their own situations. Beckett is kind and selfless. Zelda is giving and brave. Both suffered from misplaced guilt, but they were able to heal each other. Told in dual POV, you connect and feel the story. Secondary characters are fleshed out and add to it making the story even more moving. The Butterfly Project gives you everything - friendship, second chances, hope, forgiveness, learning to move on and deep love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book that was well written and well told. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read something unique, magical and full of love.

Emma Scott is my go-to author for emotionally poignant, utterly romantic, heartbreaking romances. I have never been disappointed after finishing a book from Scott, and I doubt I ever will. I adore stories with realistic characters - flawed individuals who are seeking a better version of themselves - and The Butterfly Effect delivers that and so much more.
TBE is most definitely a romance, but there is SO much more to it than that. Self-acceptance and forgiveness are front and center, giving depth and heart to every event. While there were times I did pause reading, it was because I wasn't in the mood for a fantastic book with heart. I wanted something either crazy or light, and I didn't want my mood to hinder my appreciation for TBE.
So I paused.
Then, I came back when I was ready. And I am so glad I did that. I absolutely recommend The Butterfly Effect (and everything else written by the author).

THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT, no better title for this delightful, emotional and fulfilling friendship/love story by Emma Scott. I love this author and the way she is able to make her stories so believable and captivating. Zelda is tormented by witnessing the kidnaping of her younger sister. She blames herself of not being able to save her. Zelda is also an comic book artist with a story to tell, trying to make it in New York. But after the last publisher rejection she stumbles into Beckett, a bike deliverer with his own story to tell. And both are on a course to change into butterfly.

Some books you read and stay with you forever and this book is one of those. Is been a while since I read a book in which I cry and feel happy at the same time, a book that fills you up with so much hope. This is a book that you have to force yourself to sleep because is too late and even when you get some sleep, you dream about the book.
This book is about forgiveness, dreams, hope and LOVE.
Forgiveness: sometimes is not our fail what happens, we did what we thought was right at the time or we did everything in our hands to prevent something.
Dreams: go for your dreams even when someone tells you no, don't give up on them.
Hope: believe that everything that happens, it has it reasons and hope everything will be fine at the end.
Love: love without limits.

Emma Scott has a great writing style that is easy to read and follow the characters through many deep issues. I fell in love with the story line of each of the main characters and my heart broke for their pain. Yet, they were so perfectly matched to help one another. i felt the relationships were interesting and fun all the way through and the side characters enhanced the story too. I loved the generosity and love they had for other people in their lives. There were many great lessons that could be learned from the trials they each went through. That one bad choice does not have to define us. That guilt can be crippling but love can overcome. It was really a touching story and had more to it than just a sappy romance, though, there was that too.They were cheesy sweet at times but it worked.

Why did I never hear of this amazing book before? I am a fan of the writing of Samantha Young, Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland, Mariana Zapata, Monica Mc Carty, Rosalind James, and I am ALWAYS looking for another book. I can read most books in 2 hours...a blessing and a curse. Anyhow this book, what a beautiful and unique love story. Real and sweet-it hooks you in and you CAN'T put it down until you realize it is 2am. Looking forward to reading all her books!!!

The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott is one of the best books I've read all year. Zelda and Beckett's story is one full of love and second chances. I absolutely loved the way Emma illustrated how chance encounters and decisions can forever change and shape your life. How meeting the right person at the right time can help you save yourself. This author is a favorite of mine, and this is her best work to date. Love, love, love her words.

This is a story about tragedies, guilt, sadness and how two people found and heal each other with friendship and love.

Emma Scott never fail to leave me in awe after reading her book. This book has a heart. I enjoyed reading Zelda's and Beckett's story. They are both resilient yet vulnerable. They just fit. Beckett won my heart. He's too precious for this world. I love him.

Reading this book is like watching your friends fall in love with each other. I felt every emotion. I was rooting for them and so invested to them that by the end of the book, I just happiness for them.

Beckett and Zelda bootstrapping it in New York and falling in love. At just 25% I knew I was going to read this in one sitting. They're such a cute couple who end up rooming together because they need the money. She's an artist and he has a knack for writing &lettering. Beckett is always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends, a neighbor or a homeless person on the street. Zelda is big hearted and generous in her own way. A heart warming story. I'll read more of Scott's work.

Such a beautiful, heartfelt story that I will read over and over again. I absolutely loved that, while the characters were overcoming guilt and grief and still developing a friendship/relationship and all the ups and downs with that alone, they were not at all whiny and woe is me. So many characters, heroines especially, it seems are written to be almost helpless and childish and I LOVE that Zelda & Beckett were NOT those characters! These characters will stay with me for years to come as an inspiration.

This story was absolutely beautiful and so well written. As customary in an Emma Scott novel, the characters feel so real and have such heart. Although this wasn't my favorite novel by Emma (the bar is just so high, I mean how can she possibly top Full Tilt??) this story is still phenomenal, and it left me feeling very hopeful about life. I definitely recommend this book, as I would recommend any Emma Scott book!

So apparently I'm reading these books out of order. After completing this book, I realized I've already read, Forever Right Now, which is Darlene's story.

Anyway another great book by Emma Scott. There were parts of this story that I swooned and others that I just couldn't connect. I'm not sure why... It was a hard book to put down. I really enjoyed it!

I absolutely loved this story from the real estate of the characters to how they evolved over the course of the story. I loved the story within a story and the heart wrenching attempts to move on from a single moment that changed the main characters' lives in the most horrific way. Really enjoyable and reaffirming read!

Emma Scott writes well. I loved the plot, characters, cover and HEA. It's an emotional read with both main characters having heavy mental obstacles to overcome before they can find happiness. Although Rush is still my favorite book of hers, The Butterfly Project is a close second. I look forward to whatever she writes next.

I loved this wonderful wonderful book! I was so entranced with Zelda and Beckett's stories and there tragedies that happened to them. They learned to heal and found a piece that they never though they would have. This was such a amazing second chance at life and learning of forgiveness that a lot of people would struggle with and a fantastic Happy Ever After that will stay with me for quite some time.

I don't have the words! OMG! Incredibly creative and unique idea which was masterfully executed!!!! Such an emotional story of forgiveness and redemption!!! Have to get my thoughts and feelings together so I can do a better job of this! An absolute must-read from Emma Scott!!!

Another wonderful story by E.S.! Perfect characters and backstory and circumstances and development and ... Just read it for yourself! Zelda and Beckett (what fantastic names!!) are just perfect. I want to help them kick the radiator! lol! And that drawing (picture) at the end is VERY sweet. E.S., keep doing what you do! Thank you!

This story is simply amazing! Two broken souls, struggling to deal with the life changing events in their past. A chance meeting changes the course of the lives forever.

There were so many layers to this story, so much depth to the characters. Poetic, heartbreaking & comsuming, fantastic read! This was my first book by Emma Scott and I will definitely read more!

I really liked both of the main characters in this book individually, and I liked the setting and the bicycle delivery job in NYC. My initial thoughts, were that it was going to be cute. And although it was cute, if a little slow, the unrealistic part came into play when the very young couple, the girl of which I think was a virgin, start getting sexual, because all of a sudden they do not seem like young, inexperienced kids anymore. He pleases her, and doesn't care about himself. The hair gets pulled back for better access to the neck, blah, blah, blah. There's no insecurities or nerves at all. She's completely comfortable asking for what she wants. Sorry, but IMO he's too young to pull off the confidence and knowledge you'd think someone much older and more experienced may have. I know this is fiction, but it's just not realistic to think that this is how young love and first time experiences go. This is a huge pet peeve for me, along with insta-love. I have to ditch on books with either of these elements.