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!

The Butterfly Project was one depressing and sad book…. and i do not mean that in a bad way. It tells the story of two broken people, that are broken in many different ways but need each other to be come whole.

The story is told in dual POV’s between Zelda and Beckett. Zelda, the main character is a young woman who 10 years ago saw her sister get kidnapped never seen alive again. She blames herself for not stopping it. She has major anxiety problems from this and has lived a sheltered life, keeping to herself. Beckett is broken for different reasons. He is a criminal. He is a felon. He blames himself for a death that took place during the robbery even though he did not kill the man. He is haunted and does not believe he deserves to be happy or loved.

i love how the two meet. Right away you know Beckett’s personality from the get-go. A gentleman. He feels the need to help everyone, just not himself. He helps Zelda in her time of need but really they help each other.

The two become closer. I adore their relationship. They are friends but never cross the line. you wouldn’t even know they had feelings for other another if you were not able to read what they were thinking during their POV. It is an extremely long build up before anything happens. a little over 80% of the book goes by but I LOVED the book all the way to this point.

as i read, i wanted them together. no i needed them together!! they were just two sad people i was cheering for them. unfortunately once the two got together i felt the story lost something. since most of the book was over, i felt their story was all build up and then it was over. i would have liked more drama towards the end leading up to them getting together. the story just seemed to end so fast. i needed a little more like i felt i was getting in the first 3/4 of the book. everything was concluded. i felt like i got a great ending. just way too fast. almost too perfect in a small package.

the first 80% was a 5 star read for me. for that. i definetly recommend The Butterfly Project to my book friends.

I give The Butterly Project, by Emma Scott 4 Stars.


Copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

This is now the third book I've read by her and every single books of hers I get reduced to tears.

It takes a lot for that to happen to me. A lot of books make my chest tight for sure but only a handful bring me to tears.

I'll say this, they are not tears of heartbreak although this book does have plenty of it. These were tears of happiness, deep down in my soul cliche "hallmark" happiness.

The Butterfly Project is just gah I don't know how to describe it without using those standard words like heartwarming, sweet and just like a cup of goodness. This book is like when it's cold outside and you are all snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of soup or a nice warm hot chocolate. It's that cup of soup, that blanket that nice warm hot chocolate .

I absolutely loved this book. Gave me all the feels. Sucked me in. Had me in knots. It was just soooo good.

The two main characters were so perfect together absolutely fell for this story of forgiveness, healing, moving forward and finding light in a world that was darkened by mistakes of the past.

Emma Scott delivers ten fold in this. A definite five star read that will have you smiling and warm by the end of it.

A truly emotional and outstanding story with characters that you cannot help to love. The story was different than anything else I have read and so heartwarming.. This book was everything I was hoping and then so much more. Emma Scott has a way with words and story-telling. You will not be disappointed!

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.

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.

This was a unique concept in a book. The main character, Zelda, had a horrible childhood tragedy when her 9 year old younger sister was taken by a man out of a grocery store. Only being 14 at the time herself, she did everything in her power to chase after them, but carries a massive weight of guilt for not being able to stop him. Now 10 years later she is chasing after a dream to have her graphic novel published. A graphic novel that she writes for the heroin to have an outcome she wishes she could've had with her sister, vengeance. Parts of this graphic novel are interspersed throughout the book which give it that unique concept.

Zelda goes from her home in Pennsylvania, to Vegas where she worked as a tattoo artist for Theo Fletcher. Fans of Emma Scott will remember Theo from her Full Tilt series. She then leaves Vegas for New York City to pursue her dream of publishing her graphic novel. While in New York, things are much harder than she ever imagined. She has to stretch her dollars as far as they can possibly go in a city that is extremely expensive to live in. It's an even tougher city to make it in when you're an artist of any kind. Zelda learns that quickly. She isn't one to give up easily though and refuses to go back home to Pennsylvannia and be trapped again by her grief and guilt.

Then she meets Beckett. A handsome guy who buses tables at an Italian restaurant she happened to stop to eat at. She learns a few things about him during their brief encounter and for whatever reason she feels safe around him. He works as a messenger during the day and buses tables at night 6 days a week and he's still struggling to make rent every month. They strike up a deal to help each other out.

For the first 70% of the book Beckett and Zelda become friends while being roommates. In a 400 square foot space, there is no privacy. But they make their living arrangement work. There is no insta-love with this one. Though I don't necessarily mind those stories either. In this romance, there is friendship first, definitely attraction, but they don't act on that attraction because neither want to ruin the situation they are in. They have come to depend on one another and enjoy each other's company so much that acting on their attraction could damage what they've found in the other one. A friendship they both desperately need.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. This was my third book by Emma Scott and I'm definitely a fan of hers!

Top 5 Favorite Quotes:
I wanted to believe words had power. The power to change the past. To fix what was broken. To heal.

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

"...your voice...It's like a searchlight in the fog."

"This place feels like home because you're in it."

Pain could be suppressed, but happiness knew no such bonds.

Language: 2 (medium)
Mature Content: 2 (medium)
Final Rating: 4 stars

Emma Scott is such a talented writer. This is my favorite of her books yet.
This is a book about the importance of self love and healing. I loved Beckett and Zelda. I was rooting for them every step of the way. This is such an uplifting 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.

4 “you are my home” stars

This book was about 2 people struggling with loss and struggling to get by. Two lonely hearts with nothing to spare somehow found each other and fell into a rhythm of love, friendship and comedy. I don’t know how their tiny apartment had a coffee fairy.. but I think my own coffee fairy moved out on me!
Zelda is a graphic artist and she is trying to get a publisher to buy Mother May I which is a comic that is help her deal with the fact her sister was abducted right next to her and she was too young and weak to do anything about it.
Beckett is a bus boy and bike messenger who has a criminal record and a shattered soul.
They both meet at an Italian restaurant and they make a deal that changes their fate.

The story is about following your heart, friendship, love, family and forgiveness.

<b> <c> I’m in love with you . even though I’m not supposed to be. Even though I don’t know that I deserve this kind of happiness, I love you anyway </b></c> .. yeah im not crying there is sand in my eyes like a tornado of sand.

I have to say Zelda made a bunch of back and forth character progressions and that is really want hurt the book for me.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Story

“Where you are is home…”

At age fourteen, Zelda Rossi witnessed the unthinkable, and has spent the last ten years hardening her heart against the guilt and grief. She channels her pain into her art: a dystopian graphic novel where vigilantes travel back in time to stop heinous crimes—like child abduction—before they happen. Zelda pitches her graphic novel to several big-time comic book publishers in New York City, only to have her hopes crash and burn. Circumstances leave her stranded in an unfamiliar city, and in an embarrassing moment of weakness, she meets a guarded young man with a past he’d do anything to change…

Beckett Copeland spent two years in prison for armed robbery, and is now struggling to keep his head above water. A bike messenger by day, he speeds around New York City, riding fast and hard but going nowhere, his criminal record holding him back almost as much as the guilt of his crime. 

Zelda and Beckett form a grudging alliance of survival, and in between their stubborn clash of wills, they slowly begin to provide each other with the warmth of forgiveness, healing, and maybe even love. But when Zelda and Beckett come face to face with their pasts, they must choose to hold on to the guilt and regret that bind them, or let go and open their hearts for a shot at happiness. 

The Butterfly Project is a novel that reveals the power of forgiveness, and how even the smallest decisions of the heart can—like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings—create currents that strengthen into gale winds, altering the course of a life forever. 

The Review

My first impressions about this book were wrong. It didn’t grab me, like so many other books do, and I couldn’t work out why. I love the idea of a graphic novel writer for the main character, and the criminal past of her only friend in New York was a great backstory, but I just couldn’t get into it. Well, until the second half, that is. 

I cried in the lunchroom, I cried on the train. I cried in the street. This book just got me. What’s worse, it wasn’t sadness that made the tears flow. There is a rightness to this story, one of those rare tales where you could have guessed what would happen, but the fact of it happening tugged at your emotions all the same. The feelings evoked are akin to those experienced by purveyors of viral videos, where love and charity seem to know no bounds. They drag tears from even the hardest of hearts. 

This book shows the complexities of forgiveness, the thought of which can seem impossible, but the act of which can be your redemption. And not just forgiveness of others, but forgiveness of yourself.

It also explores the idea of good and evil – when does a desire for vengeance against evil become evil itself? Does an evil act make you an evil person? What about if you could have prevented evil, but didn’t? Are you good if you regret an evil act?

What I like about this novel is that even though these themes are clear, they aren’t shoved in your face. If all your looking for is a will-they-won’t-they with a bit more heart than your average romance, this book is perfect. At the same time, if you want something which takes a close look at the human condition, crime and punishment, this would also be a great choice for you.

Scott has managed to find the perfect balance of all these elements in this novel, and I would highly recommend her to any bookworm out there.

The Butterfly Project is out now, and you can buy it here. You can connect with Emma Scott on Twitter and Facebook.

When I first saw this book on NetGalley I was intrigued mostly because of the cover. There was something that caught my attention. After reading the blurb I got even more interested so I had to request it. I have to tell you that I kind of knew what to expect from it but even knowing some things it was still a book that caught me by surprise and I ended up loving it.

One of the things I loved the most were the characters. Both Zelda and Beckett were amazing. They were those kind of characters who are drawn to each other especially due to their pasts. Both of them had to deal with terrible things that happened in their lives which made their connection even better. I really loved these two together. I especially loved that they were friends even before something happened. Yes, there was an instant attraction between them but they still got to know each other and each other demons even before anything else happened. They also had an amazing chemistry which always help when we're dealing with some sort of romance. I also loved how much they helped each other with their problems and overcoming their obstacles, Beckett helping Zelda with coping with what happened when she was younger and Zelda helping Beckett realizing he had the right to be happy.

Being my first Emma Scott book I didn't really knew what to expect but I loved her writing. This was such a beautifully written book. I also loved how much she developed these characters and how much we were able to see them grow.

Overall, this was an amazing book. While it's a romance it still deals with really deep and touching subject which is heartbreaking but Emma Scott’s writing makes everything better. I completely recommend this one to everyone and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

You know when you read a book. And after you’ve turned the last page. You are just so full of emotions. That you can’t really do much else. That happened to me with, The Butterfly Project. There’s so much greatness in this story. Zelda and Beckett are easy to relate to. The connection with them is smooth and you believe, in your heart, that the love they have for each other is completely and utterly real.

“You are my home. Where you are is home.”

Zelda had gone through this tragic event in her life. One that she hasn’t really been able to escape. Beckett is unable to escape his past as well. But through everything, they found each other. I was overcome with emotions with this story. I loved how Scott included scenes from Zelda’s Graphic novel Mother, may I? and to throw even more emotional turmoil our way. The last photo at the end broke my heart but then also made me smile.

This story is fully trying to find forgiveness, to finding love. This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. This is a contemporary romance done perfectly. There’s nothing that I didn’t love about it.

“..wherever we touched became proof to one another that we were not alone.”

Overall, Of course, it’s Five HUGE Boundless Stars.

Zelda our main heroine is a aspiring graphic novel creator that has come to New York to try to sell her novel to any publishing company that will like it. Unfortunately for her every agency said no except one that wants her to tweek her novel and bring it back in a few weeks, but Zelda was robbed of her art supplies and any money she had. So shes pretty out of options and feeling pretty hopeless.

Beckett is our main guy and hes living in Brooklyn in a crappy apartment working two dead end jobs just to make ends meet. Hes also a convicted felon who just got out of a two year jail stint for Armed robbery.

So these two meet at Becketts work a Italian restaurant Zelda very depressed and down on her luck and Beckett weighed heavily down in guilt that its slowly drowning him. Zelda all out of options basically begs Beckett to move in with him splitting rent and everything, so she doesn't need to go home to Vegas and give up on her comic book dream. Beckett agrees so they begin living together and very quickly we see that both characters like each other and it will add drama to this already precarious situation. To add to it Zelda asks Beckett to cowrite her revised story with her which he quickly excepts. These two start spending even more time together and keep growing closer. Will they write a epic comic book that will be published? Will they be able to move past the guilt they both have in their past to start a future together? Or will it all blow up epically in their face?

I give this book 4 stars I loved both characters I wanted to see their happy ending this was a lighter book that dealt with forgiveness, moving on and never giving up on your dreams

WOW!! This was a sensational red! It was utterly beautiful! The writing was superb! Absolutely loved it!

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!!!

4.5*

What a beautiful, heart-warming story Emma has delivered. A story of forgiveness, second chances, moving forward and finding love; this is a book that will not be forgotten any time soon.

I hoped beyond hell Beckett and Zelda would finally move forward with their lives and find the love which they both deserved. I found myself with tears in my eyes on numerous occasions throughout reading from both sadness and pure happiness.

This is a book everyone should read. It's beautiful and once you start, you won't want to stop.

I loved this book. I love reading books by this author. So much feeling goes on!

This is a stand alone book told by dual POVs.

Emma Scott has a great way of telling a story and this story has a unique type of feel. The characters are dmentional and easy to connect to. Overall, I enjoyed his story and following the characters sort through their guilt and look for forgiveness throughout the book.

[I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review]
In my mind, Mother, May I? had ultimately been about love. But wasn't love a kind of chaos theory? One small look, one smile or one work could alter the course of a life forever. Becket and I were living proof.

Dammit, I loved this book to pieces. Two broken people, trying to survive life day by day, blaming themselves for things they didn't have a say in... Finding solace in each other.
First things first, I loved the fact that Zel and Beckett's first encounter was them bickering. lol. But then when Zelda asked him if she could be his roommate and he started scaring her off... Ahhh relationship goals, dude. What I liked about the whole thing is the fact that they didn't keep their dark pasts from each other for too long, they didn't drag it out, and I loved that. I wasn't expecting Beckett to actually tell her that fast, it was a pleasant surprise, to be honest. Then when Beckett skipped his stop and sat beside Zelda in the subway and started giving in, they both did, I was mess. It was so sweet and cute and swoon-worthy, my heart did a backflip, it was all too much.
Love will enter cloaked in friendship's name. --Ovid

When I read that, I literally started squealing, and was all like: Shit's going down.

I adored Mother, May I?'s concept. That was probably my favorite part of the book. And when Zelda started explaining the Butterfly Project to Beck, I was literally awe-struck. But then they partnered up and Ryder came into the picture and the story couldn't have been more perfect.
I'd crack up every time Zelda reminds Beckett that Ryder is not a love interest.
Darlene's amazing. I loved her and Beckett's friendship. And how she and Zelda hit it off instantly after that cheese incident in the kitchen.
Now can we skip over to my favorite character????
*drum roll please*
Mrs Santino

She's the most hilarious person. Not much of a talker, that lady. Although she did babble in Italian a couple of times:
Mrs. Santino held a sweater by the shoulders. A heavy knit turtleneck sweater in blinding lime green.
I blinked. "Is that...for me?"
She pressed its shoulders against mine to gauge the size, then nodded once, satisfied. She tossed the sweater over my shoulder. and then took my face in her hands.
Mrs Santino: [Babbles in Italian]
She kissed me loudly on both cheeks, then retreated to her apartment and shut the door. Quietly.
I stood there, staring in shock for a solid minute.
"So that just happened..."

This was such a good book. I love how although the vibe was pretty intense, there was still room for a good laugh every now and then (all the credit goes to Mrs Santino for that... Maybe some to Nigel and Wes, but mostly Mrs Santino). I rooted for all the characters. Beckett, Zelda, and Darlene reminded me a lot of Levi, Cath, and Reagan from Fangirl for some reason. AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THAT. I'm in tears, this book was so beautiful.
You didn't make it home, Zelda. You are my home. Where you are is home.