Ash and the Butterfly

I requested this ARC on a whim, having just read the author’s novella which a loosely-connected prequel to this, and I’m so glad I did because it’s the most refreshing historical romance I’ve read in ages. The central premise, of mathematician Grace attempting to decode the information hidden in her deceased friend’s journals, has parallels in several of the characters who are hiding facets of their true selves because of society’s expectations or just through fear of being vulnerable. I liked how Grace is depicted as multi-dimensional: highly intelligent and openly emotional and understanding the practicalities of fitting into the world she’s been born into. Her relationship with Luke has sparks from the outset and develops with wit and spice and then emotion that’s downright heart-wrenching. The writing manages to evoke all the feelings throughout: there’s a scene near the end which made me snort-laugh and then almost tear up within a page, and by that time I was fully at the ‘unable to put this down’ stage. My only disappointment is that the author doesn’t (yet) have anything else for me to devour - but I will definitely be looking out for the next one.

The book begins with Luke and Grace as enemies. I really appreciated the background info being given in small bits regularly, so not to leave the reader hanging and hanging wondering exactly what happened in the past between them.
All the chapters are titled "In Which .....", which is very clever. The one entitled "In While Luke Suggests a Therapeutic Exercise" was so titillating! In fact all the sexy scenes were absolutely marvelously done. I absolutely felt like I was right there in the room, and my "breath hitched" numerous times! For how well the spice was done, even though it was fairly basic I'd give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The verbal sparring between Luke and Grace was so, so good. *Chef's kiss* Lots of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth vibes!
Nothing to criticize, absolutely loved this book! The plot had me hanging on till the last few pages wondering if it was really possible to get a HEA! I don't often feel like rereading romance novels but this one I definitely will!