The Butterfly Project

An Amazing story that hooks you from the first page. Great characters, solid plot, sublime prose. Emma Scott has surpassed her previous efforts. Highly recommend!

This book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. I felt warm reading it. Just happy feeling what the characters felt.

That feeling you get when you a finish an epic love story, you know the one - where your reading heart and soul are filled with inspiration, joy, and a satisfaction that runs so deep you feel the story in your bones. Where a dopey smile plasters itself on your tear-streaked face and your partner says "uh oh, that must of been a good one". Yeah, that feeling. It's woven through every single page of The Butterfly Project. The feeling of hope in the midst of desperation. The feeling of calm in the eye of a storm. The feeling that everything will be right in the world even when it is so very not right. Emma Scott delivers an EPIC romance and she does so with brilliance and an understanding of the good in people that's inspiring.

Emma Scott elevates romance to another level. She does it with the utmost honesty and vulnerability. She does it so well her stories are effortless. She does it by exploiting mistakes then turning them into the greatest strengths. She does it by slowly and precisely ingratiating you to the beautiful friendship her characters form. She does it by building implicit trust and sharing. This book reflects the raw nerves of human's souls aching to let go of their guilt, of their past and be recognized as the counterpoint in another as pure and forgivable as WORTHY.

This gifted author makes you FEEL every word and every emotion. She makes you addicted to her characters. She makes you feel everything they feel. I read this book in one afternoon from start to finish. I didn't want to put it down. Not because it was so angsty I couldn't. Not because there's some big mystery in the plot. I couldn't and didn't want to put it down because the writing was so flawless and the story so real and romantic for me I just simply didn't want to stop. I've highlighted half of this book because everything FEELS so important and so crucial to the development of the story. And the worthiness I mentioned above that eventually blooms - my god, it's breathtaking.

Emma Scott feeds your romance reading soul not only with her glorious, evocative writing but these complexly unique characters too. Beckett Copeland shines as the one of the most unique NA heroes ever. Thoughtful, kind, and passionate yet trapped in a self-sabotaging train of misguided thoughts not allowing him to heal. He's a product of his bad decision. That's what I love about him. He holds blame like it's the weight of the world on his shoulders. He doesn't make excuses. His blunt honesty and openness despite his attempt at being concealed proves one of greatest character strengths - his willingness to share, his need for it. His deep level of passion for Zelda and how she makes him feel is hands down one the best feeling you get from the book. He supports her, cherishes her, and respects her as his very best friend. Beckett contests that this is Zelda's story because he doesn't feel he deserves any kind of happiness or hold interest in saving himself but for her, well, he'd do anything. He's an open book and he's a protector. I fell so deeply for Beckett even when he wasn't feeling for himself.

When Beckett meets the girl - Zelda Rossi has a dream she's willing to fight for despite being trapped in her own loneliness and guilt. With a tragic circumstance shaping her whole life she's on a plan to avenge her own young self. I loved her willingness to understand Beckett. She's fierce this girl although she doesn't realize it. She's unique. A wallflower type girl with the biggest heart that feels everything from her past weighing down on her life but despite it making it a priority to live and feel even when she doesn't realize she's doing it. She craves safety and love. Zelda is my favorite kind of heroine. She doesn't make excuses, she carries a weight too she wants to keep concealed. But she never backs down and the good she sees and willing to accept from people is startling. I loved her so much, her attitude, her vulnerability, and her heart.

Meeting Beckett starts a trajectory of change in her life she never saw coming. The two of them together battle demons in a way that's so fulfilling and so romantic. Through friendship and trust they build the dream. The way Emma Scott weaves their gifts for art into the story resonates so much. Through the depictions of graphic novels and the construction of the craft we learn so much more and get a deeper look into their hearts. Scott unravels this story within a story in the most unique way. I loved the artistry and the interesting world she creates because of it.

The Butterfly Project proved to be an EPIC read for me. I couldn't stop thinking about it when I finished. I read the last 25% over again immediately. The beautiful prose and brilliant structure of the story, the unique character development and histories all perfectly executed to create a truly romantic, addicting story. It's vengeance of your own past self. It's reflection and understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses. It's friendship and kindness. It's an exploration of the human condition after tragedy, whether that tragedy was choice or not, to heal, reflect, and strive for innate goodness. It's love and redemption. It's divine forgiveness and inner turmoil. The Butterfly Project embodies HEART and so much SOUL highlighting the best of all of us; it's a heady feeling when you finish this book. I highly recommend this story to everyone. It's a beautiful, unforgettable reading experience I'll cherish forever.

I feel truly honoured that I got to read this book as an ARC. Ah Ms. Scott where have you and your enchanting story telling been all my life? I fully hang my head in shame and say that this is my first book by this author but it most certainly will not be my last. I am fascinated by the ripples of the butterfly effect. We should all apply more kindness and compassion in life.

There are complex layers upon layers of emotions. A spectrum of emotions that bashes down any chance you have of keeping your emotions in check it doesn’t matter how hard you try it just won’t work. I squeezed out a tear here and there and that was justified.

Split into three parts and told in a dual POV you truly get to feel the emotions of the characters in the book. Ms. Scott wrote:

I wanted to believe words had power. The power to change the past. To fix what was broken. To heal. By writing them down on paper, they could work some kind of magic on the reader.

Ms. Scott this is exactly what you did for me. You created a special kind of magic for the reader, a magic of words which will be hard to forget.

I really do not know how Ms. Scott did it with the right balance of banter and then with the heart wrenching, soul ripping revelations that both our main characters come to.

Zelda Rossi has suffered rejection on a project that is her heart and soul. It’s just missing something. But with changes to make it could be something brilliant. If life beats you down then you get up and keep swinging. For some home comfort she goes to an Italian restaurant but her emotions get the best of her.

“Now what the fuck do I do?” I whispered. “I don’t know,” a low, gravelly voice said behind. “Maybe not freeze to death in the stinking alley?”

And so Zelda met Beckett.

Beckett Copeland has also suffered but in different ways. Forced to bear witness to what he had done. A felon one mistake that will lead him to life time of paying.

They come to arrangement. They share a flat. To try again. To gain something so beautiful in the darkness, to find that light, that glimpse that will shoot colour through a black and white world. He doesn’t want to sell blood and Zelda doesn’t want to go back to Vegas.

They are such complex characters that don’t want to ruin a good thing when they know it. A friendship that will change and bloom to something special. They can’t stop it even if they want to. But they are friends and they truly get to know one another.

“Beckett?” He was lying with his head on the pillow beside me. “Shh.” He traced the curve of my cheek and over my temple. “If you don’t go to sleep, you might remember I said that. We’re supposed to be friends.”

Day two, Rossi, and you’re already having impure thoughts about your roommate. But they are electric. They have a connection that neither one expected to have or to even deserve. We all deserve happiness. About forgiveness not from others but forgiving yourself more than anything else.
There were promises in our kiss. Unspoken vows to take care of what we had, of what we were creating in that moment, because after tonight, there was no going back.

And then when it came to Phantasus I was balling my fucking eyes out at 59 %. With the ballons with the emotions with everything. I still find it hard to put into words what I feel. I’m no Beckett.
There are so many powerful words her. So many words with so much meaning. Peace or at least reckoning, love, forgiveness. Forgiving yourself more than anything else. Beckett’s words to Mrs. J got me every single time.

The Butterfly Project is a beautiful, poignant with multiple layers. A book that you will have to read more than once to really let every facet of the book sink in. To feel the true beauty, the chance for me, the chance to deserve something you never think you should. I am blown away with this book and it IMO is a must read for 2017.

I did not want this book to end! I need more Zelda and Beckett and Kira and Ryder! As usual, Emma Scott's words just suck you in, and you're flipping pages, not even looking at the percentage you have left, feeling like you know them, and never wanting to leave their world! And then it's the end......NO! I want more so bad!

This was a beautiful story and I really loved Zelda and Beckett and their pure honesty with each other. Zelda is down on her luck in NY, trying to sell her graphic novel, and feels she can't go home. The heartbreak and guilt she carried just killed me. A chance meeting with Beckett turns her world upside down! He basically was her white Knight, but carrying his own guilt around. They were so alike in so many ways. As they struggle to survive, and become closer and closer, Beckett helping with the novel, and revealing more and more to each other, they both fall hard. Their love was something so beautiful and that's Emma Scott's writing right there! Amazing!

Of course, I have to mention Kira and Ryder, Zelda's graphic novel characters. They were a huge part of this book and I loved this aspect of it!

I have to say, many of the tears I cried were happy tears.... That first kiss, her drawings for Darlene and her Mom, Beckett.....sigh, what a great story!

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

5+ stars!

"I looked at this beautiful, smart woman sitting beside me. I did’t deserve a shot of happiness, but she did."

This book deserves an infinite amount of stars. It was magical, beautiful, swoon worthy. The characters growth and development was literally something that made me drool!

I'm not going to tell you more than what the blurb tells you but Zelda was awesome. I'm telling you, there was something about them as individual characters that just called out my name. They were so realistic and relatable. And Beck was amazing and totally made you swoon!!!

“Yeah, you’re pretty easy on the eyes, Copland. No one’s told you that before?”
His smile slipped, his eyes held mine in their sapphire depths. “No one who mattered.”

You will feel so many emotions; happiness, heartache, love, swoon. You might cry or you might not. But everyone deserves to read this and love them as much as me!

I would like to thank Emma Scott, Trillian and Netgalley for giving me this amazing book for my honest review.
Review By Stephanie
5 Stars
I fell in love with Emma’s writing when I read the Full Tilt series, so I was beyond excited when I saw The Butterfly Project. As soon as I got the book I cuddled up on the sofa with a glass of ( ok maybe a little more than a glass) and dove into this rollercoaster of greatness!
This book got my heart like hard core! Zelda and Beckett are amazing! I fell in love with them both and wanted more from each of them. Emma wrote these two damaged human beings so beautifully that I was instantly drawn to their stories.
In true Emma Scott fashion this book was phenomenal! It will have you laughing, crying, feeling heart broken and feeling the need to punch someone in the junk! I was glued to every word and was so sad yet satisfied with the very last word.
Emma is becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. She is truly a must read and I look forward to read more from her!

After an epic failure of a trip to New York City, Zelda is about to call it and throw in the towel. She’s had nothing but rejection while shopping her graphic novel around to publishing houses.

On a whim, she heads to an Italian restaurant where she ends up meeting Beckett. Not only is he the busboy there but he’s also a bike messenger by day. Taking a chance, Zelda asks to be his roommate (after verifying he’s not a bad guy).

Together these two have so much emotional baggage. Zelda is living with the guilt from a situation in her past that she had no control over. Beckett is living with the guilt of a stupid mistake he made a few years ago. Because of their guilt, they can’t move forward and find that happiness the both of them so deserve.

Beckett won my heart almost immediately. He is the kind of guy who can’t afford his rent for the month, but will still give his last dollar to a homeless person or food to neighbors who seem to be shut-ins. I also really loved Zelda. She is a person who seems to exude this care-free attitude but behind the façade, there is a girl who is just living with insecurities and guilt.

When Beckett starts to help Zelda with her graphic novel, Mother, May I? these two start to work through their issues. It was like working together on the graphic novel was their way to absolve themselves of their pasts. Almost like a cathartic experience. They learn to accept what is, to accept their past, and how to move on. And in between the pages of a beautiful novel (with beautiful illustrations), these two find each other.

Emma Scott has become one of my favorite authors. I know that whenever I pick up her books, I am going to instantly fall in love with not only the story, but the characters as well.

This book, just like her others is a top favorite of mine.

Once again an unputdownable and unforgettable read.
Just wonderful. Heartbreaking and funny, emotional and touching.
I don’t have the words, but she has! Emma Scott is so amazing, so talented.
Just read it ♡♡♡
Pick up “Butterfly project”, get lost in Zelda and Beckett’s story and let Emma Scott enchant you with her beautiful words

I loved this story! This is the 3rd Emma Scott book I have read, and she is 3 for 3 - she writes amazingly deep and emotional love stories that touch me and make my heart full.

Both Zelda (I wasn't a fan of her name but went with it) and Beckett were very broken, and neither from your typical New Adult baggage. Both of them were still strong, trying to live their lives but not doing a very good job as they were struggling financially. When they met there was an instant feeling of connection. Zelda described it, and I am pretty sure I totally felt it. These two strangers build up a trust between them, and they helped each other find a way out of their darknesses. Now, it wasn't easy and there were definitely setbacks along the way...being a convicted felon does not go away...but no love story is easy and that's what makes it worth it.

Zelda was an amazing heroine. While I'm personally not a fan of graphic novels, I loved that she found her passion in creating them and could almost see myself reading one. The parallel to her life was something she didn't realize the depths of until Beckett pointed it out. It was because of him that she began her journey towards healing. She also played a huge role in Beckett's journey. He was living in his own head and could not get past his guilt...it was eating him alive. I seriously could feel him crawling out of his own skin with guilt. But with Zelda in his life he found brightness, which in turn did something later on that changed his life.

The romance was slow burning angsty goodness. Zelda and Beckett did not want any complications if they were to become more than friends, so they stayed platonic for as long as they could hold out for. It was glorious. The romance was there, we could all see it, so when it finally happened I couldn't get enough.

There are secondary characters in this story that I just loved. I really hope there is a spin off book for at least 1 of them...but I'd take more!

The ending was simply lovely. More things than I could have hoped for happened and I wanted to burst. Especially for Beckett. His life became full of joy and he truly deserved it. I also have to say that I loved the conflict that still existed after the romance started. It made it real and showed just how these two were meant to be.

For me, it's Ms. Scott's writing that puts her stories on such a high level. The words flow effortlessly, in a way that brings me right into the world she created and I can feel the gloom, the happiness, the hopefullness and the heartache she expresses. There is no formula for this, either the author has a gift or not, and Emma Scott has this gift in spades. I will read anything she writes, her books are fantastic. Thank you for writing!

“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.

Emma Scott is a relatively new to me author, and I’ve not yet been disappointed. I thought the Full Tilt duet was brimming with skilled writing and rich in character development. The Butterfly Project mirrors its predecessor in that regard, and has a little something extra that has put it on my 2017 faves list.

In this new adult romance of strangers turned roommates Ms. Scott had the ability to showcase the traits of her characters that ultimately made me fall in love with them. Zelda’s bravery and Beckett’s kindness. I loved their instant friendship. The banter between them was full of humor and their communication was clear and concise. They showed maturity and consideration in their arrangement despite the desperation of their own situations where it would have been so easy to act like a threenager.

What I loved best was the friends to lovers element of the story. It was slow and sweet and perfect. Alternating POV narratives are very common, however I found a clear distinction in The Butterfly Project; being able to experience the heroine’s character growth through the eyes of the hero. Does this have a name? Was it done on purpose? Maybe it was because I felt so connected to the characters or really fell in love with the story, I don’t’ know. Regardless, I thought this stylistic choice was powerfully emotive as I was brought to tears numerous times, the little something extra that has made this book a favorite.

There were also some very moving and emotional secondary plot lines that brought on more tears than I thought I would have. Sometimes subplots can feel convenient or manufactured, but I assure you that they never felt like drama for drama sake in this case. The secondary characters were written with just as much attention as our protagonists. I believe this aided in the execution of these secondary stories making them equally as memorable as the 0ne between Zelda and Beckett.

If you love beta heroes like I do, you will fall in love with Beckett Copeland. He’s just so…nice. Not in a sickly-over-the-top way, but in a thoughtful, selfless and compassionate way. He had his alpha moments here and there, however I loved his quiet intensity and his seemingly innate ability to help Zelda when she felt out of control best. Sigh, he’s pretty great, and funny, and sweet. You know? Zelda is too. I loved her strength and determination despite her heartbreaking backstory. Her attempt at self healing was always portrayed as being something she really wanted, always portrayed as being ready to move forward, ready to be done with the feelings of guilt and loss. She also has a wonderful sense of humor which brought a much needed touch of levity to an otherwise heavy story.

This is new adult well done. I absolutely recommend and cannot wait to see what Emma Scott has in store for the future. She is 100% on my radar..

This book is a masterpiece! Another hidden gem. I cannot believe I had it for a few months on my Netgalley shelf without picking it up. What’s wrong with me?!?!?!?!

I absolutely loved this book. The writing is gorgeous, and it made me want to read more books by Emma Scott STAT! I loved the style. The book is told in the third person, and in dual POV, and I adored the different voices and the subtle beauty of the writing. My only small issue with the writing was the alternating of the tense if the verbs, mainly in the beginning of the book, but I think that is mostly an issue of editing that has probably been solved by now.

Both main characters are beyond amazing. Zelda and Beckett were just such great, lonely and sad people, who deserved all the good things in the world, because they had such amazing hearts. Zelda was trying to find a way to cope with what happened in her past, not allowing herself to see how anything that happened was not her fault. While Beckett believed that he had no right to happiness, because of what he did. They help each other see that they deserved forgiveness and acceptance. They deserved happiness. All the happiness in the world EVER.

The romance is a slow burn, and I thought it was perfect how they became friends, then partners, and only then just more. They both needed time to come to terms with how they felt for each other, so the pacing was PERFECT!

I found the plot pretty amazing too. I loved how it focused so much on the growth and acceptance of both Zelda and Beckett, because I love character driven books.

Overall, I loved pretty much everything about this book. The secondary characters are also pretty epic, and I loved the graphic novel aspect of the book, and how Beck and Zel find the perfect way to intertwine their lives in it.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK, SO YOU GUYS SHOULD DEFINITELY PICK IT UP. SOON! IT’S THAT GOOD!

Emma Scott NEVER disappoints. Her storylines are unique and she writes so beautifully that you think you are living the lives of the characters. Phenomenal story.

I’d like to start with a slow clap for Emma Scott. You have yet to disappoint me and I doubt you ever will.

Cheers to ANOTHER fantastic book!

While every single one of Scott’s books has had me in tears, this time it was particularly embarrassing. I just so happened to burst into tears during a road trip and scare half the car. It was worth it.

It was so easy to fall in love with all the characters, though I’m pretty sure crazy Auntie Lucille will always be my favorite.

The Butterfly Project stood out in a unique way from other novels I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It wasn’t just the book itself that I was getting the chance to enjoy but the little snippets of graphic novel and artwork that the character herself created.

The main character Zelda is eccentric and tough, yet soft on the inside. She’s seen horrors that will never escape her, but the real conflict is finding peace from the past. She begins this journey with another who has quite a similar problem and together they try to navigate a dangerous, financially unstable, and kick-butt artistic life.

Not only are the two protagonists amazingly thought up characters but the side-characters are just as astounding. (I seriously just want to go on a shopping spree with Darlene and my life will be better)

Read this book to feel all the emotions I did and find out if Zelda and Beckett will let their past hold them back or if they’ll use one another to take a step forward into a brighter future.




I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book Via NetGalley.

[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.

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.