The Butterfly Project
C**U
The writing was magical, the characters were uniquely wonderful and the story itself was epic.
I have loved every book I’ve read by Emma Scott, but I’ve not read one I’ve loved as much as The Butterfly Project. Beckett and Zelda stole my heart. Not only is this my favorite Emma Scott book to date, it’s my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. Be prepared to feel, to fall in love and to not be able to put this one down!Zelda Rossi moves from Vegas to NYC to try to make it in the big city. She’s got a graphic novel she’s been working on and she’s trying to get it published. Things aren’t as easy for Zelda as she’d hoped in New York. She has the choice of sticking it out in a city where she knows no one, or packing up and putting her dreams on hold. After meeting Beckett by chance at a restaurant, she decides to stay.Beckett Copeland works full time as a bike messenger and part time as a bus boy to make ends meet. It’s not easy finding good paying jobs when you have a criminal record. Because of his situation and the past that eats at him every day, Beckett doesn’t get too close to many people, though it’s easy to see right away, he has a heart of gold. When he meets Zelda, he knows there is something special about her. Something he can relate to. Zelda’s past isn’t painless. Though it’s very different than Beckett’s, they are also one of the same in a way.Beckett and Zelda become roommates out of necessity. If Beckett is going to continue to pay his rent and not be stressed, and if Zelda wants to stay in the city- this is the best choice for them both. They quickly forge a friendship. As they start to break down each others walls, that friendship slowly starts to develop into more.Zelda and Beckett are both broken in different ways. But they’re also both so very strong. Ask me which one I loved more… I couldn’t choose. Beckett has the best heart of any hero I’ve read in a long time. His kindness, regrets, selflessness and love knows no bounds. I love that he’s always there for Zelda and all of the people in his life he cares for. Zelda has had a hard life and I love her determination and perseverance. She is a fierce and standup heroine. As much as Beckett was there for her when she needed him, she was there for him in return.This book is so special. Zelda and Beckett are so special. And there are so many side characters that are special. Roy, Darlene, even Aunt Lucille. So many will hold a place in your heart.The story is out of this world phenomenal. It gave me goosebumps and all the feels. It is so much more than a romance. It’s a story of friendship, and it showcases the way guilt can change a person, but also the way forgiveness can change a person. It is powerful, uplifting, profound and flawless. I loved everything about this book. The writing was magical, the characters were uniquely wonderful and the story itself was epic. I highly recommend this one!
M**E
Fantastic book!
Zelda Rossi is crashing and burning really fast in New York City and she just arrived. She is looking to sell her graphic novel and idea to a publisher and runs into bad luck. Beckett Copeland knows all about poor decisions and the bad luck that follows it. When they meet, they commiserate with one another. While Zelda has the talent and skill for the graphic novel to take off, her true purpose and inspiration has to do with the heavy burden of grief and guilt. Beckett's life changed in a moment a few years ago and he's been living out the consequences of that ever since, struggling to get by and being repentant every day. What immediately struck me was how incredibly lovable this duo was as their friendship develops. Beckett is kind of the guy who goes out of his way for someone no matter if there's nothing in it for him. Zelda is the sort of person who doesn't compromise her beliefs even if others are persuading her to. They have these conversations that are so entertaining and funny, but also serious and deep. While they both feel as though they have nearly nothing to offer the other, the smallness of what they do provide seems a lot more like everything. That little spark of hope fluttered something so optimistic inside of me that I couldn't stop reading.The artistry of this book is not just in the way of the words, but also in the heart of Zelda's graphic novel, Mother May I? and the few drawings of that novel included in the story (heck, I wanted to be able read Zelda's graphic novel myself). They really elevate the plot to a higher level from their meaning and how it relates to Zelda's own life and impasse as she struggles to find closure and peace balanced with justice. As for Beckett, he teeters on the edge of potential happiness, but won't ask for forgiveness so his dilemma has to do with wanting and having more than the confines of his cage and wondering if some boundaries are worth pushing if he doesn't deserve it. There are so many thought provoking aspects between Zelda and Beckett that I was constantly churning the possibilities in my mind as the questions arose about redemption and second chances, while enjoying their relationship build-up and dynamic.Every time Emma Scott writes a book, it is so different from the others that came before it and The Butterfly Project is no exception. There's a dimension of chaos theory, righting the wrongs of the past without actually being able to change the past, and finding the will to move on with the support to do so. I could palpably feel the characters' pain, just as much as when they were content or hit a bump on the road. What I loved was how Zelda and Beckett were able to confront their issues with each other's help while healing and how conscientious they were. The poetic tapestry of Emma Scott's talented words and the graphic illustrations create such a vivid picture and memorable experience while reading. There are multiple tiers to the plot and endless possibilities when it comes to answers since nothing is hard and concrete (because of the vast number of variables that can't be controlled), yet what if they could? Whether you are new to Emma Scott's writing or not, The Butterfly Project is not to be missed.
R**R
Just wonderful!
This story was something else. It was as if there were a kind of magic happening as I was reading it. Emma's words were perfect in every chapter, every scene, every sentence. Not once did the story falter. There wasn't a moment where I felt cheated, bored, disinterested. Even when the characters were doing things as mundane as eating dinner, I was there with them, feeling so glad they were enjoying their food.This story will wrap itself around your heart and it will not let go once.When Zelda walks on stage, you will quickly take her hand to ensure she makes it safely to the last page. But then Beckett will arrive, and you will find yourself letting go almost immediately. You will step back, just a little, because in him you will see that special something that continues to be sprinkled all the way through the book.This one is going to stay with me for a long time.
➳**J
Loved It!
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.
S**D
Best story I've read for a while!
Loved the characters in this story of Beckett and Zelda. Zelda comes to New York hoping to get her graphic novel printed. She has been running somewhere away from her family for 10 years after her younger sister was abducted and killed while in her care, and she is unable to cope with the guilt she feels. When her book gets rejected and she is at rock bottom after being robbed she meets Beckett a convicted felon on parole after a robbery he carried out in desperation went terribly wrong. He helps Zelda out and the connection between them makes him feel that maybe he has a chance at happiness and that there could be an escape from the guilt he feels.This is just a must read; I loved the way the book was written, loved the characters down to the feelings they felt, you almost felt like you were in that tiny apartment shivering with them. It's too complicated to explain about what the Butterfly project is, but what an original idea.Right at the end I realized I had previously read a follow-on book to this story called Forever Right Now which centred on Darlene one of the main characters from this book which was also good but did not spoil my enjoyment at all.
C**E
Unique storyline with awesome lovable characters
OMG! This book is sooo amazing. I love, love, love it!Every single book by Emma Scott is a 5* - read for me for no other reason than the quality of the plot and the beauty of the characters and even more so the beauty of Emma's words. You immerse yourself in the story without effort, you always fall in love with hero and heiress and you feel, you love, you suffer as if you were part of the story.The Butterfly Project is no exception.You follow the story of Beckett and Zelda, a couple first bound together by pure need of survival in New York City, from being room mates to friends to lovers. With that you know the rough storyline but this story is so much more. It's about guilt and forgiveness, second chances in life and the ability to change, to let go. Both, Beckett and Zelda, struggle with their life and each with an especially negative event in their past. They both work together on a project and by finishing it together they are healing, overcoming fears, opening up to each other and themselves and with that take the risk of love.Beckett might easily become your new book boyfriend number one. He ist just so lovable... caring, loyal, kind and there is nothing he wouldn't do for Zelda although he has some obstacles to overcome to be by her side when needed. Not only has he a beautiful character but he is also one hot, handsome, sexy guy. He sneaks into your heart without you even knowing. He makes himself at home there, snuggles in and won't leave anymore. Believe me! He creates warmth in your heart and butterflies in your tummy.The relationship between Beckett and Zelda is best described by himself:"She's woven herself into my life, so tightly that if I cut those threads, I'll unravel. The warmth will seep out, the light will dim until I'm nothing but dark."Emma has a way with words... you feel them deep in your soul. She is bleeding her heart out for you. Her writing is on a different level. Spellbinding!One of the best things in Emma's stories is that her characters are relatable. It's not the thousandth story about a billionaire alpha male or the tattooed guy with the bad boy image. They are the every day guys who struggle with life and although they live an ordinary life, they are always of extraordinary character and / or do extraordinary things.The Butterfly Project is a must read for everybody who loves gritty characters and stories and loves the slow burn of a truly beautiful love. It's deep and meaningful but not tiresome at all. You can't stop reading also because lots of things are happening around them and their wonderful, troubled but exciting friends.If you are up for the big feels, the fluffy warmth as well as the exciting, sexy parts, you can't go wrong with this book.I received an ARC in return for an honest review. (Normally I dont ask for ARCs because there is no worse feeling than to get an advanced copy to review of someone you like and you just dont like the book. It was easy for me to asked for this one because I trust Emma's skills and knew I would love it. As it turns out nearly as much as Rush and Full Tilt - two of my all time favourites)
N**G
What a story!
Wow a truly emotional heart felt story!!Completely different story than one ive read before and wow did it make you have all the feels!!Loss sadness happiness friendship love heart break and forgiveness all rolled into one fab story!Beckett has made a mistake in his past .. a huge life changing mistake that he just cant get past... he doesnt deserve happiness he doesnt deserve forgiveness he doesnt deserve much from life at all.. or so he thinks.Zelda aswell has had a traumatic experience in her life that has changed her into the person she is today... she just cant be happy.When these 2 fab strong characters meet up things for them will never be the same again.What a pair they make together... loved seeing how their friendship came together just showing how important second chances are!
B**T
Wow
I loved this book very much. Emma scott books always get me hooked from first page.Zelda and beckett story was heart breaking at times. Beckett did some very bad things that he spent some time in prison. He thought that he wasn't worthy enough for Zelda. Boy was he wrong he was perfect in every way.Zelda was a strong woman who witnessed something bad happen to her sister. She is also an artist graphic comics. When she met beckett it was perfect the love they have for each other was beautiful. They over come so much together. I highly recommend this book you won't be disappointed.
L**E
Cute Romance Book!
This book is perfect for readers who want to get into the new adult genre. This book is about 65% young adult, and then from then on it's new adult, but not in a cliche way. The plot doesn't get over shadowed by the sex scenes, and once the characters have gotten used to the sex plot continues. The plot is a good one. It reminds me of Eliza And Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. The romance is cute. Good, if not predictable ending. Good characters. Would recommend a read!
R**E
Exceptional story, truly unforgettable
Wow, what words do I use to describe a book that takes you on a journey with two troubled people and how they find the path to move forward. This is a very, very beautiful story so I genuinely recommend it as a stellar 5*+++ read
A**R
A fabulous book - well worth five stars!
What a great read. This is my first Emma Scott book and it was fabulous. It was such a feel good book but with some sadness and hardship along the way. The two main characters were wonderful and really likeable instantly. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
A**1
5 star read
It is a truly captivating book not only about love , but also about friendship, second chances, forgiveness and moving on. Highly recommended
C**E
Float like a butterfly... Sting like a ...
Beautiful as expected from Emma Scott. Such a lovely story teller. Highly recommend this and all her other books.Xxx
E**Y
Great book, really good condition.
The book was in great condition and the story was really easy to follow.
T**S
Another amazing addition to the Emma Scott library, and another 5 star read.
Emma Scott - you magnificent human!I’m kind of annoyed at myself that it has taken so long to really get in to your work! “Rush” was my first book of yours to read, and then I had a long hiatus until a couple of weeks ago.... now I can’t get enough! My Amazon account is about to go ballistic!“The Butterfly Project” follows the story of Zelda (from the Full Tilt duet). To be honest, Zelda never really meant anything to me in the first books, but oh my gosh - how I love her now.I was sucked in really quickly in this story - and I think it was all because of Beckett. I adore Beckett. He is such a selfless character, with an amazing heart - which makes him all the more swoon worthy.Zelda and Beckett’s connection is instant and it jumps off the pages immediately. The build up of their friendship and chemistry is mesmerising and leaves you chomping at the bit, for that first realisation and kiss.I truly adored this book and it gave me all the feels.Another amazing addition to the Emma Scott library, and another 5 star read. I’m starting to think that there is nothing less to be expected when you read work from Emma Scott.
T**1
Da leggere!!
Un libro assolutamente da leggere! La storia di Zelda e Beck è meravigliosa, commovente (non è facile farmi piangere ma questo libero c'è riuscito), con un finale perfetto. I due protagonisti, che combattono per diverse ragioni per superare i traumi che hanno subito, sono forti, credibili, appassionati. In una parola: reali. Non avevo letto nulla di questa autrice, ma adesso andrò subito a guardare i suoi altri libri. Non perdete questo, ne vale davvero la pena!
M**N
Emma Scott has done it again with yet another amazing heartfelt story!!!!
Wow! “The Butterfly Project” by Emma Scott was absolutely phenomenal, so much so that I worry no review I attempt to write will do this book the justice it deserves. I admit that I am a big fan of Emma Scott as I always love her beautifully articulated words and how she has the ability to draw me in and feel absolutely every emotion. “The Butterfly Project” is definitely my favourite Emma Scott book to date and it is also my favourite book of 2017 thus far. I anticipate it will be pretty hard to top, such is the love I feel for this amazing story.Zelda Rossi has recently moved to New York from Vegas in the hopes of having her graphic novel published. After a less than successful meeting with a publisher, who informs Zelda that her novel needed more heart, she contemplates packing it in and moving back to Vegas. But before she has a chance to seriously consider this, she has a chance encounter with a bus boy at an Italian restaurant and her life is forever changed.Beckett Copeland works two jobs in order to make a living; one as a bike messenger in NYC and the second as a bus boy at an Italian restaurant. Beckett doesn’t have many choices when it comes to earning a living, due to a major life altering mistake he made a few years ago. Beckett is utterly riddled with guilt and he won’t allow himself to be happy as he feels he is the last person to deserve any. Beckett is such a kind, sweet and beautiful soul who will do anything from giving the last of his money to someone in need, to bringing food to a lonely elderly neighbour. He is struggling to make rent when Zelda makes him an offer he can’t refuse.Zelda comes to Beckett with an offer to become roommates, which will help them both. Beckett will be able to pay his rent and Zelda needs a place to live and work on her novel, now that she has decided to stay in New York. Both Zelda and Beckett are no strangers to tragedy, which has ultimately shaped both their lives and caused much pain, heartache and guilt. They soon develop a beautiful friendship where they comfort, support and help each other overcome their guilt.The friendship soon morphs into something more and it was a beautiful journey to be a part of. Two tortured souls healing each other through the act of kindness and love.“As tight as he held me, and wherever we touched became proof to one another that we were not alone.”I cannot stress enough how sensational this story really was. Both Zelda and Beckett absolutely stole my heart from start to finish. This story is about love, loss, family and above all else forgiveness. This story really showcased the power of forgiveness and the immense courage it takes to learn to forgive yourself when you can’t possibly see past the guilt you feel. One small or large action whether it be for good or bad, can forever change the course of your life. I could not recommend this story highly enough.
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