Butterfly Effect

by Laikyn Meng

He is begging for redemption, she is aching for revenge.

He isn't the answer to my prayers. Even if half the student body on campus believes he is a gift from God and a Greek statue body to make matters worse.
The word enemies doesn't deserve the delicious description for the tension between us. Make no mistake there is no love here.
Aladden "Lad" Lorenzo, my personal curse since high school. You would think a new territory would cause disruption in the social ladder but he wears a crown on a national level.
Too bad I'm not the shy girl who gave up her virginity on graduation night.
Tragedy beat the innocence out of me. Now all that remains is a sarcastic woman seething vengeance, ready to claim a name of her own.

Can love heal this broken hero?

Butterfly Effect is the first part in the In the Water They Make Waves Duet, second part is Ripple Effect. Both are Enemies to Lovers Multicultural Sports Romance.
+18 Mature, Sexual Content. Explicit Scenes and Alcohol and Drug Use.
Trigger Mention of eating disorders, death of a parent, opioid addiction.
*This book ends on a cliff hanger.*
(Part 2 of Butterfly Effect is Ripple Effect)

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

238 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2022

About the author

Laikyn Meng is an award-winning Japanese American indie author.
She has penned over forty publications. She maintains a steady stream of romantic expression involving diverse character representation.
She is the author of noteworthy series, the female empowered; Femme Fatale, and the family drama; Mum's the Word. Her poetry and memoirs have appeared in literary magazines. Laikyn's unique tone is an iconic symbol for her stories.
Originally from Idaho, she now resides wherever the road takes her and her three children. A dreamer, traveler, and overall lover of life.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaikyn...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laikynmeng/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laikynmeng/

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging story with some darker subject matter. It begins on their High School graduation night when the two get into a car accident which kills her mom. She faces charges of drunk driving and takes the punishment. Now two years later, she is free and they are in college together. She hates what he stands for. Being the golden boy, being adored by everyone, getting what he wants so easily... all because of his athletic abilities. Even before her mother died, she has had to fight for every little scrap she got. There is a lot of banter between the two. Mostly angry hate filled banter, but eventually she warms up to him, especially when she see's the real him, the imperfect boy. He's never really hated her, but felt so much guilt that it festered. Much of the book deals with their inner turmoil's and how they react to it and how that effects others. She's had to deal with a lot more negative in her life, but it's made her the stronger person. There is angst and anxiety. A few light laughs here and there as well. Not really any teary eyed moments (well, until the ending anyways.) It does end in a cliffhanger, so you may want to wait until book two comes out to read this one. Unless you like delayed gratification. There is some sexual content, and like the warnings stated, mention of drug use and eating disorder (anorexia.) More appropriate for mature readers. It alternates between POVs.

*I received an ARC of this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laikyn Meng is a new to me author, and after reading Butterfly Effect, I'm super excited to read more by her (especially after this story ended on a cliffhanger). Aladdin (aka Lad), and Alyeska (aka Alaska aka Aly) have quite the tragic past, which has led to each of them having some issues. He can't get over serious guilt, while she's a mess & out for revenge. Let me tell you, I felt highly emotional through this story as she's battling some things, and his life is unraveling. They started this story out as enemies, but somewhere along the way, they developed into more which only added to the angst because their past doesn't have a pat answer to move forward. I know I'm being a bit vague, but since there are quite a few twists coming in hot, I don't want to give too much away since it's infinitely better to just experience this highly emotional story for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by Meng and it did not disappoint. The story is filled with love, loss and grief and pulls at every heartstring.

Alyeska, also known as Alaska, is a girl filled with a lifetime of disappointment and pain. Following a tragic accident everything about her changes.

Aladdin, aka Lad, is a train wreck wrapped in a perfect, gold like bow. He is consumed with guilt which starts to unravel everything he ever dreamed of.

After a long duration of sarcastic comments and jokes, the enemies become more but how long can their happiness last when it’s filled with secrets and lies.

I’m so excited to read the second book and see what happens with Aly and Lad!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly Effect is an engaging enemies to lovers story. The characters were strong willed, intense and captivating. It was well written and the author wrote a fantastic story with great character development. They were also very hilarious and the storyline kept me engaged with the book and loved all the twists and turns that Lad and Alyeska went through. It seemed like some of their problems just came out of nowhere. I’m looking forward to reading the next one by Laikyn Meng.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Laikyn Meng; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book In the Water We Make Waves Series; it is the beginning of a new series; the story continues in the next book and needs to be read in order. It ends in a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started out really well but then fell a bit flat . the plot is essentially good but I feel the characters could have been more fleshed out to add more depth to the story. The banter and witty dialogue was what made this book easy to read.

3.5 stars from me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly Effect is an engaging enemies to lovers story, the characters were amazing and funny and the storyline kept me reading the book and the twists and turns came out of nowhere I cannot wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christa Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't explain how much I loved this book. It is full of so much emotion, pain, love and some humor. Lad is a talented swimmer and the golden boy. Aly is his snarky nemesis. Lad seems to have it all but there is a tragic incident in his past he is running from. Aly has dealt with lots of loss in her life. The two start as enemies, then to frenemies, and then more. I couldn't put this book down. It tugged at every heartstring. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the second ASAP! I gotta know what happens next. I fell in love with these two and I can’t get enough of them. The ending ripped my heart out and stomped on it. I was hooked from page 1. This was so good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a while for me to actual like either of these characters. The sarcasm was heavy fir most of the story. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was hurtful. It really was a cover for what they were hiding inside. As they developed, we get a better understanding. They share a tragedy and it eats away at them.
Alladen (Lad)is a college swimmer with Olympic aspirations. He lives and breathes the pool. He is smart, arrogant and at the top of his game. He has some secrets that may get in his way.
Alyeska (Alaska)is a strong young lady. She got through her past and it made her a different. In the past she was quiet and in the background. Now she is feisty and sarcastic. She tries to stay to herself but Lad won’t let her.
These two start out as enemies then it’s enemies who can’t keep their hands off each other. The relationship grows whether they want it too or not.
This book will grab you with all the twist and turns of the storyline. While we essentially have to wait for the HEA, it still was a good story. Lad and Alaska with their banter is worthwhile.

[Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

There wasn’t much of a plot—especially in the middle. What plot there was, was very predictable. A bunch of the unnecessary middle could have been taken out and this book could have been combined with the next. Additionally, the male lead is pretty irredeemable. This was clear from the first few chapters. I don’t think I would have made it past the sample, if I hadn’t received an ARC. However, since I had a copy, I felt like a should finish it. As mentioned above, I did receive an ARC copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review of my honest thoughts.

[Misty Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof... This one wasn't for me. The writing style was amateur and clipped, and didn't read well at all. Side note: I'm an unrepresented indie author. I know I'm not a professional writer and I know I'll never be a top-tier writer. But I understand the basic flow of how something should read and, unfortunately, this didn't have it. Maybe with some more editing and revising this story could really come into its own, though.

[Sydney Creek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I had a really hard time finishing this book. The storyline was bland and the characters needed more development. It was very choppy and much of the story felt glossed over.

[Trishaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

the next book right now. Yes, that's how much this book has left me curious to know what happens next in the story of Aly and Lad.

ALADDEN - The Male Character is so passionate about swimming and wants to join the Olympics. His dad is also very supportive of the same. He just knows what he does. One point which I loved about his character is that he never showed himself as weak. This man has his own secrets as well.

ALYESKA - The Female Character, I just don't know what to say about her other than I LOVE HER lots and lots. She's such a sassy girl filled with lots of positive vibe in her messed up life. She has drug addiction and is having panic attacks from the incident of a car wreck with her mom (dead). She still stands strong for herself inspite of her mom being the last person in her life. She has no contact with her Dad as she choose to live with her mom while her parents decided to divorce when she was ten years old.

I admired the relationship between Aly and Bambi (Her Cousin) while she was there for Aly after her mom's death. But then the tragical part for me was particularly Bambi refusing to help Aly when all she had was her cousin.

Tropes:-
Opioid addiction
Sassy Heroine
Charming Hero
Parent Death
Emotional

I completely enjoyed reading this story and I found it really interesting towards the end. While I thought it was time for Aly&Lan's HEA, I was completely broken to see them part ways.

Can't wait to read Ripple Effect.

This is my genuine review for the book. Thanks to @booksirens and @laikynmeng for the ARC

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

It is a sports romance that centers around drug addition, death, and abuse. It is angsty and emotional. The story takes you through an emotional rollacoaster. It does end in a cliffhanger. It is an excellent read.

Two lifes changed in one incident. Both Alyeska and Aladden had promising futures. Alyeska had academic scholarships offers to several colleges. Aladden had Olympics prospects for swimming. That one night changed everything. Alyeska lost her scholarship offers and had to rebuild her life. Aladden had guilt eating at him for a lie he let fester. It has been two years and they are thrown into the same orbit again.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and ends in a cliffhanger. This is Aladdin / Lad and Alyeska / Alaska’s story. Lad is consumed by guilt, and Aly had her life changes forever by a tragic accident. This is an enemies / lover’s storyline, with vengeance, redemption, tension, tragedy, guilt, humor, witty and sarcastic banter, secrets, lies, twists, and intrigue, which leads to an enjoyable page turner.
Be aware of the trigger warning due to the sensitive content!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the premise and the idea of the characters but struggled to connect with them. I really struggled to get through the middle to 85% section of the book. I loved the crescendo at the end and need the Ripple Effect to conclude the story. I felt it jumped about between scenes without paragraph or chapter breaks and at points I struggle to tell who was talking. Despite this I did enjoy the book and want to see more about Lad and Aly than the sarcastic surface level we've seen so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alladen (Lad) is involved in a car accident. Instead of ruining his hopes & dreams, e leaves the other occupant to take the blame Alyska to take the blame. Guilt & feelings are the basis of this story. Lad befriends Alyska which leads to a romantic relationship till he shows his true colors. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This story ends in a cliffhanger, not on KU, but well worth reading & "buying" the sequel. Not my usual genre but glad I grabbed the ARC.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this story was really sad in many ways, and can't imagine the guilt that Lad carries or how Alyeska can deal with how it all turns out. This story was an emotional one, and I really felt for the characters. However, I did find it hard to read as the conversations between the characters just didn't flow for me.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[L. Boogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read. Didn’t hold my interest ascertain times so it took me longer to finish. Aly had me tearing up toward the end and that happens nice every two to three hundred books. There were times when I didn’t like Ally’s character but by the end I did and felt Lad was the coward he said he was. I’m looking forward to book two to see what transpired but I’m not anticipating loving it. Hope it’s at ,east on par with this

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the snarkiness between Alaska and Lad. This was a good story, but moved just a bit slow for me. Totally did not see the part about the her mom coming though. That one got me good. Does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.

[darkdirty-bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this story it was ok it did take me a bit but I will read the second book. First time with this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story was mind blowing, I love the characters, all the emotions and cant wait to read the next in the series.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Alladen(Lad) and Alyeska (Alaska) story.

Lad is a college swimmer with Olympic dreams. He lives and breathes the pool. He is smart, arrogant and at the top of his game.
Alaska is a strong young lady. She got through her past which changed her. In the past she was quiet and in the background. Now she is feisty and sarcastic. She tries to stay to herself but Lad won’t let her. How will these two opposites work it out? A new author and interesting read.