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Butterflies I Have Known
Even time cannot stop love.
University professor Matthew Richter hates complications. Planning his every day down to the second leaves no opportunity for a social life, which he doesn’t feel the need for anyway.
Jian Wei helps run his family’s business. The only thing he enjoys more than tormenting his parents and siblings with endless pranks is plotting his next trick on a certain uptight customer.
Though so different, chance inexplicably draws them both to a World War II photography exhibit, and the aging photographer Milton Glass.
Milton shares the story of two soldiers brutally cut down on the battlefield—which has haunted him for the better part of his life—and his suspicions that the soldiers shared a bond they never fully realized.
Now, in the twilight of his life, Milton can’t help but wonder if Matthew and Jian share a potential bond of their own. Could they possibly be the same men from so long ago, returned for a second chance at being together? Milton can hope.
University professor Matthew Richter hates complications. Planning his every day down to the second leaves no opportunity for a social life, which he doesn’t feel the need for anyway.
Jian Wei helps run his family’s business. The only thing he enjoys more than tormenting his parents and siblings with endless pranks is plotting his next trick on a certain uptight customer.
Though so different, chance inexplicably draws them both to a World War II photography exhibit, and the aging photographer Milton Glass.
Milton shares the story of two soldiers brutally cut down on the battlefield—which has haunted him for the better part of his life—and his suspicions that the soldiers shared a bond they never fully realized.
Now, in the twilight of his life, Milton can’t help but wonder if Matthew and Jian share a potential bond of their own. Could they possibly be the same men from so long ago, returned for a second chance at being together? Milton can hope.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 25, 2023
Why doesn't this book have more ratings??? It's just beautiful. Sad and bittersweet, but hopeful as well. Jian and Matthew's romance was so, so lovely, and their internal struggles turned them into three-dimensional characters you root for. The concept of this novel was so interesting and the execution was spot on. Just a gorgeous book that I never wanted to put down. I loved their hard-won HEA!
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December 27, 20233.5 stars
It took me a while to get into this story and the writing style. While I enjoyed it in the end, the two MCs came across as much younger than their 31 years.
It took me a while to get into this story and the writing style. While I enjoyed it in the end, the two MCs came across as much younger than their 31 years.
May 28, 2023
4.5 Stars
What drew me to this story at first was the WWII Soldiers. I love historical stories set in the twentieth century and where past characters are learned about by the modern characters. While the reincarnation aspect of the story was interesting, I wish it had been explored deeper.
In the beginning, I wasn’t so sure about either of these men. Jian is kind of full of himself and, well, a bit conceited, while Matthew was a bit awkward and uptight, but once I dug in, I couldn’t put this book down. Their story was captivating.
They had amazing chemistry and the sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. They were both stubborn, so this was a slow burn. I wanted to knock their heads together and scream at them to just kiss already.
Once these men finally gave in to their feelings, I was disappointed that all the action took place off-page, but that’s just my preference.
This was an interesting and well-written story. I loved the multiple point-of-views from Milton and both Jian and Matthew’s families. Definitely enjoyable and recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
July 5, 2023
~ I indulged and savoured this book! ~
It's a beautifully written and crafted novel, poignant and romantic but also sad with tropes I love : a perfect slow burn, enemy-to-lover story and with lots of belligerent sexual tension! Matthew & Jian are two fully developed, complex and unique characters and I'm a fan of interracial couples! Both family dynamics are very well-done too. I just didn't want the story to end.
Highly recommended!
It's a beautifully written and crafted novel, poignant and romantic but also sad with tropes I love : a perfect slow burn, enemy-to-lover story and with lots of belligerent sexual tension! Matthew & Jian are two fully developed, complex and unique characters and I'm a fan of interracial couples! Both family dynamics are very well-done too. I just didn't want the story to end.
Highly recommended!
June 8, 2023
"They simply were"
The blurb doesn't do this story justice
For years these two have danced around each other - drove each other, at times very intentionally, to the brink of madness
I so loved the way they interacted, the banter, the just-out-of-reach desire, the tension
After a chance - or possibly destined -encounter at a WWII Photo exhibit things change for both of them
Enter Mr. Milton Glass.
An aging photographer who shares the story of two soldiers who were brutally cut down on the battlefield. Milton believes that Matthew and Jian share a potential bond with the two soldiers whom he was close to during the war.
Could they be the reincarnated souls of these two soldiers?
This is told in alternating chapters from Matthew and Jian's perspectives which IMO made the story just that much more.
Matthew and Jian are polar opposites
Where Matthew is no nonsesne Jian is all nonsesne
Which is what makes them, IMO, fit together so perfectly -
As Matthew and Jian slowly start to open up to each other they realize that they are the other's soul mate. Two broken halves that together become whole.
However, their relationship is not without its challenges.
Matthew's need for control clashes with Jian's need for freedom.
And their different backgrounds and cultures create some pretty big obstacles for them to overcome
This had some great twists.
A unique storyline that flowed seamlessly
Solid character development that made sense.
A terrific cast, primary and secondary, each with their own unique personalities that brought something to the story
A heartwarming and well-written romance that will stay with you long after you close the final page
The blurb doesn't do this story justice
For years these two have danced around each other - drove each other, at times very intentionally, to the brink of madness
I so loved the way they interacted, the banter, the just-out-of-reach desire, the tension
After a chance - or possibly destined -encounter at a WWII Photo exhibit things change for both of them
Enter Mr. Milton Glass.
An aging photographer who shares the story of two soldiers who were brutally cut down on the battlefield. Milton believes that Matthew and Jian share a potential bond with the two soldiers whom he was close to during the war.
Could they be the reincarnated souls of these two soldiers?
This is told in alternating chapters from Matthew and Jian's perspectives which IMO made the story just that much more.
Matthew and Jian are polar opposites
Where Matthew is no nonsesne Jian is all nonsesne
Which is what makes them, IMO, fit together so perfectly -
As Matthew and Jian slowly start to open up to each other they realize that they are the other's soul mate. Two broken halves that together become whole.
However, their relationship is not without its challenges.
Matthew's need for control clashes with Jian's need for freedom.
And their different backgrounds and cultures create some pretty big obstacles for them to overcome
This had some great twists.
A unique storyline that flowed seamlessly
Solid character development that made sense.
A terrific cast, primary and secondary, each with their own unique personalities that brought something to the story
A heartwarming and well-written romance that will stay with you long after you close the final page
June 1, 2023
I have long loved this author's books, all of which are stories to be slowly savored, whether they be romances or not. He has yet to write something I don't love - though I doubt that's possible. And as always, he granted me an early copy, for which I am so very grateful.
This latest book is a romance, but it's also so much more. It's a book about two WWII soldiers whose lives are cut short on a battlefield and whose potential story ended thus too soon, and their possible reincarnations in modern day. It's, as always, deeply nuanced, thoughtful, and thought-provoking.
Matthew Richter is a university professor who's long been interested (and has immersed himself) in Chinese culture and language and speaks fluent Mandarin. He doesn't quite feel as if he belongs with his family, and his brother tormented and ridiculed him for years for being awkward and uptight. And even more so because Matthew is gay. His life is very rigidly organized, and he doesn't spend much time socializing with people, preferring his own company, without realizing how lonely he is. His favorite store is a Chinese market store in which his sort of nemesis, Jian Wei, works as the son of the owner. Even though Matthew is wary of Jian's antics, he cannot stay away.
Jian is not an easy character to like. He comes across as a bit conceited and arrogant. He spends a lot of time playing pranks on his father and siblings, and also enjoys playing tricks on a certain university professor. But it's also very clear that he feels like a misfit within the family and somewhat adrift. The highlight of his day is when the awkward professor comes to the store, and he can play his latest trick on him.
Both men are invited to a WWII photography exhibit at which they meet Milton Glass who tells them a story of his dearest friends, two WWII soldiers, one an all-American boy and one a Chinese-American, who Milton believes quietly and secretly loved each other without ever being able to fully be together, due to the circumstances and rules of their time.
Milton believes that Matthew and Jian are reincarnations of these two men. Jian and Matthew aren't so sure. And yet, they are inexplicably drawn to each other, time and again, the sexual tension and easy banter between them only outdone by their inherent stubbornness, which prevents either from disclosing their feelings for one another.
Until one of them does. But true love, even for the 2nd lifetime, never runs smoothly, and Matthew and Jian have to deal with prejudice and resentment from both sides, and then unexpected help to get them back on course.
It's obviously a very slow burn romance, and the bedroom action takes place mostly off-page, which is fine, and actually fitting for this book. I think any explicit description of their coming together at last would have taken away from the beauty of this story, so this was the right choice.
This book is meant to be read slowly, meant to be savored, as the author has chosen each sentence, each word, ever so carefully, to let the story unfold in due time, without rushing anything to a resolution. I was blown away by the beautifully descriptive writing, with obvious deep awareness and respect of the cultural differences between the two characters and their respective families. It was a joy to watch Jian and Matthew slowly change their behaviors, slowly begin to believe that Milton might just be right about his suspicions, and slowly but surely become exactly who they are meant to be. The ending was absolutely gorgeous and brought everything full circle.
I absolutely loved this. Also, the cover is perfection. Look at it closely and you should see why I said that.
Highly recommended. Read this, you must!
This latest book is a romance, but it's also so much more. It's a book about two WWII soldiers whose lives are cut short on a battlefield and whose potential story ended thus too soon, and their possible reincarnations in modern day. It's, as always, deeply nuanced, thoughtful, and thought-provoking.
Matthew Richter is a university professor who's long been interested (and has immersed himself) in Chinese culture and language and speaks fluent Mandarin. He doesn't quite feel as if he belongs with his family, and his brother tormented and ridiculed him for years for being awkward and uptight. And even more so because Matthew is gay. His life is very rigidly organized, and he doesn't spend much time socializing with people, preferring his own company, without realizing how lonely he is. His favorite store is a Chinese market store in which his sort of nemesis, Jian Wei, works as the son of the owner. Even though Matthew is wary of Jian's antics, he cannot stay away.
Jian is not an easy character to like. He comes across as a bit conceited and arrogant. He spends a lot of time playing pranks on his father and siblings, and also enjoys playing tricks on a certain university professor. But it's also very clear that he feels like a misfit within the family and somewhat adrift. The highlight of his day is when the awkward professor comes to the store, and he can play his latest trick on him.
Both men are invited to a WWII photography exhibit at which they meet Milton Glass who tells them a story of his dearest friends, two WWII soldiers, one an all-American boy and one a Chinese-American, who Milton believes quietly and secretly loved each other without ever being able to fully be together, due to the circumstances and rules of their time.
Milton believes that Matthew and Jian are reincarnations of these two men. Jian and Matthew aren't so sure. And yet, they are inexplicably drawn to each other, time and again, the sexual tension and easy banter between them only outdone by their inherent stubbornness, which prevents either from disclosing their feelings for one another.
Until one of them does. But true love, even for the 2nd lifetime, never runs smoothly, and Matthew and Jian have to deal with prejudice and resentment from both sides, and then unexpected help to get them back on course.
It's obviously a very slow burn romance, and the bedroom action takes place mostly off-page, which is fine, and actually fitting for this book. I think any explicit description of their coming together at last would have taken away from the beauty of this story, so this was the right choice.
This book is meant to be read slowly, meant to be savored, as the author has chosen each sentence, each word, ever so carefully, to let the story unfold in due time, without rushing anything to a resolution. I was blown away by the beautifully descriptive writing, with obvious deep awareness and respect of the cultural differences between the two characters and their respective families. It was a joy to watch Jian and Matthew slowly change their behaviors, slowly begin to believe that Milton might just be right about his suspicions, and slowly but surely become exactly who they are meant to be. The ending was absolutely gorgeous and brought everything full circle.
I absolutely loved this. Also, the cover is perfection. Look at it closely and you should see why I said that.
Highly recommended. Read this, you must!
June 11, 2023
This is a wonderful and very touching story. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.
I'm not sure I have the right words to convey how much I loved this book; it touched me deeply on many levels. It also reinforces something I’ve known for quite a while: a good love story doesn’t have to be all hot and heavy between the sheets to be a wonderful book. Butterflies I Have Known is a slow burn romance with only fade-to-black scenes and little hints at spice and it’s one of the best love stories I’ve read this year.
Milton Glass is a renowned photographer in the twilight of his life. His one and only desire is to find the reincarnated souls of two men he knew that were taken before their time. He’s been touring with his work, traveling to many cities, hoping to find what he’s been seeking for many years.
Matthew Richter has been visiting a local Asian market for two years now. He keeps coming back even though their prices are a bit higher than at another place he used to shop. He’s not sure why but he’s drawn to Jian Wei even though Jian torments him every time he sees him in the store.
Jian noticed Matthew the first time he came into his family’s store. When he realized that Matthew kept coming back, week after week, he couldn’t help doing little things to torment him and draw attention to himself.
I loved all of the characters in this book – even the ones that were difficult and supposed to be unlikeable because they added depth and interest. There are a lot of family dynamics in this story. Jian is the oldest of four and he helps to run the family business. He loves to torment his siblings by changing the way their Google device addresses them. Matthew is the oldest of two children. He and his brother do not get along at all. His brother is constantly making rude comments about Matthew and the fact that he is gay and introverted.
I could go on and on about this wonderful story but then I’d end up telling the whole thing. It’s not the kind of book that has any gotchas so I don’t believe that anything I’ve written is a spoiler. This is just a very lovely story that brought me to tears more than once (that means I loved it).
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I'm not sure I have the right words to convey how much I loved this book; it touched me deeply on many levels. It also reinforces something I’ve known for quite a while: a good love story doesn’t have to be all hot and heavy between the sheets to be a wonderful book. Butterflies I Have Known is a slow burn romance with only fade-to-black scenes and little hints at spice and it’s one of the best love stories I’ve read this year.
Milton Glass is a renowned photographer in the twilight of his life. His one and only desire is to find the reincarnated souls of two men he knew that were taken before their time. He’s been touring with his work, traveling to many cities, hoping to find what he’s been seeking for many years.
Matthew Richter has been visiting a local Asian market for two years now. He keeps coming back even though their prices are a bit higher than at another place he used to shop. He’s not sure why but he’s drawn to Jian Wei even though Jian torments him every time he sees him in the store.
Jian noticed Matthew the first time he came into his family’s store. When he realized that Matthew kept coming back, week after week, he couldn’t help doing little things to torment him and draw attention to himself.
I loved all of the characters in this book – even the ones that were difficult and supposed to be unlikeable because they added depth and interest. There are a lot of family dynamics in this story. Jian is the oldest of four and he helps to run the family business. He loves to torment his siblings by changing the way their Google device addresses them. Matthew is the oldest of two children. He and his brother do not get along at all. His brother is constantly making rude comments about Matthew and the fact that he is gay and introverted.
I could go on and on about this wonderful story but then I’d end up telling the whole thing. It’s not the kind of book that has any gotchas so I don’t believe that anything I’ve written is a spoiler. This is just a very lovely story that brought me to tears more than once (that means I loved it).
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
June 11, 2023
Hi Y’all! Come in and grab a piece of Apple Pie and a cold drink while I tell you about this book I just read.
The title is Butterflies I Have Known by Kristoffer Gair
The cover is lovely and if you look closely at the bottom you see the reflections that hint to story. Then I read the blurb and it really got my interest because the first line. Even Time cannot stop love. Yep that did it.
Who’s my favorite main character ? Hard choice they are all so good but I loved Jian . There was just something about him that stood out. But Milton Glass the photographer looking for the possible reincarnations of his friends stole the story. I’d have love to met him and heard about all his travels.
The story has a few settings. Both men’s homes, both men’s work and Milton’s hotel room. It just worked having the multiple settings. It gives good movement to the book. I loved the museum exhibit part and would have loved to visit. Especially The Private Affair.
The story is a romance but it’s unique.
What surprised me most about the book was ? The reveal of the reincarnations. ( I can’t say more without spoilers)
Were there significant plot twists and turns? If so, what were they? Yes, how the two got together and who instigated it. I was pleasantly surprised.
What did I like best? Everything from the slow burn, the humor, the twists, the banter.
Was there something I didn’t like? Nope. Loved it all.
What would have made that better? Can’t think of a thing ( except maybe at the end we find there will be a book for Cristian?)
This story made me feel..happy and sad but sad in a good way. This is such a beautiful story full of feels!
I loved the ending. It was HEA and beautiful.
How hot was the book? I’ll give it 1 purr but there is no on page sex. It’s all so beautifully done.
If you like opposites attract, second chances and believe in reincarnation this is for you!
June 7, 2023
I loved Matthew as a character in this one immediately, workaholic professor who keeps to himself and has almost convinced himself that he's content being alone. He shops in Jian's parent's store and finds himself inexplicably drawn to the practical joker Jian. Jian was much harder for me to like initially for two reasons. First, I personally loathe practical jokes. Second, Jian at first seems like one of those guys who feels like any attention is good attention regardless of how he gets it. The author has done a clever job here, because as the story goes along and we learn more about Jian's background there is a perfect explanation for how he became the person he is and once I saw him as this 3D character I was rooting for him and Matthew all the way. He understood better than Matthew or I did how to start bringing Matthew out of his shell. The second story that ties in with their developing relationship is the story told to them by Milton, a photographer whose exhibit of WWII photos they attend. This is the story of two soldiers who died in battle that Milton always suspected had feelings and a bond they could not be open about at that time and never got to survive and fully develop. The hints of reincarnation are nicely done and both skeptics and believers can enjoy their story and choose how they feel about the connection to Matthew and Jian. The atmosphere of this one is a blend of contemporary and haunting and it's a winner.
June 6, 2023
The premise of this book is an intriguing one: it weaves together a truncated love story for two WWII soldiers whose time and place made their own romance all but impossible and a twenty-first century relationship arc for Matthew and Jian, two deeply interesting characters that another deeply interesting character, Milton Glass, invites to a WW II photography exhibit because he believes them be the reincarnation of the fallen soldiers. So…there’s that. As characters, both Matthew and Jian have their rough edges– Matthew’s life is rigidly structured and it doesn’t take much to convince him not to bother with people, Jian expresses his sense of not quite fitting in through a sometimes almost toxic combination of bravado (cough…arrogance) and pranks. At heart, they’re both deeply stubborn, and better suited to each other than either wants to admit, which does a lot to assure that their developing chemistry stays firmly in “slow burn” territory for a good while. The storytelling here is deft, the characters feel deeply human and are easy to invest in, and overall, I found this to be an immersive and compelling read. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 2, 2023
Standalone. POC representation. Slow burn. Opposites attract. Working at his popular family grocery store, Jian can’t help trying to get a rise out of a certain serious customer every chance he gets. Matthew is a professor of Asian Studies and doesn’t understand why he frequently visits the store where he will be bombarded with Jian’s sarcasm, and maybe he secretly likes it. But when Jian and Matthew are told that they might be the reincarnation of two men that were close during World War II, it prompts them to finally address their attraction and interest in each other. Whether or not they had met in a previous life, Jian and Matthew find their own connection which quickly deepens and is unshakable for two men seemingly so very different. Well written, there is plenty of banter, yearning, and emotional sharing between Jian and Matthew. This story also has a diverse group of secondary family characters that are flawed but supportive and provide heartfelt glimpses in how both Jian and Matthew were raised and their separate experiences. A really lovely and romantic book that includes respect for Asian culture and two characters that find their well deserved special person.
June 11, 2023
A romance about the possibility of reincarnation - what would you do if you had another chance at love?
On the surface, Matthew and Jian are opposites; Matthew is a little rigid, not very social, while Jian is more outgoing, tends to be a bit arrogant and loves to play tricks on his family, (the latter also likes to poke at Matthew when he visits the Wei family store). But both men feel like they do not really fit in with their families. When they find out there may be more to both of them, this is where (I think) that the story really shines.
This is a slow, fade-to-black romance, with a hint of the supernatural. There are clashes between the MCs due to their characters, but Matthew learns to let go with Jian, and Jian matures, learning to see beyond 'having a good time'.
Overall, a well done story, memorable MCs. This is not a quick read, but is well worth it to savour the story.
On the surface, Matthew and Jian are opposites; Matthew is a little rigid, not very social, while Jian is more outgoing, tends to be a bit arrogant and loves to play tricks on his family, (the latter also likes to poke at Matthew when he visits the Wei family store). But both men feel like they do not really fit in with their families. When they find out there may be more to both of them, this is where (I think) that the story really shines.
This is a slow, fade-to-black romance, with a hint of the supernatural. There are clashes between the MCs due to their characters, but Matthew learns to let go with Jian, and Jian matures, learning to see beyond 'having a good time'.
Overall, a well done story, memorable MCs. This is not a quick read, but is well worth it to savour the story.
October 8, 2024
This is the first novel I’ve read by Kristoffer Gair, and I absolutely loved it. His rich incorporation of food and culture added an authentic layer of detail that had me practically salivating. The story's multiple perspectives—through the eyes of Matthew, Jian, and their fathers—kept me engaged and eager to see what would unfold next.
It's been quite a while since I’ve delved into a romance novel, but Kristoffer's captivating writing kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down. The romance was beautifully balanced with a touch of mystery, creating a story with depth and intrigue.
I can’t wait to dive into his next book!
It's been quite a while since I’ve delved into a romance novel, but Kristoffer's captivating writing kept me turning the pages, unable to put it down. The romance was beautifully balanced with a touch of mystery, creating a story with depth and intrigue.
I can’t wait to dive into his next book!
January 11, 2024
A love story that began in the 1940s but never had the chance to develop is reincarnated with two unsuspecting lovers in modern times. A side of not over the top romance with a little spice with a storyline that grabs the reader and keep him or her engaged to the veey end. The characters are believable and well developed with a storyline that is unique to keep the reader engaged in the novel. There is a strong connection between past and present.
This is the first novel I have read by this author and would recommend and read more.
This is the first novel I have read by this author and would recommend and read more.
June 5, 2023
Beautiful Story
This took me a little bit to get into. I had to put it down for a bit. When I gave it another chance though, I got to see that it really is a beautiful story and I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This took me a little bit to get into. I had to put it down for a bit. When I gave it another chance though, I got to see that it really is a beautiful story and I enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 23, 2024
I enjoyed this story and the relationship between the two men. Very creative storyline. The family dynamics were a fun read with several laugh out loud moments. The cover is great also and portrays the story well.
August 9, 2023
Beautiful slow burn romance with unique complex characters and an engaging and interesting reincarnation plot line. A very enjoyable read with a heartwarming HEA.
February 6, 2024
Beautiful story about love that endures thru lifetimes. Also a story of families and how complex and complicated they can be, but also how loving they can be. It was a joy to read. It makes you think about possibilities, it makes you laugh at times while making you sad at times. I loved the idea that souls who are meant to be together will find each other in the end. I highly recommend this one.
June 6, 2023
At first I didn’t think I’d finish the story because I’m just not a big war story fan. I soon got drawn into it and ended up not wanting to put it down.
It’s an interesting twist on reincarnation and star-crossed lovers. It isn’t shown all at once, but comes out gradually. I suppose many stories unfold that way, but this one felt more like a slow reveal that gives you glimpses of what is to come. Matthew’s immersion in Chinese culture and language shows part of it, just as Jian’s failure to fit into it does.
There’s not much heat in the story, but it doesn’t need it. It’s wonderful without it!
It’s an interesting twist on reincarnation and star-crossed lovers. It isn’t shown all at once, but comes out gradually. I suppose many stories unfold that way, but this one felt more like a slow reveal that gives you glimpses of what is to come. Matthew’s immersion in Chinese culture and language shows part of it, just as Jian’s failure to fit into it does.
There’s not much heat in the story, but it doesn’t need it. It’s wonderful without it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews