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Birds and Butterflies #2
Butterflies
Chloe
They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. And when the woman you're trying to get over is the biggest f*ck girl out there, this needs to happen, like, yesterday. So that's my plan. And Radia, my friendly and funny regular customer, is my target. I'm pretty sure she's been flirting with me for nearly a year so this plan should be foolproof.
Except, it isn't. Because after our first date, the only move Radia makes is to leave a kiss on my hand and one hundred questions in my mind. Like, why didn't she want to go home with me? What will happen if we go on a second date? And most worryingly, if this is going to be more than sex, where are the butterflies I should be feeling?
Radia
Butterflies are beautiful, exciting and magical, but they don't last. In fact, in reality, most butterflies only live for a few weeks and then they're gone forever. Granted the butterflies Chloe gives me have lasted a lot longer than that as I've been admiring her from not very far for a year, but now I finally have a chance to date her, I'm not going to rush into something that dies after only a few weeks. Not when I want more. More time with her, more of her smiles, more of her sing-song laughter, more Chloe. And much, much more than butterflies.
Butterflies is a spicy sapphic novella with omnisexual and lesbian BIPOC main characters, demisexual and demiromantic representation, and a pleasure Domme who makes her sub count her many, many Os... sometimes in public. For 18+ readers only.
They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. And when the woman you're trying to get over is the biggest f*ck girl out there, this needs to happen, like, yesterday. So that's my plan. And Radia, my friendly and funny regular customer, is my target. I'm pretty sure she's been flirting with me for nearly a year so this plan should be foolproof.
Except, it isn't. Because after our first date, the only move Radia makes is to leave a kiss on my hand and one hundred questions in my mind. Like, why didn't she want to go home with me? What will happen if we go on a second date? And most worryingly, if this is going to be more than sex, where are the butterflies I should be feeling?
Radia
Butterflies are beautiful, exciting and magical, but they don't last. In fact, in reality, most butterflies only live for a few weeks and then they're gone forever. Granted the butterflies Chloe gives me have lasted a lot longer than that as I've been admiring her from not very far for a year, but now I finally have a chance to date her, I'm not going to rush into something that dies after only a few weeks. Not when I want more. More time with her, more of her smiles, more of her sing-song laughter, more Chloe. And much, much more than butterflies.
Butterflies is a spicy sapphic novella with omnisexual and lesbian BIPOC main characters, demisexual and demiromantic representation, and a pleasure Domme who makes her sub count her many, many Os... sometimes in public. For 18+ readers only.
261 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2023
64 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Frances M. Thompson
33 books216 followersFrances M. Thompson writes stories about bisexual disaster heroes usually getting the HEAs they deserve in her spicy contemporary romance... but sometimes getting into a lot of trouble in her suspense thrillers.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 26, 2025
Oh to hell! 5.0, I had fun and I like them a lot 🚇
Black x Muslim SAPPHICSS WOOHOOO!!
Wow wow wow!! it’s not a book I’d reread I don’t think, or is it a masterpiece butttt..
With Frances being a white author, she truly wrote these characters with such care and that is proven true throughout her Author’s note as her compassion to research and write these ethnic characters— living in the UK— without stereotypes and still sprinkling light at experiences of said characters.
When it comes to food, they usually say seconds taste better. But in this case, the second installment of the Birds and Butterflies series hits HARDER!
I absolutely LOVEEEE Chloe and Radia and feel I can relate to both of them in so many different aspects!
It felt good to read a spicy novella that had characters with some depth.
Both of them can leave you with a surprise but also a aww feeling as they come together and discover things about themselves and encourage change between theirselves for the sake of their want to be together.
I literally DEVOURED this read right after reading the first one because it was just that fun!
**If you can’t tell by my multiple exclamation marks and bold letters**
I laughed, I fucking blushed, and I felt the heat as if I was opening up an oven that had been preheating at 500 degrees for 30 minutes!
I really also appreciate the hijabi and demisexual representation and how all the labels of our characters are explained so naturally. I am absolutely overjoyed that I actually felt the love and admiration had between our main characters/LI!!!
#slowburnsalwayswin
Here’s some of my annotations!
“The kind that always makes my Afro bounce”
-A SISTAAAA
“I just know you sobbed your little heart out for at least three days”
-Oh this wrech think she bigger than the mf program!
“I’m just not like that. I need…more”
-Same Radia, yet this generation ASS!
“Let’s play cards”
-She so cutesy!!
"You keep your hands and your body and your pretty little mouth to yourself. I may not have claimed them physically yet, but they're mine. All mine.”
-Just take me already!
(BONUS) Quotes that HIT the Feels
Radia's eyes soften. "Yes, butterfly, definitely."
"I get nervous when you call me butterfly," I admit.
"Goodnight, Radia," I whisper back, and then I fall asleep, ready to wake up and be with the woman I love, tomorrow and forever.
There's so much I want to know about you, Radia. Like what the Arabic words you whisper as you pray mean. Like what your religion means to you and how I can support you in being faithful to your god. Like how you spend your Sundays at home(. .)
Like what your hopes and dreams are."
Black x Muslim SAPPHICSS WOOHOOO!!
Wow wow wow!! it’s not a book I’d reread I don’t think, or is it a masterpiece butttt..
With Frances being a white author, she truly wrote these characters with such care and that is proven true throughout her Author’s note as her compassion to research and write these ethnic characters— living in the UK— without stereotypes and still sprinkling light at experiences of said characters.
When it comes to food, they usually say seconds taste better. But in this case, the second installment of the Birds and Butterflies series hits HARDER!
I absolutely LOVEEEE Chloe and Radia and feel I can relate to both of them in so many different aspects!
It felt good to read a spicy novella that had characters with some depth.
Both of them can leave you with a surprise but also a aww feeling as they come together and discover things about themselves and encourage change between theirselves for the sake of their want to be together.
I literally DEVOURED this read right after reading the first one because it was just that fun!
**If you can’t tell by my multiple exclamation marks and bold letters**
I laughed, I fucking blushed, and I felt the heat as if I was opening up an oven that had been preheating at 500 degrees for 30 minutes!
I really also appreciate the hijabi and demisexual representation and how all the labels of our characters are explained so naturally. I am absolutely overjoyed that I actually felt the love and admiration had between our main characters/LI!!!
#slowburnsalwayswin
Here’s some of my annotations!
“The kind that always makes my Afro bounce”
-A SISTAAAA
“I just know you sobbed your little heart out for at least three days”
-Oh this wrech think she bigger than the mf program!
“I’m just not like that. I need…more”
-Same Radia, yet this generation ASS!
“Let’s play cards”
-She so cutesy!!
"You keep your hands and your body and your pretty little mouth to yourself. I may not have claimed them physically yet, but they're mine. All mine.”
-Just take me already!
(BONUS) Quotes that HIT the Feels
Radia's eyes soften. "Yes, butterfly, definitely."
"I get nervous when you call me butterfly," I admit.
"Goodnight, Radia," I whisper back, and then I fall asleep, ready to wake up and be with the woman I love, tomorrow and forever.
There's so much I want to know about you, Radia. Like what the Arabic words you whisper as you pray mean. Like what your religion means to you and how I can support you in being faithful to your god. Like how you spend your Sundays at home(. .)
Like what your hopes and dreams are."
Read
September 4, 2023Can you believe I wrote a slow burn book? Me neither, but I did. However, because I hated waiting so long for these two to kiss, I went totally overboard with the spice at the end. Sorry, not sorry. Regardless, sunny omnisexual Chloe and quick-witted, hijabi lesbian Radia are my new favourite couple and hopefully they will be yours too.
October 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I was hesitant to read this book at first because my religion is the same is one of the character and I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but I’m glad i took a chance
And honestly I enjoyed it more than I thought I would
At first I didn’t like Chloe but she grow up on me, i liked Radia from the start and honestly she shocked so many times! In a good way of course
Their chemistry is amazing, and i liked very much how they communicated with each other and talked about thing, and how they understood the differences between them and respected it and how they didn’t pressure each other, and that’s the most important thing in any relationship
The writing was great and the sex scene? Was GREATER 🥵🥵🥵🥵, even though I’m not sure if a person can have 14 orgasms in 1 hour????? If anyone know let me know 😂😂😂.
“The difference between romantic and sexual attraction and affection is that romantic feelings are emotional, and sexual feelings are physical.”
I was hesitant to read this book at first because my religion is the same is one of the character and I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it, but I’m glad i took a chance
And honestly I enjoyed it more than I thought I would
At first I didn’t like Chloe but she grow up on me, i liked Radia from the start and honestly she shocked so many times! In a good way of course
Their chemistry is amazing, and i liked very much how they communicated with each other and talked about thing, and how they understood the differences between them and respected it and how they didn’t pressure each other, and that’s the most important thing in any relationship
The writing was great and the sex scene? Was GREATER 🥵🥵🥵🥵, even though I’m not sure if a person can have 14 orgasms in 1 hour????? If anyone know let me know 😂😂😂.
January 1, 2025
2025 reading has started off with something fantastic. I found Frankie Thompson’s work on a Facebook group when I was looking for books with decent kissing scenes. And damn, she is a great writer. She builds up the story and it’s a superb slow burn. Once that burn ignites, it’s hot. Volcano destroying the earth hot. That volcano is named Radia.
This book has everything. Two women of color as MC, Muslim MC, demisexual, aromantic awakening, praise kink, and smut in public. Radia is such a compelling character, sure of herself, confident in her boundaries, a tad bit shy, and sooooo smooth. The dialogue for Radia is spot on. It took me a little while to warm up to Chloe, but once I did, I was really happy with her partnership with Radia.
I am so pleased and frankly, a little on fire, that this was my first read of 2025.
This book has everything. Two women of color as MC, Muslim MC, demisexual, aromantic awakening, praise kink, and smut in public. Radia is such a compelling character, sure of herself, confident in her boundaries, a tad bit shy, and sooooo smooth. The dialogue for Radia is spot on. It took me a little while to warm up to Chloe, but once I did, I was really happy with her partnership with Radia.
I am so pleased and frankly, a little on fire, that this was my first read of 2025.
September 25, 2023
Ok,
One word for this book is… HOT!! 🥵
Radia is a regular at Chloe’s Job at a coffee shop. She has a huge crush on Chloe but feels that Chloe is out of her league. AND… Chloe was initially only interested in Antonella who was a player and also works at the coffee shop. Chloe and Antonella eventually break up which is messy and Radia finally has her chance to ask Chloe out on a date. Radia was such a gentlewoman *swoooonnn* I loved how they actually got to know each other on a deeper leave before even sharing a kiss. If I’m being honest, Radia was definitely the star of this book. Everything about her was swoon worthy. When she finally gave into the sexual tension, she was super hot! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
If u can’t tell, I loved this book. ☺️❤️🫶🏽
One word for this book is… HOT!! 🥵
Radia is a regular at Chloe’s Job at a coffee shop. She has a huge crush on Chloe but feels that Chloe is out of her league. AND… Chloe was initially only interested in Antonella who was a player and also works at the coffee shop. Chloe and Antonella eventually break up which is messy and Radia finally has her chance to ask Chloe out on a date. Radia was such a gentlewoman *swoooonnn* I loved how they actually got to know each other on a deeper leave before even sharing a kiss. If I’m being honest, Radia was definitely the star of this book. Everything about her was swoon worthy. When she finally gave into the sexual tension, she was super hot! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
If u can’t tell, I loved this book. ☺️❤️🫶🏽
December 11, 2025
3,75/5
This one was definitely better,but I didn't think so in the beginning.
Even tho I loved them,I kept waiting trough this whole book for a moment where Chloe was going to be tempted to feel those "butterflies " with someone else ,it was a hurtful waiting, but it's speaking volumes about their relationship.
Raida, I would do anything for you,and sometimes I don't think Chloe deserved you,but honestly no one probably does anyway 🤧
This one was definitely better,but I didn't think so in the beginning.
Even tho I loved them,I kept waiting trough this whole book for a moment where Chloe was going to be tempted to feel those "butterflies " with someone else ,it was a hurtful waiting, but it's speaking volumes about their relationship.
Raida, I would do anything for you,and sometimes I don't think Chloe deserved you,but honestly no one probably does anyway 🤧
August 26, 2025
3.5 stars really.
Nothing extraordinary and I can’t pinpoint anything that would make me rate it lower than 5 but I just know that I don’t think it’s as good in comparison to Nightingale and that’s it.
Nothing extraordinary and I can’t pinpoint anything that would make me rate it lower than 5 but I just know that I don’t think it’s as good in comparison to Nightingale and that’s it.
April 17, 2025
3.5 Stars
Things I loved:
• Sapphic Romance
• Angsty Slow burn
• Diverse representation (BIPOC FMC and British Muslim FMC)
• Demisexual lesbian MC and Demiromantic Omnisexual MC
• Detailed Spice with dom/sub dynamic
Where to begin. This book has diverse representation, you have two women of color, a queer cast with a range of sexualities (including side characters) and it covers mental health, relationship and personal boundaries, and it touched on family too.
I love that they meet through Chloe's place of work and when you first meet Radia you really do become so intruiged by her character immediately. She's just, loveable, compelling, shy but witty and confident. Chloe I admittedly didn't like for while and took some time to warm up to. Whilst she was charismatic, and bubbly and confident in her own way I just found her annoying? That could have just been me that and I didnt like her initial reasons of accepting the date. She felt too superficial for quite some time but as she started to grow more as a character then I started to enjoy her more. That's when I really started enjoying this book.
So when these two ladies come together and start dating I was cheering albeit, I was also scared for Radia. It was clear their expectations were different and but what I did like was that they clearly did enjoy eachothers company and there was a true connection there. Radia was so charming my goodness, she was so incredibly patient and handled herself so well. I would have struggled so badly. THE KISS ON THE HAND, SWOON. The way you could tell these two were not on the same page, but then they started communicating and things blossomed and my heart became so happy. God it was happy. I love healthy communication.
One thing that made this special was that although their approach to relationships and intimacy was different, they both were respectful of eachothers boundaries whilst also working together to meet in the middle to see if they could work. They didnt want to change eachother, but accepted eachother and wanted to learn and grow together, and they did. It was really nice to see a healthy relationship develop and watch them form that trust. Swoon at how romantic Radia is. Them cooking dinner for eachother was just the perfect date nights.
The let down for me, was actually when they finally got together with the train scene. I would have liked to see more communication before the first full intimate scene, especially being that Radia went full dom for it. I know it was in the moment but still, their whole relationship was built on boundaries and communication and so I expected better from them? That being said, Radia is incredible with her words and praise wow. I also love that after care was included!
Their HEA was sweet and well deserved, that office scene was spicy 🔥 and I loved their found family together, with Chloe being introduced to the family and their being friendly with eachothers work friends.
✨
Things I loved:
• Sapphic Romance
• Angsty Slow burn
• Diverse representation (BIPOC FMC and British Muslim FMC)
• Demisexual lesbian MC and Demiromantic Omnisexual MC
• Detailed Spice with dom/sub dynamic
Where to begin. This book has diverse representation, you have two women of color, a queer cast with a range of sexualities (including side characters) and it covers mental health, relationship and personal boundaries, and it touched on family too.
I love that they meet through Chloe's place of work and when you first meet Radia you really do become so intruiged by her character immediately. She's just, loveable, compelling, shy but witty and confident. Chloe I admittedly didn't like for while and took some time to warm up to. Whilst she was charismatic, and bubbly and confident in her own way I just found her annoying? That could have just been me that and I didnt like her initial reasons of accepting the date. She felt too superficial for quite some time but as she started to grow more as a character then I started to enjoy her more. That's when I really started enjoying this book.
So when these two ladies come together and start dating I was cheering albeit, I was also scared for Radia. It was clear their expectations were different and but what I did like was that they clearly did enjoy eachothers company and there was a true connection there. Radia was so charming my goodness, she was so incredibly patient and handled herself so well. I would have struggled so badly. THE KISS ON THE HAND, SWOON. The way you could tell these two were not on the same page, but then they started communicating and things blossomed and my heart became so happy. God it was happy. I love healthy communication.
One thing that made this special was that although their approach to relationships and intimacy was different, they both were respectful of eachothers boundaries whilst also working together to meet in the middle to see if they could work. They didnt want to change eachother, but accepted eachother and wanted to learn and grow together, and they did. It was really nice to see a healthy relationship develop and watch them form that trust. Swoon at how romantic Radia is. Them cooking dinner for eachother was just the perfect date nights.
The let down for me, was actually when they finally got together with the train scene. I would have liked to see more communication before the first full intimate scene, especially being that Radia went full dom for it. I know it was in the moment but still, their whole relationship was built on boundaries and communication and so I expected better from them? That being said, Radia is incredible with her words and praise wow. I also love that after care was included!
Their HEA was sweet and well deserved, that office scene was spicy 🔥 and I loved their found family together, with Chloe being introduced to the family and their being friendly with eachothers work friends.
✨
September 19, 2023
This book is so sweet and spicy it made my heart hurt. Curse you, Frankie!
I LOVED the representation - this might only be the second demi rep I’ve read and I was intrigued by Radia’s experience and how it compares to mine. Being demisexual was something I came to realise in my late 20's/early 30's and at that time I had no idea what the official term was. I just knew I couldn't do casual hook ups and wasn't ready to sleep with anyone until I had an emotional connection. Honestly, we need to have more of this representation and I loved that Radia was a main character. Paired with her being Muslim, this is such an important character and I think Thompson did a great job whilst not going too deep into the religion side of things.
Their communication was so wonderful. Interestingly, I also found it a bit strange to have drama free romance 😆 They were so careful with each other. At first I thought it was overkill but then I reflected that maybe I’m just not used to good communication in romance novels! I'm very pro healthy communication representation in romance! It's interesting to note my initial reactions/thoughts and then reflect on how that shows up the whole genre. I'm so over the miscommunication trope and I know I'm not the only one.
Absolutely swoony, highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I LOVED the representation - this might only be the second demi rep I’ve read and I was intrigued by Radia’s experience and how it compares to mine. Being demisexual was something I came to realise in my late 20's/early 30's and at that time I had no idea what the official term was. I just knew I couldn't do casual hook ups and wasn't ready to sleep with anyone until I had an emotional connection. Honestly, we need to have more of this representation and I loved that Radia was a main character. Paired with her being Muslim, this is such an important character and I think Thompson did a great job whilst not going too deep into the religion side of things.
Their communication was so wonderful. Interestingly, I also found it a bit strange to have drama free romance 😆 They were so careful with each other. At first I thought it was overkill but then I reflected that maybe I’m just not used to good communication in romance novels! I'm very pro healthy communication representation in romance! It's interesting to note my initial reactions/thoughts and then reflect on how that shows up the whole genre. I'm so over the miscommunication trope and I know I'm not the only one.
Absolutely swoony, highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
I’m still wrapping my head around all the things that occurred in this book. This slow burn romance unfolded in a way I wasn’t expecting, and I honestly felt like I learned a lot along the way.
Chloe and Radia are an odd pair. Chloe is a more free natured, sexual being. Her experiences are not hindered by one’s gender, but based solely on if she wants to take them to the bedroom or not. Radia is calm, controlled, and calculating. She’s a relationship woman through and through and intimacy is not something she gives freely.
Both women have the patience of saints in trying to navigate a mutual understanding of each others feelings, needs, attraction, and the desire to remain with one another.
At some points this book was a bit challenging to read and I found myself stopping to look up what a word meant, especially in relation to their interactions and how that was affecting their possible relationship.
But with all the angst, confusion for both women, and trying to not change each other while also practicing a bit of give and take, their lives become deeply intertwined and their new innate abilities to know exactly what the other needs is incredibly deep and thought provoking.
Chloe and Radia are an odd pair. Chloe is a more free natured, sexual being. Her experiences are not hindered by one’s gender, but based solely on if she wants to take them to the bedroom or not. Radia is calm, controlled, and calculating. She’s a relationship woman through and through and intimacy is not something she gives freely.
Both women have the patience of saints in trying to navigate a mutual understanding of each others feelings, needs, attraction, and the desire to remain with one another.
At some points this book was a bit challenging to read and I found myself stopping to look up what a word meant, especially in relation to their interactions and how that was affecting their possible relationship.
But with all the angst, confusion for both women, and trying to not change each other while also practicing a bit of give and take, their lives become deeply intertwined and their new innate abilities to know exactly what the other needs is incredibly deep and thought provoking.
September 18, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☕🚆🧕🏼👩🏾🎓🦋
This. BOOK.🥵
First off, Frankie, this was amazing; thank you so much for the copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
This book was everything. It has representation, including, but not limited to, a Demisexual Lesbian British Muslim, an Omnisexual Demiromantic British Black woman, a pansexual Muslim man, and a polyamorous sapphic side character. This book has a positive mental health representation. It has supporting found family members. It is SPICY as heck, including GOOD GIRL, PUBLIC play, MULTIPLE friggin ORG*SMs!!! GOOD GIRL! But what I loved most about it is that our two main characters, Radia and Chloe were perfect for each other because they didn't try to change each other and rush the other into doing something they didn't want, but they learned and grew together and loved each other for who they both were and I thought that was freaking beautiful.
I just can't believe how beautiful and hot this story was. Like. You go in with expectations you know. The quiet girl. The not-so-quiet girl. Then BAM. 🔥🔥
Honestly, top grade Frankie. Top grades. You graduated top of the class. 🎓 I have to go change my knickers.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
☕🚆🧕🏼👩🏾🎓🦋
This. BOOK.🥵
First off, Frankie, this was amazing; thank you so much for the copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
This book was everything. It has representation, including, but not limited to, a Demisexual Lesbian British Muslim, an Omnisexual Demiromantic British Black woman, a pansexual Muslim man, and a polyamorous sapphic side character. This book has a positive mental health representation. It has supporting found family members. It is SPICY as heck, including GOOD GIRL, PUBLIC play, MULTIPLE friggin ORG*SMs!!! GOOD GIRL! But what I loved most about it is that our two main characters, Radia and Chloe were perfect for each other because they didn't try to change each other and rush the other into doing something they didn't want, but they learned and grew together and loved each other for who they both were and I thought that was freaking beautiful.
I just can't believe how beautiful and hot this story was. Like. You go in with expectations you know. The quiet girl. The not-so-quiet girl. Then BAM. 🔥🔥
Honestly, top grade Frankie. Top grades. You graduated top of the class. 🎓 I have to go change my knickers.
September 26, 2023
A lovely sweet and drama free sapphic romance, I really enjoyed this and loved the decent communication and lack of major arguments or miscommunication.
I think this is the healthiest fictional relationship I’ve ever read, super cute and enjoyable to read, massively inclusive with all sorts of different ethnicities, sexualities and religion.
Gloriously smutty and despite quite a wait for anything spicy it weirdly didn’t feel all that slow-burn or angsty, the pace was refreshing and nice.
I loved Radia instantly and Chloe soon after too, lots of interesting details on their different sexualities (Demi sexual/Demi romantic, omni/pansexual), religion including talking about the use of her hijab, hair care/touching for Afro types etc.
They were both so thoughtful and accepting of what the other liked, disliked and felt, it was honestly such a refreshing, feel-good book.
I think this is the healthiest fictional relationship I’ve ever read, super cute and enjoyable to read, massively inclusive with all sorts of different ethnicities, sexualities and religion.
Gloriously smutty and despite quite a wait for anything spicy it weirdly didn’t feel all that slow-burn or angsty, the pace was refreshing and nice.
I loved Radia instantly and Chloe soon after too, lots of interesting details on their different sexualities (Demi sexual/Demi romantic, omni/pansexual), religion including talking about the use of her hijab, hair care/touching for Afro types etc.
They were both so thoughtful and accepting of what the other liked, disliked and felt, it was honestly such a refreshing, feel-good book.
April 30, 2024
This is the second Frances M. Thompson book I’ve read and I loved it. I really liked seeing how they built their relationship and their own personal journeys along the way. The representation in this book was also an enjoyable factor.
They are so wonderful together. They were so careful with each other which was beautiful to read. The communication between the both of them was very nice. The heat was also very much appreciated. It was nice reading their different points, and seeing who was feeling what at certain times was really good.
The lack of arguments and miscommunication was a nice change of pace. When the spice finally came it was intense though it didn’t feel like the causal slow-burn which was odd but good all the same. They both were so very thoughtful of what the other both liked and disliked which I must admit was refreshing. I definitely recommend giving it a read!
They are so wonderful together. They were so careful with each other which was beautiful to read. The communication between the both of them was very nice. The heat was also very much appreciated. It was nice reading their different points, and seeing who was feeling what at certain times was really good.
The lack of arguments and miscommunication was a nice change of pace. When the spice finally came it was intense though it didn’t feel like the causal slow-burn which was odd but good all the same. They both were so very thoughtful of what the other both liked and disliked which I must admit was refreshing. I definitely recommend giving it a read!
September 3, 2023
Butterflies brings the representation and the heat! Frances M Thompson has created a wonderfully surprising love story that comforts and challenges the reader. Chloe and Radia’s story is both unique and universal and I’m so glad to have read it. It’s a slow burn with an incendiary finish! The angst is low, but the spice when it comes is very high, with some elements of kink (which are integral to the development of the relationship between Chloe and Radia). So read the blurb, read the trigger warnings and be sure to read the author note at the end of the book!
I loved this story and devoured it in record time and will certainly re-read it. Butterflies is one of the best and most original books I’ve read in a long time.
I received an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story and devoured it in record time and will certainly re-read it. Butterflies is one of the best and most original books I’ve read in a long time.
I received an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2026
Definitely a slow burn, but when it catches fire, it doesn't stop.
Radia and Chloe have very different approaches to relationships. Chloe doesn't do them, and Radia, self declared somewhere on the asexual/demisexual spectrum, needs a lot of time to emotionally get to know someone before she can take the relationship to the next level. It seems like it will never work... But time will tell.
I enjoyed the diversity that was front and center in this book. Both in the main characters and in their sexual identities. The diversity lent itself to a lot of deep conversations between the characters as they explained their feelings and how they developed.
The spice is backloaded, but then its virtually nonstop 🌶️
Radia and Chloe have very different approaches to relationships. Chloe doesn't do them, and Radia, self declared somewhere on the asexual/demisexual spectrum, needs a lot of time to emotionally get to know someone before she can take the relationship to the next level. It seems like it will never work... But time will tell.
I enjoyed the diversity that was front and center in this book. Both in the main characters and in their sexual identities. The diversity lent itself to a lot of deep conversations between the characters as they explained their feelings and how they developed.
The spice is backloaded, but then its virtually nonstop 🌶️
September 23, 2023
This is a super slow burn love story between a law school student/barista Chole and a men's suit maker Radia. I like the both MCs are not the typical white women, Chole is black and Radia is a mix of Iranian and Lebanese. Also Radia is devoted hijab wearing muslin, and Chole doesn't care much about religion. This is friends to lovers, opposite attract story, with frustratingly slow baby steps, the couple finally fall in love. The slow pace in the first two third of the book and the acceleration near the end of the book makes the reading surprisingly enjoyable. I also love the London setting, especially the famous Tube.
October 24, 2023
Chloe is a player who won’t settle down. Until she does with her co-worker at the cafe. But her new gf is a player too and Chloe gets her heart trampled on. Meanwhile Radia, looks on from the other side of the counter pining for Chloe and never thinking she’ll get a chance.
Chloe is very flippant about going on a date with Radia and is adamant there won’t be a second date. I think this put me off Chloe who I wasn’t really warming to anyway. Radia was sweet and it was nice seeing her gradually start to win Chloe over. I did warm up to Chloe by the end - sort of. I liked the way the asexual part was handled and the book had a nice, quite fresh, story and I enjoyed reading it.
Chloe is very flippant about going on a date with Radia and is adamant there won’t be a second date. I think this put me off Chloe who I wasn’t really warming to anyway. Radia was sweet and it was nice seeing her gradually start to win Chloe over. I did warm up to Chloe by the end - sort of. I liked the way the asexual part was handled and the book had a nice, quite fresh, story and I enjoyed reading it.
December 14, 2023
I am throughly impressed with how well written this was without prejudice and stereotypes of either main character, which is hard to come by these days. Frances did an amazing job and obviously did her research on both cultures.
Radia frustrated me at the beginning, but learning what demisexual meant, made things more clear. Also, her pleasure being Chloe’s pleasure was hot af. 10 orgasms!!! Not including the on the train?! I would have died by the fourth of fifth one. I loved the after are that was mentioned because that’s also not talked about enough, especially having that many orgasms so close together. This was definitely my favorite in the series.
Radia frustrated me at the beginning, but learning what demisexual meant, made things more clear. Also, her pleasure being Chloe’s pleasure was hot af. 10 orgasms!!! Not including the on the train?! I would have died by the fourth of fifth one. I loved the after are that was mentioned because that’s also not talked about enough, especially having that many orgasms so close together. This was definitely my favorite in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 29, 2024Radia and Chloe are definitely staying together till death do them part. I love that they communicated with one another for basically everything and their dates ahh, I’ll be rereading this book again because I love these two.
Frances as a white author has done a good job as portraying Chloe ( a black queer woman ) and Radia ( queer muslim woman) and I have to give credit to the sensitive readers she had to help her. TBH, I was kinda a little skeptical going into it ( because of past books from different authors) but coming out it was like a fresh cup of air.
(I need to start reading author notes more because they provide to much context etc.)
Frances as a white author has done a good job as portraying Chloe ( a black queer woman ) and Radia ( queer muslim woman) and I have to give credit to the sensitive readers she had to help her. TBH, I was kinda a little skeptical going into it ( because of past books from different authors) but coming out it was like a fresh cup of air.
(I need to start reading author notes more because they provide to much context etc.)
May 10, 2024
Crying wishing for a love like theirs
Being a cis hetero F, this book opened my eyes to many types of sexual relationships and romantic ones. Their communication was hard to crack but it was worth it. The slow burn was sooo slow but again worth it because we weren’t left wondering how they felt about each other thanks to the dual pov.
I cried out of happiness for them and sadness at never having felt the deep love, praise, admiration, confident and trust they share. So good.
Love the Pleasur3 dom and praise aspects so much.
Being a cis hetero F, this book opened my eyes to many types of sexual relationships and romantic ones. Their communication was hard to crack but it was worth it. The slow burn was sooo slow but again worth it because we weren’t left wondering how they felt about each other thanks to the dual pov.
I cried out of happiness for them and sadness at never having felt the deep love, praise, admiration, confident and trust they share. So good.
Love the Pleasur3 dom and praise aspects so much.
November 23, 2023
Wow! What a great book. This book has it all from sweetness of two different people of different backgrounds slowly falling for each other and spiciness once they finally come together. I think Frances M. Thompson did an amazing job addressing two different cultures, sexual orientation, and how two very different people can work together through communication to be together. Such a beautiful and well written story!
June 26, 2024
Like the first this book was good but felt like it was lacking to me. If i am honest they feel a little cliche and almost give off like a spicy young adult book. This however is more spicy than the first but i honestly found the books to be a book written in a sense of what they THINK sapphic or FF couples are about. As you don't find many GOOD sapphic books as it is this book just lacking. Spice 3/5 being generous.
February 18, 2026
Spoiler free review: A wonderful story about two people from very different backgrounds and cultures falling inlove. This follows Chloe and Radia and their journey to self love, growth and love for each other. There is alot they discovery about themselves in this relationship journey and it is beautiful to see. I am seeing butterflies in a whole different light now and i love it. Another masterpiece by Frankie
May 17, 2025
Love This Story
I’m such a fan of Frances! Her stories are lovely! There is so much texture and depth to her characters-they stay with you long after you finish the story! I also love the diversity that Frances has in her stories-she teaches that love is love no matter where or who you are born!
I’m such a fan of Frances! Her stories are lovely! There is so much texture and depth to her characters-they stay with you long after you finish the story! I also love the diversity that Frances has in her stories-she teaches that love is love no matter where or who you are born!
August 31, 2023
A delectable, super romantic slow burn that heats up into a blazing inferno when it finally ignites. Wow. Just wow. The epitome of good things coming to those who wait. Give this story all the stars!
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
April 28, 2025
What do butterflies mean?
Wonderful read! I love the dual pov! Chloe and Radia are amazing. I’m not sure why I’ve had this book since its release and I am just reading it now but I am so very thankful that I picked it up because I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!!!
Wonderful read! I love the dual pov! Chloe and Radia are amazing. I’m not sure why I’ve had this book since its release and I am just reading it now but I am so very thankful that I picked it up because I absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!!!
September 27, 2023
Absolutely beautiful read the connection between the characters is amazing
January 28, 2024
Wow
This story was so well paced and beautiful. Loved the queer Muslim representation and the MCs being POC. All I can think about are butterflies 🦋
This story was so well paced and beautiful. Loved the queer Muslim representation and the MCs being POC. All I can think about are butterflies 🦋
March 6, 2024
Lol spice scenes were spot on. Ten orgasms weren’t enough for them!? hahahhahaha
August 13, 2024
**3.5 stars on storygraph**
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