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My Butterflies
Her heart is broken.
His is off-limits.
Sometimes love is a lesson in letting go.
University senior Tessa Givens shuffles through the day to day grind of existence as if it’s an obligation rather than her chance to live her best life. While her fellow students embrace their freedom and youth, Tessa feels nothing but crushing guilt for the mistake that led to a tragedy she can’t bring herself to speak of.
Jaxon Smith, lead singer of the local band, isn’t afraid to pour his heart and soul into every performance, especially because it’s what he needs. On the outside, he’s the sexy, smart, charming rock god, but inside, and behind closed door, he’s fighting more than one battle.
As Tess stands among the admiring crowd, mesmerized by the man on stage who unknowingly started thawing her frozen heart, she starts to see what no one else can. And when fate conspires to push Jax into Tess’s tiny, closed-off world, they discover they have more in common than their undeniable and dangerous attraction to each other.
It’d be so easy to love a man like Jax, flaws and all, but with what Tess has already been through, could she survive another fall? It be better, easier to keep him friend-zoned, right?
My Butterflies is a bittersweet story of desire, longing, and redemption, and the first novel in the “Butterflies” series.
This novel is intended for readers 18+ as it includes strong language, explicit content and topics that may be triggering to some readers.
His is off-limits.
Sometimes love is a lesson in letting go.
University senior Tessa Givens shuffles through the day to day grind of existence as if it’s an obligation rather than her chance to live her best life. While her fellow students embrace their freedom and youth, Tessa feels nothing but crushing guilt for the mistake that led to a tragedy she can’t bring herself to speak of.
Jaxon Smith, lead singer of the local band, isn’t afraid to pour his heart and soul into every performance, especially because it’s what he needs. On the outside, he’s the sexy, smart, charming rock god, but inside, and behind closed door, he’s fighting more than one battle.
As Tess stands among the admiring crowd, mesmerized by the man on stage who unknowingly started thawing her frozen heart, she starts to see what no one else can. And when fate conspires to push Jax into Tess’s tiny, closed-off world, they discover they have more in common than their undeniable and dangerous attraction to each other.
It’d be so easy to love a man like Jax, flaws and all, but with what Tess has already been through, could she survive another fall? It be better, easier to keep him friend-zoned, right?
My Butterflies is a bittersweet story of desire, longing, and redemption, and the first novel in the “Butterflies” series.
This novel is intended for readers 18+ as it includes strong language, explicit content and topics that may be triggering to some readers.
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
16 people are currently reading
4092 people want to read
About the author
B. Evans
2 books54 followersB. Evans’ life changed the day she stepped into a bookstore and stumbled upon the romance section. As a student of true crime and world events, she’d never been particularly interested in fiction, until an intriguing cover caught her eye and the rest, as they say, is history. The devoted reader grew into a writer and crafting romance became B.’s therapy, passion, and favorite adventure.
B.’s debut novel, My Butterflies, is a bittersweet journey about the courage and struggle of choosing happiness. Her characters are messy, flawed, and real, exploring the truth about love: it isn’t always easy, but it is always life changing.
B. has a wonderful husband, adorable kiddo, and mini poodle that’s always at her side. A writer and bookworm by night, when the sun is shining B. enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and seeking fresh inspiration for her next story.
B. also loves to review books she’s read and reviews ARCs/ALCs on NetGalley, which she started doing in February 2025.
B.’s debut novel, My Butterflies, is a bittersweet journey about the courage and struggle of choosing happiness. Her characters are messy, flawed, and real, exploring the truth about love: it isn’t always easy, but it is always life changing.
B. has a wonderful husband, adorable kiddo, and mini poodle that’s always at her side. A writer and bookworm by night, when the sun is shining B. enjoys skiing, scuba diving, and seeking fresh inspiration for her next story.
B. also loves to review books she’s read and reviews ARCs/ALCs on NetGalley, which she started doing in February 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 5, 2025
2.25 stars | I’m not gonna lie, this book and these characters frustrated me to no end. The whole time I was just a bit confused and constantly irritated with them. First of all this book is heavily lust-focused. This was something that I did not enjoy. Lust-filled books can be well done and enjoyable, but this just wasn’t it.
Then onto Tessa’s character, she just pissed me off. The whole book she’s so focused on Jaxon’s character and constantly wants to fuck him. She constantly talks about how hot he is and is instantly obsessed with him from the beginning. And she kept on waiting for Jaxon and Brooke to break up. While their situation is toxic, I did not like how her inner thoughts and actions were written.
Jaxon’s character was interesting. I feel very mixed on how I feel about his character overall. While I did like learning about his past, a lot of his actions and thought processes pissed me off. For most of this book he couldn’t get his head out of his own ass. He couldn’t figure out how he felt.
For so much of this book, both of the two main characters are in different relationships. While it’s probably meant to give a yearning type of feel, to me it just felt so dragged out. Not to mention there was a ton of miscommunication throughout.
I did like that these characters had past trauma and that gave them some depth (because for a while they felt incredibly surface level). But I really could not connect with these characters. From the decisions they were making to when bad things were happening, I just didn’t feel much for these characters. They really weren’t that likable to me personally.
When Tessa and Jaxon finally got together in the book it felt so unsatisfying. The entire book they’re in opposing relationships and it just feels so messy. To me it borders on emotional cheating. While they don’t really do anything it still puts me on edge. While I typically like messy books this one really didn’t do it for me. I like a bit of organized chaos but this just started out a mess and then got messier the more you read. While the relationship itself isn’t toxic the characters by themselves definitely do.
There were some parts I found myself enjoying but for the most part this book and these characters just annoyed and frustrated me.
This book was filled with drama but the ending doesn’t even make sense. I get that it’s filled with drama but the ending felt like it’s just meant to shock the reader. The story itself wasn’t even written badly but just the situations that happened throughout the story irked me so much.
I’m not sure if I would’ve liked this better if I would’ve physically read it but I listened to the audiobook. I did not enjoy the female narrators performance unfortunately. She made the fmc and the surrounding characters sound very whiny and off putting. Everytime we had a chapter in Tessa’s pov I found myself getting annoyed. Due to how much I didn’t enjoy the female narration. I don’t have much to say about the male narrator (neither good nor bad). But when we did get chapters in Jaxon’s pov I found myself enjoying them much more than Tessa’s chapters. Sadly I will not be continuing this series.
This book definitely gives Episode and After vibes. If you’re missing those kinds of vibes I would pick this up. Other than that I would probably skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an audiobook arc to review! As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
~
i think imma settle on a 2.5 rating for now feeling very conflicted after finishing this like some of it was ok by at the same time there was quite a bit that irked me :/
rtc
pre-review:
ahh this is my first official audiobook from netgalley i’m excited to get to this one !! 💕
Then onto Tessa’s character, she just pissed me off. The whole book she’s so focused on Jaxon’s character and constantly wants to fuck him. She constantly talks about how hot he is and is instantly obsessed with him from the beginning. And she kept on waiting for Jaxon and Brooke to break up. While their situation is toxic, I did not like how her inner thoughts and actions were written.
Jaxon’s character was interesting. I feel very mixed on how I feel about his character overall. While I did like learning about his past, a lot of his actions and thought processes pissed me off. For most of this book he couldn’t get his head out of his own ass. He couldn’t figure out how he felt.
For so much of this book, both of the two main characters are in different relationships. While it’s probably meant to give a yearning type of feel, to me it just felt so dragged out. Not to mention there was a ton of miscommunication throughout.
I did like that these characters had past trauma and that gave them some depth (because for a while they felt incredibly surface level). But I really could not connect with these characters. From the decisions they were making to when bad things were happening, I just didn’t feel much for these characters. They really weren’t that likable to me personally.
When Tessa and Jaxon finally got together in the book it felt so unsatisfying. The entire book they’re in opposing relationships and it just feels so messy. To me it borders on emotional cheating. While they don’t really do anything it still puts me on edge. While I typically like messy books this one really didn’t do it for me. I like a bit of organized chaos but this just started out a mess and then got messier the more you read. While the relationship itself isn’t toxic the characters by themselves definitely do.
There were some parts I found myself enjoying but for the most part this book and these characters just annoyed and frustrated me.
This book was filled with drama but the ending doesn’t even make sense. I get that it’s filled with drama but the ending felt like it’s just meant to shock the reader. The story itself wasn’t even written badly but just the situations that happened throughout the story irked me so much.
I’m not sure if I would’ve liked this better if I would’ve physically read it but I listened to the audiobook. I did not enjoy the female narrators performance unfortunately. She made the fmc and the surrounding characters sound very whiny and off putting. Everytime we had a chapter in Tessa’s pov I found myself getting annoyed. Due to how much I didn’t enjoy the female narration. I don’t have much to say about the male narrator (neither good nor bad). But when we did get chapters in Jaxon’s pov I found myself enjoying them much more than Tessa’s chapters. Sadly I will not be continuing this series.
This book definitely gives Episode and After vibes. If you’re missing those kinds of vibes I would pick this up. Other than that I would probably skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an audiobook arc to review! As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
~
i think imma settle on a 2.5 rating for now feeling very conflicted after finishing this like some of it was ok by at the same time there was quite a bit that irked me :/
rtc
pre-review:
ahh this is my first official audiobook from netgalley i’m excited to get to this one !! 💕
August 9, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I'll kill him!!!! I'll kill him then turn myself in. It was beautifully written wonderful even and everything was going great but i swear if you have a short temper calm down first. Jaxon was amazing at the start until the end and i swear they better be a part 2 please and also i need my therapy bills paid.
I'll kill him!!!! I'll kill him then turn myself in. It was beautifully written wonderful even and everything was going great but i swear if you have a short temper calm down first. Jaxon was amazing at the start until the end and i swear they better be a part 2 please and also i need my therapy bills paid.
February 22, 2025
This audiobook caught my eye on NetGalley and I’m so glad I signed up! The writing was beautiful and the story kept me hooked. I loved the friendship between Tessa and Jaxon and how their relationship grew. Jaxon’s struggle between his feelings and doing what’s right made things even more emotional.
The pacing was great, leading up to a big moment then everything fell apart. I wasn’t ready for that twist and now I need the next book! The characters felt real, flaws and all, even when they frustrated me, I couldn’t stop listening. The narration was fantastic and though some tropes weren’t my favorite, I still loved this book. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
The pacing was great, leading up to a big moment then everything fell apart. I wasn’t ready for that twist and now I need the next book! The characters felt real, flaws and all, even when they frustrated me, I couldn’t stop listening. The narration was fantastic and though some tropes weren’t my favorite, I still loved this book. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
February 23, 2025
5 ✨
I was fortunate to get an alc of B. Evan’s novel My Butterflies. 🦋 I’m familiar with the interactive app version and remember it being very popular. But this is my first time diving into this world.
I bought the book as soon as it came out, so with the audiobook - I was able to have the full immersive experience.
There is a lot to unpack in this first book. There’s a lot of emotions, character building and things happening for both characters. But I was following along the whole time. The flow of the storyline and pace of this was done really well. The slow burn wasn’t painful because you get to see a special friendship blossom genuinely. They both have a lot to overcome and that friendship gives them a safe space to process and see things differently.
It’s been a couple days since I finished it & I’m still thinking about it. And I will be jumping at the sequel as soon as it drops.
📚 Tropes:
Dual POV
All the Butterflies 🦋
Rockstar MMC 🎤
Athletic FMC ⚽️
College Romance
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn 🔥
Forbidden Romance
Tragic Backstory
Suspense
Loyal Friends 💕
Reminded me of the same vibes of :
Elle Kennedy, Kelsie Rae or Rebecca Jenshak friend groups but with Kandi Steiner angst. (I feel like early One Tree Hill is a good comparison but picture end of college.)
Narrators:
Laura is perfect. I’ve been following Laura on socials for years, but only just started listening to her audiobooks and there’s a reason she won an award for her narrating last year. She’s brilliant and she gets you right into the story. She makes her characters fun, but also gets twist your heart in an emotional moment.
And Gregory! This is the book that made him an auto buy narrator. I actually went hunting for more of his work after.
The book does touch on heavy topics, so make sure to check for triggers.
*ends on a cliffhanger*
Extremely easy to give the book and audiobook 5 stars ✨.
I was fortunate to get an alc of B. Evan’s novel My Butterflies. 🦋 I’m familiar with the interactive app version and remember it being very popular. But this is my first time diving into this world.
I bought the book as soon as it came out, so with the audiobook - I was able to have the full immersive experience.
There is a lot to unpack in this first book. There’s a lot of emotions, character building and things happening for both characters. But I was following along the whole time. The flow of the storyline and pace of this was done really well. The slow burn wasn’t painful because you get to see a special friendship blossom genuinely. They both have a lot to overcome and that friendship gives them a safe space to process and see things differently.
It’s been a couple days since I finished it & I’m still thinking about it. And I will be jumping at the sequel as soon as it drops.
📚 Tropes:
Dual POV
All the Butterflies 🦋
Rockstar MMC 🎤
Athletic FMC ⚽️
College Romance
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn 🔥
Forbidden Romance
Tragic Backstory
Suspense
Loyal Friends 💕
Reminded me of the same vibes of :
Elle Kennedy, Kelsie Rae or Rebecca Jenshak friend groups but with Kandi Steiner angst. (I feel like early One Tree Hill is a good comparison but picture end of college.)
Narrators:
Laura is perfect. I’ve been following Laura on socials for years, but only just started listening to her audiobooks and there’s a reason she won an award for her narrating last year. She’s brilliant and she gets you right into the story. She makes her characters fun, but also gets twist your heart in an emotional moment.
And Gregory! This is the book that made him an auto buy narrator. I actually went hunting for more of his work after.
The book does touch on heavy topics, so make sure to check for triggers.
*ends on a cliffhanger*
Extremely easy to give the book and audiobook 5 stars ✨.
August 5, 2024
Warning** I was selected as an ARC reader (however this has not swayed my judgement)
I absolutely LOVED this book. I probably would have finished this book in one day if not for my summer classes. As a college kid myself it was amazing to read a book that was more accurate to what it’s like in college (obviously not everything can be exactly like the real thing) I adored the characters and their development through the story. The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was some minor dislike for characters. This book was very well written and as someone who is very picky about the tropes/books I read this book kept me interested and wanting to keep reading. Absolutely love this and I will be following the author for more books in the future (RIP my TBR)
I absolutely LOVED this book. I probably would have finished this book in one day if not for my summer classes. As a college kid myself it was amazing to read a book that was more accurate to what it’s like in college (obviously not everything can be exactly like the real thing) I adored the characters and their development through the story. The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was some minor dislike for characters. This book was very well written and as someone who is very picky about the tropes/books I read this book kept me interested and wanting to keep reading. Absolutely love this and I will be following the author for more books in the future (RIP my TBR)
September 23, 2024
ARC - PUBLICATION DATE 31.10.2024
5 ☆
this story follows tess, a 21 year old college student who, up until her final year of college, has kept to herself, internally punishing herself for the tragedy that happened to her and her family 4 years prior. then she meets jax, and she instantly wants to get to know him more. so she finally pushes herself to start being more social, only to find out jax is off limits but she’s okay with just being his friend if it means keeping him in her life. tess has her own struggles, but she’s trying. jax is also struggling, he’s at a crossroads and has no idea where he’s going. but their form a fast and intense friendship.
『 tropes 』
•friends-to-lovers
•third act breakup
•death
•slow burn
•dual pov
•college romance
•rockstar/introvert
•forbidden love
『 plot 』
this plot is so fun, some of the tropes aren’t usually something i enjoy reading but the author did it all so well. tess and jax form a strong friendship, some people are against this friendship, which causes problems for jax. jax is off limits and is struggling with his personal life, he’s struggling and he doesn’t know what to do, but tess is a light in his dark life and he can’t stay away from her. tess just wants to help jax and be in his life, in whichever way she can be. they begin their friendship through tutoring, tess is struggling with math and jax helps, and they begin to realise they have a lot in common.
『 characters 』
tess is a little sweetheart, she is so pure and good and has been dealt a crappy hand in life but she’s determined to not let it affect her anymore. she’s finally living her life and wants to carry on living, not just surviving
jax is an enigma, his past haunts him and he can’t let go of the one thing that pulled him from the darkness when tragedy hit, he’s pleasing everyone else but hurting himself, which in turn means he’s making some wrong decisions and hurting himself and others, even though he doesn’t want to. by the end of the book i was so mad at him and in the second book there better be A LOT of grovelling on his part
the side characters are also a fun addition, tess’s best friend is one of my favourites! tina is such a good friend to tess but isn’t afraid to tell her when she’s wrong. she’s the kind of friend we all need
the rest of band are fun, and cool, and i enjoyed them in this story
brooke isn’t likeable to me, i did feel sorry for her towards the end, only because being that insecure is so hard, but it does not justify her behaviour and i don’t condone her actions whatsoever
『 writing style 』
loved the writing style, it flowed so easily. it was so easy and fun to follow along, it was fast paced and loved the dual pov!
『 overall 』
look, i’m obsessed with this book. i love a book where the two main characters want to be together but can’t, the angst and tension this creates is one of my favourites and this book did that so so well! my heart sank at every missed opportunity, my heart broke alongside the main characters. i cannot wait for this story to continue. i need the second book, like, yesterday!
5 ☆
this story follows tess, a 21 year old college student who, up until her final year of college, has kept to herself, internally punishing herself for the tragedy that happened to her and her family 4 years prior. then she meets jax, and she instantly wants to get to know him more. so she finally pushes herself to start being more social, only to find out jax is off limits but she’s okay with just being his friend if it means keeping him in her life. tess has her own struggles, but she’s trying. jax is also struggling, he’s at a crossroads and has no idea where he’s going. but their form a fast and intense friendship.
『 tropes 』
•friends-to-lovers
•third act breakup
•death
•slow burn
•dual pov
•college romance
•rockstar/introvert
•forbidden love
『 plot 』
this plot is so fun, some of the tropes aren’t usually something i enjoy reading but the author did it all so well. tess and jax form a strong friendship, some people are against this friendship, which causes problems for jax. jax is off limits and is struggling with his personal life, he’s struggling and he doesn’t know what to do, but tess is a light in his dark life and he can’t stay away from her. tess just wants to help jax and be in his life, in whichever way she can be. they begin their friendship through tutoring, tess is struggling with math and jax helps, and they begin to realise they have a lot in common.
『 characters 』
tess is a little sweetheart, she is so pure and good and has been dealt a crappy hand in life but she’s determined to not let it affect her anymore. she’s finally living her life and wants to carry on living, not just surviving
jax is an enigma, his past haunts him and he can’t let go of the one thing that pulled him from the darkness when tragedy hit, he’s pleasing everyone else but hurting himself, which in turn means he’s making some wrong decisions and hurting himself and others, even though he doesn’t want to. by the end of the book i was so mad at him and in the second book there better be A LOT of grovelling on his part
the side characters are also a fun addition, tess’s best friend is one of my favourites! tina is such a good friend to tess but isn’t afraid to tell her when she’s wrong. she’s the kind of friend we all need
the rest of band are fun, and cool, and i enjoyed them in this story
brooke isn’t likeable to me, i did feel sorry for her towards the end, only because being that insecure is so hard, but it does not justify her behaviour and i don’t condone her actions whatsoever
『 writing style 』
loved the writing style, it flowed so easily. it was so easy and fun to follow along, it was fast paced and loved the dual pov!
『 overall 』
look, i’m obsessed with this book. i love a book where the two main characters want to be together but can’t, the angst and tension this creates is one of my favourites and this book did that so so well! my heart sank at every missed opportunity, my heart broke alongside the main characters. i cannot wait for this story to continue. i need the second book, like, yesterday!
February 28, 2025
Butterflies... that fluttery feeling inside when you know you've found the one!
They may appear when that person looks at you, is near you, touches you, kisses you. In your lifetime, there could more than one person who gives you that feeling, especially if you've lost a love before. The ones who don't give it to you just don't compare to that feeling of the person who gives you Butterflies.
For introvert college senior Tessa Givens, she once had her butterflies and tragically lost them, until Jaxon Smith the local campus rockstar appears on stage and stirs something within her! He's also her neighbors bestfriend! Jaxon also feels drawn to Tessa!! Only one problem! Jaxon has been in a rocky long term relationship with Brooke!
My Butterflies dives into conflicting feelings, responsibilities and regrets that young adults are just learning to navigate through. This book is full of emotions and character building and glimpses into each back story, but it was really well done to give an all around well thought out read. Their friends were also great additions to the story, even Brooke (who is hard to like) was well done!
This is book 1 in the series so here's a warning: this does not end on a HEA. And reading this now and waiting for book 2 is going to be hard.. but I cant wait to get it and see how this ends!.
If you are a fan of College, Friends to Lovers, Sports Romance, Rockstar Romance, Dual POV, Forbidden Love.. this is for you!
I originally received this as an ALC audiobook from the author and NetGalley but also read along with the story and enjoyed this immersive experience! This is told through a Dual POV from Tessa and Jaxon and both narrators did an amazing job! I kept thinking I recognize Tessa's voice and couldn't immediately place it, I was so absorbed in the book.. Well several chapters in.. it dawned on me I've been following Laura Horowitz on IG for a while and listen to her Reels LOL.. I'm definitely going to look at more books from both her and Gregory Salinas!
Complete personal opinion does not take away from the story at all... the only thing that could've made it better for me is if it was done in Duet! Something about the 2 different voices interacting makes it so much better for me and I think Laura and Gregory would've sounded great together!
They may appear when that person looks at you, is near you, touches you, kisses you. In your lifetime, there could more than one person who gives you that feeling, especially if you've lost a love before. The ones who don't give it to you just don't compare to that feeling of the person who gives you Butterflies.
For introvert college senior Tessa Givens, she once had her butterflies and tragically lost them, until Jaxon Smith the local campus rockstar appears on stage and stirs something within her! He's also her neighbors bestfriend! Jaxon also feels drawn to Tessa!! Only one problem! Jaxon has been in a rocky long term relationship with Brooke!
My Butterflies dives into conflicting feelings, responsibilities and regrets that young adults are just learning to navigate through. This book is full of emotions and character building and glimpses into each back story, but it was really well done to give an all around well thought out read. Their friends were also great additions to the story, even Brooke (who is hard to like) was well done!
This is book 1 in the series so here's a warning: this does not end on a HEA. And reading this now and waiting for book 2 is going to be hard.. but I cant wait to get it and see how this ends!.
If you are a fan of College, Friends to Lovers, Sports Romance, Rockstar Romance, Dual POV, Forbidden Love.. this is for you!
I originally received this as an ALC audiobook from the author and NetGalley but also read along with the story and enjoyed this immersive experience! This is told through a Dual POV from Tessa and Jaxon and both narrators did an amazing job! I kept thinking I recognize Tessa's voice and couldn't immediately place it, I was so absorbed in the book.. Well several chapters in.. it dawned on me I've been following Laura Horowitz on IG for a while and listen to her Reels LOL.. I'm definitely going to look at more books from both her and Gregory Salinas!
Complete personal opinion does not take away from the story at all... the only thing that could've made it better for me is if it was done in Duet! Something about the 2 different voices interacting makes it so much better for me and I think Laura and Gregory would've sounded great together!
February 20, 2025
ARC review **For mature readers (18+):**
*My Butterflies* by B. Evans is an emotional rollercoaster that hits deep. It’s raw, messy, and beautifully heartbreaking—a story about love, trauma, and figuring out if holding on is worth the risk.
Tessa Givens isn’t living—she’s just going through the motions, drowning in guilt over a past she can’t talk about. Jaxon Smith, the lead singer of a local band, is the definition of effortless cool. On stage, he’s magnetic. Off stage, he’s fighting battles no one sees. Their connection is instant, intense, and way too complicated. Falling for Jax could break Tessa all over again, but staying away? That might be even harder. Especially when you meet the characters with nature of chaos and conflict.
This book *gets* the college experience—the late-night concerts, the emotional chaos, the feeling of trying to piece yourself together when you’re not sure how. Tessa and Jax’s journey is real and raw, full of chemistry, angst, and moments that will have you holding your breath. But fair warning—this story dives into some heavy topics, including physical abuse and emotional trauma, so keep that in mind.
If you love character-driven romances that make you *feel* everything, *My Butterflies* is one you won’t forget. Just be ready for the emotional wreckage. I'm in need of a bit more therapy after this book...
**Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity 💕**
*My Butterflies* by B. Evans is an emotional rollercoaster that hits deep. It’s raw, messy, and beautifully heartbreaking—a story about love, trauma, and figuring out if holding on is worth the risk.
Tessa Givens isn’t living—she’s just going through the motions, drowning in guilt over a past she can’t talk about. Jaxon Smith, the lead singer of a local band, is the definition of effortless cool. On stage, he’s magnetic. Off stage, he’s fighting battles no one sees. Their connection is instant, intense, and way too complicated. Falling for Jax could break Tessa all over again, but staying away? That might be even harder. Especially when you meet the characters with nature of chaos and conflict.
This book *gets* the college experience—the late-night concerts, the emotional chaos, the feeling of trying to piece yourself together when you’re not sure how. Tessa and Jax’s journey is real and raw, full of chemistry, angst, and moments that will have you holding your breath. But fair warning—this story dives into some heavy topics, including physical abuse and emotional trauma, so keep that in mind.
If you love character-driven romances that make you *feel* everything, *My Butterflies* is one you won’t forget. Just be ready for the emotional wreckage. I'm in need of a bit more therapy after this book...
**Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity 💕**
February 28, 2025
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Hmmm where do I start jax and Tessa are a complicated pairing both with tragic pasts the connection of loss brings them together.
Only problem is jax has a girlfriend.
I don’t like the cheating trope I never have and this solidifies that however jax was in an abusive relationship and this is such a good example of men can be abused to.
Tessa was also just as bad as jax because she should have respected herself and females and left well alone.
I don’t like the ending feel like it was poorly executed and was predicted.
I would read the 2nd one out of curiosity to what happened but I defo won’t rush to it.
It’s slow and a bit boring nothing really happened until the end it was just growth of friendship.
I didn’t like Tina although she is meant to be Tessa’s best friend she almost acts like she dosent like her by constantly getting angry at Tessa over everything.
Was a wierd read.
I give 3 stars for the narrators because Laura is just amazing always
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hmmm where do I start jax and Tessa are a complicated pairing both with tragic pasts the connection of loss brings them together.
Only problem is jax has a girlfriend.
I don’t like the cheating trope I never have and this solidifies that however jax was in an abusive relationship and this is such a good example of men can be abused to.
Tessa was also just as bad as jax because she should have respected herself and females and left well alone.
I don’t like the ending feel like it was poorly executed and was predicted.
I would read the 2nd one out of curiosity to what happened but I defo won’t rush to it.
It’s slow and a bit boring nothing really happened until the end it was just growth of friendship.
I didn’t like Tina although she is meant to be Tessa’s best friend she almost acts like she dosent like her by constantly getting angry at Tessa over everything.
Was a wierd read.
I give 3 stars for the narrators because Laura is just amazing always
⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 20, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. I really liked how the 2 main characters were able to bond over similar events that happened to them. The grief that they encountered was very real and was understood by each other. They helped each other grow and learn. The slow burn was burning and was worth every minute of the wait! I just adored this couple so much.
I am very mad at the ending! I am now patiently (not) waiting for book 2! I need more of Jaxon and Tessa ♥️
I am very mad at the ending! I am now patiently (not) waiting for book 2! I need more of Jaxon and Tessa ♥️
August 10, 2024
I'm emotionally broken 💔 😭 and to make matters worse, this is only book 1. It doesn't come out until October, which means the wait for Book 2 is sooooo long.😤
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster and then dropped me in a heap on the ground. I read this on my Kindle and wanted to throw it across the room so many times that had it been an actual book, it would have been battered and bruised like my heart.
There are ups and downs for our main characters who are dealing with past traumas while trying to navigate through the messy situation they find themselves in.
There is no HEA here (at least not yet)😭. I'm seriously hoping it's coming later. It's a slow burn college romance, boy meets girl, they are super attracted to each other but he's got a girlfriend😈 so they become friends. There is no cheating as much as I was actually screaming for it 🤣
I feel a serious book hangover looming, and it may take me a while to recover from this one 😭
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster and then dropped me in a heap on the ground. I read this on my Kindle and wanted to throw it across the room so many times that had it been an actual book, it would have been battered and bruised like my heart.
There are ups and downs for our main characters who are dealing with past traumas while trying to navigate through the messy situation they find themselves in.
There is no HEA here (at least not yet)😭. I'm seriously hoping it's coming later. It's a slow burn college romance, boy meets girl, they are super attracted to each other but he's got a girlfriend😈 so they become friends. There is no cheating as much as I was actually screaming for it 🤣
I feel a serious book hangover looming, and it may take me a while to recover from this one 😭
March 30, 2025
"I love her and could never leave her."
Thank you for the possibility to offer my honest review of this arc on NetGalley.
“My Butterflies follows Tessa Givens, a university senior burdened by guilt from a past tragedy, as she drifts through life, unable to move forward. Jaxon Smith, the charismatic lead singer of a local band, appears perfect to the outside world, but behind his rock star persona, he battles personal demons. As Tessa is drawn to Jax, their shared pain and chemistry brings them closer..”
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I wanted to be wrong and hoped there wouldn't be any infidelity, but sadly, there was. This wasn't the only reason I stopped reading at 70%. The story is marketed as a "friend's lover" trope, and while the two main characters (MCs) are technically "friends," their relationship doesn't start as just friendship. Both of them have an interest in each other, and in every POV, from page one, you can feel the tension and longing between them, even though the male MC is in a relationship. I understand that Brook is awful and treats him terribly, but I think he should have ended things with her before pursuing anything with Tess.
As I read, I felt uncomfortable, as it seemed Tess was constantly hoping Jax would break up with Brook so she could step in and be with him. I was hoping Jax would leave his girlfriend earlier in the story, allowing the friendship between the two main characters to develop more naturally and then turn into love. I also didn’t like that it became almost regular that every single time he was aroused he was thinking of Tessa, but then using his excitement to be intimate with Brook or while he’s intimate with her think of Tessa. Tessa wasn’t any better leading on for months Elliott to be with him just to try and get over her crush on Jax and by doing so, not being nice with him, even though he was nothing but a gentleman for her.
Also, i think it would be important to read the trigger warnings before starting this book. It deals with topics like toxic relationships (domestic abuse), the death of a family member, drug overdose, and infidelity.
Finally, I listened to this book via audiobook. I think both narrators are great, but there were a few things about the female narrator's performance that I didn’t enjoy. I felt she overreacted at times and made too many changes between the inner voice and speaking voice of the FMC. Her voice for the narration and the FMC should have been consistent, but instead, she used a very pining, whiny tone that didn’t seem to fit the character during the dialogue. I also thought the voice she chose to represent the MMC didn’t match the interpretation of Jax by the male narrator.
As for the male narrator, I thought he had a great voice. I preferred his chapters, as they felt smoother to listen to.
Since I DNF the book, I will not be grading it -/⭐️
Audiobook 3/5⭐️
Thank you for the possibility to offer my honest review of this arc on NetGalley.
“My Butterflies follows Tessa Givens, a university senior burdened by guilt from a past tragedy, as she drifts through life, unable to move forward. Jaxon Smith, the charismatic lead singer of a local band, appears perfect to the outside world, but behind his rock star persona, he battles personal demons. As Tessa is drawn to Jax, their shared pain and chemistry brings them closer..”
Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I wanted to be wrong and hoped there wouldn't be any infidelity, but sadly, there was. This wasn't the only reason I stopped reading at 70%. The story is marketed as a "friend's lover" trope, and while the two main characters (MCs) are technically "friends," their relationship doesn't start as just friendship. Both of them have an interest in each other, and in every POV, from page one, you can feel the tension and longing between them, even though the male MC is in a relationship. I understand that Brook is awful and treats him terribly, but I think he should have ended things with her before pursuing anything with Tess.
As I read, I felt uncomfortable, as it seemed Tess was constantly hoping Jax would break up with Brook so she could step in and be with him. I was hoping Jax would leave his girlfriend earlier in the story, allowing the friendship between the two main characters to develop more naturally and then turn into love. I also didn’t like that it became almost regular that every single time he was aroused he was thinking of Tessa, but then using his excitement to be intimate with Brook or while he’s intimate with her think of Tessa. Tessa wasn’t any better leading on for months Elliott to be with him just to try and get over her crush on Jax and by doing so, not being nice with him, even though he was nothing but a gentleman for her.
Also, i think it would be important to read the trigger warnings before starting this book. It deals with topics like toxic relationships (domestic abuse), the death of a family member, drug overdose, and infidelity.
Finally, I listened to this book via audiobook. I think both narrators are great, but there were a few things about the female narrator's performance that I didn’t enjoy. I felt she overreacted at times and made too many changes between the inner voice and speaking voice of the FMC. Her voice for the narration and the FMC should have been consistent, but instead, she used a very pining, whiny tone that didn’t seem to fit the character during the dialogue. I also thought the voice she chose to represent the MMC didn’t match the interpretation of Jax by the male narrator.
As for the male narrator, I thought he had a great voice. I preferred his chapters, as they felt smoother to listen to.
Since I DNF the book, I will not be grading it -/⭐️
Audiobook 3/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
Wow. I just finished this book and I’m literally left speechless. I loved this story from the very beginning. I connected with the characters and couldn’t wait to keep reading. I was already looking forward to book 2 before realizing that this book was going to end on a cliffhanger. It really is like when your favorite show comes to the end of a season and your like - wait!!! I need more!!! This is the first book written by B. Evans that I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be my last. I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrators as well. I would like to thank Platinum Rose Publishing LLC and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review). 🦋
August 21, 2024
This was 3.5 stars for me. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it. I did however finished it. Miscommunication and surprise pregnancy are just not my cup of tea. Most of the time I wanted to shake the characters and be like, "Just talk to each other! However, since this ended on a cliffhanger, I will be reading the second part of this book since I'm invested in their relationship.
If you are a fan of the After series, then you'll probably like this too.
If you are a fan of the After series, then you'll probably like this too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
🦋 Friends to Lovers
🦋 Forbidden Romance
🦋 College Romance
*~*~*~*~*
“Did you ever notice that I have a hard time breathing around you too? You know why? Because you take my breath away every time I see you.”
First of all, I want to thank the authors for the ARC, I have so much love for this book, and I don’t think there will a day in my life when I don’t, because it’s not just a favourite book of mine, it’s a comfort read and a story I’ll never get tired of.
I’ve loved B. Evans since her Episode days and always wanted this book to see the light of day. Some authors struggle to go make the transition from interactive to novelist yet B has done an incredible job.
My Butterflies is a realistic story full of heartache, love, and forbidden feelings that you can’t help but feel. All of the characters are so complex and real, and everything they feel is valid. I love knowing that a lot of what they’re feeling are feelings that we have all experienced at one point in our life, which makes the characters relatable, and that’s important.
Tess is a lovely person, she has a heart of gold, and my heart hurt for her at times, especially when she was hurting, I could t help but feel all of her emotions and if anything, I would love to give her a big cuddle, listen to rock music with her and tell her she’s amazing.
JaXOn really does come across as a rock God, and boy did that man put up with a lot of shit! I have never wanted to shake a person and scream at them to get out of relationship like I have with him, but I also understand why he stayed. B did great at showing how trauma bonds really take place in a relationship. Jax was also incredibly relateable for me regarding his relationship with Brooke because I’ve been there, and it’s not easy. Also, can we just appreciate how candid Jax was regarding his past with drugs! It was such an important thing, and I hope we get to see more regarding his recovery journey in the next book!
Now… Brooke really had me feeling so many complicated feelings for her, but I don’t think I’ll ever feel incredibly bad for her. She is some5ing else entirely and it takes an incredible author to be able to make you hate a character so much. I genuinely want to slap Brooke across the face and tell her she gets what she deserves, it’s such a shame she isn’t real.
All in all, this book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I would feel them time and time again if it meant I got to love them the way I have. Book 2 can’t come quick enough and I’m not okay with the fact that I have no idea as to when it will come because YOUR GIRL IS DESPERATE. ACTUALLY DESPERATE. I think it’s important to mention that I only rated this book a little lower because I felt like there were times when Brooke was a little OTT, but please don’t let this sway you from reading the book.
Pre-order this book, ENVELOPE yourself into this rollercoaster of a book, I promise you will not regret it one bit.
🦋 Friends to Lovers
🦋 Forbidden Romance
🦋 College Romance
*~*~*~*~*
“Did you ever notice that I have a hard time breathing around you too? You know why? Because you take my breath away every time I see you.”
First of all, I want to thank the authors for the ARC, I have so much love for this book, and I don’t think there will a day in my life when I don’t, because it’s not just a favourite book of mine, it’s a comfort read and a story I’ll never get tired of.
I’ve loved B. Evans since her Episode days and always wanted this book to see the light of day. Some authors struggle to go make the transition from interactive to novelist yet B has done an incredible job.
My Butterflies is a realistic story full of heartache, love, and forbidden feelings that you can’t help but feel. All of the characters are so complex and real, and everything they feel is valid. I love knowing that a lot of what they’re feeling are feelings that we have all experienced at one point in our life, which makes the characters relatable, and that’s important.
Tess is a lovely person, she has a heart of gold, and my heart hurt for her at times, especially when she was hurting, I could t help but feel all of her emotions and if anything, I would love to give her a big cuddle, listen to rock music with her and tell her she’s amazing.
JaXOn really does come across as a rock God, and boy did that man put up with a lot of shit! I have never wanted to shake a person and scream at them to get out of relationship like I have with him, but I also understand why he stayed. B did great at showing how trauma bonds really take place in a relationship. Jax was also incredibly relateable for me regarding his relationship with Brooke because I’ve been there, and it’s not easy. Also, can we just appreciate how candid Jax was regarding his past with drugs! It was such an important thing, and I hope we get to see more regarding his recovery journey in the next book!
Now… Brooke really had me feeling so many complicated feelings for her, but I don’t think I’ll ever feel incredibly bad for her. She is some5ing else entirely and it takes an incredible author to be able to make you hate a character so much. I genuinely want to slap Brooke across the face and tell her she gets what she deserves, it’s such a shame she isn’t real.
All in all, this book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I would feel them time and time again if it meant I got to love them the way I have. Book 2 can’t come quick enough and I’m not okay with the fact that I have no idea as to when it will come because YOUR GIRL IS DESPERATE. ACTUALLY DESPERATE. I think it’s important to mention that I only rated this book a little lower because I felt like there were times when Brooke was a little OTT, but please don’t let this sway you from reading the book.
Pre-order this book, ENVELOPE yourself into this rollercoaster of a book, I promise you will not regret it one bit.
November 1, 2024
This book frustrated the hell out of me and left me with a hand print on my forehead from how much of a facepalm it was.
So many of the decisions by the couples made no sense at all. Especially him, like come on man. Like I know when it comes to domestic violence leaving is hard but when he’s talking to EVERYONE about leaving her and he STILL comes home to her and STAYS ! Even after she HITS him. Like seriously he stayed for way too long. Wasn’t till 70% of the book that he left. 70% !! So much of the book nothing happens. Day to day activities, time jumps and the occasional little moment.
And then after all that wasted time the couple is together for like a month before it ends on a breakup cliffhanger where he avoids her for days comes over in the middle of the night, fucks her and then breaks up with her in the morning. I have never wanted to throw a book more than this one. Like he isn’t painted to be a bad person quite the opposite but the way he treats her at the end made me question everything about him. He didnt even try to talk to her about what was going on with his ex and the baby. Did not give her a chance to be ok with it or process it just tossed her aside cause that’ll obviously fix it and make it okay. Ugh this book frustrates the hell out of me. I have no intention of reading book two, in my mind they stay apart and she goes off to live her merry life as a police officer and finds new butterflies elsewhere with a hot criminal or something. Not him, he doesn’t deserve her.
2.5🌶️ 2⭐️
So many of the decisions by the couples made no sense at all. Especially him, like come on man. Like I know when it comes to domestic violence leaving is hard but when he’s talking to EVERYONE about leaving her and he STILL comes home to her and STAYS ! Even after she HITS him. Like seriously he stayed for way too long. Wasn’t till 70% of the book that he left. 70% !! So much of the book nothing happens. Day to day activities, time jumps and the occasional little moment.
And then after all that wasted time the couple is together for like a month before it ends on a breakup cliffhanger where he avoids her for days comes over in the middle of the night, fucks her and then breaks up with her in the morning. I have never wanted to throw a book more than this one. Like he isn’t painted to be a bad person quite the opposite but the way he treats her at the end made me question everything about him. He didnt even try to talk to her about what was going on with his ex and the baby. Did not give her a chance to be ok with it or process it just tossed her aside cause that’ll obviously fix it and make it okay. Ugh this book frustrates the hell out of me. I have no intention of reading book two, in my mind they stay apart and she goes off to live her merry life as a police officer and finds new butterflies elsewhere with a hot criminal or something. Not him, he doesn’t deserve her.
2.5🌶️ 2⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I had high hopes for this book! It kept me hooked but the characters were frustrating. Felt like the slow burn was a little too slow.
August 27, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
First of all, I would like to thank the author for trusting me with this amazing book!!! ❤️
It is indeed a mouthful of fresh air. I connected immediately with the characters, with their feelings!! It felt so real! The falling in love was so beautifully described...one of the best I ever read, honestly.
It felt real. Their struggles, their traumas, the toxic relationship that haunts the MMC, everything is so relatable to the everyday life...
PLOT
A Slow burn, dual POV narrative that describes a collage romance friends to lovers situations. The MMC is caught up in a toxic relationship, one that makes him doubt his decisions. Buut he is the singer of the local rock band...so he sings his feeling to this very particular girl in the audience...that has the heart to listen.
Main Characters
Tessa and Jaxon sense an instant interest one for the other the moment they are introduced. Although they are curious, they have separate lives, separate stories to follow and both deal with trauma from the past.
He is the lead singer in the local rock band. She has the chance to live her best life in the senior year.
They share a class together. She needs help. And of course, he provides.
Without realizing, they both connect one to another, becoming friends, while both their hearts desire for more. Caught up in a toxic relationship with a girl he feels like he owns his life, Jaxon struggles to manage the feeling that makes his heart sing.
Writing
Easy to read with a plot set-up nicely;
Well described action with events that have a nice and easy flow along the pages;
The feelings are painted beautifully, making the reader really dive in the story.
Structure
Dual POV book of aprox. 125k words, with well defined chapters that include a suitable amount action;
489 pages in the Kindle Edition, that really transport you in roller-coaster of feelings!
Vibe
Personally, the book felt like a mouthful of fresh air. I had an instant connection with it, the characters got my attention from the first pages and made me curious to read more and more.
I loved the process of falling in love between Tessa and Jaxon. I went with my memories back in my collage years, when I felt more or less the same thing. I think it feels...familiar. You know the feeling, you know the struggle.
I personally loved the toxic relationship that Jaxon faces. Again, it seems very accurate, very real, and really...very common I think to many, many people.
This book feels real, and I really loved it!
Fav Quotes
“ I might die of a butterfly attack over here, but you go ahead and stay over there, completely oblivious to what you do to me, and keep looking delicious!”
“Am I the center of your thoughts, like you are mine? Do I appear in your dreams, like you appear in mine? Does your heart skip a beat when you hear my name or race when we're together? Does your pulse quicken when we're close? Does the electricity between us heat your blood and set your body on fire? Do your hands twitch, wanting to touch me, like mine do, wanting to touch you?”
“No matter how hard I fought against it, I couldn't. The pull to you is too strong. I tried, but I can't stay away from you. When I look into your eyes, I swear I see my own feelings reflecting back at me. So tell me, Tessa, do I give you butterflies?"
It was really a pleasure reading it and I recommend it with all my heart!❤️
Congrats to the author, and hope the book will rock the sales! ❤️🥂
First of all, I would like to thank the author for trusting me with this amazing book!!! ❤️
It is indeed a mouthful of fresh air. I connected immediately with the characters, with their feelings!! It felt so real! The falling in love was so beautifully described...one of the best I ever read, honestly.
It felt real. Their struggles, their traumas, the toxic relationship that haunts the MMC, everything is so relatable to the everyday life...
PLOT
A Slow burn, dual POV narrative that describes a collage romance friends to lovers situations. The MMC is caught up in a toxic relationship, one that makes him doubt his decisions. Buut he is the singer of the local rock band...so he sings his feeling to this very particular girl in the audience...that has the heart to listen.
Main Characters
Tessa and Jaxon sense an instant interest one for the other the moment they are introduced. Although they are curious, they have separate lives, separate stories to follow and both deal with trauma from the past.
He is the lead singer in the local rock band. She has the chance to live her best life in the senior year.
They share a class together. She needs help. And of course, he provides.
Without realizing, they both connect one to another, becoming friends, while both their hearts desire for more. Caught up in a toxic relationship with a girl he feels like he owns his life, Jaxon struggles to manage the feeling that makes his heart sing.
Writing
Easy to read with a plot set-up nicely;
Well described action with events that have a nice and easy flow along the pages;
The feelings are painted beautifully, making the reader really dive in the story.
Structure
Dual POV book of aprox. 125k words, with well defined chapters that include a suitable amount action;
489 pages in the Kindle Edition, that really transport you in roller-coaster of feelings!
Vibe
Personally, the book felt like a mouthful of fresh air. I had an instant connection with it, the characters got my attention from the first pages and made me curious to read more and more.
I loved the process of falling in love between Tessa and Jaxon. I went with my memories back in my collage years, when I felt more or less the same thing. I think it feels...familiar. You know the feeling, you know the struggle.
I personally loved the toxic relationship that Jaxon faces. Again, it seems very accurate, very real, and really...very common I think to many, many people.
This book feels real, and I really loved it!
Fav Quotes
“ I might die of a butterfly attack over here, but you go ahead and stay over there, completely oblivious to what you do to me, and keep looking delicious!”
“Am I the center of your thoughts, like you are mine? Do I appear in your dreams, like you appear in mine? Does your heart skip a beat when you hear my name or race when we're together? Does your pulse quicken when we're close? Does the electricity between us heat your blood and set your body on fire? Do your hands twitch, wanting to touch me, like mine do, wanting to touch you?”
“No matter how hard I fought against it, I couldn't. The pull to you is too strong. I tried, but I can't stay away from you. When I look into your eyes, I swear I see my own feelings reflecting back at me. So tell me, Tessa, do I give you butterflies?"
It was really a pleasure reading it and I recommend it with all my heart!❤️
Congrats to the author, and hope the book will rock the sales! ❤️🥂
March 7, 2025
“My Butterflies” by B. Evans is an extraordinary tale that intricately weaves together themes of love and trauma, ultimately questioning whether the heart’s desire to hold on is worth the risk. This gripping narrative is nothing short of a breathtaking emotional rollercoaster that will captivate you. The story beautifully illustrates a friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance set in a collegiate backdrop, where the characters endure many emotions and pivotal moments, all delivered with masterful pacing. This gradual development creates a deeply satisfying experience as an enchanting friendship evolves into something more.
Tessa Givens shines as a kind-hearted and resilient individual who has faced numerous challenges. Despite the weight of her past, she is determined to embrace the future and live fully. Jaxon Smith, the enigmatic lead singer of a local band, presents a fascinating contrast. Charismatic on stage, he grapples with his demons in private. Their immediate and intense connection is thrilling and daunting, as Tessa grapples with the risk of falling for Jax, fearing it may lead to further heartbreak.
Jax’s haunting past lingers, as he struggles to let go of the one thing that once illuminated his darkest days. His unintentionally harmful decisions only add to the complexity of their situation, making their journey together even more poignant. Yet, their friendship creates a safe haven to explore their feelings and gain fresh perspectives. Their story is an exhilarating blend of chemistry, angst, and heart-stopping moments that will leave you breathless.
It is important to note that this story tackles some sensitive topics, including physical abuse and emotional trauma. Both characters are shaped by their tragic pasts, unveiled through thoughtfully placed hints that keep the reader engaged and curious without prolonging the story unnecessarily. I adore how these characters are beautifully flawed and relatable, embodying the complexities of passion and loyalty. Their choices reflect not just their youth but the human experience itself. The cliffhanger ending will undoubtedly leave you yearning for the next installment!
The palpable tension and angst arising from the protagonists’ struggles to be together make every bittersweet moment resonate deeply. I felt emotionally invested, experiencing the weight of every missed opportunity as I shared in their heartache. The author’s writing flows with effortless grace, and the dual perspectives offer a delightful depth to the narrative, enhancing the reading experience.
Listening to the narration, brought to life by the exceptional talents of Laura Horowitz and Gregory Salinas, was a remarkable experience. Their performances captivated me from the opening moments, as they skillfully captured the essence of their characters, drawing me into the emotional depths of the story. I was profoundly engaged, savoring every joy and sorrow alongside them. Laura’s ability to navigate dual narration was delightful, showcasing her incredible talent for creating unique voices that enhanced the listening experience. Having followed her inspiring journey on social media, I recently began exploring her audiobooks, and it’s no surprise she received an award for her narration last year—she is nothing short of brilliant! Her skill at crafting relatable characters and evoking deep emotional responses during pivotal moments underscores her artistry. Similarly, Gregory’s performance has elevated him to my list of must-listen narrators. His captivating interpretation enriched the story, prompting me to seek more of his work. Together, Laura and Gregory orchestrate an unforgettable auditory adventure long after the final word, fueling my excitement to explore more of their incredible contributions to literature.
Tessa Givens shines as a kind-hearted and resilient individual who has faced numerous challenges. Despite the weight of her past, she is determined to embrace the future and live fully. Jaxon Smith, the enigmatic lead singer of a local band, presents a fascinating contrast. Charismatic on stage, he grapples with his demons in private. Their immediate and intense connection is thrilling and daunting, as Tessa grapples with the risk of falling for Jax, fearing it may lead to further heartbreak.
Jax’s haunting past lingers, as he struggles to let go of the one thing that once illuminated his darkest days. His unintentionally harmful decisions only add to the complexity of their situation, making their journey together even more poignant. Yet, their friendship creates a safe haven to explore their feelings and gain fresh perspectives. Their story is an exhilarating blend of chemistry, angst, and heart-stopping moments that will leave you breathless.
It is important to note that this story tackles some sensitive topics, including physical abuse and emotional trauma. Both characters are shaped by their tragic pasts, unveiled through thoughtfully placed hints that keep the reader engaged and curious without prolonging the story unnecessarily. I adore how these characters are beautifully flawed and relatable, embodying the complexities of passion and loyalty. Their choices reflect not just their youth but the human experience itself. The cliffhanger ending will undoubtedly leave you yearning for the next installment!
The palpable tension and angst arising from the protagonists’ struggles to be together make every bittersweet moment resonate deeply. I felt emotionally invested, experiencing the weight of every missed opportunity as I shared in their heartache. The author’s writing flows with effortless grace, and the dual perspectives offer a delightful depth to the narrative, enhancing the reading experience.
Listening to the narration, brought to life by the exceptional talents of Laura Horowitz and Gregory Salinas, was a remarkable experience. Their performances captivated me from the opening moments, as they skillfully captured the essence of their characters, drawing me into the emotional depths of the story. I was profoundly engaged, savoring every joy and sorrow alongside them. Laura’s ability to navigate dual narration was delightful, showcasing her incredible talent for creating unique voices that enhanced the listening experience. Having followed her inspiring journey on social media, I recently began exploring her audiobooks, and it’s no surprise she received an award for her narration last year—she is nothing short of brilliant! Her skill at crafting relatable characters and evoking deep emotional responses during pivotal moments underscores her artistry. Similarly, Gregory’s performance has elevated him to my list of must-listen narrators. His captivating interpretation enriched the story, prompting me to seek more of his work. Together, Laura and Gregory orchestrate an unforgettable auditory adventure long after the final word, fueling my excitement to explore more of their incredible contributions to literature.
August 30, 2024
Book Review: "My Butterflies" by B. Evans
"My Butterflies" by B. Evans is a heartfelt exploration of how two young adults, Tessa and Jaxon, navigate their individual tragedies to find solace in each other's company. This emotionally resonant story captures the complexity of human relationships, the lingering effects of loss, and the healing power of love and friendship.
Tessa, a determined and talented athlete, has kept herself emotionally closed off since experiencing a devastating loss four years ago. She is now in her senior year at university, where she excels at soccer and maintains a close friendship with her best friend. Meanwhile, Jaxon, a musician who expresses his deepest feelings through his band's performances at the university bar, also carries the weight of a painful past. Drawn together by an unspoken bond, their connection deepens as they come to realize the shared sense of loss between them.
The dynamic between Tessa and Jaxon is compelling. Jaxon, dealing with a toxic relationship that has started to affect his life negatively, becomes Tessa's study partner, offering support and companionship. Their friendship, born out of mutual understanding and empathy, slowly begins to evolve into something more, even as Tessa resolves to remain just friends upon learning that Jaxon has a girlfriend. As the story unfolds, their growing connection is tested by the complexity of their emotions and the challenges posed by Jaxon's deteriorating relationship.
B. Evans deftly explores the themes of friendship, toxic relationships, tragic loss, music, and love, weaving them into a narrative that feels authentic and relatable. The story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for light and growth. The characters' journey shows how pain can forge deeper connections, turning tragedy into a foundation for something beautiful and enduring.
"My Butterflies" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Through the lens of Tessa and Jaxon's relationship, Evans captures the beauty of finding solace in others, offering readers a poignant and uplifting narrative about healing, hope, and the unexpected places where we find love.
For those who enjoy stories of emotional growth, complex characters, and the healing power of connection, "My Butterflies" is a touching and memorable read.
I need to let you know that the story does end in a cliffhanger. Waiting anxiously for the next book.
"My Butterflies" by B. Evans is a heartfelt exploration of how two young adults, Tessa and Jaxon, navigate their individual tragedies to find solace in each other's company. This emotionally resonant story captures the complexity of human relationships, the lingering effects of loss, and the healing power of love and friendship.
Tessa, a determined and talented athlete, has kept herself emotionally closed off since experiencing a devastating loss four years ago. She is now in her senior year at university, where she excels at soccer and maintains a close friendship with her best friend. Meanwhile, Jaxon, a musician who expresses his deepest feelings through his band's performances at the university bar, also carries the weight of a painful past. Drawn together by an unspoken bond, their connection deepens as they come to realize the shared sense of loss between them.
The dynamic between Tessa and Jaxon is compelling. Jaxon, dealing with a toxic relationship that has started to affect his life negatively, becomes Tessa's study partner, offering support and companionship. Their friendship, born out of mutual understanding and empathy, slowly begins to evolve into something more, even as Tessa resolves to remain just friends upon learning that Jaxon has a girlfriend. As the story unfolds, their growing connection is tested by the complexity of their emotions and the challenges posed by Jaxon's deteriorating relationship.
B. Evans deftly explores the themes of friendship, toxic relationships, tragic loss, music, and love, weaving them into a narrative that feels authentic and relatable. The story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for light and growth. The characters' journey shows how pain can forge deeper connections, turning tragedy into a foundation for something beautiful and enduring.
"My Butterflies" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. Through the lens of Tessa and Jaxon's relationship, Evans captures the beauty of finding solace in others, offering readers a poignant and uplifting narrative about healing, hope, and the unexpected places where we find love.
For those who enjoy stories of emotional growth, complex characters, and the healing power of connection, "My Butterflies" is a touching and memorable read.
I need to let you know that the story does end in a cliffhanger. Waiting anxiously for the next book.
February 23, 2025
What a debut! I will say this has a cliffhanger and I need the next book! Let's start at the beginning. This book has a dual POV Tessa, is a senior in college who transferred in her Junior year but isolated herself, as she was in a depression, of sorts, and did not want to be around people. One day she comes home from a run and sees her neighbor with an attractive friend. This is Jaxon, our ther POV, who is also a Senior at the same university, and a lead singer of a band, who plays in the town's only club every Friday night. As Tessa was self-isolating, she never went to this club but decided to go see this band. Turns out Jaxon has a long-time girlfriend, Brooke, who is a horrible human. Also, Jaxon and Tessa wind up having statistics together and Tessa is tutored by Jaxon so she can pass. I get it, I hated statistics. So, these two have an attraction, but both are dating other people.
This book reminds me of the After series. That is what came to mind the entire time I read this book. I will say if you enjoyed that you'll probably like this one. This book does have some heavier themes including domestic violence, drug use, addiction, grief (from the death of loved ones), and a scene with a near sexual assault. I was incredibly frustrated when reading this because I wanted to shake everyone and sit them down in a talking circle to just hash it all out. Also, we all need BFFs like Tessa has, because she was looking out for her in the best of ways. There were instances of events that were glazed over like the near S.A. It happened and then we never mention it again. Maybe this will come up in the second part because I feel that we are leading up to a stalker situation. There was so much toxicity in the relationships in this story but kind of like After you just can't help but want more. Also, I was hoping Jaxon would write and sing Tessa a song about butterflies, but we shall see.
So, the real reason I picked up this book was because of the narrator. Laura Horowitz has been on my feeds for some time and I saw her name and had to listen. I was not disappointed. Horowitz does an amazing job with the story, bringing in the emotions, from anger to lust, and the heartbreak was all just perfect. Likewise, her counterpart Salinas, was fantastic, Jax had some very emotional scenes and Salinas did a great job at making you feel all his heartbreak and anger. Overall, this story is entertaining, frustrating, and sad, but I just kept wanting more.
This book reminds me of the After series. That is what came to mind the entire time I read this book. I will say if you enjoyed that you'll probably like this one. This book does have some heavier themes including domestic violence, drug use, addiction, grief (from the death of loved ones), and a scene with a near sexual assault. I was incredibly frustrated when reading this because I wanted to shake everyone and sit them down in a talking circle to just hash it all out. Also, we all need BFFs like Tessa has, because she was looking out for her in the best of ways. There were instances of events that were glazed over like the near S.A. It happened and then we never mention it again. Maybe this will come up in the second part because I feel that we are leading up to a stalker situation. There was so much toxicity in the relationships in this story but kind of like After you just can't help but want more. Also, I was hoping Jaxon would write and sing Tessa a song about butterflies, but we shall see.
So, the real reason I picked up this book was because of the narrator. Laura Horowitz has been on my feeds for some time and I saw her name and had to listen. I was not disappointed. Horowitz does an amazing job with the story, bringing in the emotions, from anger to lust, and the heartbreak was all just perfect. Likewise, her counterpart Salinas, was fantastic, Jax had some very emotional scenes and Salinas did a great job at making you feel all his heartbreak and anger. Overall, this story is entertaining, frustrating, and sad, but I just kept wanting more.
February 20, 2025
Star Rating: 3.5⭐️
Spice Rating: 2🌶️
Format: Audiobook 🎧
🌻🦋 My Review 🦋🌻
I have no idea how I feel about this book.
The audiobook is fantastic!! The storyline was pretty good, the narrators are amazing & I absolutely adored a lot of the characters.
However if there’s one thing I do not like in books is cheating. I don’t care if anyone else likes it it’s a straight no from me. I had so much respect for the MCs for the fact that they had feelings for each other but they never crossed that line out of respect for their partners…until they did. Honestly if they didn’t do that I would’ve rated this book a lot higher.
Okay I guess you could argue that Tessa wasn’t that into Eli & Jax was in a toxic and quite frankly abusive relationship BUT that’s not an excuse. Here’s my reasoning.
Tessa for 1 is an idiot. I’m sorry but she is. She’s in love with this guy who has a long term partner She made the choice to be this guys friend regardless of this fact then she proceeds to get jealous and upset when he’s kissing his partner or hearing about their sex life. Dumbass this is easily solved. STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM HIM. Seriously I thought Tina was the only person with common sense in this entire book. Tessa was pretty much setting herself up from the beginning to be this man’s side piece.
Now Jax ugh I wanted to punch him in the face. I get that he felt that he owed his life to this woman. I get that it’s hard to get out of an abusive relationship but at one point I just started disliking him. He would constantly talk about how bad everything is and how he’s done then 2.5 seconds later he’s back with Brooke tolerating the same shit. AND he was freaking gaslighting her! He kept calling her paranoid for not liking his “friendship” with Tessa but she was RIGHT! I’m not saying I like Brooke, she’s a crazy bitch who needs lots of therapy but I could see where she was coming from at some points in the book.
& don’t get me started on the ending. Seriously what the actual fuck. Anyway I’ll be back for book 2 because I am truly intrigued. Hopefully Tessa stops being a desperate whiny child and Jax obtains some common sense.
Spice Rating: 2🌶️
Format: Audiobook 🎧
🌻🦋 My Review 🦋🌻
I have no idea how I feel about this book.
The audiobook is fantastic!! The storyline was pretty good, the narrators are amazing & I absolutely adored a lot of the characters.
However if there’s one thing I do not like in books is cheating. I don’t care if anyone else likes it it’s a straight no from me. I had so much respect for the MCs for the fact that they had feelings for each other but they never crossed that line out of respect for their partners…until they did. Honestly if they didn’t do that I would’ve rated this book a lot higher.
Okay I guess you could argue that Tessa wasn’t that into Eli & Jax was in a toxic and quite frankly abusive relationship BUT that’s not an excuse. Here’s my reasoning.
Tessa for 1 is an idiot. I’m sorry but she is. She’s in love with this guy who has a long term partner She made the choice to be this guys friend regardless of this fact then she proceeds to get jealous and upset when he’s kissing his partner or hearing about their sex life. Dumbass this is easily solved. STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM HIM. Seriously I thought Tina was the only person with common sense in this entire book. Tessa was pretty much setting herself up from the beginning to be this man’s side piece.
Now Jax ugh I wanted to punch him in the face. I get that he felt that he owed his life to this woman. I get that it’s hard to get out of an abusive relationship but at one point I just started disliking him. He would constantly talk about how bad everything is and how he’s done then 2.5 seconds later he’s back with Brooke tolerating the same shit. AND he was freaking gaslighting her! He kept calling her paranoid for not liking his “friendship” with Tessa but she was RIGHT! I’m not saying I like Brooke, she’s a crazy bitch who needs lots of therapy but I could see where she was coming from at some points in the book.
& don’t get me started on the ending. Seriously what the actual fuck. Anyway I’ll be back for book 2 because I am truly intrigued. Hopefully Tessa stops being a desperate whiny child and Jax obtains some common sense.
March 19, 2025
I don’t know if I have ever been so frustrated by a book as I was this one. I would scream at some of the characters, wishing that I could leap into the pages and shake them. I say that because I absolutely loved this book. I felt that you could connect so well with the characters that I fell in love with the main characters and even some of the side characters. I felt so much rage at times. The true sign of a good book is one that invokes passion, and this one definitely did that for me. One its surface, it seems like a simple contemporary romance, but it really just struck something deep inside of me. I thought it was very well written and my biggest complaint is that it ended on a cliffhanger. At the end, I let out the biggest sigh of frustration because I wanted to know the fate of the characters.
My heart completely broke for all that Tessa had been through. She was a great person that suffered through some tragedy and worked very hard to keep her life together. All she wanted was to have a connection with the person she was with. She felt that connection with her friend. She felt butterflies. And even though she didn’t feel that with Isaac, she tried so hard to be happy with him. Jaxson was the most infuriating. He had a reason and I understand that. But it didn’t make it anymore irritating.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of this and I thought that the narrators did a fantastic job. Their voices were dynamic and never caused me to lose focus. They helped pull me into this story, and I would definitely listen to other books that they narrate for. Half of keeping my interest in an audiobook is the way that it is narrated and for this book, the narrator did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged in the story.
I was such a big fan of this book. It is only part one and it ends with a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to listen to book 2. I am so invested with what happens with these characters.The spice is on the lower side, but there wasn’t once where I was craving more. I would definitely recommend this book and have to say that the audiobook is worth it for those that prefer that medium.
My heart completely broke for all that Tessa had been through. She was a great person that suffered through some tragedy and worked very hard to keep her life together. All she wanted was to have a connection with the person she was with. She felt that connection with her friend. She felt butterflies. And even though she didn’t feel that with Isaac, she tried so hard to be happy with him. Jaxson was the most infuriating. He had a reason and I understand that. But it didn’t make it anymore irritating.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of this and I thought that the narrators did a fantastic job. Their voices were dynamic and never caused me to lose focus. They helped pull me into this story, and I would definitely listen to other books that they narrate for. Half of keeping my interest in an audiobook is the way that it is narrated and for this book, the narrator did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged in the story.
I was such a big fan of this book. It is only part one and it ends with a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to listen to book 2. I am so invested with what happens with these characters.The spice is on the lower side, but there wasn’t once where I was craving more. I would definitely recommend this book and have to say that the audiobook is worth it for those that prefer that medium.
September 2, 2024
I want to start by thanking B. Evans for this ARC copy of her debut novel. I’ve been following her on Episodes and Instagram for awhile and I am so happy to see this book come to life! I LOVE a good angsty story and this book was definitely that. B. Evans created such a complex and intense relationship between these characters and it was painful (in a good way) to watch them fight their feelings for each other. I also loved how amazingly flawed these characters are. They made me so mad at times, but that’s what made them realistic. I’m not the biggest romance reader, but I was so hooked by this book. It was heartfelt, intense, and the pacing was on point. It also painted a realistic picture of a dependent abusive relationship. It was also nice to see one of the characters navigate a relationship that they tried so hard to make work, but in the end they didn’t have those butterflies. I also really liked some of the changes from the original Episodes such as both of the character’s backstory. I’m excited about the foreshadowing of some other events that I am so glad will be included in the books because if you thought this book was intense you are in for a wild ride! I also loved how the playlist was added to the end of the book.
My only complaint for this book was the ending. Even though I knew it was coming and I know what happens next, I am so mad. I hate to say this, but if I’m being honest, I feel like it lessened the story a little. Everything was leading up to the characters getting together and B. Evans was really making the readers work for it with her amazing pacing and relationship building. The flow was all perfect and then this happened and everything was derailed. Again because I know what happens I’m ok with it, but if I didn’t I’m not sure I’d pick up the next book because I’d be too mad. But then again I am super invested in the characters so maybe I would’ve.
Overall great and intense story and I’d highly recommend it to everyone and anyone. Great job B. Evans!!!
My only complaint for this book was the ending. Even though I knew it was coming and I know what happens next, I am so mad. I hate to say this, but if I’m being honest, I feel like it lessened the story a little. Everything was leading up to the characters getting together and B. Evans was really making the readers work for it with her amazing pacing and relationship building. The flow was all perfect and then this happened and everything was derailed. Again because I know what happens I’m ok with it, but if I didn’t I’m not sure I’d pick up the next book because I’d be too mad. But then again I am super invested in the characters so maybe I would’ve.
Overall great and intense story and I’d highly recommend it to everyone and anyone. Great job B. Evans!!!
February 27, 2025
ARC Review
2.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
-College romance
-Rockstar
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Forbidden love
-Dual POV
This book takes you into the lives of 21-year-old college students named Tess and Jax. When they first meet Tess instantly knows that she wants to know Jax and comes out of her shell for the first time in 4 years, following a family death. She quickly learns that Jax has a girlfriend, and steps back. What Tess doesn’t know is that Jax’s relationship is on the rocks and he is instantly taken by Tess as well, despite having a girlfriend.
Their relationship turns into something more when Jax begins tutoring Tess in statistics. Everyone on the outside can tell that the friendship they have is evolving into something more significant, but neither Tess nor Jax will admit that they have feelings for one another. Both claim that they became close because of mutual suffering, heartache, and hardships. Overall, the story is about learning how to love again, accepting the past, and learning to be yourself again. We see this in their relationship and how the characters develop in the story.
In the beginning of the book the author had me hooked, I loved it and could not put it down but less than halfway through it began to get very repetitive, toxic, and irritating. It made me feel like I was listening to a drama from high school, it was just one thing after the other but the worst part is that you could guess everything that was going to happen. It seemed like a majority of the book was filled with sexual tension from two individuals that were both in different relationships. IF their other relationships would have ended sooner and not been the entire filler of the book, I believe that I would have a higher rating. The ending could be guessed from a mile away. Off the basis of knowing how the first book ends by maybe 30% of the way through, I’m fairly positive I know how the second book ends and will not be reading it. With all of this being said the audiobook does not list any trigger warnings; cheating and domestic abuse/violence is a major trigger warning for a LOT of romance readers.
However, I will say that having previously been in an abusive marriage, a lot of the mannerisms, actions, and feelings that the author (B., Evans) portrays within the abusive relationship written about are accurate and I commend her for that.
The book ended up being a solid 2.5 stars for me.
I received this ARC (audiobook version) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, all of my thoughts are my own. The publication date is 3-10-2025. Happy reading! 📚
2.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
-College romance
-Rockstar
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Forbidden love
-Dual POV
This book takes you into the lives of 21-year-old college students named Tess and Jax. When they first meet Tess instantly knows that she wants to know Jax and comes out of her shell for the first time in 4 years, following a family death. She quickly learns that Jax has a girlfriend, and steps back. What Tess doesn’t know is that Jax’s relationship is on the rocks and he is instantly taken by Tess as well, despite having a girlfriend.
Their relationship turns into something more when Jax begins tutoring Tess in statistics. Everyone on the outside can tell that the friendship they have is evolving into something more significant, but neither Tess nor Jax will admit that they have feelings for one another. Both claim that they became close because of mutual suffering, heartache, and hardships. Overall, the story is about learning how to love again, accepting the past, and learning to be yourself again. We see this in their relationship and how the characters develop in the story.
In the beginning of the book the author had me hooked, I loved it and could not put it down but less than halfway through it began to get very repetitive, toxic, and irritating. It made me feel like I was listening to a drama from high school, it was just one thing after the other but the worst part is that you could guess everything that was going to happen. It seemed like a majority of the book was filled with sexual tension from two individuals that were both in different relationships. IF their other relationships would have ended sooner and not been the entire filler of the book, I believe that I would have a higher rating. The ending could be guessed from a mile away. Off the basis of knowing how the first book ends by maybe 30% of the way through, I’m fairly positive I know how the second book ends and will not be reading it. With all of this being said the audiobook does not list any trigger warnings; cheating and domestic abuse/violence is a major trigger warning for a LOT of romance readers.
However, I will say that having previously been in an abusive marriage, a lot of the mannerisms, actions, and feelings that the author (B., Evans) portrays within the abusive relationship written about are accurate and I commend her for that.
The book ended up being a solid 2.5 stars for me.
I received this ARC (audiobook version) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, all of my thoughts are my own. The publication date is 3-10-2025. Happy reading! 📚
September 25, 2025
who doesn’t have friends at some point in their life like Jax Brooke Tess and Tina. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how they all fit together.
I didn’t care for Tina’s character as she was that friend who is there for you In the situations that benefit her and that was a trigger for me as I’ve had that wishy-washy friend that I invested in 100% but didn’t invest back equally.
The relationship between Jax and Tess was a slow
Burn but at times it was a little too slow. Many times I said to myself “can you just make a decision already” I am conflicted with the almost cheating and indecisiveness in the relationships. If you’re to the point where you’re thinking of someone else when satisfying the needs of another person you should make some decisions. I felt the decisions that Jax had to make about his relationships took a little longer that I had hoped. I invested and wanted to see the foundation be built a little sooner. But there were some twists that kept me going.
It was a well written story about young love and how it develops between friendships and groups of people that are together All the time in the college life setting. For me, I didn’t think the tropes listed for this book would effect me in the way that they did and I struggled with some of them but that’s not the fault of the author.
When Brooke came back in the end with her news I predicted it from the moment that scene happened in the story. I knew that once Jax and Tess could be together there had to be a twist coming. And I always went back to that one scene knowing that Brooke was coming back in that capacity.
I’m ready to read the next book in the series because I got both at the same time but I’m not sure yet if I’ll jump right in or reach for another one in between. I want to know where their story goes but for me personally I’m Not a fan of the pregnant ex girlfriend reinstated love triangle.
Overall it was well written!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
I do not know what to do with myself now….how the fu&k am I supposed to function as an adult after that ending. It’s safe to say I will absolutely be reading the next book in this series when it’s released.
Tessa is in her senior year at a University she transferred into as a junior. She’s kept to herself and has been very guarded. She’s not participated in parties or social outings until she has a chance meeting with Jaxon. Suddenly, she finds herself wanting to be more social….at least with Jaxon.
Jaxon is the lead singer in a band, a math whiz and unavailable in more ways than one.
I received an Advanced Listener Copy of the audiobook via NetGalley and I could not stop listening.
I received notification of my approval for the audiobook on Tuesday at 10:17am and I am writing this review on Thursday at 12:46am. I likely would have finished this evening sooner but I had plans on both days.
I was SO intrigued by how these 2 very flawed individuals were going to find their way to each other. There are a lot of will they or won’t they moments and half the time you are actually rooting they don’t due to….circumstances.
This felt like a realistic story. Things are messy and people get hurt but there is still a blossoming love story despite….circumstances.
The narration by Laura Horowitz and Gregory Salinas was fantastic. They did a wonderful job of embodying the characters and delivering a performance of a book vs just reading the book.
If it wasn’t obvious from my opening, this is not a standalone and there is a hell of a cliffhanger. So buckle up and join me in post book 1 purgatory 😂
Tessa is in her senior year at a University she transferred into as a junior. She’s kept to herself and has been very guarded. She’s not participated in parties or social outings until she has a chance meeting with Jaxon. Suddenly, she finds herself wanting to be more social….at least with Jaxon.
Jaxon is the lead singer in a band, a math whiz and unavailable in more ways than one.
I received an Advanced Listener Copy of the audiobook via NetGalley and I could not stop listening.
I received notification of my approval for the audiobook on Tuesday at 10:17am and I am writing this review on Thursday at 12:46am. I likely would have finished this evening sooner but I had plans on both days.
I was SO intrigued by how these 2 very flawed individuals were going to find their way to each other. There are a lot of will they or won’t they moments and half the time you are actually rooting they don’t due to….circumstances.
This felt like a realistic story. Things are messy and people get hurt but there is still a blossoming love story despite….circumstances.
The narration by Laura Horowitz and Gregory Salinas was fantastic. They did a wonderful job of embodying the characters and delivering a performance of a book vs just reading the book.
If it wasn’t obvious from my opening, this is not a standalone and there is a hell of a cliffhanger. So buckle up and join me in post book 1 purgatory 😂
August 26, 2024
We got dual POVs. We got forced proximity. We got unrequited love. We got a little bit of sports. We got a little bit of music. In all, I guess we got a little bit of everything. And I was not disappointed.
Tessa is closed off because of past trauma. But when she meets her neighbor's hot friend, Jax, in passing, she decides it might be time to open herself up again. But things get real complicated real fast. He has a girlfriend, which isn't an issue until she learns she also has class with him and he's her best chance at passing the class they share. Jax has problems of his own: past trauma and a mean girlfriend he feels indebted to regardless of his new feelings for someone else.
The feelings I felt while reading this book bordered on unhealthy. I finished it in one day because I could not get enough of the characters and their emotions. The tension between them was palpable, but their conversations were realistic. It wasn't written as some fairytale romance. Every aspect of it was realistic and heartbreaking in the best ways possible.
That ending got me though. I hate it with every fiber of my being and will be anxiously awaiting the second book to find out what happens to these poor souls. I almost through my kindle into the wall, but settled on screaming instead of property damage.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes college romances. Or sports romances. Or music romances. Or romances about hot MMCs with baggage to work through.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Platinum Rose Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review**
Tessa is closed off because of past trauma. But when she meets her neighbor's hot friend, Jax, in passing, she decides it might be time to open herself up again. But things get real complicated real fast. He has a girlfriend, which isn't an issue until she learns she also has class with him and he's her best chance at passing the class they share. Jax has problems of his own: past trauma and a mean girlfriend he feels indebted to regardless of his new feelings for someone else.
The feelings I felt while reading this book bordered on unhealthy. I finished it in one day because I could not get enough of the characters and their emotions. The tension between them was palpable, but their conversations were realistic. It wasn't written as some fairytale romance. Every aspect of it was realistic and heartbreaking in the best ways possible.
That ending got me though. I hate it with every fiber of my being and will be anxiously awaiting the second book to find out what happens to these poor souls. I almost through my kindle into the wall, but settled on screaming instead of property damage.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes college romances. Or sports romances. Or music romances. Or romances about hot MMCs with baggage to work through.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Platinum Rose Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review**
March 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW
5⭐️ absolutely loved this book 🤍
Plot
I absolutely loved this book! The story had so much depth, and even though some of the tropes aren’t usually my favorite, the author made them work so well that I was completely drawn in. Tess and Jax’s friendship was the heart of the story, and I loved watching it develop. Jax is struggling with so much in his personal life, feeling stuck and lost, but Tess becomes a source of light for him. She doesn’t try to fix him—she just wants to be there for him in any way she can. Their connection starts with tutoring, and as they spend more time together, it becomes clear that they understand each other in a way no one else does. The tension, the push and pull, and the emotional weight of their story made it impossible to put this book down.
Characters
Tess was such an easy character to love. She’s kind, resilient, and despite everything she’s been through, she’s determined to truly live her life instead of just getting by. Jax, on the other hand, is complicated. His past haunts him, and he keeps making choices that hurt both himself and the people around him. It was frustrating to watch at times, but it made his character feel so real. I just hope that in the next book, he takes real steps toward healing—because he has a lot to make up for.
The side characters added so much to the story. I adored Tess’s best friend, Tina—she was supportive but also unafraid to be honest when Tess needed it. The band members were fun and brought great energy to the book.
As for Brooke… I wasn’t a fan. I could understand her insecurities, especially after Tess came into the picture, but that didn’t excuse her actions. Some of the things she did were hard to watch, and while I did feel a little bad for her, I still couldn’t justify her behavior.
Writing Style
The writing was fantastic! It flowed effortlessly, making it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. The pacing was fast, which I loved, and the dual POV made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Overall
This book completely hooked me! I love stories where two characters clearly have a deep connection but are held back by their circumstances—it creates so much angst and tension, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Every missed moment between Tess and Jax had my heart sinking, and I felt everything right alongside them. I cannot wait to see where their story goes next!
5⭐️ absolutely loved this book 🤍
Plot
I absolutely loved this book! The story had so much depth, and even though some of the tropes aren’t usually my favorite, the author made them work so well that I was completely drawn in. Tess and Jax’s friendship was the heart of the story, and I loved watching it develop. Jax is struggling with so much in his personal life, feeling stuck and lost, but Tess becomes a source of light for him. She doesn’t try to fix him—she just wants to be there for him in any way she can. Their connection starts with tutoring, and as they spend more time together, it becomes clear that they understand each other in a way no one else does. The tension, the push and pull, and the emotional weight of their story made it impossible to put this book down.
Characters
Tess was such an easy character to love. She’s kind, resilient, and despite everything she’s been through, she’s determined to truly live her life instead of just getting by. Jax, on the other hand, is complicated. His past haunts him, and he keeps making choices that hurt both himself and the people around him. It was frustrating to watch at times, but it made his character feel so real. I just hope that in the next book, he takes real steps toward healing—because he has a lot to make up for.
The side characters added so much to the story. I adored Tess’s best friend, Tina—she was supportive but also unafraid to be honest when Tess needed it. The band members were fun and brought great energy to the book.
As for Brooke… I wasn’t a fan. I could understand her insecurities, especially after Tess came into the picture, but that didn’t excuse her actions. Some of the things she did were hard to watch, and while I did feel a little bad for her, I still couldn’t justify her behavior.
Writing Style
The writing was fantastic! It flowed effortlessly, making it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. The pacing was fast, which I loved, and the dual POV made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Overall
This book completely hooked me! I love stories where two characters clearly have a deep connection but are held back by their circumstances—it creates so much angst and tension, and this book delivered on that perfectly. Every missed moment between Tess and Jax had my heart sinking, and I felt everything right alongside them. I cannot wait to see where their story goes next!
March 11, 2025
I got to listen to the audiobook just before the release date, and I wasn't disappointed!
I have listened to Laura Horowitz before and am a huge fan of her narrating style. I was unfamiliar with Gregory Salinas before this but enjoyed his narrating, too. Both voice actors did both gender parts well. Usually, I find the person doing the voice of the opposite gender can sometime sound too weird, especially men narrating women voices but Gregory did all voices well. Both actors did a great job of getting the emotions on the page into their voices, you could tell when they were happy, sad or distraught. Both actors were excellent.
As for the story. I really enjoyed the slow burn, the "will they, won't they" aspect of it. As much as it kept frustrating me that Jax just wouldn't leave Brooke and be happy with Tessa, I could understand WHY he hadn't left but I was still so mad at everything he put up with in his relationship with Brooke... If you searched "gaslight" on Google, you'd find a picture of Brooke for sure. I really enjoyed that the author wasn't afraid to make a character I could really hate, and I absolutely HATED Brooke from the start and my opinion definitely didn't change by the end 🤣. Just when I thought their relationship was getting repetitive though, Jax finally bit the bullet and tossed Brooke away... and just when I thought things were going to end on a HEA B.Evans had to go and pull out that PLOT twist... (I kind of guessed it may happen because *ahem* Brooke is crazy but I was still shook at the way it happened)
I'm a huge vibe reader and I don't tend to remember every single detail of a book. It has been a couple of weeks since I finished this book and hadn't got round to reviewing yet (wisdom tooth pain is a nightmare) but I know i really enjoyed it, I loved both Tess and Jaxs best friends as well, they brought a lot of humour to the story when it was needing some light in the current dark of the story. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Tess and Jax and excited when it went further. I am eagerly awaiting book 2, after how it just ended I need answers!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and urge you to read/listen. There is talks of drug and alcohol abuse, almost SA, sibling death and a few other things that readers may find triggering so please read the trigger warnings first. If things don't tend to upset you I think you should give it a go for yourself. It was a 5 star story for me. With 2 star for spice (not much on page but a lot of sexual tension)
I have listened to Laura Horowitz before and am a huge fan of her narrating style. I was unfamiliar with Gregory Salinas before this but enjoyed his narrating, too. Both voice actors did both gender parts well. Usually, I find the person doing the voice of the opposite gender can sometime sound too weird, especially men narrating women voices but Gregory did all voices well. Both actors did a great job of getting the emotions on the page into their voices, you could tell when they were happy, sad or distraught. Both actors were excellent.
As for the story. I really enjoyed the slow burn, the "will they, won't they" aspect of it. As much as it kept frustrating me that Jax just wouldn't leave Brooke and be happy with Tessa, I could understand WHY he hadn't left but I was still so mad at everything he put up with in his relationship with Brooke... If you searched "gaslight" on Google, you'd find a picture of Brooke for sure. I really enjoyed that the author wasn't afraid to make a character I could really hate, and I absolutely HATED Brooke from the start and my opinion definitely didn't change by the end 🤣. Just when I thought their relationship was getting repetitive though, Jax finally bit the bullet and tossed Brooke away... and just when I thought things were going to end on a HEA B.Evans had to go and pull out that PLOT twist... (I kind of guessed it may happen because *ahem* Brooke is crazy but I was still shook at the way it happened)
I'm a huge vibe reader and I don't tend to remember every single detail of a book. It has been a couple of weeks since I finished this book and hadn't got round to reviewing yet (wisdom tooth pain is a nightmare) but I know i really enjoyed it, I loved both Tess and Jaxs best friends as well, they brought a lot of humour to the story when it was needing some light in the current dark of the story. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Tess and Jax and excited when it went further. I am eagerly awaiting book 2, after how it just ended I need answers!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and urge you to read/listen. There is talks of drug and alcohol abuse, almost SA, sibling death and a few other things that readers may find triggering so please read the trigger warnings first. If things don't tend to upset you I think you should give it a go for yourself. It was a 5 star story for me. With 2 star for spice (not much on page but a lot of sexual tension)
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