What do you think?
Rate this book
The Clockwork Butterfly Trilogy
Taking Flight
Lovers on the run in search of a bond that transcends all else.
Dr. Deborah Regan is a scientist working on a cure to the poison that's killing the male population and destroying the natural world. But when she makes a breakthrough in her research, it becomes clear that the authorities have no intention of finding a cure, and now that she's getting closer to an answer, she's a threat to them—a threat they need to deal with quickly.
Deborah and her partner, Marcus, flee to the forest where they meet another couple on the run. Birch and Hazel show them how to survive in the wild and teach them the theory of ultimate unity. They believe that by finding sexual nirvana at the point of intense orgasm, they will break through the barriers of physicality and become one.
It soon becomes apparent that Deborah has an aptitude for falling into this trance-like state, and she manages to bring Marcus on her journey. Their spirits can indeed join together at the meeting point, suspended in time and space while they climax.
When Birch and Hazel become jealous of the young couple's ease at reaching ultimate unity—something they've unsuccessfully tried to do for years—they betray Deborah and Marcus to the authorities. As they are separated, Marcus begs Deborah to continue to search for the ultimate sexual unity, because he's convinced that no matter where they are, this connection will allow them to meet again on a spiritual plane.
Will this metaphysical union be enough for a couple so deeply in love?
Content This book contains apocalyptic peril and graphic sexual content, including m/f and f/f sexual interaction, along with BSDM
* This book has been previously published*
Dr. Deborah Regan is a scientist working on a cure to the poison that's killing the male population and destroying the natural world. But when she makes a breakthrough in her research, it becomes clear that the authorities have no intention of finding a cure, and now that she's getting closer to an answer, she's a threat to them—a threat they need to deal with quickly.
Deborah and her partner, Marcus, flee to the forest where they meet another couple on the run. Birch and Hazel show them how to survive in the wild and teach them the theory of ultimate unity. They believe that by finding sexual nirvana at the point of intense orgasm, they will break through the barriers of physicality and become one.
It soon becomes apparent that Deborah has an aptitude for falling into this trance-like state, and she manages to bring Marcus on her journey. Their spirits can indeed join together at the meeting point, suspended in time and space while they climax.
When Birch and Hazel become jealous of the young couple's ease at reaching ultimate unity—something they've unsuccessfully tried to do for years—they betray Deborah and Marcus to the authorities. As they are separated, Marcus begs Deborah to continue to search for the ultimate sexual unity, because he's convinced that no matter where they are, this connection will allow them to meet again on a spiritual plane.
Will this metaphysical union be enough for a couple so deeply in love?
Content This book contains apocalyptic peril and graphic sexual content, including m/f and f/f sexual interaction, along with BSDM
* This book has been previously published*
- GenresErotica
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2013
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha Rayne
44 books64 followersTabitha Rayne is an award-winning author, artist and sextech designer and has been writing and publishing since 2009, specialising in sensuality and hot romance since 2011.
She is the commissioning editor for the Frolicme online magazine and erotic stories.
She invented the Ruby Glow ride on sex toy range.
Her debut short film, Inevitable, premièred at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023.
Tabitha was named one of the top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women 2022.
She is the commissioning editor for the Frolicme online magazine and erotic stories.
She invented the Ruby Glow ride on sex toy range.
Her debut short film, Inevitable, premièred at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023.
Tabitha was named one of the top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women 2022.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Read
January 6, 2023Tabitha is an excellent writer and I enjoyed the second book in the series but not quite as much as the first. There is lots of sex though, some of the stuff in the woods is particularly HOT but like the first book the dystopian plot is SO good that I wished there was more it with some explanation but I am looking forward to reading the final part in this series soon
November 9, 2013
This is a dystopian fantasy where the male population is slowly dying out and Dr Deborah Regan is set with the task of finding a cure to save the male race .....which proves to be alot harder than it sounds. All the remaining men have been taken to stay at a 'farm' where their semen is tested in the hope of one day finding a cure ....all except one!
Deborah is harboring her own secret, she has her lover and soul mate, Marcus, living with her and when the authorities turn up to search her home, they escape through a passageway and go on the run together. The only place that seems safe enough to hide is in the woods where they hope to lay low and most importantly, stay together. Whilst in the woods, they stumble upon a couple embarking on a sexual encounter and decide just to stay silent and observe. A while later, this same couple help them by giving them a place to stay and also some handy hints on how to cover their tracks and survive out there in the wild.
Eventually, the authorities catch up with Marcus and cart him off to the 'Farm' whilst Deborah is taken to a facility somewhat like a prison, where she is instructed to continue her research. It's not long before Deborah finds an ally and a light at the end of the tunnel. Both her and Marcus believe that their bond is so strong, that they can find eachother at the 'meeting place' in their minds, it's just a question of when.
Once again, Tabitha has really excelled herself with this novel and left me gasping with both shock and delight. You're drawn into a completely different world where nothing is the 'norm' and everything is unexpected. The relationship between Deborah and Marcus is so deep and moving that it almost brought me to tears at certain points. I fell totally in love with both characters and felt like I was on their journey with them. The exceptional detail and strength of feeling was evident from beginning to end and really added to my enjoyment. Tabitha is a true expert when it comes to fantasy, and not just sexual fantasy either. She delves into the minds of her characters so the reader has a greater understanding of their personalities, feelings and motives which allows you to become submersed in the story.
I absolutely loved reading Taking Flight and now can't wait for the final book of the trilogy to see what the final outcome might be.
I received this review copy free of charge in return for an honest review.
Deborah is harboring her own secret, she has her lover and soul mate, Marcus, living with her and when the authorities turn up to search her home, they escape through a passageway and go on the run together. The only place that seems safe enough to hide is in the woods where they hope to lay low and most importantly, stay together. Whilst in the woods, they stumble upon a couple embarking on a sexual encounter and decide just to stay silent and observe. A while later, this same couple help them by giving them a place to stay and also some handy hints on how to cover their tracks and survive out there in the wild.
Eventually, the authorities catch up with Marcus and cart him off to the 'Farm' whilst Deborah is taken to a facility somewhat like a prison, where she is instructed to continue her research. It's not long before Deborah finds an ally and a light at the end of the tunnel. Both her and Marcus believe that their bond is so strong, that they can find eachother at the 'meeting place' in their minds, it's just a question of when.
Once again, Tabitha has really excelled herself with this novel and left me gasping with both shock and delight. You're drawn into a completely different world where nothing is the 'norm' and everything is unexpected. The relationship between Deborah and Marcus is so deep and moving that it almost brought me to tears at certain points. I fell totally in love with both characters and felt like I was on their journey with them. The exceptional detail and strength of feeling was evident from beginning to end and really added to my enjoyment. Tabitha is a true expert when it comes to fantasy, and not just sexual fantasy either. She delves into the minds of her characters so the reader has a greater understanding of their personalities, feelings and motives which allows you to become submersed in the story.
I absolutely loved reading Taking Flight and now can't wait for the final book of the trilogy to see what the final outcome might be.
I received this review copy free of charge in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2015
What if men died out. Well. Not all of them but those that were left were infertile, mostly… is there any chance for humanities survival? And how would it impact the way we live on a day to day basis? What if men and women lived separately?
I have just read Taking Flight by Tabitha Rayne and I must recommend it to all my friends who enjoy Sci fiction of the speculative dystopian type. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
She has written about the development of a matriarchal society in which there are few male survivors and the end of the human race is a possibility.
I am rubbish at writing book reviews. This is because I don’t want to give away any of the plot but the things that make a book so so good are often the plot twists. And when I read a book I like knowing nothing about it except that it will be worth reading.
So, with that in mind what can I tell you about Taking Flight? The main character, Deborah, is tough and clever, a survivor and I liked her a lot. Her lifetime partner is also a well developed character. The story has you sitting on the edge of your seat, shouting no don’t let that happen, with the unpredictable turns in the plot.
Tabitha is known for writing sexy, erotic romances. Don’t be put off by that if romance is not your think, this book is so much more that “just” about romance. It is not about the characters falling in love and getting together as they already are an established couple. It is a story about their struggle for survival in a hostile future.
The sex. There is sex in the book, plenty of it, and well written. Far from being a bolt on for titillation (though it might) it is important to the story as you will see.
Finally. This is the second book in a trilogy and the prequel to Clockwork Butterfly, I would recommend reading this first, personally. I much preferred this book (for a variety of reasons). Then if you go on to read the Clockwork Butterfly you will already understand the setting.
I’m seriously looking forward to reading the third…
By the way. You may wonder why I thought this book way better than the other. Well, it is a personal thing but I liked the main characters in this book and could relate to them whereas the central character in Clockwork Butterfly begins the story as a young virgin and it explores themes of sexual awakening and falling in love with a man you have just met. These are common themes in romance novels but I prefer my characters to be mature and experienced.
I have just read Taking Flight by Tabitha Rayne and I must recommend it to all my friends who enjoy Sci fiction of the speculative dystopian type. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
She has written about the development of a matriarchal society in which there are few male survivors and the end of the human race is a possibility.
I am rubbish at writing book reviews. This is because I don’t want to give away any of the plot but the things that make a book so so good are often the plot twists. And when I read a book I like knowing nothing about it except that it will be worth reading.
So, with that in mind what can I tell you about Taking Flight? The main character, Deborah, is tough and clever, a survivor and I liked her a lot. Her lifetime partner is also a well developed character. The story has you sitting on the edge of your seat, shouting no don’t let that happen, with the unpredictable turns in the plot.
Tabitha is known for writing sexy, erotic romances. Don’t be put off by that if romance is not your think, this book is so much more that “just” about romance. It is not about the characters falling in love and getting together as they already are an established couple. It is a story about their struggle for survival in a hostile future.
The sex. There is sex in the book, plenty of it, and well written. Far from being a bolt on for titillation (though it might) it is important to the story as you will see.
Finally. This is the second book in a trilogy and the prequel to Clockwork Butterfly, I would recommend reading this first, personally. I much preferred this book (for a variety of reasons). Then if you go on to read the Clockwork Butterfly you will already understand the setting.
I’m seriously looking forward to reading the third…
By the way. You may wonder why I thought this book way better than the other. Well, it is a personal thing but I liked the main characters in this book and could relate to them whereas the central character in Clockwork Butterfly begins the story as a young virgin and it explores themes of sexual awakening and falling in love with a man you have just met. These are common themes in romance novels but I prefer my characters to be mature and experienced.
October 25, 2013
Taking Flight by Tabitha Rayne
Taking Flight is a prequel to A Clockwork Butterfly. This story takes place in the future where men are a dying race. Dr. Deborah Regan is a lab tech trying to figure out a cure to produce more men to the population because without them there is no future. Dr. Regan is keeping a secret. She is actually hiding her lover Marcus in her house. All the men are supposed to be at a “Farm”. A farm is a place where they take the men so they get samples of their sperm for testing. She had finally made progress in her testing of the sperm when everything changed.
They had to escape into the woods because her house was being raided. They ended up living off the land for a while. While in the woods they came along another couple who taught them how to survive. What they didn’t know is that this couple would betray them because of the love they share for one another. You see Deborah and Marcus shared a bond that would take them to another plane. No matter where they were they could always find each other on that plane. Marcus and Deborah we separated due to the betrayal and Marcus was sent to a farm and Deborah was sent off to another lab but it felt more like a prison.
Marcus had told her he would find her and he would never give up. The only contact they would have is when they met on their plane. I know it’s confusing but you will understand once you read it. Deborah had come in contact with someone who actually knew Marcus but she didn’t realize that till that person was walking away to leave the prison. Tabitha then left me hanging!!!! OMG I wanted it to keep going. This was a steamy hot read. Yes there was sex involved. Who am I kidding there was a lot of sex. Tabitha takes us off in a new adventure and I can’t wait till the next one comes out to see where this adventure leads us.
“I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review”
Taking Flight is a prequel to A Clockwork Butterfly. This story takes place in the future where men are a dying race. Dr. Deborah Regan is a lab tech trying to figure out a cure to produce more men to the population because without them there is no future. Dr. Regan is keeping a secret. She is actually hiding her lover Marcus in her house. All the men are supposed to be at a “Farm”. A farm is a place where they take the men so they get samples of their sperm for testing. She had finally made progress in her testing of the sperm when everything changed.
They had to escape into the woods because her house was being raided. They ended up living off the land for a while. While in the woods they came along another couple who taught them how to survive. What they didn’t know is that this couple would betray them because of the love they share for one another. You see Deborah and Marcus shared a bond that would take them to another plane. No matter where they were they could always find each other on that plane. Marcus and Deborah we separated due to the betrayal and Marcus was sent to a farm and Deborah was sent off to another lab but it felt more like a prison.
Marcus had told her he would find her and he would never give up. The only contact they would have is when they met on their plane. I know it’s confusing but you will understand once you read it. Deborah had come in contact with someone who actually knew Marcus but she didn’t realize that till that person was walking away to leave the prison. Tabitha then left me hanging!!!! OMG I wanted it to keep going. This was a steamy hot read. Yes there was sex involved. Who am I kidding there was a lot of sex. Tabitha takes us off in a new adventure and I can’t wait till the next one comes out to see where this adventure leads us.
“I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review”
July 26, 2014
I was given this book free and so wish to give it a fair review.
Tabitha Rayne has excelled in my opinion. Her "A Clockwork Butterfly" was the second erotica book I ever read and after reading that I wanted more. This is a prequel to that book and contains slightly different characters. I was nervous when I noticed a character from "A Clockwork Butterfly" that I disliked that it would ruin the enjoyment of the book from then on. Fortunately that wasn't the case. Tabitha's strong characters and immersive world captivated me once more and had me looking at that character through new eyes.
I read mostly science fiction and fantasy but once again Tabitha has written a story that even without the wonderfully explicit and hot sex scenes, stands on it's own merits. The sex scenes add to it rather than detracting from the plot.
I found myself creating a vivid mental image of the world and all the characters within a chapter or two - not something that comes naturally to me. I also found myself panting not just for the next saucy scene but also to see what would happen to the characters. I don't resort to tears often but I confess at one point I had to grab a tissue.
I don't just want the next book in the series but find myself _needing_ it. My mind has started to wonder about how and when the books link and I want to find out what does happen to them now. Will the third book concentrate on the characters we meet in "Taking Flight", "A Clockwork Butterfly" or indeed both. What will become of the characters and what will happen in such a world as this?
If I could give this 5.5 stars I would, if erotica is your thing or even if science fiction/fantasy is then give it a go. Easy read and can be read in a few hours and entertaining. What more could a person want.
Tabitha Rayne has excelled in my opinion. Her "A Clockwork Butterfly" was the second erotica book I ever read and after reading that I wanted more. This is a prequel to that book and contains slightly different characters. I was nervous when I noticed a character from "A Clockwork Butterfly" that I disliked that it would ruin the enjoyment of the book from then on. Fortunately that wasn't the case. Tabitha's strong characters and immersive world captivated me once more and had me looking at that character through new eyes.
I read mostly science fiction and fantasy but once again Tabitha has written a story that even without the wonderfully explicit and hot sex scenes, stands on it's own merits. The sex scenes add to it rather than detracting from the plot.
I found myself creating a vivid mental image of the world and all the characters within a chapter or two - not something that comes naturally to me. I also found myself panting not just for the next saucy scene but also to see what would happen to the characters. I don't resort to tears often but I confess at one point I had to grab a tissue.
I don't just want the next book in the series but find myself _needing_ it. My mind has started to wonder about how and when the books link and I want to find out what does happen to them now. Will the third book concentrate on the characters we meet in "Taking Flight", "A Clockwork Butterfly" or indeed both. What will become of the characters and what will happen in such a world as this?
If I could give this 5.5 stars I would, if erotica is your thing or even if science fiction/fantasy is then give it a go. Easy read and can be read in a few hours and entertaining. What more could a person want.
September 20, 2021
Males at the mercy of rich females for sexual pleasure seems to be too far-fetched. In this world, it is becoming increasingly dangerous for males. Those who are fertile are kept in manors for breeding. Those who are not fertile become sexual toys trained to lick a woman to ecstasy. There is no way Dr. Deborah Regan will allow this to happen to her lover, Marcus. This begins the story of a couple trying to hide from the matriarchal government.
This is the second in the Meeting Point series yet it seems the events take place prior to the first book. This story does not flow as well as the first book for me. It's disjointed between Deborah and Marcus's hippie hidden camping training and the start of Deborah's dominatrix career. Neither characters did much for me. I found Deborah to be naïve and beyond foolish. Marcus seems to be loser he's accused of when he only has pipedreams instead of real action plans.
Ms. Rayne does reveal more about this world. She also confirms the conspiracy hinted at in the first book. In this book, there is very little steampunk. However, the corset and the femdom in this story is pretty good. Deborah's inner bitch comes out and she wields a mean spanking implement. This is the part which was pretty cool. I enjoyed the spanking and rough f/f sex. Ms. Rayne only gives us a taste before she concludes with a hook for the next book. I'm looking forward to the next book and hope it answers more questions.
*I received this book as a gift
This is the second in the Meeting Point series yet it seems the events take place prior to the first book. This story does not flow as well as the first book for me. It's disjointed between Deborah and Marcus's hippie hidden camping training and the start of Deborah's dominatrix career. Neither characters did much for me. I found Deborah to be naïve and beyond foolish. Marcus seems to be loser he's accused of when he only has pipedreams instead of real action plans.
Ms. Rayne does reveal more about this world. She also confirms the conspiracy hinted at in the first book. In this book, there is very little steampunk. However, the corset and the femdom in this story is pretty good. Deborah's inner bitch comes out and she wields a mean spanking implement. This is the part which was pretty cool. I enjoyed the spanking and rough f/f sex. Ms. Rayne only gives us a taste before she concludes with a hook for the next book. I'm looking forward to the next book and hope it answers more questions.
*I received this book as a gift
January 27, 2015
Wow, this series is simply outstanding. This book is actually a prequel to the first but introduces us to some very important characters and a very unique and interesting concept. You may get a little confused at first but trust me, stick with it, all will become clear. I love this authors imagination and once again, I became fully immersed in her world. I'm on tenterhooks to find out what happens in the final book. Now to start practising To try and achieve ultimate unity!!
July 7, 2014
I loved the first book in this trilogy A Clockwork Butterfly so was eager to get hold of the second. It's set in the same fantastical, dystopian world where men are rare and the population is dying out. I won't spoil the story but it kept me gripped, the sexy scenes were fantastically sexy and it left off on a cliff-hanger. I'm off to buy the next book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews