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The Secret Lives of Regency Ladies #2
Ash and the Butterfly
When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to open the Earl of Bexley's new museum, the last thing he expects to find is the building on fire.
Luke is tasked with overseeing its salvage, but needs the late earl's field journals--all of which are written in code. Luckily, a brilliant young mathematician can help. Unfortunately, she is Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind he encountered at a ball years ago. The night began with attraction... and ended with a slap to the face.
Cracking the cipher is a welcome reprieve from Grace's messy life in London... but means working with Luke, a man she ardently wishes to hurl into the sea. Also stressful? The fact that she cannot stop thinking about him.
Over a week of long days and sleepless nights, Grace and Luke discover an uncommon ability to infuriate one another. But as hotter passions emerge, their connection grows deeper and more complicated than either could have ever imagined.
Ash and the Butterfly is a Regency-era romance. It is connected via shared characters to other books in The Secret Lives of Regency Ladies series, but each story stands alone. You need not have read the previous book to enjoy this one.
Luke is tasked with overseeing its salvage, but needs the late earl's field journals--all of which are written in code. Luckily, a brilliant young mathematician can help. Unfortunately, she is Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind he encountered at a ball years ago. The night began with attraction... and ended with a slap to the face.
Cracking the cipher is a welcome reprieve from Grace's messy life in London... but means working with Luke, a man she ardently wishes to hurl into the sea. Also stressful? The fact that she cannot stop thinking about him.
Over a week of long days and sleepless nights, Grace and Luke discover an uncommon ability to infuriate one another. But as hotter passions emerge, their connection grows deeper and more complicated than either could have ever imagined.
Ash and the Butterfly is a Regency-era romance. It is connected via shared characters to other books in The Secret Lives of Regency Ladies series, but each story stands alone. You need not have read the previous book to enjoy this one.
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Published November 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 27, 2024
This book would be perfect for those who love spicy regency romances. I like that the two characters were unique in their personalities and interests, so this didn't simply feel like another typical regency romance. The main character is a woman with both beauty and brains, since her passion is being a mathematician. She and an unconventionally handsome scientist have a run-in a couple years back at some society events that cause some misunderstandings and prejudice, paving the way for an epic enemies-to-lovers story.
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November 20, 2024My ARC review for Ash and the Butterfly!
What a book! I love reading Regency based books and this writer had me hooked from the very start.
This story contains butterflies, snakes and sparks!
Set in the same time period as Pride and Prejudice, where the mind of women where not yet recognised by the universities and where being a mathematician would never be of the fairer sex.
When tragedy befalls the Bexley Estate, where the new museum has partially been burnt down by an accidental fire, the grand opening of the museum is at risk if they can’t crack the code to the diaries that documented each artifacts details.
Lord Luke Ashburton has unanimously been elected to lead the restoration to ensure the museum opens as planned to honour his friend and late Earl but as the whole endeavour hinges on the coded dairies. Ashburton mut swallow his pride and call in reinforcements in the form of the woman he has wronged and can’t forget.
Grace Chetwood is very proud of the fact that she is a female mathematician and a dear friend of the Earl. She is a curious being who loves the academics but also enjoys the benefits of London’s High Society. Her curiosity has landed her in a scandal waiting to burst and a betrothal to a friend who does not approve of her correspondence with professors al over the world.
Grace and Ash have history that neither can seem to forget, but fuelled by their love for their friend the Earl, they will attempt to put their differences aside. But two weeks in the same space, the heavy burdens of loss and responsibility and stress, what else will be revealed.
I would highly recommend this to everyone!
What a book! I love reading Regency based books and this writer had me hooked from the very start.
This story contains butterflies, snakes and sparks!
Set in the same time period as Pride and Prejudice, where the mind of women where not yet recognised by the universities and where being a mathematician would never be of the fairer sex.
When tragedy befalls the Bexley Estate, where the new museum has partially been burnt down by an accidental fire, the grand opening of the museum is at risk if they can’t crack the code to the diaries that documented each artifacts details.
Lord Luke Ashburton has unanimously been elected to lead the restoration to ensure the museum opens as planned to honour his friend and late Earl but as the whole endeavour hinges on the coded dairies. Ashburton mut swallow his pride and call in reinforcements in the form of the woman he has wronged and can’t forget.
Grace Chetwood is very proud of the fact that she is a female mathematician and a dear friend of the Earl. She is a curious being who loves the academics but also enjoys the benefits of London’s High Society. Her curiosity has landed her in a scandal waiting to burst and a betrothal to a friend who does not approve of her correspondence with professors al over the world.
Grace and Ash have history that neither can seem to forget, but fuelled by their love for their friend the Earl, they will attempt to put their differences aside. But two weeks in the same space, the heavy burdens of loss and responsibility and stress, what else will be revealed.
I would highly recommend this to everyone!
November 12, 2024
This was a quick and easy historical fiction set in the Regency era. I liked that this followed the types of characters that you don't see too often in books and especially in historical ones (at least, in my experience). I love seeing something a little different in a book.
This book starts off with a museum catching fire right before it was supposed to open. There is damage that needs to be fixed, things that need to be replaced, so much hard work lost. And our main character Grace has to come in to help.
The fun and drama come in with the two main characters. They have met, except that first meeting did not go too well (it ended with Grace slapping him), so you can imagine how complicated that situation's going to get.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this book. It was quite short, so you could easily read it in a day if you wanted to, you don't have to take too much time to get invested. I just wish it was a touch more exciting, but I would recommend, I had a good time.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book starts off with a museum catching fire right before it was supposed to open. There is damage that needs to be fixed, things that need to be replaced, so much hard work lost. And our main character Grace has to come in to help.
The fun and drama come in with the two main characters. They have met, except that first meeting did not go too well (it ended with Grace slapping him), so you can imagine how complicated that situation's going to get.
Overall, I had a fun time reading this book. It was quite short, so you could easily read it in a day if you wanted to, you don't have to take too much time to get invested. I just wish it was a touch more exciting, but I would recommend, I had a good time.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 27, 2024
This historical romance begins with a terrible loss just days before the culmination of years of hard work. Now, a group of scientists finds themselves in a state of grief, lost without the guidance and descriptions for several pieces for the exhibition. The only clues are several journals written in different codes. They need a great mathematician to decipher the codes before the opening day of the private museum, and their only hope is a woman named Grace Chestwood, who spent years corresponding with the author of the journals and the owner of the museum.
This story explores different kinds of grief:
1. The grief of losing a friend and mentor.
2. The grief of losing a lover whom you were never allowed to love in the first place.
3. The grief of wanting someone with all your heart but being misunderstood for years.
The way the characters overcome their grief is inspiring and heartbreaking.
Thanks BookSirens, the publisher and author for this ARC.
This story explores different kinds of grief:
1. The grief of losing a friend and mentor.
2. The grief of losing a lover whom you were never allowed to love in the first place.
3. The grief of wanting someone with all your heart but being misunderstood for years.
The way the characters overcome their grief is inspiring and heartbreaking.
Thanks BookSirens, the publisher and author for this ARC.
November 30, 2024
My Netgalley Arc Review: Ash and the butterfly by Lark Maitland
Today is release day for this amazing book, its available on Kindle & Amazon. Please go and follow/show some love to this amazing Author.
I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed the authors writing style, the characters, and time setting.
~This is a Regency Romance
~Enemies To Lovers & when their chemistry finally snaps their regency propriety goes right out the window I loved it.
~Steamy Scenes
~Both FMC & MMC are broody/stubborn & just overall funny to me~ I really liked them.
~Quick Read For Me But Very Balanced & Heartwarming
For Me
Today is release day for this amazing book, its available on Kindle & Amazon. Please go and follow/show some love to this amazing Author.
I give this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed the authors writing style, the characters, and time setting.
~This is a Regency Romance
~Enemies To Lovers & when their chemistry finally snaps their regency propriety goes right out the window I loved it.
~Steamy Scenes
~Both FMC & MMC are broody/stubborn & just overall funny to me~ I really liked them.
~Quick Read For Me But Very Balanced & Heartwarming
For Me
November 25, 2024
The feelings of the characters are masterfully portrayed by the author.
I could feel with them as I read through the pages.
The setting is England in 1822 among the highly placed in society.
Charles Calthorpe, Earl of Bexley, is a world traveler and a collector
of insects from exotic lands. He has spent a vast sum to build a museum
to be a public exhibition hall for his rare specimens, and a library.
Mere weeks before its public opening, a fire breaks out. The Earl is
so distraught that he dies immediately of a heart attack. The fire is
extinguished with only 1/4 of the museum burned, and his journals were
saved. But the journals were written in code.
Charles's friends know who can crack the code. His niece, Grace Chetwood,
has a brilliant mind for mathematics, solving codes, and other scholarly
subjects. She is equally interested in all the gossip about London high
society. With her great beauty and seeming innocence, she mingles with
many young men of wealth. Grace is also recently betrothed to Randolph
St. George, the future Viscount of Penray and a rake. Grace's intellectual
talents will be wasted if she marries St. George, and she herself will be
bored to death. Already in the second chapter this reviewer sympathizes
with Grace and hopes that by the end of the book she finds a better future.
Charles Calthorpe's assistant on his specimen-collecting travels was
Luke Ashburton (Ash for short). With the passing of the Earl, Ash is now
in charge of preparing for public exhibition of their many specimens.
Ash has great skill with his hands in mounting delicate insect specimens
such as moths and butterflies, from which comes the book title "Ash and
the Butterfly." Grace had met Ash only twice, and his arrogance and
seeming disdain for her made her seethe with hatred. Now she must work
with him.
Ash develops fond feelings for Grace but is inept at expressing them.
It would be an understatement to write that their relationship has a
chilly start. The preparations for the public opening of the museum,
Grace's efforts to decipher the fiendishly complex code, Ash's specimen
mounting, all become the setting to the turbulent relationship between
Grace and Ash. I felt that Lark Maitland, the author, described the
ups and downs, the mixed feelings as they alternately blew hot and
cold, of their relationship better than in many novels of this genre.
I also believe that most readers of romances would agree.
There are several graphic adult scenes, all of which are most adroitly
inserted into the appropriate emotional settings.
I am an admirer of strong women. Grace is the role model for a strong
woman, intelligent, diligent, beautiful, and prone to overexpressing
her emotions. "Ash and the Butterfly" will be absolutely five stars
for all readers who admire strong women, and who appreciate reading
emotional and steamy details of romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this
review voluntarily.
I could feel with them as I read through the pages.
The setting is England in 1822 among the highly placed in society.
Charles Calthorpe, Earl of Bexley, is a world traveler and a collector
of insects from exotic lands. He has spent a vast sum to build a museum
to be a public exhibition hall for his rare specimens, and a library.
Mere weeks before its public opening, a fire breaks out. The Earl is
so distraught that he dies immediately of a heart attack. The fire is
extinguished with only 1/4 of the museum burned, and his journals were
saved. But the journals were written in code.
Charles's friends know who can crack the code. His niece, Grace Chetwood,
has a brilliant mind for mathematics, solving codes, and other scholarly
subjects. She is equally interested in all the gossip about London high
society. With her great beauty and seeming innocence, she mingles with
many young men of wealth. Grace is also recently betrothed to Randolph
St. George, the future Viscount of Penray and a rake. Grace's intellectual
talents will be wasted if she marries St. George, and she herself will be
bored to death. Already in the second chapter this reviewer sympathizes
with Grace and hopes that by the end of the book she finds a better future.
Charles Calthorpe's assistant on his specimen-collecting travels was
Luke Ashburton (Ash for short). With the passing of the Earl, Ash is now
in charge of preparing for public exhibition of their many specimens.
Ash has great skill with his hands in mounting delicate insect specimens
such as moths and butterflies, from which comes the book title "Ash and
the Butterfly." Grace had met Ash only twice, and his arrogance and
seeming disdain for her made her seethe with hatred. Now she must work
with him.
Ash develops fond feelings for Grace but is inept at expressing them.
It would be an understatement to write that their relationship has a
chilly start. The preparations for the public opening of the museum,
Grace's efforts to decipher the fiendishly complex code, Ash's specimen
mounting, all become the setting to the turbulent relationship between
Grace and Ash. I felt that Lark Maitland, the author, described the
ups and downs, the mixed feelings as they alternately blew hot and
cold, of their relationship better than in many novels of this genre.
I also believe that most readers of romances would agree.
There are several graphic adult scenes, all of which are most adroitly
inserted into the appropriate emotional settings.
I am an admirer of strong women. Grace is the role model for a strong
woman, intelligent, diligent, beautiful, and prone to overexpressing
her emotions. "Ash and the Butterfly" will be absolutely five stars
for all readers who admire strong women, and who appreciate reading
emotional and steamy details of romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this
review voluntarily.
November 11, 2024
Delicious and delightful! This is such an excellent historical romance – satisfying and authentic – with so much to savour. Author Lark has created a universe surrounding the new Bexley Museum where entomologist (and adventurer) Luke Ashburton is working. Its founder has died in a fire just three weeks before the Museum is due to open. There’s a tight group of academics, all friends and colleagues of the late Earl of Bexley who are working together to make the opening go ahead. Enter our Butterfly, gifted mathematician Grace Chetwood, who is not just misjudged because she is a woman, but because she’s also curious, enthusiastic, and in her own words ‘A little too. Too voluptuous, too giggly, too spotted, too quick to speak, to cry, to gasp’. The late and lamented Earl wrote his field notes in code, and it's Grace who is invited to assist with deciphering the notes. This puts her firmly in the sights of the very judgy Luke, who (of course) fatally underestimates her, even as he fights his attraction.
Their interactions are delicious, they squabble and bicker, spar, and needle until they are both so turned on it’s combustible 🌶🌶 There’s misunderstanding on both sides. As if this isn’t enough, they are racing to solve the puzzles and make the Museum opening a success.
I love the freshness of it all - Ash is a third son, so he’s not wealthily or titled, just clever and resourceful. Grace has been compromised, but not by Ash, so she’s accepted a lackwit's marriage proposal and is anxious to know if she’s with child. Ash also has a proposal in the planning (not to Grace). There’s a 'love is love' subplot that broke my heart, matchmaking, Grace’s complicated but ultimately empathetic family (we met them in The Duke’s Bride Vanishes, Lark’s first histrom), the museum itself, and enough romance-science to give it all substance. Grace is so gorgeous and vivacious and such a foil for the more reserved Luke. It's a slow burn (sort of), complicated and delightfully steamy when they finally get there. So much tension to relieve 🤭
Reminds me of Courtney Milan’s amazing The Heiress Effect.
Thank you Lark Maitland for the ARC and congratulations on writing a banger of a book! Opinions are my own.
Their interactions are delicious, they squabble and bicker, spar, and needle until they are both so turned on it’s combustible 🌶🌶 There’s misunderstanding on both sides. As if this isn’t enough, they are racing to solve the puzzles and make the Museum opening a success.
I love the freshness of it all - Ash is a third son, so he’s not wealthily or titled, just clever and resourceful. Grace has been compromised, but not by Ash, so she’s accepted a lackwit's marriage proposal and is anxious to know if she’s with child. Ash also has a proposal in the planning (not to Grace). There’s a 'love is love' subplot that broke my heart, matchmaking, Grace’s complicated but ultimately empathetic family (we met them in The Duke’s Bride Vanishes, Lark’s first histrom), the museum itself, and enough romance-science to give it all substance. Grace is so gorgeous and vivacious and such a foil for the more reserved Luke. It's a slow burn (sort of), complicated and delightfully steamy when they finally get there. So much tension to relieve 🤭
Reminds me of Courtney Milan’s amazing The Heiress Effect.
Thank you Lark Maitland for the ARC and congratulations on writing a banger of a book! Opinions are my own.
December 31, 2024
Rating: 1/5
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. Unfortunately, this book was a frustrating read for me, and I was unable to finish it.
From the outset, Ash and the Butterfly suffers from a glaring overuse of exposition. Entire chapters go by with minimal action, relying instead on run-on sentences and overly detailed descriptions, particularly self-descriptions that are dumped all at once rather than introduced naturally. While the setting initially showed promise, the story's structure and pacing fell apart quickly.
The characters, unfortunately, do not fare much better. The protagonist falls into heavy "not like other girls" tropes, and the romantic setup is painfully predictable. Attempts at writing "enemies to lovers" dynamics are fundamentally misunderstood, reducing what could have been engaging tension to shallow conflict.
A significant issue lies in the author’s approach to tropes. It feels as though the story was built around a checklist of marketable elements rather than an organic narrative. This results in forced, repetitive prose (e.g., sequences of "she stood, she stepped, she thought") and awkward, unnatural dialogue.
The romance, or more aptly, the smut, is poorly executed. Overwrought phrases like "engorged length" and "swollen petals" make the scenes more cringeworthy than steamy, leaving me questioning whether there was genuine effort in crafting this aspect of the book. The lack of dialogue throughout, further highlights the author's struggle with historical-style conversations, which could have added depth.
To make matters worse, the decision to use AI-generated art for the cover while discouraging its use for other purposes comes across as hypocritical and dismissive of genuine artistic effort.
While the initial chapters hinted at a competent writing style, it’s overshadowed by repetition, lackluster characters, and an absence of genuine storytelling. This book reads more like a rushed product than a heartfelt creation.
I would strongly recommend that the author work with an editor, agent, and publisher, and perhaps consider writing courses to refine their craft.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. Unfortunately, this book was a frustrating read for me, and I was unable to finish it.
From the outset, Ash and the Butterfly suffers from a glaring overuse of exposition. Entire chapters go by with minimal action, relying instead on run-on sentences and overly detailed descriptions, particularly self-descriptions that are dumped all at once rather than introduced naturally. While the setting initially showed promise, the story's structure and pacing fell apart quickly.
The characters, unfortunately, do not fare much better. The protagonist falls into heavy "not like other girls" tropes, and the romantic setup is painfully predictable. Attempts at writing "enemies to lovers" dynamics are fundamentally misunderstood, reducing what could have been engaging tension to shallow conflict.
A significant issue lies in the author’s approach to tropes. It feels as though the story was built around a checklist of marketable elements rather than an organic narrative. This results in forced, repetitive prose (e.g., sequences of "she stood, she stepped, she thought") and awkward, unnatural dialogue.
The romance, or more aptly, the smut, is poorly executed. Overwrought phrases like "engorged length" and "swollen petals" make the scenes more cringeworthy than steamy, leaving me questioning whether there was genuine effort in crafting this aspect of the book. The lack of dialogue throughout, further highlights the author's struggle with historical-style conversations, which could have added depth.
To make matters worse, the decision to use AI-generated art for the cover while discouraging its use for other purposes comes across as hypocritical and dismissive of genuine artistic effort.
While the initial chapters hinted at a competent writing style, it’s overshadowed by repetition, lackluster characters, and an absence of genuine storytelling. This book reads more like a rushed product than a heartfelt creation.
I would strongly recommend that the author work with an editor, agent, and publisher, and perhaps consider writing courses to refine their craft.
November 17, 2024
I was introduced to the alluring world of regency romances with Lark Maitland's first book, and with the way I had thoroughly enjoyed this second book is reason why I have become so taken with the subgenre overall, and with Ms. Maitland's beautiful writing style in particular.
So in this book we meet Luke Ashburton and Grace Chetwood, both are of brilliant minds as he is a scholarly scientist while she is a highly skilled mathematician. They are part of a team of scholars working towards the opening of a museum left behind by a departed earl. Luke and Grace reunite with rather painful memories of a hurtful interaction that transpired between them two years prior when they initially met. As they work together now, they try their best to make it past their animosity, while at the same time resist a growing attraction to one another. Throughout the book we see them oscillate between admiration and resentment, engage in verbal sparring and friendly banter, all because of the preconceived impressions they have of one another stemming from their awful first meeting.
What made this story even more captivating to me was the portrayal of Grace Chetwood. Amidst the cultural backdrop of 19th century England where daughters are expected to be demure, prim, and chaste, and possess domestic aspirations as future wife and mother, Grace was in all ways unconventional with her professional pursuits and daring dalliances with prospective husbands-to-be. It seemed that was precisely what drew Luke to her: that she was unabashedly and unapologetically herself. With all the obstacles in the way to their relationship, it was therefore so gratifying to finally see how those obstacles were eventually shoved away to make way for their union.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thus leaving thia honest review voluntarily.
So in this book we meet Luke Ashburton and Grace Chetwood, both are of brilliant minds as he is a scholarly scientist while she is a highly skilled mathematician. They are part of a team of scholars working towards the opening of a museum left behind by a departed earl. Luke and Grace reunite with rather painful memories of a hurtful interaction that transpired between them two years prior when they initially met. As they work together now, they try their best to make it past their animosity, while at the same time resist a growing attraction to one another. Throughout the book we see them oscillate between admiration and resentment, engage in verbal sparring and friendly banter, all because of the preconceived impressions they have of one another stemming from their awful first meeting.
What made this story even more captivating to me was the portrayal of Grace Chetwood. Amidst the cultural backdrop of 19th century England where daughters are expected to be demure, prim, and chaste, and possess domestic aspirations as future wife and mother, Grace was in all ways unconventional with her professional pursuits and daring dalliances with prospective husbands-to-be. It seemed that was precisely what drew Luke to her: that she was unabashedly and unapologetically herself. With all the obstacles in the way to their relationship, it was therefore so gratifying to finally see how those obstacles were eventually shoved away to make way for their union.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am thus leaving thia honest review voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Lark Maitland for providing me with an ARC of Ash and the Butterfly in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐ | 2 1/2 Stars
Ash and the Butterfly follows Luke, a renowned scientist in British aristocratic society, and Grace, a near-genius woman from the upper class. Circumstances force them to work together despite their troubled past. As they navigate their new proximity, old misunderstandings are confronted, and their connection deepens in unexpected ways.
Tropes in this book: forced proximity, unfriendly-to-lovers, strong FMC
I felt quite conflicted while reading this story. On one hand, I enjoyed the overall direction of the plot: a steamy STEM romance with mutual pining, a complicated shared past, and plenty of witty banter. These elements made for a promising and engaging premise.
However, my main issue lay in the writing itself. The book contained numerous grammatical, spelling, and word-choice errors, which detracted from the reading experience. That said, I noticed significant improvement as the story progressed, with the writing transitioning from unpolished to genuinely enjoyable. This made me feel bittersweet—by the end, the book had the potential to be a strong 3-star read if it had been better edited.
With its light historical undertones, this romance had all the makings of a perfect palette cleanser for chilly autumn nights. Unfortunately, it could have greatly benefited from more thorough editing or a skilled proofreader.
Would I read another book by this author? While I don’t think this genre—new to me—is quite my cup of tea, I believe historical romance fans will find much to enjoy in the author’s future works, provided they’re properly polished. For them, this could be a delicious treat.
⭐⭐ | 2 1/2 Stars
Ash and the Butterfly follows Luke, a renowned scientist in British aristocratic society, and Grace, a near-genius woman from the upper class. Circumstances force them to work together despite their troubled past. As they navigate their new proximity, old misunderstandings are confronted, and their connection deepens in unexpected ways.
Tropes in this book: forced proximity, unfriendly-to-lovers, strong FMC
I felt quite conflicted while reading this story. On one hand, I enjoyed the overall direction of the plot: a steamy STEM romance with mutual pining, a complicated shared past, and plenty of witty banter. These elements made for a promising and engaging premise.
However, my main issue lay in the writing itself. The book contained numerous grammatical, spelling, and word-choice errors, which detracted from the reading experience. That said, I noticed significant improvement as the story progressed, with the writing transitioning from unpolished to genuinely enjoyable. This made me feel bittersweet—by the end, the book had the potential to be a strong 3-star read if it had been better edited.
With its light historical undertones, this romance had all the makings of a perfect palette cleanser for chilly autumn nights. Unfortunately, it could have greatly benefited from more thorough editing or a skilled proofreader.
Would I read another book by this author? While I don’t think this genre—new to me—is quite my cup of tea, I believe historical romance fans will find much to enjoy in the author’s future works, provided they’re properly polished. For them, this could be a delicious treat.
December 11, 2024
As Regency Romances go, Ash and Butterfly has a little bit of everything to build an entertaining and enjoyable romp through Regency England in 1822, when women were expected to be seen and very little else.
Grace Chetwood and Luke Ashburton have met before with a rather unhappy ending. She is a talented Mathematician, he is a Botanist and Scientist. Both are looking forward to the opening of the new Museum of their friend Bexley, Charles Calthorpe, Earl of Bexley, a man noted for his scientific expeditions and expertise in life sciences.
The last thing Luke had expected when he reached Estate to be greeted with the new building on fire, his friend Bexley dead and Denton, Philip Denton long-time friend of Bexley’s, covered in soot, with a vacant look on his face.
As if the tragedy was not bad enough they discover that what has managed to be saved means little, as Bexley had all the descriptions of the specimens in his notebooks; they are all in a carefully created mathematical code which none of the men can break.
They decide to ask for help by contacting Grace Calthorpe, who is more than happy to remove to Bexley Estate to get away from a somewhat disastrous situation created by her innate curiosity.
When Luke realises he is going to have to work with Grace, a woman he admits intrigues him the sparks fly, the temperature rises and the mad dash to try and solve the complex code reaches exhausting levels, both he and Grace have to resolve the issue of their ever increasing attraction to each other.
Ash and The Butterfly is a modern take on Regency Romance spun with wit, charm and enthusiasm, with a cast of characters that are each in their own right, absolutely realistic and entertaining.
Grace Chetwood and Luke Ashburton have met before with a rather unhappy ending. She is a talented Mathematician, he is a Botanist and Scientist. Both are looking forward to the opening of the new Museum of their friend Bexley, Charles Calthorpe, Earl of Bexley, a man noted for his scientific expeditions and expertise in life sciences.
The last thing Luke had expected when he reached Estate to be greeted with the new building on fire, his friend Bexley dead and Denton, Philip Denton long-time friend of Bexley’s, covered in soot, with a vacant look on his face.
As if the tragedy was not bad enough they discover that what has managed to be saved means little, as Bexley had all the descriptions of the specimens in his notebooks; they are all in a carefully created mathematical code which none of the men can break.
They decide to ask for help by contacting Grace Calthorpe, who is more than happy to remove to Bexley Estate to get away from a somewhat disastrous situation created by her innate curiosity.
When Luke realises he is going to have to work with Grace, a woman he admits intrigues him the sparks fly, the temperature rises and the mad dash to try and solve the complex code reaches exhausting levels, both he and Grace have to resolve the issue of their ever increasing attraction to each other.
Ash and The Butterfly is a modern take on Regency Romance spun with wit, charm and enthusiasm, with a cast of characters that are each in their own right, absolutely realistic and entertaining.
May 7, 2025
Ash and Butterfly introduces the love story blooming between a scientist and a mathematician working together to restore a museum built by their dearest friend. They met once, or twice but never spoke until one nightly incident that raised a slap on Luke Ashberton's face. Now they had to work beside each other while keeping up the professional instead of killing each other whenever they open their mouths. An enemies to friends to lovers story with hot slowburn moments.
The premise was intriguing with the museum getting burned, death of dearest friend and mentor but I do wish it had more build up to the situation. how it happened, how Charlie couldn’t save himself from the fire. Building up this background would make the opening more intense and gripping to the story. And also need more clarification on the after effect of the fire. At some point in the story, I was questioning the logical aspect of the setting on how the rest of the building wasn't affected by the fire when they sound so close to the burned museum. Most of the time I would tell myself the building is too big for it to reach other places but it would be nice to have some clarification to make the reader mind at ease.
The romance was nice, I mean the spiciness as well. The romance build up was quite nice, I like they tried to understand each other despite their misunderstanding but I’m quite taken aback with the sudden smut scene. It was a good one. However the way it started off was a bit too sudden but for the sake of fiction it was passable. Overall the story was nice. I just wish to have more polish on the background to make it even better.
Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the ARC Copy!
The premise was intriguing with the museum getting burned, death of dearest friend and mentor but I do wish it had more build up to the situation. how it happened, how Charlie couldn’t save himself from the fire. Building up this background would make the opening more intense and gripping to the story. And also need more clarification on the after effect of the fire. At some point in the story, I was questioning the logical aspect of the setting on how the rest of the building wasn't affected by the fire when they sound so close to the burned museum. Most of the time I would tell myself the building is too big for it to reach other places but it would be nice to have some clarification to make the reader mind at ease.
The romance was nice, I mean the spiciness as well. The romance build up was quite nice, I like they tried to understand each other despite their misunderstanding but I’m quite taken aback with the sudden smut scene. It was a good one. However the way it started off was a bit too sudden but for the sake of fiction it was passable. Overall the story was nice. I just wish to have more polish on the background to make it even better.
Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the ARC Copy!
October 23, 2024
The novel is well written, showcasing the author's notable command of language and narrative structure.
Both the story and language are rich, immersing the reader in a vibrant world filled with intricate details and compelling characters.
Set in an uncommon setting for a regency romance, the story unfolds in a way that captivates the reader's imagination and breaks free from typical conventions.
The heroine stands out as a character who actually has a talent that is also applied to a somewhat reasonable problem, making her journey relatable and engaging. It is refreshing that the heroine has a role or occupation that is beyond shopping and simmering, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to the plot. Unlike many regency novels, the heroine is finally not being belittled, which is a welcome change and adds depth to her character.
The context and the interactions between the characters are believable, even if they may not be entirely realistic for the era in which the story is set.
The steaminess starts in the first third and continues up to the second third of the book, which was surprising since I hadn't read the first book in the series and the description did not hint at it. Personally, I found that these scenes were too many and not necessary, but for those who have read the first book, they might be one of the drivers to read the second.
Overall, it is a fast read with a cute romance, making it an enjoyable escape for fans of söightly steamy regency romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both the story and language are rich, immersing the reader in a vibrant world filled with intricate details and compelling characters.
Set in an uncommon setting for a regency romance, the story unfolds in a way that captivates the reader's imagination and breaks free from typical conventions.
The heroine stands out as a character who actually has a talent that is also applied to a somewhat reasonable problem, making her journey relatable and engaging. It is refreshing that the heroine has a role or occupation that is beyond shopping and simmering, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to the plot. Unlike many regency novels, the heroine is finally not being belittled, which is a welcome change and adds depth to her character.
The context and the interactions between the characters are believable, even if they may not be entirely realistic for the era in which the story is set.
The steaminess starts in the first third and continues up to the second third of the book, which was surprising since I hadn't read the first book in the series and the description did not hint at it. Personally, I found that these scenes were too many and not necessary, but for those who have read the first book, they might be one of the drivers to read the second.
Overall, it is a fast read with a cute romance, making it an enjoyable escape for fans of söightly steamy regency romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2024
This was a really quick read, in the best possible way: I picked it up and didn't want to put it down until I finished. My first from Lark Maitland, this short romance novel is about two intellectuals who fall in love despite a rocky start.
Grace is a mathematician who also lets herself feel all of her emotions. She first met Luke, a scientist, through their mutual mentor, the Earl of Baxter, another scholar. While both Grace and Luke felt an instant connection, he feels inadequate when he sees her dancing with, flirting with, and even kissing rich, titled men, which leads him to drag her in masculine company. She overhears him and they have a definite falling out. Since then, they've reveled in mutual hatred.
When Baxter dies, he leaves behind a trove of coded journals. Luke reluctantly asks Grace for her help decoding them, since he needs their resources to open a museum in a time crunch. Their close proximity makes them face up to the fact that if they can only get over their preconceived notions, they're actually very compatible.
There were a lot of things I liked about this short romance novel: I appreciated that Grace wasn't a blushing virgin and didn't feel ashamed or guilty about her sexual past. I always love a man who can apologize, especially when he can recognize the right thing to apologize for, and Luke knows how to grovel. And I love a supportive family. I'm glad I took a chance on a new HistRom author, and I'll be looking out for more from Maitland!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Grace is a mathematician who also lets herself feel all of her emotions. She first met Luke, a scientist, through their mutual mentor, the Earl of Baxter, another scholar. While both Grace and Luke felt an instant connection, he feels inadequate when he sees her dancing with, flirting with, and even kissing rich, titled men, which leads him to drag her in masculine company. She overhears him and they have a definite falling out. Since then, they've reveled in mutual hatred.
When Baxter dies, he leaves behind a trove of coded journals. Luke reluctantly asks Grace for her help decoding them, since he needs their resources to open a museum in a time crunch. Their close proximity makes them face up to the fact that if they can only get over their preconceived notions, they're actually very compatible.
There were a lot of things I liked about this short romance novel: I appreciated that Grace wasn't a blushing virgin and didn't feel ashamed or guilty about her sexual past. I always love a man who can apologize, especially when he can recognize the right thing to apologize for, and Luke knows how to grovel. And I love a supportive family. I'm glad I took a chance on a new HistRom author, and I'll be looking out for more from Maitland!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 1, 2024
"Ash and the Butterfly" by Lark Maitland is a delightful romance that strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming moments and tantalizing spice. The story centers around Grace, a compelling and relatable protagonist who embarks on a journey of love and self-discovery.
Grace's character is beautifully crafted; she is strong yet vulnerable, navigating the ups and downs of her romantic life with a refreshing authenticity. Maitland skillfully explores her emotional landscape, making it easy for readers to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. The chemistry between Grace and her love interest is electric, filled with moments that are both steamy and heartfelt.
The plot unfolds with a blend of typical romance tropes, but Maitland infuses the story with enough originality to keep it engaging. The interactions between Grace and the supporting characters add depth and humor, enhancing the overall narrative. Their friendships and challenges serve as a backdrop to Grace’s personal growth, making her journey even more relatable.
Overall, "Ash and the Butterfly" is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys a classic romance with a touch of spice. Lark Maitland has crafted a charming story that combines emotional depth with engaging romance, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a book that will leave you both satisfied and yearning for more, this is it!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Grace's character is beautifully crafted; she is strong yet vulnerable, navigating the ups and downs of her romantic life with a refreshing authenticity. Maitland skillfully explores her emotional landscape, making it easy for readers to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. The chemistry between Grace and her love interest is electric, filled with moments that are both steamy and heartfelt.
The plot unfolds with a blend of typical romance tropes, but Maitland infuses the story with enough originality to keep it engaging. The interactions between Grace and the supporting characters add depth and humor, enhancing the overall narrative. Their friendships and challenges serve as a backdrop to Grace’s personal growth, making her journey even more relatable.
Overall, "Ash and the Butterfly" is a captivating read for anyone who enjoys a classic romance with a touch of spice. Lark Maitland has crafted a charming story that combines emotional depth with engaging romance, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. If you're looking for a book that will leave you both satisfied and yearning for more, this is it!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and The Secret Library for providing me this ARC.
Holy fucking shit. Jesus Jezibelle and the lords have mercy above. I was NOT expecting to adore this book as much as I did.
First of all, this is seriously the best regency style book I have read. Ever. The language was beautiful, the conversations natural, and EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER was intensely likeable, (besides St. George of course).
This writing, is a gift. I seriously was going into this like "oh it's regency smexy times, its gonna be not the best writing", but ohhhhh my god??????? OH MY GOD??????? "Do you remember when you told me that you are--I think the words were---too much? I never agreed, but once I was apart from you, it became hideously obvious that everyone else was too little." HEL FUCKING LO?!?!?!?!? WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME AT 9:55 PM ON A SCHOOL NIGHT???
The dialogue and writing are some of the best banter I have read in a hot sec. The vulnerability and honestly between Luke and Grace TRANSCENDS me into another dimension. This book was such a fun, engaging and intimate story that really reminds me SO much of Emily and Wendell.
I will say, that the first intimate interaction happens a lil too quickly in the book than what I usually go for in books, but seriously everything else that transpired in this book made it SO worth it and so easy to get over that. Well done, Lark, please give me all your books, your words, and your wisdom. Incredible
Holy fucking shit. Jesus Jezibelle and the lords have mercy above. I was NOT expecting to adore this book as much as I did.
First of all, this is seriously the best regency style book I have read. Ever. The language was beautiful, the conversations natural, and EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER was intensely likeable, (besides St. George of course).
This writing, is a gift. I seriously was going into this like "oh it's regency smexy times, its gonna be not the best writing", but ohhhhh my god??????? OH MY GOD??????? "Do you remember when you told me that you are--I think the words were---too much? I never agreed, but once I was apart from you, it became hideously obvious that everyone else was too little." HEL FUCKING LO?!?!?!?!? WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME AT 9:55 PM ON A SCHOOL NIGHT???
The dialogue and writing are some of the best banter I have read in a hot sec. The vulnerability and honestly between Luke and Grace TRANSCENDS me into another dimension. This book was such a fun, engaging and intimate story that really reminds me SO much of Emily and Wendell.
I will say, that the first intimate interaction happens a lil too quickly in the book than what I usually go for in books, but seriously everything else that transpired in this book made it SO worth it and so easy to get over that. Well done, Lark, please give me all your books, your words, and your wisdom. Incredible
November 17, 2024
When Luke arrives to assist with the late Earl of Bexley’s museum, he quickly find the museum on fire and the earl, dead. Luke and his friends are tasked with the opening of the museum which needs the earl’s field journals deciphered, having been written in code. Without any success, the only person who can help is the Grace Chetwood, a beautiful and clever mathematician. The last time Luke and Grace were together, it ended with him receiving a slap to the face. Grace is glad to leave London, to escape her life, but working with Luke, makes her feel more than she wants to. As they spend many days today, including sleepless nights, they discover that they can infuriate one another as well as fascinate each other.
Lark Maitland is a new author for me and I loved this book, and look forward to delving into this series. The tension between Grace and Luke is palpable and the reasons for their eventual disdain from the last the met, is gradually revealed whilst they come together again to help a mutual friend. Misunderstandings are slowly revealed and are painfully honest. I loved Grace’s intelligence and how Luke was able to see her for who she truly was and not what others thought she was. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lark Maitland is a new author for me and I loved this book, and look forward to delving into this series. The tension between Grace and Luke is palpable and the reasons for their eventual disdain from the last the met, is gradually revealed whilst they come together again to help a mutual friend. Misunderstandings are slowly revealed and are painfully honest. I loved Grace’s intelligence and how Luke was able to see her for who she truly was and not what others thought she was. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Technically second in the series, this irresistible romance is easily read as a standalone. I'm about to give feedback in a review that I absolutely never thought I would say, so I think im just going to write this review in the style of stream of consciousness.
The wit, the highly skilled writing, strong and smart FMC, rivals-to-lovers, it's you or no one at all, the hottest scenes I've possibly ever read... This book is Pride & Prejudice if it was the hottest steamy romance you've ever read without sacrificing any of the qualities we love it for. I mean that with the highest regard. I have never found anything that even comes close to knocking it out of its position as my all-time-favorite, but it truly might have just happened. It will take a couple of re-reads and time for the recency bias to wear off before I make a declaration.
The writing is so highly skilled that I could not breathe at times, much less put it down. In romance, we often have great characters and plot OR the story is just driven by the smut of it all. This book is not just a super hot one night stand. It is falling so deeply in love that it's like there has never been anyone else.
This book hangover is going to hurt. I can't wait to read any and everything Lark Maitland writes from now on.
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Technically second in the series, this irresistible romance is easily read as a standalone. I'm about to give feedback in a review that I absolutely never thought I would say, so I think im just going to write this review in the style of stream of consciousness.
The wit, the highly skilled writing, strong and smart FMC, rivals-to-lovers, it's you or no one at all, the hottest scenes I've possibly ever read... This book is Pride & Prejudice if it was the hottest steamy romance you've ever read without sacrificing any of the qualities we love it for. I mean that with the highest regard. I have never found anything that even comes close to knocking it out of its position as my all-time-favorite, but it truly might have just happened. It will take a couple of re-reads and time for the recency bias to wear off before I make a declaration.
The writing is so highly skilled that I could not breathe at times, much less put it down. In romance, we often have great characters and plot OR the story is just driven by the smut of it all. This book is not just a super hot one night stand. It is falling so deeply in love that it's like there has never been anyone else.
This book hangover is going to hurt. I can't wait to read any and everything Lark Maitland writes from now on.
October 26, 2024
I requested this ARC on a whim, having just read the author’s novella which is a loosely-connected prequel to this, and I’m so glad I did because it’s the most refreshing historical romance I’ve read in ages. The central premise, of mathematician Grace attempting to decode the information hidden in her deceased friend’s journals, has parallels in several of the characters who are hiding facets of their true selves because of society’s expectations or just through fear of being vulnerable. I liked how Grace is depicted as multi-dimensional: highly intelligent and openly emotional and understanding the practicalities of fitting into the world she’s been born into. Her relationship with Luke has sparks from the outset and develops with wit and spice and then emotion that’s downright heart-wrenching. The writing manages to evoke all the feelings throughout: there’s a scene near the end which made me snort-laugh and then almost tear up within a page, and by that time I was fully at the ‘unable to put this down’ stage. My only disappointment is that the author doesn’t (yet) have anything else for me to devour - but I will definitely be looking out for the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
This book is a witty, slow-burn Regency romance that blends intellectual intrigue with sizzling chemistry. When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to open the Earl of Bexley’s new museum, he certainly doesn’t expect to find it in flames—or to be thrown back into the path of Grace Chetwood, the brilliant (and exasperating) woman who once slapped him at a ball.
What follows is a delightful enemies-to-lovers journey, as Luke and Grace are forced to work together decoding the late earl’s encrypted journals. Their sharp banter and simmering tension make every interaction sparkle, and the intellectual sparring is just as engaging as the romantic build-up. Grace is a standout heroine—clever, chaotic, and unafraid to speak her mind—while Luke’s cool exterior hides an undercurrent of vulnerability and passion that gradually unravels.
Set against the backdrop of London society and the world of early science and mathematics, the story offers both charm and substance. Fans of Regency romance looking for strong-willed characters, sharp dialogue, and a slow-burn romance with emotional payoff will absolutely love this one.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
What follows is a delightful enemies-to-lovers journey, as Luke and Grace are forced to work together decoding the late earl’s encrypted journals. Their sharp banter and simmering tension make every interaction sparkle, and the intellectual sparring is just as engaging as the romantic build-up. Grace is a standout heroine—clever, chaotic, and unafraid to speak her mind—while Luke’s cool exterior hides an undercurrent of vulnerability and passion that gradually unravels.
Set against the backdrop of London society and the world of early science and mathematics, the story offers both charm and substance. Fans of Regency romance looking for strong-willed characters, sharp dialogue, and a slow-burn romance with emotional payoff will absolutely love this one.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 4, 2024
What an unexpected gem of a story! I really, really enjoyed this - the tension between the MCs was perfect as they bickered their way into each other's arms. I loved the flashbacks and I was so, so desperate to know what had actually happened (and found what happened perfectly satisfying - these two absolutely know how to use words to wound each other).
Our MMC here is a third son, an author and a scientist adventurer - and such a refreshing main mam after all the gazillion dukes of historical romance. Our FMC is an incredibly intelligent gentlelady and mathematician, who maybe doesn't quite get how her actions appear to others. I liked that they had something external propelling them - the opening of a dear friend’s museum - and I was genuinely curious as to how the hunt for the cipher would work out. There is a subplot involving secondary characters which I felt was handled beautifully - I would happily have read a whole story about them alone.
This is my first story by Lark Maitland, and I'll definitely be reading the first book in this series. Such an enjoyable historical romance!
I read an advance copy of this book, my thoughts are very much my own.
Our MMC here is a third son, an author and a scientist adventurer - and such a refreshing main mam after all the gazillion dukes of historical romance. Our FMC is an incredibly intelligent gentlelady and mathematician, who maybe doesn't quite get how her actions appear to others. I liked that they had something external propelling them - the opening of a dear friend’s museum - and I was genuinely curious as to how the hunt for the cipher would work out. There is a subplot involving secondary characters which I felt was handled beautifully - I would happily have read a whole story about them alone.
This is my first story by Lark Maitland, and I'll definitely be reading the first book in this series. Such an enjoyable historical romance!
I read an advance copy of this book, my thoughts are very much my own.
November 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and not just because it features one of my favourite tropes: enemies to lovers. Summed up, Ash and the Butterfly is about scientist Luke and mathematician Grace having to work together despite not getting along, but then sparks fly. Not literally as they’re in a library.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book transported me straight back to the Regency era. The author did a great job with the writing style, keeping the language true to the Regency era while also making it accessible and enjoyable for modern readers. The characters were also great, they were all distinctive and you understood why they acted in such a way, especially during the flashbacks to when Luke and Grace first meet. Grace is the star of the book for me, and not just because I love a smart and capable female character. I love how the author balanced Grace with making her fit the Regency era but also made her a smart mathematician and who wanted her to follow her own dreams despite society's disapproval.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who wanted a cute, somewhat smutty historical book. .
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book transported me straight back to the Regency era. The author did a great job with the writing style, keeping the language true to the Regency era while also making it accessible and enjoyable for modern readers. The characters were also great, they were all distinctive and you understood why they acted in such a way, especially during the flashbacks to when Luke and Grace first meet. Grace is the star of the book for me, and not just because I love a smart and capable female character. I love how the author balanced Grace with making her fit the Regency era but also made her a smart mathematician and who wanted her to follow her own dreams despite society's disapproval.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who wanted a cute, somewhat smutty historical book. .
November 11, 2024
“Stop. Luke Ashburton is not a cipher. You are not here to solve him.”
Ohhhh, but she was! And she managed to do just that.
I’d consider this an enemies to lovers, scientist hero, forced proximity, with some slow burn spice! 🌶️
When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to open the Earl of Bexley's new museum, the last thing he expects to find is the building on fire. Luke is tasked with overseeing its salvage, but needs the late earl's journals...which are written in code. Luckily, a brilliant mathematician can help. Unfortunately, she is Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind Luke encountered at a ball years ago. The night began with attraction...and ended with a slap to the face.
Just received my ARC of ASH AND THE BUTTERFLY by @larkmaitland through @literaryinspired and I'm already hooked! 📚✨
A brilliant mathematician. A brooding scientist. A mysterious code that brings them together. And a passion that defies all logic.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #AshAndTheButterfly #RegencyRomance
Ohhhh, but she was! And she managed to do just that.
I’d consider this an enemies to lovers, scientist hero, forced proximity, with some slow burn spice! 🌶️
When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to open the Earl of Bexley's new museum, the last thing he expects to find is the building on fire. Luke is tasked with overseeing its salvage, but needs the late earl's journals...which are written in code. Luckily, a brilliant mathematician can help. Unfortunately, she is Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind Luke encountered at a ball years ago. The night began with attraction...and ended with a slap to the face.
Just received my ARC of ASH AND THE BUTTERFLY by @larkmaitland through @literaryinspired and I'm already hooked! 📚✨
A brilliant mathematician. A brooding scientist. A mysterious code that brings them together. And a passion that defies all logic.
#LiteraryInspiredARCs #AshAndTheButterfly #RegencyRomance
November 20, 2024
it is a historical romance which i dont have that many to read and fairly new to this genre . It begins with a terrible loss days before the culmination of years of hard work. There are a group of scientists that find themselves in a state of grief , lost , without guidence and descriptions of several pieces for the exhibition .
" for the two formidable sisters who cheered me on and the uncommon gentleman who took me to the butterfly vivarium"
there are few clues that are in journals that is written in different codes but they need to find a great mathematician to be able to decipher the codes before the opening day of the private muesum..
they have hope when the found a woman Grace Chestwood that have spent years corresponding with the author of the journals aswell as the owner of the museum
i love how the story explains the different kind of grief :
1. the grief of losing a friend and mentor
2. the grief of losing a lover that you were never allowed to love in the first place
3. the grief of wnating someone with all of your heart but being understood for years
" for the two formidable sisters who cheered me on and the uncommon gentleman who took me to the butterfly vivarium"
there are few clues that are in journals that is written in different codes but they need to find a great mathematician to be able to decipher the codes before the opening day of the private muesum..
they have hope when the found a woman Grace Chestwood that have spent years corresponding with the author of the journals aswell as the owner of the museum
i love how the story explains the different kind of grief :
1. the grief of losing a friend and mentor
2. the grief of losing a lover that you were never allowed to love in the first place
3. the grief of wnating someone with all of your heart but being understood for years
November 1, 2024
The book begins with Luke and Grace as enemies. I really appreciated the background info being given in small bits regularly, so not to leave the reader hanging and hanging wondering exactly what happened in the past between them.
All the chapters are titled "In Which .....", which is very clever. The one entitled "In While Luke Suggests a Therapeutic Exercise" was so titillating! In fact all the sexy scenes were absolutely marvelously done. I absolutely felt like I was right there in the room, and my "breath hitched" numerous times! For how well the spice was done, even though it was fairly basic I'd give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The verbal sparring between Luke and Grace was so, so good. *Chef's kiss* Lots of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth vibes!
Nothing to criticize, absolutely loved this book! The plot had me hanging on till the last few pages wondering if it was really possible to get a HEA! I don't often feel like rereading romance novels but this one I definitely will!
All the chapters are titled "In Which .....", which is very clever. The one entitled "In While Luke Suggests a Therapeutic Exercise" was so titillating! In fact all the sexy scenes were absolutely marvelously done. I absolutely felt like I was right there in the room, and my "breath hitched" numerous times! For how well the spice was done, even though it was fairly basic I'd give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The verbal sparring between Luke and Grace was so, so good. *Chef's kiss* Lots of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth vibes!
Nothing to criticize, absolutely loved this book! The plot had me hanging on till the last few pages wondering if it was really possible to get a HEA! I don't often feel like rereading romance novels but this one I definitely will!
December 11, 2024
This book is absolutely wonderful. It is a real enemies to lovers book where they actually each did something to warrant each other's ire, not just some perceived slight or miscommunication.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom as they communicated more and learned more about each other. Every interaction the main couple had was meaningful, complex, and helped us get to know each person individually. It is also great that they each were passionate about something different and respected the importance of each other's work. Once the couple got past their anger, they truly understood each other.
I also really liked the side characters and their scheming.
Most importantly, every scene added something to the plot and the author did not repeat the same concept over and over just to add words. 🙌
This book had emotions, longing, and angst that made you feel both sad and hopeful. Great work!
I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom as they communicated more and learned more about each other. Every interaction the main couple had was meaningful, complex, and helped us get to know each person individually. It is also great that they each were passionate about something different and respected the importance of each other's work. Once the couple got past their anger, they truly understood each other.
I also really liked the side characters and their scheming.
Most importantly, every scene added something to the plot and the author did not repeat the same concept over and over just to add words. 🙌
This book had emotions, longing, and angst that made you feel both sad and hopeful. Great work!
December 13, 2024
Ash and the Butterfly is the second book in the Secret Lives of Regency Ladies series by Lark Maitland but I'll tell you, I haven't read the first book and this one truly stands up on it's own. I wasn't confused on characters or storyline so don't hesitate to pick this one up. My attention was initially caught by the cover but when I read the summary, I couldn't resist - I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one doesn't disappoint.
When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to help open the Earl of Bexley's new museum, he didn't expect to find the building on fire and the Earl himself passed away due to heart problems as a result. Now he is responsible for overseeing the salvage but in order to finish getting everything ready, he needs the Earl's field journals. The only problem is that they are all written in code. On the plus side - there is one brilliant mathematician who can help as the Earl routinely communicated with them in code so it should be something they can help decipher in time for the museum opening. Unfortunately for Luke, that mathematician also happens to be Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind he encountered at a ball years ago and became enamored with only for the night to end with her slapping him in the face.
Grace Chetwood isn't always what people expect. She loves flirting, gossip, and society but many people don't know is that she is also a brilliant mathematician and she has spent years solving codes via letters from the Earl of Bexley. After being introduced to Luke Ashburton at a ball and finding out what he really thought about her, she doesn't hold back and they end the night parting ways after she slaps him. Now it is years later and Grace has found herself in the middle of a scandal and she is now betrothed to someone who has no appreciation for her intelligence. Unfortunately she may not have much choice but she can hold everything off until she gets through this task. All she has to do is face off with the one man she thought she could like but someone fooled her...and now she can't stop thinking about him.
I thought the way Maitland set the stage for these character's backstory was well done. I enjoyed seeing how the attraction started and then how Luke's jealousy as the night progressed, made him do something he immediately regretted. It didn't prompt him to fix it and that obviously is his other mistake but it does set this story up well.
As for Grace, she's clearly looking for something more...she just doesn't know what it is and unfortunately for her, in thinking that the Viscount might be it, she finds herself in a sticky situation that she may not be able to get out of. Heading off to help with the museum is her way of escaping - at least for a little while - and avoiding the things she doesn't want to face. But, now she has to face off with the man who insulted her and the grief of losing someone she was very close to.
I enjoyed these characters and this story. I thought from start to finish that it was engaging and well done. Not only were the characters interesting but the story kept me turning the pages to see how these two would figure things out because there is some angst due to their situations, who they are, and what they want out of life.
If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider grabbing this one. I truly enjoyed it and will be going back to read the first book in the series too!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
When scientist Luke Ashburton arrives to help open the Earl of Bexley's new museum, he didn't expect to find the building on fire and the Earl himself passed away due to heart problems as a result. Now he is responsible for overseeing the salvage but in order to finish getting everything ready, he needs the Earl's field journals. The only problem is that they are all written in code. On the plus side - there is one brilliant mathematician who can help as the Earl routinely communicated with them in code so it should be something they can help decipher in time for the museum opening. Unfortunately for Luke, that mathematician also happens to be Grace Chetwood, a beautiful whirlwind he encountered at a ball years ago and became enamored with only for the night to end with her slapping him in the face.
Grace Chetwood isn't always what people expect. She loves flirting, gossip, and society but many people don't know is that she is also a brilliant mathematician and she has spent years solving codes via letters from the Earl of Bexley. After being introduced to Luke Ashburton at a ball and finding out what he really thought about her, she doesn't hold back and they end the night parting ways after she slaps him. Now it is years later and Grace has found herself in the middle of a scandal and she is now betrothed to someone who has no appreciation for her intelligence. Unfortunately she may not have much choice but she can hold everything off until she gets through this task. All she has to do is face off with the one man she thought she could like but someone fooled her...and now she can't stop thinking about him.
I thought the way Maitland set the stage for these character's backstory was well done. I enjoyed seeing how the attraction started and then how Luke's jealousy as the night progressed, made him do something he immediately regretted. It didn't prompt him to fix it and that obviously is his other mistake but it does set this story up well.
As for Grace, she's clearly looking for something more...she just doesn't know what it is and unfortunately for her, in thinking that the Viscount might be it, she finds herself in a sticky situation that she may not be able to get out of. Heading off to help with the museum is her way of escaping - at least for a little while - and avoiding the things she doesn't want to face. But, now she has to face off with the man who insulted her and the grief of losing someone she was very close to.
I enjoyed these characters and this story. I thought from start to finish that it was engaging and well done. Not only were the characters interesting but the story kept me turning the pages to see how these two would figure things out because there is some angst due to their situations, who they are, and what they want out of life.
If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider grabbing this one. I truly enjoyed it and will be going back to read the first book in the series too!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
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November 19, 2024Well written, full of drama, intrigue, steam, suspense, friends and secrets. Grace is a young woman into solving math issues. She learns about the fire and death of her friend when she is asked to help restore and decipher his journals. She agrees to it as a chance to help the museum and her other friend, Philip. It's there she sees Luke, a third son and a bug man. He there to help repair and redo all that was lost from the fire. Grace and Luke , have lots of things to say about what they feel. Neither will tell the other what they really feel. as they work together, their feelings stir up the fire. Lots of heat and steam between them. Each has their own job to do to get to their happily ever after. Great characters with so many secrets till everything is solved with the journal. Would recommend to others.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
November 22, 2024
Imagine your horror and sadness when after years of challenging work to get the private Bexley Museum open to the public, it catches fire, and everything is destroyed! Trying to get as much of the exhibits together is proving difficult as the clues were written in code in several journals. Grace Chetwood, a brilliant mathematician can help with this task as she has spent many years corresponding with the late earl of Bexley.
Lord Luke Ashburton is elected to lead said restoration to ensure it opens as planned. He must swallow his pride and accept the assistance of the brilliant Grace Chetwood.
Luke and Grace have a history together that must be set aside and try to work together to bring the restoration of Bexley Museum in a timely manner. A good story overall and I enjoyed it. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
Lord Luke Ashburton is elected to lead said restoration to ensure it opens as planned. He must swallow his pride and accept the assistance of the brilliant Grace Chetwood.
Luke and Grace have a history together that must be set aside and try to work together to bring the restoration of Bexley Museum in a timely manner. A good story overall and I enjoyed it. I received an ARC from Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.
December 4, 2024
"Do you remember when you told me that you are -I think the words were- too much? I never agreed, but once I was apart from you, it became hideously obvious that everyone else was too little."
I usually don't read or enjoy Regency era romances, but I adored this. It felt like a mix of Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, and Anatomy a Love Story. I think I enjoyed it so much because the FMC felt more like a women living in the modern day, with more progressive ideas and goals than most from the time she was living in. Enemies-to-lovers feels like a trope that can only be done well in fantasy books, but it was pulled off so beautifully and realistically, the initial disdain they had for each other was so believable. I love Luke's love and awe of Grace's brain and absolutely swooned reading their story. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!
I usually don't read or enjoy Regency era romances, but I adored this. It felt like a mix of Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, and Anatomy a Love Story. I think I enjoyed it so much because the FMC felt more like a women living in the modern day, with more progressive ideas and goals than most from the time she was living in. Enemies-to-lovers feels like a trope that can only be done well in fantasy books, but it was pulled off so beautifully and realistically, the initial disdain they had for each other was so believable. I love Luke's love and awe of Grace's brain and absolutely swooned reading their story. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!
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