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Behind Bars #4
Butterfly
Life has not been easy for Oliver ‘Ollie’ Linton. Convicted of killing his abusive father he finds himself serving a nine-year sentence in Hollybrook sharing a cell with mute prisoner, Teddy Saul.
Teddy has a violent reputation on the wing with inmates and officers wary of his grunts, growls and fists. But Ollie sees a different Teddy. Protective and gentle, Ollie can’t help but get close to his cellmate.
There are reasons he shouldn’t.
Like Teddy being inside for killing four people and his previous cellmate Ryan’s death remaining unexplained, but the biggest reason Ollie shouldn’t get too close is for the simple fact Ollie will one day walk free of Hollybrook but Teddy never will.
That day comes far quicker than either of them anticipate when Ollie has the chance to appeal his conviction. At first, Ollie refuses and Teddy is relieved but days pass and Teddy has a change of heart.
They make a deal, Ollie will appeal if Teddy agrees to let him visit and write but Ollie ends up heartbroken when Teddy cuts him out of his life.
He didn’t want Teddy to let him go, he wanted the opposite, for Teddy to hold on even if they were on different sides of the bars.
Will Teddy explain his reasons?
Will Ollie get his HEA?
Or does what happen in prison stay in prison?
Teddy has a violent reputation on the wing with inmates and officers wary of his grunts, growls and fists. But Ollie sees a different Teddy. Protective and gentle, Ollie can’t help but get close to his cellmate.
There are reasons he shouldn’t.
Like Teddy being inside for killing four people and his previous cellmate Ryan’s death remaining unexplained, but the biggest reason Ollie shouldn’t get too close is for the simple fact Ollie will one day walk free of Hollybrook but Teddy never will.
That day comes far quicker than either of them anticipate when Ollie has the chance to appeal his conviction. At first, Ollie refuses and Teddy is relieved but days pass and Teddy has a change of heart.
They make a deal, Ollie will appeal if Teddy agrees to let him visit and write but Ollie ends up heartbroken when Teddy cuts him out of his life.
He didn’t want Teddy to let him go, he wanted the opposite, for Teddy to hold on even if they were on different sides of the bars.
Will Teddy explain his reasons?
Will Ollie get his HEA?
Or does what happen in prison stay in prison?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2025
74 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Louise Collins
45 books630 followersWriter of mm romance and erotica.
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
Facebook
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 1, 2025
4.5***** stars
Oh my god, this one was everything! All the stars and all my love for Ollie and Teddy. I loved everything about it. The heartmelting parts as well as the heartbreaking ones. It maybe was a tad dramatic there in the last part but the author had to find a way somehow to give them their HEA, right?
I hope there will be many more books in the series and I think it’s time I’m looking for other gems in Ms Collins’ backlist.
⇢ note: please read “Rat”, book three, first if you haven't already.
***********
Behind Bars Series
Book 1 - Freshman - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Psychopath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Rat - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Butterfly - 4.5 stars
“You are like a butterfly,” [Teddy] began. “You are bright, you are beautiful, and you deserve to be free. […]”
”I may want you to stay, but I need you to be free.”
Oh my god, this one was everything! All the stars and all my love for Ollie and Teddy. I loved everything about it. The heartmelting parts as well as the heartbreaking ones. It maybe was a tad dramatic there in the last part but the author had to find a way somehow to give them their HEA, right?
I hope there will be many more books in the series and I think it’s time I’m looking for other gems in Ms Collins’ backlist.
[…] a glimpse of the butterfly. He ignored all the others fluttering around them.
“Your favourite one,” Ollie said with a smile.
Teddy frowned and shook his head.
“Yes, it is.” Teddy bopped Ollie on the nose, and Ollie smiled.
“Apart from me.”
⇢ note: please read “Rat”, book three, first if you haven't already.
***********
Behind Bars Series
Book 1 - Freshman - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Psychopath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Rat - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Butterfly - 4.5 stars
April 27, 2025
3.5
I did struggle to get into this one. Compared to the rest of the series it was just missing something. The characters were nice, their relationship progression was nice...They just didn't have that tension or scandalous aspects of the previous three books and the relationship pairings.
I did cry at some of the reveals and when Ollie was having his appeal, but then nothing much happened again?
The villain was a surprise to me though, and even though the outcome did feel a little overly convenient, it was still nice to see where Ollie, Teddy, Rory, Sebastian and Captain ended up.
I don't know if there's a book to come for Captain and Jarvis though, because Captain is obviously out of prison now. I think I'd be interested to see their story though.
I did struggle to get into this one. Compared to the rest of the series it was just missing something. The characters were nice, their relationship progression was nice...They just didn't have that tension or scandalous aspects of the previous three books and the relationship pairings.
I did cry at some of the reveals and when Ollie was having his appeal, but then nothing much happened again?
The villain was a surprise to me though, and even though the outcome did feel a little overly convenient, it was still nice to see where Ollie, Teddy, Rory, Sebastian and Captain ended up.
I don't know if there's a book to come for Captain and Jarvis though, because Captain is obviously out of prison now. I think I'd be interested to see their story though.
May 26, 2025
I really loved this series!
Books 1 and 2 were more standalone stories, but books 2 and 3 went together perfectly.
Do you have to suspend belief a bit? Yes. But that doesn't matter. Still wonderful stories, with beautiful characters.
I really hope the author decides to write more in this behind bars series.
Books 1 and 2 were more standalone stories, but books 2 and 3 went together perfectly.
Do you have to suspend belief a bit? Yes. But that doesn't matter. Still wonderful stories, with beautiful characters.
I really hope the author decides to write more in this behind bars series.
April 6, 2025
4.5
I think this started a little slow for me and then all of a sudden I’ve stayed up til 1, binged 70% and cried. I didn’t actually see that coming! I think this went from I like this book to omg I love this 😂 rounding up cause I literally couldn’t stop.
I think this started a little slow for me and then all of a sudden I’ve stayed up til 1, binged 70% and cried. I didn’t actually see that coming! I think this went from I like this book to omg I love this 😂 rounding up cause I literally couldn’t stop.
June 4, 2025
Tropes: age gap, hurt/comfort, forced proximity
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abusive alcoholic father, child abuse, murder, violence, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, mute MMC, third act break up
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them have any interest in anyone else during the course of this book. There are some references to Teddy's ex but that relationship is very much over and there are no feelings. Teddy is Ollie's first and only
4.25 stars
Ollie was raised by a alcoholic abusive father. He has a younger brother Leo. Ollie was willing to take his father's abuse as long as Leo and him could stay together and Leo was safe, but when he found out that his father had started abusing Leo too, Ollie snapped. He murdered his father and was sent to prison for 9 years. His cellmate is Teddy, a mute man who is 13 years older than him, who is in jail for having killed four people. Everyone is afraid of Teddy. But Ollie cares enough to find ways to communicate with Teddy and get to know him. Teddy is extremely protective of Ollie. Over the next two years they form a real close attachment to each other and after a long time their relationship turns romantic and sexual.
Then Ollie gets a chance to appeal his sentence, and Teddy pushes him to do it because Ollie is not safe in prison and Teddy wants the best for him. Ollie will only do it though if Teddy agrees to keep communication going between them if he does get released. But Teddy quickly breaks his promise and both men are heartbroken. It turns out there's threats outside of prison and Ollie's not safe and secrets are going to come out. Can Teddy and Ollie get a happy ending?
This was such an emotional story. I think I spent half the book crying. So you know it's good when the author makes you feel as much as I felt. Ollie and Teddy had such a pure connection, they cared for each other and gave each other some things that neither of them had had before, there was a codependent deep love between them. They both made the other person their priority, they were the most important person to them above themselves. When Teddy pushed Ollie away, the heartbreak was so deep. They had a hard won and well deserved happily ever after.
I liked seeing Rory and Sebastian again.
Some notable moments:
"Ollie’s mouth went dry. “I… Are we exclusive? If we’re not, that’s going to be a deal-breaker for me. I don’t want to share you.” Teddy searched the dictionary, then jabbed his finger at the page in a frenzy, like he was possessed. His eyes were hard, unblinking, and his nostrils flared. Exclusive. He didn’t like the idea of sharing either. “Good,” Ollie exhaled."
"“It will kill me if you don’t take this chance. I’m never getting out of here and you always were. You always had a life to start on the outside and I want it for you so badly it hurts. Please don’t turn it away. I can’t be the reason my butterfly stays locked in a cage any longer than he has to. You have to try. I may want you to stay, but I need you to be free. Do this for me.”"
Three volunteers to teach Ollie how to drive, it's a sweet thought but.... "“I’ll teach you,” Captain said firmly. He pointed at Rory. “With him barely able to keep his eyes open—” “Hey!” Rory squawked. Captain turned his finger on Sebastian. “And him clearly needing glasses—” “The rent’s going up,” Sebastian said, squinting. “I’m the safest person to do it.” “Weren’t you arrested for drunk driving?” Rory murmured. Captain hesitated. “Shit.”"
"“Teddy’s not going to care about a few wrinkles on the bed.” Captain snorted. “So you’re admitting as soon as he’s through the door, you’re going straight to the bedroom?” Ollie’s cheeks reddened. Captain sighed. “And that is why I’m staying with Rory and Sebastian tonight.” “They have sex too.” “I’m sure they do, but their walls are a lot thicker than mine, and I’d rather not hear snarling and growling as you two get reacquainted.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 2.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: high
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abusive alcoholic father, child abuse, murder, violence, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, mute MMC, third act break up
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: neither of them have any interest in anyone else during the course of this book. There are some references to Teddy's ex but that relationship is very much over and there are no feelings. Teddy is Ollie's first and only
4.25 stars
Ollie was raised by a alcoholic abusive father. He has a younger brother Leo. Ollie was willing to take his father's abuse as long as Leo and him could stay together and Leo was safe, but when he found out that his father had started abusing Leo too, Ollie snapped. He murdered his father and was sent to prison for 9 years. His cellmate is Teddy, a mute man who is 13 years older than him, who is in jail for having killed four people. Everyone is afraid of Teddy. But Ollie cares enough to find ways to communicate with Teddy and get to know him. Teddy is extremely protective of Ollie. Over the next two years they form a real close attachment to each other and after a long time their relationship turns romantic and sexual.
Then Ollie gets a chance to appeal his sentence, and Teddy pushes him to do it because Ollie is not safe in prison and Teddy wants the best for him. Ollie will only do it though if Teddy agrees to keep communication going between them if he does get released. But Teddy quickly breaks his promise and both men are heartbroken. It turns out there's threats outside of prison and Ollie's not safe and secrets are going to come out. Can Teddy and Ollie get a happy ending?
This was such an emotional story. I think I spent half the book crying. So you know it's good when the author makes you feel as much as I felt. Ollie and Teddy had such a pure connection, they cared for each other and gave each other some things that neither of them had had before, there was a codependent deep love between them. They both made the other person their priority, they were the most important person to them above themselves. When Teddy pushed Ollie away, the heartbreak was so deep. They had a hard won and well deserved happily ever after.
I liked seeing Rory and Sebastian again.
Some notable moments:
"Ollie’s mouth went dry. “I… Are we exclusive? If we’re not, that’s going to be a deal-breaker for me. I don’t want to share you.” Teddy searched the dictionary, then jabbed his finger at the page in a frenzy, like he was possessed. His eyes were hard, unblinking, and his nostrils flared. Exclusive. He didn’t like the idea of sharing either. “Good,” Ollie exhaled."
"“It will kill me if you don’t take this chance. I’m never getting out of here and you always were. You always had a life to start on the outside and I want it for you so badly it hurts. Please don’t turn it away. I can’t be the reason my butterfly stays locked in a cage any longer than he has to. You have to try. I may want you to stay, but I need you to be free. Do this for me.”"
Three volunteers to teach Ollie how to drive, it's a sweet thought but.... "“I’ll teach you,” Captain said firmly. He pointed at Rory. “With him barely able to keep his eyes open—” “Hey!” Rory squawked. Captain turned his finger on Sebastian. “And him clearly needing glasses—” “The rent’s going up,” Sebastian said, squinting. “I’m the safest person to do it.” “Weren’t you arrested for drunk driving?” Rory murmured. Captain hesitated. “Shit.”"
"“Teddy’s not going to care about a few wrinkles on the bed.” Captain snorted. “So you’re admitting as soon as he’s through the door, you’re going straight to the bedroom?” Ollie’s cheeks reddened. Captain sighed. “And that is why I’m staying with Rory and Sebastian tonight.” “They have sex too.” “I’m sure they do, but their walls are a lot thicker than mine, and I’d rather not hear snarling and growling as you two get reacquainted.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
3.5 stars!!
I was not expecting to get Ollie’s story because it was connected to the last book and so far all the books in this series have been standalones. So I was pleasantly surprised!!
With that being said this one wasn’t my favorite. As I’ve said before I feel like this authors books mainly have romance in them but I wouldn’t call them romance books because theres always more going on but it’s always entertaining. This one however didn’t have the greatest plot. I felt like I couldn’t connect to it as much. The romance was at the beginning of the book and then the characters spent the middle of the book apart and barely had contact. I did like when we saw them together though. It was clear how much they cared about each other. Teddy was super protective which I loved and he would do anything for Ollie. Ollie was sweet and always defended Teddy because he knew him better than anyone. So yeah they complimented each other very well.
I really hope Captains book is next!!!
-NO CHEATING
-TEDDY IS PROTECTIVE AND POSSESSIVE
-SEPARATION DURING MIDDLE OF BOOK BUT IT WASN’T CLEAR HOW LONG IT WAS FOR
-VIRGIN MC
-MUTE AND DISABLED MC
-AGE GAP 19/30s
-ATTEMPTED SA ON MC
-TALK OF PAST ABUSE TO MC
-TALK OF MURDER
-HFN/HEA
I was not expecting to get Ollie’s story because it was connected to the last book and so far all the books in this series have been standalones. So I was pleasantly surprised!!
With that being said this one wasn’t my favorite. As I’ve said before I feel like this authors books mainly have romance in them but I wouldn’t call them romance books because theres always more going on but it’s always entertaining. This one however didn’t have the greatest plot. I felt like I couldn’t connect to it as much. The romance was at the beginning of the book and then the characters spent the middle of the book apart and barely had contact. I did like when we saw them together though. It was clear how much they cared about each other. Teddy was super protective which I loved and he would do anything for Ollie. Ollie was sweet and always defended Teddy because he knew him better than anyone. So yeah they complimented each other very well.
I really hope Captains book is next!!!
-NO CHEATING
-TEDDY IS PROTECTIVE AND POSSESSIVE
-SEPARATION DURING MIDDLE OF BOOK BUT IT WASN’T CLEAR HOW LONG IT WAS FOR
-VIRGIN MC
-MUTE AND DISABLED MC
-AGE GAP 19/30s
-ATTEMPTED SA ON MC
-TALK OF PAST ABUSE TO MC
-TALK OF MURDER
-HFN/HEA
November 15, 2025
4⭐️ the emotions are great in this series. The love stories are totally worth the read. But the plots are very far-fetched. But I guess that’s what you get with a romance about prisoners that need to end up happy and free at the end. I loved the first half of this especially. I should have read Rat first though. I skipped it because the ratings were low but the plot in this one seemed very much like a continuation of that.
April 29, 2025
Oh. My. God.
Just finished reading, and it was AMAZING. From all the previous books in the series, I think I loved this one the most, and that says a lot because the other three were also so so good. I just loved the relationship between Teddy and Ollie. I already suspected Teddy to be a soft cuddly teddybear from his first appearance in 'Rat', and I was so right, but i think he was even better than I imagined. The way he wanted to protect Ollie from everything that could possibly hurt him, even if it meant hurting himself or getting left behind.
Now I'm just praying the author is planning on giving Captain his own book because I just felt the tension between him and that psychiatrist in the previous book, and this story only made it worse (in a good way) , so now I want the story 👀
Just finished reading, and it was AMAZING. From all the previous books in the series, I think I loved this one the most, and that says a lot because the other three were also so so good. I just loved the relationship between Teddy and Ollie. I already suspected Teddy to be a soft cuddly teddybear from his first appearance in 'Rat', and I was so right, but i think he was even better than I imagined. The way he wanted to protect Ollie from everything that could possibly hurt him, even if it meant hurting himself or getting left behind.
Now I'm just praying the author is planning on giving Captain his own book because I just felt the tension between him and that psychiatrist in the previous book, and this story only made it worse (in a good way) , so now I want the story 👀
Read
May 28, 2025DNF’d at 20%.
April 7, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC for Butterfly and let me tell you, I loved it so much.
This was the story I was waiting for from the first time I met Ollie in The Rat.
Louise really captured Teddy and Ollie in such a realistic way that I feel I can see them on each page.
The story is well written and you even get to have a bit more of Rory and Sebastian which just adds to the greatness of the series.
When I started reading, I was getting worried and thought how will these two get the HEA they deserve but they did and the journey towards that was amazing.
I say this with all Louise’s books but honestly, I really loved this story and she always writes in a way that just makes you wish you had another series from her in your TBR list. I however decided to reread The Rat again just to get out of my book hangover.
Please do yourself a favour and read this, it really is brilliant.
Well done Louise Collins, another great story that was well written. I really love Ollie and Teddy, they are very special. xx
This was the story I was waiting for from the first time I met Ollie in The Rat.
Louise really captured Teddy and Ollie in such a realistic way that I feel I can see them on each page.
The story is well written and you even get to have a bit more of Rory and Sebastian which just adds to the greatness of the series.
When I started reading, I was getting worried and thought how will these two get the HEA they deserve but they did and the journey towards that was amazing.
I say this with all Louise’s books but honestly, I really loved this story and she always writes in a way that just makes you wish you had another series from her in your TBR list. I however decided to reread The Rat again just to get out of my book hangover.
Please do yourself a favour and read this, it really is brilliant.
Well done Louise Collins, another great story that was well written. I really love Ollie and Teddy, they are very special. xx
April 27, 2025
This book! So amazing! I love Louise Collins and this book is no exception. It was maybe my new favourite of the series! Who doesn’t love Teddy, I was so happy for him and Ollie. He deserved all the happiness, Ollie too! And Captain, I was thinking he had a little crush. Seems so did Jarvis! Loved it all! And when I re-read it, I’ll loved it more!!!
April 28, 2025
Another fantastic read from Louise Collins. Her prison books are a pleasure to read and I’ve loved every one of them. Hopefully there will be more to come.
June 1, 2025
I'm going to be honest, at the beginning I thought this one would be the best of this series, but the last part was dragging a bit for me. I absolutely love their relationship, and that's what I love the most. So the beginning was amazing. But then I was wondering how the author would get Teddy out of the prison and the solution was disappointing. It's okay, it doesn't need to be super realistic, but it was so forced. There was too much... I don't know.
So that's it, I really loved their love story and the fact that it ended happily, but I wasn't a fan of how the ending came about.
So that's it, I really loved their love story and the fact that it ended happily, but I wasn't a fan of how the ending came about.
May 7, 2025
Why is no one raving about this amazing series?! It's soooo good. I did NOT see that ending!
April 29, 2025
I enjoy it soo much ✨
This is by far the most emotional one for me from the series 🥹 my heart break for both Teddy & Ollie 😭😭 from the beginning i am not sure how they their ending will be, how it will wrap up at the end…but with the unexpected revealing truth that happen near the end 🤯 i didn’t predict that coming but glad it did because with that they get to be together 😭😭♥️
At some point of reading i was also as frustrated with Teddy as Ollie did because how tight lip he is with his pass & how he literally broke his promise with Ollie and didn’t reply Ollie letter 😭😭😭 it was so heartbreaking to read their fights but i am so glad how strong Ollie are, the fact after everything he still didn’t give up to Teddy (also he did plan to get a clean break but still to me he didn’t 💯 give up) ——— after all the revelations i did come to understand Teddy action which make it more hurt for everything that happen 💔😭 I am glad that get their hard won HEA ♥️
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“You still have me,” Captain said.
“I know, but…you’ll only be with me for half my sentence.”
Teddy squeezed Ollie tight, eyes wild as he searched Ollie’s face for something. His expression pleaded; it begged. There was a desperation to it in the way his eyebrows twitched and his forehead contorted.
“I’ve got you,” Ollie whispered. “I know I have.”
Teddy exhaled, relaxing his hold until his grip was comfortable again.
His nods were exaggerated, slow, as if he wanted to convince Ollie that was true.
Ollie didn’t need convincing, though.
€
There was another knock on the door, three gentle taps.
Ollie rolled his eyes, smiling fondly. “It’s your cell too.”
Teddy stepped inside with a shrug.
“I’m writing back to Leo,” Ollie said. “I’m going to send him one of my sketches, prove I’m not lying about being able to draw.”
Teddy’s eyes widened. He darted an alarmed look at the wall.
“Don’t worry.” Ollie chuckled. “Your collection is safe.”
Teddy exhaled, sagging down to the bed.
€
Teddy’s smile grew to a dazzling grin again. He nodded.
“But I swear, Teddy, if I wake up to one burrowing into my ear, eating my brain, I won’t be happy with you.”
Teddy surged up and smacked a kiss to Ollie’s mouth.
“And we have to put a towel or something over them when we’re intimate. I don’t want to get distracted…or, more likely, for you to get distracted.”
Teddy chuckled but agreed with another nod.
“And if you start to give them more attention than me, I will throw them out of the window.”
Teddy froze, wide-eyed.
“I was joking,” Ollie said. He pouted. “But kind of not too.”
€
Teddy nudged him again, raising his eyebrows, wanting Ollie to speak the words he couldn’t.
“You are like a butterfly,” Ollie began. “You are bright, you are beautiful, and you deserve to be free. Despite what you think in your darkest moments, you do not belong in here. You slayed your demon, and that makes you stronger than I am.”
Ollie folded his brow, running his finger beneath the words ‘your demon’, beneath the whole sentence. The your stuck in his head, like there was more than one.
Teddy nudged him to keep reading.
“You are strong enough to survive out there without me, not only survive but flourish.”
Ollie gave Teddy a questioning look, but Teddy tapped the page.
“You tell me there is nothing on the outside for you, but there is. There is a life full of smiles, and laughter, and people. There are sights, and there are smells and experiences you can not have in here. It’s a colourful life, and I want you to have it. I was never supposed to be your everything.”
Ollie’s throat tightened. “But you ar—”
Teddy glanced down at the page. “I wanted to keep you safe until it was time for you to leave me, but I can’t. I can’t keep you safe in here. It’s dangerous and things change. They could transfer me or transfer you or you could be hurt or worse. It would kill me if anything happened to you.”
€
Teddy flicked through the dictionary. “Unnatural.”
Ollie blinked. “What?”
Teddy shook his head, searching for another word. “Circumstance.”
“You think the only reason I feel like this is because we’re in here.” Ollie glanced around the cell. “You don’t think we’d have been like this if we’d met on the outside?”
Teddy shook his head. He pointed out words, and Ollie looked with a sinking sensation in his gut.
Not meant to be.
It hurt. Ollie cupped his chest where he’d felt the sharp pain. His ribs were brittle, and he took slow breaths in and out in case they might crack and cut into him.
He hadn’t said the words, those three little words, but they’d been there, and rather than Teddy saying them back, he’d called Ollie’s love unnatural, born of circumstance.
Not meant to be.
There was no forever. Ollie knew it, but he didn’t like to dwell on it. It could be nine years; it could be only one more day if the governor had either of them moved.
They wouldn’t have a happy ending, not in the traditional sense.
€
Teddy frowned until his eyes were slits.
“Am I worth learning how to write for?”
When Teddy didn’t answer, Ollie sighed. “I was kind of hoping for a yes.”
Teddy nodded, but it was slow, reluctant almost.
“Whatever happens today, I will keep you in my life. I’ll write. I’ll visit. I’ll even pick up your calls. It’ll be harder to understand you over the phone, but we’ll manage. I’ll probably just rattle on about rubbish, just cough three times when you’ve had enough or something.” He laughed softly; it was that or cry. “Please, Teddy, I did this for you. Please do this for me.”
€
Sometimes you know, and you’ll do everything to keep that person in your life.
It wasn’t meant to be.
They weren’t meant to be.
“I’m going to let him go.”
Rory widened his eyes.
“I’m going to let him go to give myself the chance of finding someone who will feel for me the same way I do for them. Against all odds. I want what you and Sebastian have, and I thought… I thought I could have a piece of that with Teddy. I would’ve been happy with a piece, but now…one more letter to say goodbye.” Ollie nodded to himself. “Just one more.”
€
“But I don’t trust you with my heart, not anymore.”
Teddy cried silently at that, and Ollie couldn’t look at him.
They didn’t talk for the rest of the session. Ollie spent it glaring at Teddy, then looking away confused, only to glare again. It hurt to love and hate someone at the same time.
€
The closest officer cleared his throat. “It’s time to say your goodbyes.”
Teddy glared at him.
Ollie snorted softly. “He didn’t mean it like that.” He pressed a quick kiss to Teddy’s cheek as he untangled himself from his arms. “Send me another visiting form.”
Teddy didn’t shake his head, but he didn’t nod either.
“Goddamn it, Teddy, you’d better,” Ollie said, moving away. “Do the opposite, remember? Hold on to me, and don’t let me go.”
Teddy nodded, but it was small, tentative.
This is by far the most emotional one for me from the series 🥹 my heart break for both Teddy & Ollie 😭😭 from the beginning i am not sure how they their ending will be, how it will wrap up at the end…but with the unexpected revealing truth that happen near the end 🤯 i didn’t predict that coming but glad it did because with that they get to be together 😭😭♥️
At some point of reading i was also as frustrated with Teddy as Ollie did because how tight lip he is with his pass & how he literally broke his promise with Ollie and didn’t reply Ollie letter 😭😭😭 it was so heartbreaking to read their fights but i am so glad how strong Ollie are, the fact after everything he still didn’t give up to Teddy (also he did plan to get a clean break but still to me he didn’t 💯 give up) ——— after all the revelations i did come to understand Teddy action which make it more hurt for everything that happen 💔😭 I am glad that get their hard won HEA ♥️
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“You still have me,” Captain said.
“I know, but…you’ll only be with me for half my sentence.”
Teddy squeezed Ollie tight, eyes wild as he searched Ollie’s face for something. His expression pleaded; it begged. There was a desperation to it in the way his eyebrows twitched and his forehead contorted.
“I’ve got you,” Ollie whispered. “I know I have.”
Teddy exhaled, relaxing his hold until his grip was comfortable again.
His nods were exaggerated, slow, as if he wanted to convince Ollie that was true.
Ollie didn’t need convincing, though.
€
There was another knock on the door, three gentle taps.
Ollie rolled his eyes, smiling fondly. “It’s your cell too.”
Teddy stepped inside with a shrug.
“I’m writing back to Leo,” Ollie said. “I’m going to send him one of my sketches, prove I’m not lying about being able to draw.”
Teddy’s eyes widened. He darted an alarmed look at the wall.
“Don’t worry.” Ollie chuckled. “Your collection is safe.”
Teddy exhaled, sagging down to the bed.
€
Teddy’s smile grew to a dazzling grin again. He nodded.
“But I swear, Teddy, if I wake up to one burrowing into my ear, eating my brain, I won’t be happy with you.”
Teddy surged up and smacked a kiss to Ollie’s mouth.
“And we have to put a towel or something over them when we’re intimate. I don’t want to get distracted…or, more likely, for you to get distracted.”
Teddy chuckled but agreed with another nod.
“And if you start to give them more attention than me, I will throw them out of the window.”
Teddy froze, wide-eyed.
“I was joking,” Ollie said. He pouted. “But kind of not too.”
€
Teddy nudged him again, raising his eyebrows, wanting Ollie to speak the words he couldn’t.
“You are like a butterfly,” Ollie began. “You are bright, you are beautiful, and you deserve to be free. Despite what you think in your darkest moments, you do not belong in here. You slayed your demon, and that makes you stronger than I am.”
Ollie folded his brow, running his finger beneath the words ‘your demon’, beneath the whole sentence. The your stuck in his head, like there was more than one.
Teddy nudged him to keep reading.
“You are strong enough to survive out there without me, not only survive but flourish.”
Ollie gave Teddy a questioning look, but Teddy tapped the page.
“You tell me there is nothing on the outside for you, but there is. There is a life full of smiles, and laughter, and people. There are sights, and there are smells and experiences you can not have in here. It’s a colourful life, and I want you to have it. I was never supposed to be your everything.”
Ollie’s throat tightened. “But you ar—”
Teddy glanced down at the page. “I wanted to keep you safe until it was time for you to leave me, but I can’t. I can’t keep you safe in here. It’s dangerous and things change. They could transfer me or transfer you or you could be hurt or worse. It would kill me if anything happened to you.”
€
Teddy flicked through the dictionary. “Unnatural.”
Ollie blinked. “What?”
Teddy shook his head, searching for another word. “Circumstance.”
“You think the only reason I feel like this is because we’re in here.” Ollie glanced around the cell. “You don’t think we’d have been like this if we’d met on the outside?”
Teddy shook his head. He pointed out words, and Ollie looked with a sinking sensation in his gut.
Not meant to be.
It hurt. Ollie cupped his chest where he’d felt the sharp pain. His ribs were brittle, and he took slow breaths in and out in case they might crack and cut into him.
He hadn’t said the words, those three little words, but they’d been there, and rather than Teddy saying them back, he’d called Ollie’s love unnatural, born of circumstance.
Not meant to be.
There was no forever. Ollie knew it, but he didn’t like to dwell on it. It could be nine years; it could be only one more day if the governor had either of them moved.
They wouldn’t have a happy ending, not in the traditional sense.
€
Teddy frowned until his eyes were slits.
“Am I worth learning how to write for?”
When Teddy didn’t answer, Ollie sighed. “I was kind of hoping for a yes.”
Teddy nodded, but it was slow, reluctant almost.
“Whatever happens today, I will keep you in my life. I’ll write. I’ll visit. I’ll even pick up your calls. It’ll be harder to understand you over the phone, but we’ll manage. I’ll probably just rattle on about rubbish, just cough three times when you’ve had enough or something.” He laughed softly; it was that or cry. “Please, Teddy, I did this for you. Please do this for me.”
€
Sometimes you know, and you’ll do everything to keep that person in your life.
It wasn’t meant to be.
They weren’t meant to be.
“I’m going to let him go.”
Rory widened his eyes.
“I’m going to let him go to give myself the chance of finding someone who will feel for me the same way I do for them. Against all odds. I want what you and Sebastian have, and I thought… I thought I could have a piece of that with Teddy. I would’ve been happy with a piece, but now…one more letter to say goodbye.” Ollie nodded to himself. “Just one more.”
€
“But I don’t trust you with my heart, not anymore.”
Teddy cried silently at that, and Ollie couldn’t look at him.
They didn’t talk for the rest of the session. Ollie spent it glaring at Teddy, then looking away confused, only to glare again. It hurt to love and hate someone at the same time.
€
The closest officer cleared his throat. “It’s time to say your goodbyes.”
Teddy glared at him.
Ollie snorted softly. “He didn’t mean it like that.” He pressed a quick kiss to Teddy’s cheek as he untangled himself from his arms. “Send me another visiting form.”
Teddy didn’t shake his head, but he didn’t nod either.
“Goddamn it, Teddy, you’d better,” Ollie said, moving away. “Do the opposite, remember? Hold on to me, and don’t let me go.”
Teddy nodded, but it was small, tentative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
Highly recommend reading Rat before this book or you’ll feel like you’ve been dropped in the middle of the story. I’ve read Rat and I still felt that way.
Teddy and Ollie already have a close relationship at the start of this book. They are physically affectionate and Ollie knows Teddy so well that he knows what he’s saying with just a look. I wish this started at the beginning of that relationship so I felt some sort of connection to them.
Then suddenly they have sex 20% in and the next chapter 6 weeks have passed and Ollie talks about all the sex they’ve been having?? Wtf?? DNF because I’m sick of everything fun happening off page
Teddy and Ollie already have a close relationship at the start of this book. They are physically affectionate and Ollie knows Teddy so well that he knows what he’s saying with just a look. I wish this started at the beginning of that relationship so I felt some sort of connection to them.
Then suddenly they have sex 20% in and the next chapter 6 weeks have passed and Ollie talks about all the sex they’ve been having?? Wtf?? DNF because I’m sick of everything fun happening off page
January 16, 2026
Continuing on a dark romance kick...and oddly enough a TBR/Beat-The-Backlog kick (and ignoring my ARCs kick). Here's Louise Collins's "Butterfly." It's the fourth novel in her Behind Bars series.
["Life has not been easy for Oliver ‘Ollie’ Linton. Convicted of killing his abusive father he finds himself serving a nine-year sentence in Hollybrook sharing a cell with mute prisoner, Teddy Saul.
Teddy has a violent reputation on the wing with inmates and officers wary of his grunts, growls and fists. But Ollie sees a different Teddy. Protective and gentle, Ollie can’t help but get close to his cellmate.
There are reasons he shouldn’t.
Like Teddy being inside for killing four people and his previous cellmate Ryan’s death remaining unexplained, but the biggest reason Ollie shouldn’t get too close is for the simple fact Ollie will one day walk free of Hollybrook but Teddy never will.
That day comes far quicker than either of them anticipate when Ollie has the chance to appeal his conviction. At first, Ollie refuses and Teddy is relieved but days pass and Teddy has a change of heart.
They make a deal, Ollie will appeal if Teddy agrees to let him visit and write but Ollie ends up heartbroken when Teddy cuts him out of his life.
He didn’t want Teddy to let him go, he wanted the opposite, for Teddy to hold on even if they were on different sides of the bars.
Will Teddy explain his reasons?
Will Ollie get his HEA?
Or does what happen in prison stay in prison?"]
I wasn’t sure these two needed their own book, until I read the blurb. Now I see where else their relationship might go..or not (ready the tissues).
These two were adorable as hell. All of the communicating without words, all of the trust, all of the moments of safety and comfort and home. All wrapped up in a prison-shaped bubble that isn't safe or comfortable or home.
They don't have much blood family left, but the found family they created were strong and loud in their love and support. It was exactly what they needed. Especially when shit starts to hit the fan.
Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, threats, past domestic abuse, past child abuse, blackmail, assault, and more.
#freshman #psychopath #rat #butterfly #louisecollins #behindbars #behindbarsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Life has not been easy for Oliver ‘Ollie’ Linton. Convicted of killing his abusive father he finds himself serving a nine-year sentence in Hollybrook sharing a cell with mute prisoner, Teddy Saul.
Teddy has a violent reputation on the wing with inmates and officers wary of his grunts, growls and fists. But Ollie sees a different Teddy. Protective and gentle, Ollie can’t help but get close to his cellmate.
There are reasons he shouldn’t.
Like Teddy being inside for killing four people and his previous cellmate Ryan’s death remaining unexplained, but the biggest reason Ollie shouldn’t get too close is for the simple fact Ollie will one day walk free of Hollybrook but Teddy never will.
That day comes far quicker than either of them anticipate when Ollie has the chance to appeal his conviction. At first, Ollie refuses and Teddy is relieved but days pass and Teddy has a change of heart.
They make a deal, Ollie will appeal if Teddy agrees to let him visit and write but Ollie ends up heartbroken when Teddy cuts him out of his life.
He didn’t want Teddy to let him go, he wanted the opposite, for Teddy to hold on even if they were on different sides of the bars.
Will Teddy explain his reasons?
Will Ollie get his HEA?
Or does what happen in prison stay in prison?"]
I wasn’t sure these two needed their own book, until I read the blurb. Now I see where else their relationship might go..or not (ready the tissues).
These two were adorable as hell. All of the communicating without words, all of the trust, all of the moments of safety and comfort and home. All wrapped up in a prison-shaped bubble that isn't safe or comfortable or home.
They don't have much blood family left, but the found family they created were strong and loud in their love and support. It was exactly what they needed. Especially when shit starts to hit the fan.
Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, threats, past domestic abuse, past child abuse, blackmail, assault, and more.
#freshman #psychopath #rat #butterfly #louisecollins #behindbars #behindbarsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 16, 2025
I am such a dummy, I keep forgetting to write reviews when I finish something!
I love Louise Collins's prison romances and her Magpie Rhyme series (that's same heroes, Chad and Romeo). This is a book connected to the prison books (Behind Bars), but feels more stand-alone, just has some continuing characters. This book focuses on Ollie and Teddy.
Teddy's got a rep. He doesn't speak or read. His previous cellmate died mysteriously. No one messes with him. Getting thrown into his cell should be scary-bad for sweet Ollie, but...oh no. Sometimes all one scary-dangerous-bad dude needs is someone to be kind to him...
I can't even sum up the chaotic journey that is Ollie and Teddy. They're incredibly sweet together, in the backdrop of the stark, unforgiving prison world. Ollie Gets Teddy. Teddy protects Ollie. But there's something going on under the surface that just won't let them be, and you've gotta read it to find out what's lurking in the sewage of someone's life. Something insidiously poisonous.
Ah, seeing Ollie and Teddy bond and fall in love in this very Stockholm-ish situation...it's just as good as any of Louise's prison books (Freshman, Psychopath, Rat—which is the book most connected to this one, MCs from that book are SCs here, but, it wouldn't be confusing if you haven't read that yet.
A couple things bumped me out of the read in this one in ways that didn't happen in the previous, lowering my rating. First, someone gives up at one point, and I just didn't believe that was in character. It was disappointing. Then, for some reason this book went to the cliche villain tell-all at the end. That never works for me.
Otherwise, though, pure gold prison romance.
HEA, hard-fought, hurt-comfort, prisoners falling in love in wretched circumstances, selectively mute (or might be mute? I don't remember sorry!) hero, sign (not official, just familiar signs bt heroes) and body language dialogue. And yes...butterflies are symbolic and important and beautiful and have a Moment here. Highly recommnded as is all LC's work if you're into prison or falling for a serial killer (Magpie series) Stuff.
I love Louise Collins's prison romances and her Magpie Rhyme series (that's same heroes, Chad and Romeo). This is a book connected to the prison books (Behind Bars), but feels more stand-alone, just has some continuing characters. This book focuses on Ollie and Teddy.
Teddy's got a rep. He doesn't speak or read. His previous cellmate died mysteriously. No one messes with him. Getting thrown into his cell should be scary-bad for sweet Ollie, but...oh no. Sometimes all one scary-dangerous-bad dude needs is someone to be kind to him...
I can't even sum up the chaotic journey that is Ollie and Teddy. They're incredibly sweet together, in the backdrop of the stark, unforgiving prison world. Ollie Gets Teddy. Teddy protects Ollie. But there's something going on under the surface that just won't let them be, and you've gotta read it to find out what's lurking in the sewage of someone's life. Something insidiously poisonous.
Ah, seeing Ollie and Teddy bond and fall in love in this very Stockholm-ish situation...it's just as good as any of Louise's prison books (Freshman, Psychopath, Rat—which is the book most connected to this one, MCs from that book are SCs here, but, it wouldn't be confusing if you haven't read that yet.
A couple things bumped me out of the read in this one in ways that didn't happen in the previous, lowering my rating. First, someone gives up at one point, and I just didn't believe that was in character. It was disappointing. Then, for some reason this book went to the cliche villain tell-all at the end. That never works for me.
Otherwise, though, pure gold prison romance.
HEA, hard-fought, hurt-comfort, prisoners falling in love in wretched circumstances, selectively mute (or might be mute? I don't remember sorry!) hero, sign (not official, just familiar signs bt heroes) and body language dialogue. And yes...butterflies are symbolic and important and beautiful and have a Moment here. Highly recommnded as is all LC's work if you're into prison or falling for a serial killer (Magpie series) Stuff.
April 30, 2025
This book certainly has flaws that usually make me remove stars from my rating, but here, I couldn’t care less. I don’t know if Teddy’s disability exists, if it’s possible to lose speech and the ability to write with his right hand, but I didn’t care. They could have found better and more realistic ways to communicate but I didn’t care either. The whole process in the prison and stuff happening there somehow seemed unrealistic to me but again, I didn’t care.
All because this story was beautiful and touched me to my core.
Like I said in my review of a previous book in the series, the latest books I’ve read sounded much amateurish, their style so rough, that it’s been more than a pleasure to read Louise’s. Her style is fluent and pleasant to read, their typos are minimal. There’s an actual plot, some action, just things happening, and just this makes her books an agreeable ride.
The plot was thick, bore its own logic, and the twists… I loved them.
And the characters… there was such depth in them, so much development.
Teddy is plainly a beautiful bunch of purity, so adorable. Everything he went through, he didn’t deserve, that was so unfair. I would normally hate that a character faced so much unfairness, I usually hate when fate brings so many bad things to a character, but it was so well brought up here. It’s what made Teddy was he is around Ollie, a huge, protective and adorable bear.
Then Ollie had his own beautiful development as well. I loved how he remained coherent and objective about the fact that he did kill his father and the other b*stard, even if only to protect the ones he loved. I loved that he was so honest about everything, and I’m really glad that everything turned out well in the end.
It was also a pleasure to see all the characters from The Rat, and not only just Rory and Sebastian, but also Captain and Jarvis. I really hope to one day read about the latter, even it’s only a short one.
Having discovered Louise with this series, I’m on my way to read more from her previous books now.
All because this story was beautiful and touched me to my core.
Like I said in my review of a previous book in the series, the latest books I’ve read sounded much amateurish, their style so rough, that it’s been more than a pleasure to read Louise’s. Her style is fluent and pleasant to read, their typos are minimal. There’s an actual plot, some action, just things happening, and just this makes her books an agreeable ride.
The plot was thick, bore its own logic, and the twists… I loved them.
And the characters… there was such depth in them, so much development.
Teddy is plainly a beautiful bunch of purity, so adorable. Everything he went through, he didn’t deserve, that was so unfair. I would normally hate that a character faced so much unfairness, I usually hate when fate brings so many bad things to a character, but it was so well brought up here. It’s what made Teddy was he is around Ollie, a huge, protective and adorable bear.
Then Ollie had his own beautiful development as well. I loved how he remained coherent and objective about the fact that he did kill his father and the other b*stard, even if only to protect the ones he loved. I loved that he was so honest about everything, and I’m really glad that everything turned out well in the end.
It was also a pleasure to see all the characters from The Rat, and not only just Rory and Sebastian, but also Captain and Jarvis. I really hope to one day read about the latter, even it’s only a short one.
Having discovered Louise with this series, I’m on my way to read more from her previous books now.
May 9, 2025
Giving this 4.5 stars
The scream I scrumpt when I realized another book was releasing scared my grandmother, so I must dock a half point. However, I've never pre-ordered a book faster in my life. The lasting impression this series has left on me... let's just say my friends look at me sideways for it.
Ollie and Teddy's story was strange, sad, encouraging, and incredibly hot. Considering the first two installments were not set in the Hollybrook Prison, I was so excited to finally get an attachment from the previous book in the series, and it did not disappoint. We still see so much of Rory, Sebastian, and Captain, and they are the beautifully supportive characters you only dream of encountering in your own life.
The selfless love and fierce protection that made up Ollie and Teddy's relationship made my heart ache over and over. You always assume the big, strong guy will be the knight in shining armor, when the truth is that inner strength can sometimes be the thing that saves us all. I will admit, the steady, healthy progression of Ollie and Teddy's relationship while inside the prison almost tanked my interest, but that is probably something I should bring up during self-reflection time instead of complaining about. Once the drama hit the fast track, I simply couldn't put the book down.
The character development, the plot twist that I never saw coming, the love and dedication and persistence shown not only by the couples, but also the family within this story - I can honestly say this was a killer (pun intended) continuation of the Behind Bars series. If Captain ever gets his happily ever after, I will eat my socks (and hopefully read about him eating his Socks.)
The scream I scrumpt when I realized another book was releasing scared my grandmother, so I must dock a half point. However, I've never pre-ordered a book faster in my life. The lasting impression this series has left on me... let's just say my friends look at me sideways for it.
Ollie and Teddy's story was strange, sad, encouraging, and incredibly hot. Considering the first two installments were not set in the Hollybrook Prison, I was so excited to finally get an attachment from the previous book in the series, and it did not disappoint. We still see so much of Rory, Sebastian, and Captain, and they are the beautifully supportive characters you only dream of encountering in your own life.
The selfless love and fierce protection that made up Ollie and Teddy's relationship made my heart ache over and over. You always assume the big, strong guy will be the knight in shining armor, when the truth is that inner strength can sometimes be the thing that saves us all. I will admit, the steady, healthy progression of Ollie and Teddy's relationship while inside the prison almost tanked my interest, but that is probably something I should bring up during self-reflection time instead of complaining about. Once the drama hit the fast track, I simply couldn't put the book down.
The character development, the plot twist that I never saw coming, the love and dedication and persistence shown not only by the couples, but also the family within this story - I can honestly say this was a killer (pun intended) continuation of the Behind Bars series. If Captain ever gets his happily ever after, I will eat my socks (and hopefully read about him eating his Socks.)
April 27, 2025
“you are like a butterfly,” Ollie began. “you are bright, you are beautiful, and you deserve to be free. despite what you think in your darkest moments, you do not belong in here. you slayed your demon, and that makes you stronger than i am.”
previously on julia reviews the behind bars series …
this series started with a bang and ended with a whimper …
lmao, louise collins served me a giant reverse uno card… cause i finished butterfly loving rory and sebastian as side-characters. couldn't be me, right 🤡 still, i stand by what i mentioned in my rat review, i need captain's story asap. the next book better be titled socks or i will riot (jkjkjkjkjkjkjkjk).
in terms of romance, butterfly is by far the sweetest and softest of all the books. this book had the hurt/comfort vibes in spades. teddy gave ollie the safety he'd long been denied while ollie gave teddy his voice back.
i think my only gripe with this one was the lack of tension. while i respect that collins decided to start teddyollie's story after the events of rat i still wish we could have seen their initial bonding from ollie's pov. still, collins has restored my faith in this series and i'm sorry i ever doubted her. i'll just be over in the corner … awaiting captainjarvis' book next <3
April 7, 2025
I can't tell you how excited I was when this book was announced and I received an ARC! I'm in love with the Behind Bars series, and this book didn't disappoint.
Ollie and Teddy's way of communicating and how affectionate they were with each other was heartwarming. When no one tried—or was able—to understand Teddy, Ollie didn't judge and truly understood him. He was patient, even knowing Teddy would never be able to speak aloud. Stories like this always hit me right in the heart.
It didn't have the same tension as the previous books, but it didn’t really need to. I appreciated how soft it was, but also the angstier parts. I was preparing for an angsty ending—because how could they even get a happy ending? That made the twist toward the end even better.
I also appreciated the venture into Ollie's darker thoughts and how complicated the traumatic event he experienced was.
All the characters we meet again—Captain, Rory, Sebastian, and Jarvis—felt like they ended up being a safe place and, in a way, a family, together with Ollie and Teddy. Some of them did have "real" family, but I really liked how they were there for each other and understood one another on a deeper level.
Hoping to read more books in this series in the future! Louise just writes prison romance so well, and each of the books is something special.
Ollie and Teddy's way of communicating and how affectionate they were with each other was heartwarming. When no one tried—or was able—to understand Teddy, Ollie didn't judge and truly understood him. He was patient, even knowing Teddy would never be able to speak aloud. Stories like this always hit me right in the heart.
It didn't have the same tension as the previous books, but it didn’t really need to. I appreciated how soft it was, but also the angstier parts. I was preparing for an angsty ending—because how could they even get a happy ending? That made the twist toward the end even better.
I also appreciated the venture into Ollie's darker thoughts and how complicated the traumatic event he experienced was.
All the characters we meet again—Captain, Rory, Sebastian, and Jarvis—felt like they ended up being a safe place and, in a way, a family, together with Ollie and Teddy. Some of them did have "real" family, but I really liked how they were there for each other and understood one another on a deeper level.
Hoping to read more books in this series in the future! Louise just writes prison romance so well, and each of the books is something special.
May 1, 2025
Esperaba tanto éste libro que me siento un poco decepcionada por como se desarollo la historia.
A Ollie y Teddy los conocimos en el libro anterior, Ollie entró a prisión junto a Rory y al Capítan, y al ser el más pequeño de los 3 (tenía sólo 18 años) era el más vulnerable, y más cuando su compañero de celda era un tipo enorme que no habla, solo gruñe y es violeto...
Obviamente en el libro pasado no pasó nada entre ellos y al notar que éste libro era especificamente sobre ésta pareja me emocioné mucho! Y no es que la historia fuera mala per se, sino que todo sucedio muy rápido,, en general fue muy fluff y eso rompe un poco con la dinamica de los tres libros anteriores.
Sin embargo, no puedo quejarme tanto, Luise Collins sabe lo que hace, el libro tiene un ritmo constante en el que siempre está pasando algo por lo que es imposible soltar el libro, los personajes son complejos y no todo es de a gratis, aunque extraño un poco al Ollie divertido al que no le importaba nada, fue bueno reencontrarnos con personajes pasados y espero con ansias la historia de Jarvis y el Capitan, esperando, claro, que no sea tan fluff como ésta.
A Ollie y Teddy los conocimos en el libro anterior, Ollie entró a prisión junto a Rory y al Capítan, y al ser el más pequeño de los 3 (tenía sólo 18 años) era el más vulnerable, y más cuando su compañero de celda era un tipo enorme que no habla, solo gruñe y es violeto...
Obviamente en el libro pasado no pasó nada entre ellos y al notar que éste libro era especificamente sobre ésta pareja me emocioné mucho! Y no es que la historia fuera mala per se, sino que todo sucedio muy rápido,, en general fue muy fluff y eso rompe un poco con la dinamica de los tres libros anteriores.
Sin embargo, no puedo quejarme tanto, Luise Collins sabe lo que hace, el libro tiene un ritmo constante en el que siempre está pasando algo por lo que es imposible soltar el libro, los personajes son complejos y no todo es de a gratis, aunque extraño un poco al Ollie divertido al que no le importaba nada, fue bueno reencontrarnos con personajes pasados y espero con ansias la historia de Jarvis y el Capitan, esperando, claro, que no sea tan fluff como ésta.
May 14, 2025
4⭐️
I really loved the dynamic between Ollie and Teddy. Watching their bond grow from wary cellmates to something deep and tender was honestly beautiful. No one had ever taken the time to see Teddy before, and the way Ollie slowly broke through his silence to find the soft, protective man underneath? Heart-melting.
My heart broke for Teddy and everything he endured. And Ollie? Facing his past and fighting for the person he loves, it was such a powerful arc. Both of them slaying their demons in their own way made for a moving and satisfying emotional payoff. I was also genuinely surprised by the twist around the true antagonist…I had a totally different person in mind, so that reveal packed a punch.
The prison setting was more quiet and introspective than I expected…not overly angsty. The first half was slower, more about building connection and understanding, and I appreciated that pacing. Also loved seeing cameos from characters in previous books; it added a nice layer of familiarity.
A gentle, emotional love story hidden inside a gritty setting. Definitely worth the read. 🦋
I really loved the dynamic between Ollie and Teddy. Watching their bond grow from wary cellmates to something deep and tender was honestly beautiful. No one had ever taken the time to see Teddy before, and the way Ollie slowly broke through his silence to find the soft, protective man underneath? Heart-melting.
My heart broke for Teddy and everything he endured. And Ollie? Facing his past and fighting for the person he loves, it was such a powerful arc. Both of them slaying their demons in their own way made for a moving and satisfying emotional payoff. I was also genuinely surprised by the twist around the true antagonist…I had a totally different person in mind, so that reveal packed a punch.
The prison setting was more quiet and introspective than I expected…not overly angsty. The first half was slower, more about building connection and understanding, and I appreciated that pacing. Also loved seeing cameos from characters in previous books; it added a nice layer of familiarity.
A gentle, emotional love story hidden inside a gritty setting. Definitely worth the read. 🦋
May 6, 2025
4.5 stars
This story was unexpectedly tender and very sweet, I'm completely in love with Teddy and Ollie.
I honestly had the impression that Teddy was a little unhinged, seeing how he was pictured in the previous book, instead he is the definition of gentle soul.
I adored their way of communicating: despite Teddy being mute, they can completely understand each other and build a very solid connection.
I also liked very much that part of this story happens outside the prison and that we get to see how Sebastian, Rory, Ollie and Captain live and deal with their freedom.
The supervillain part was a little too much for me, but I still loved this book quite a lot, especially the parts involving butterflies and the dictionary.
I really really hope we'll have Captain and Jarvis' story too.
This story was unexpectedly tender and very sweet, I'm completely in love with Teddy and Ollie.
I honestly had the impression that Teddy was a little unhinged, seeing how he was pictured in the previous book, instead he is the definition of gentle soul.
I adored their way of communicating: despite Teddy being mute, they can completely understand each other and build a very solid connection.
I also liked very much that part of this story happens outside the prison and that we get to see how Sebastian, Rory, Ollie and Captain live and deal with their freedom.
The supervillain part was a little too much for me, but I still loved this book quite a lot, especially the parts involving butterflies and the dictionary.
I really really hope we'll have Captain and Jarvis' story too.
April 9, 2025
Ollie and Teddy's story overlaps time-wise with Rat (Behind Bars #3), so I recommend reading that one first, but if you want to get right into this one, no problem! This couples' journey is always the focus, and previous leads are moved into compelling secondary characters smoothly.
I read this in only a few sittings--it was captivating. I cared about the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen to them. Usually, I avoid stories where the couple start out together, but Collins kept their development slow and tense, and filled with multiple personal and inter-personal issues that allowed the tension to build. The pacing never dropped for me.
Please note that this is an advance review copy.
I read this in only a few sittings--it was captivating. I cared about the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen to them. Usually, I avoid stories where the couple start out together, but Collins kept their development slow and tense, and filled with multiple personal and inter-personal issues that allowed the tension to build. The pacing never dropped for me.
Please note that this is an advance review copy.
May 11, 2025
With Louise's book you can never wrong and with Louise's books specially when they are in a standalone series, each book keeps you on the edge and makes you want more and more from that world. Ollie and Teddy, in similar fashion, sweep you off your feet spreading their wholesomeness in the Behind the Bars universe. The twist in this book will make you gasp and their love will make you pine and maybe cry (the good type I promise) because through all the trials and tribulations Louise's books promise an HEA that will fill your soul till the next book comes out!
Tropes you might wanna swoon over:
- Prison Romance
- Prisoner X Prisoner
-Angst (the best kind ofc)
- Age Gap
-First Time
Tropes you might wanna swoon over:
- Prison Romance
- Prisoner X Prisoner
-Angst (the best kind ofc)
- Age Gap
-First Time
August 28, 2025
“Butterfly” by Louise Collins was heartbreak, healing, and love so silent, it’s deafening.
Teddy and Ollie��s story hit me harder than a Lego underfoot. Their HEA was not handed over, they wrestled it out of fate’s hands like two gremlins fighting over the aux cord. And that ending? Did not see it coming. I gasped so loud my neighbor probably thinks I’ve been murdered.
Teddy didn’t need words, and Ollie didn’t need them either. Boy was out here reading Teddy like a dictionary (IYKYK💖🤭). Meanwhile Ollie’s glow-up had me clapping like an overly proud soccer mom.
This series owns my emotional support brain cell. Louise Collins, please keep writing these or I will simply lie down on the floor and refuse to get up 🦋
Teddy and Ollie��s story hit me harder than a Lego underfoot. Their HEA was not handed over, they wrestled it out of fate’s hands like two gremlins fighting over the aux cord. And that ending? Did not see it coming. I gasped so loud my neighbor probably thinks I’ve been murdered.
Teddy didn’t need words, and Ollie didn’t need them either. Boy was out here reading Teddy like a dictionary (IYKYK💖🤭). Meanwhile Ollie’s glow-up had me clapping like an overly proud soccer mom.
This series owns my emotional support brain cell. Louise Collins, please keep writing these or I will simply lie down on the floor and refuse to get up 🦋
May 3, 2025
first, i was really shocked when i learned there will be a new installment of this series. it’s been years since Rat was written so i was really happy when i read about it on a group.
this one was softer that the first three books but i loved it much. another 5⭐️ for this year too.
this book made me feel so frustrated, lovely, and more. and do i tell you i cried harder on this one too? YES. especially when i learned who was teddy’s demon.
also, sebastian and rory’s scenes, i loved it. i love them so much. hoping we can get jarvis and captai’s book soon!
but for now, i can’t wait for luca and virgil, soon!
this one was softer that the first three books but i loved it much. another 5⭐️ for this year too.
this book made me feel so frustrated, lovely, and more. and do i tell you i cried harder on this one too? YES. especially when i learned who was teddy’s demon.
also, sebastian and rory’s scenes, i loved it. i love them so much. hoping we can get jarvis and captai’s book soon!
but for now, i can’t wait for luca and virgil, soon!
September 21, 2025
4.25 stars
I absolutely loved both Ollie and Teddy, but especially Teddy.❤️❤️❤️ What a sweet, gentle, caring, protective man he was. Ollie was so lucky to be put in Teddy's cell. Their love story was beautiful.
I definitely don't consider this to be a standalone. I highly recommend reading Rat first. That is where Ollie's story truly began.
I took off 3/4 of a star because of the OTT ending. I defy anyone to have predicted that. But, it led to Ollie and Teddy's HEA, so I'm happy.
Read Septemeber 21, 2025
I absolutely loved both Ollie and Teddy, but especially Teddy.❤️❤️❤️ What a sweet, gentle, caring, protective man he was. Ollie was so lucky to be put in Teddy's cell. Their love story was beautiful.
I definitely don't consider this to be a standalone. I highly recommend reading Rat first. That is where Ollie's story truly began.
I took off 3/4 of a star because of the OTT ending. I defy anyone to have predicted that. But, it led to Ollie and Teddy's HEA, so I'm happy.
Read Septemeber 21, 2025
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