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A Wolf and A Butterfly
"A Wolf and A Butterfly" is a dark paranormal romance that features a story full of suspense, obsession and secrets - in a contemporary setting with a sprinkle of a hidden supernatural world. (For 18+ readers only)
Jessica Miles is a survivor, but gluing her life together after being shot hadn’t been easy. So when a masked man threatens her with a gun, she refuses to be a victim again and turns the tables on him. But nothing is as it seems, and there are more secrets stalking in the dark, than only the identity of her masked mugger.
For a second time in my life I am threatened with a gun, but this time I won't be a victim. Not again. The masked man holding me at a gun point thinks I’m weak and defenseless. He soon learns otherwise when I knock him out and tie him up. I decide to teach him a lesson and now he has a get arrested when I call the cops or be my own personal toy for two days.
My Butterfly is my obsession, my dream, my desire, but to her I’m a stranger. I’m content with it staying that way, because my own life is a damn mess. Except the circumstances force me to approach her with a very specific plan in mind. However it seems that I’ve underestimated my Butterfly, and my plan goes very very wrong. Or should I say, very very right?
Romance Tropes
- Morally grey hero
- Overprotective cinnamon roll
- Stalker romance
- Grumpy (her) x Sunshine (him)
- Fast burn
- He fell first
- Second chance
- Heroine in peril
- Touch her and die
- Hidden identity
- Beauty and the beast
- Wolf Shifter
- Fated mates
“A Wolf and A Butterfly” is a dark-ish fast-paced paranormal romance, that features paranormal creatures, werewolves, witty banter, lots of spice and a guaranteed HEA. If you’re a fan of stalker romance with obsessive MMCs, kick-ass FMCs and a sprinkle of paranormal - this book is for you!
Although this novel is on a lighter side of dark romance, it still has some themes that might be triggering for some, so please check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book.
Jessica Miles is a survivor, but gluing her life together after being shot hadn’t been easy. So when a masked man threatens her with a gun, she refuses to be a victim again and turns the tables on him. But nothing is as it seems, and there are more secrets stalking in the dark, than only the identity of her masked mugger.
For a second time in my life I am threatened with a gun, but this time I won't be a victim. Not again. The masked man holding me at a gun point thinks I’m weak and defenseless. He soon learns otherwise when I knock him out and tie him up. I decide to teach him a lesson and now he has a get arrested when I call the cops or be my own personal toy for two days.
My Butterfly is my obsession, my dream, my desire, but to her I’m a stranger. I’m content with it staying that way, because my own life is a damn mess. Except the circumstances force me to approach her with a very specific plan in mind. However it seems that I’ve underestimated my Butterfly, and my plan goes very very wrong. Or should I say, very very right?
Romance Tropes
- Morally grey hero
- Overprotective cinnamon roll
- Stalker romance
- Grumpy (her) x Sunshine (him)
- Fast burn
- He fell first
- Second chance
- Heroine in peril
- Touch her and die
- Hidden identity
- Beauty and the beast
- Wolf Shifter
- Fated mates
“A Wolf and A Butterfly” is a dark-ish fast-paced paranormal romance, that features paranormal creatures, werewolves, witty banter, lots of spice and a guaranteed HEA. If you’re a fan of stalker romance with obsessive MMCs, kick-ass FMCs and a sprinkle of paranormal - this book is for you!
Although this novel is on a lighter side of dark romance, it still has some themes that might be triggering for some, so please check the trigger warnings in the beginning of the book.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
21 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, tender, and quietly obsessive in the best way.
This book pulled me in from the very first pages.
The FMC is rebuilding her life after surviving a devastatingly abusive relationship, and her journey toward reclaiming her voice and autonomy is handled with incredible care. Her strength feels real and deeply moving.
The MMC is protective, morally grey, and driven by an overwhelming need to keep her safe. Much of their connection unfolds over time, through phone calls and emotional reliance, rather than physical presence, creating a slow-burn intensity that’s both intimate and unsettling.
With a subtle supernatural twist woven throughout, this romance balances darkness, devotion, and healing beautifully. A gripping, emotionally rich read for anyone who loves protective heroes and unconventional connections.
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads)
Dark, tender, and quietly obsessive in the best way.
This book pulled me in from the very first pages.
The FMC is rebuilding her life after surviving a devastatingly abusive relationship, and her journey toward reclaiming her voice and autonomy is handled with incredible care. Her strength feels real and deeply moving.
The MMC is protective, morally grey, and driven by an overwhelming need to keep her safe. Much of their connection unfolds over time, through phone calls and emotional reliance, rather than physical presence, creating a slow-burn intensity that’s both intimate and unsettling.
With a subtle supernatural twist woven throughout, this romance balances darkness, devotion, and healing beautifully. A gripping, emotionally rich read for anyone who loves protective heroes and unconventional connections.
Raquel (The Ink Addicts Reads)
May 21, 2025
This was very interesting. A unique take on the supernatural, destined meetings and right person wrong time or right time, depends on how you look at it. Good banter between characters and spice, some drama. A good read.
January 25, 2026
A dark, addictive paranormal romance that grips you from page one
The Wolf and The Butterfly by Lina Eleste is one of those books that gleefully refuses to stay in a single lane.
This story weaves together paranormal romance, stalker vibes, a touch of mafia chaos, a fiercely protective MMC and an FMC who absolutely refuses to remain a victim. It’s dark, spicy, tense, and, surprisingly, funny in places too.
Jess is our FMC and her journey begins in the most brutal way: trapped in an abusive relationship that ends with her being shot by her ex. Enter Tian - gorgeous, intense, and unforgettable. He’s the paramedic who saves her life and becomes instantly, dangerously fixated on her. That instant connection makes sense later… but at the time, it’s deliciously unsettling.
After her ex is imprisoned, Jess escapes to rebuild her life. Years later, fate throws her back into Tian’s orbit. He is now volunteering at a crisis helpline after a workplace accident destroyed his paramedic career, left him scarred, and severely injured his hand. Tian is protective to the point of obsession… and yes, he absolutely stalks her. 🚩
The paranormal element adds a brilliant twist when Tian discovers he’s a werewolf and Jess is his fated mate. This explains the overwhelming pull and his feral need to protect her. Things escalate fast when Tian, while trying to protect Jess from her recently released ex, accidentally becomes a threat himself. Jess’s response? Iconic. She refuses to be powerless ever again and flips the script entirely, taking control in a way that’s bold, darkly funny and very on-brand for her growth.
The emotional gut-punch comes when Jess realises Tian is also the man she once fell for over the phone, the one who broke her heart by disappearing, too afraid to meet her because of his scars. Her reaction feels raw, real and earned.
The final act brings high-stakes danger, with Jess and her best friend Tris kidnapped by her ex and other low lives. Tian stepping into full protective mode, with help from his best friend Owen’s mafiaesque family, is chaotic, satisfying and perfectly paced.
Overall, this book is gripping, spicy, emotionally charged, and genuinely entertaining. Jess is a standout FMC, Tian is intense in all the right (and wrong) ways, and the story never drags. I flew through it and closed the final page already reaching for the sequel.
I cannot wait to dive into The Bee and The Shadow next.
The Wolf and The Butterfly by Lina Eleste is one of those books that gleefully refuses to stay in a single lane.
This story weaves together paranormal romance, stalker vibes, a touch of mafia chaos, a fiercely protective MMC and an FMC who absolutely refuses to remain a victim. It’s dark, spicy, tense, and, surprisingly, funny in places too.
Jess is our FMC and her journey begins in the most brutal way: trapped in an abusive relationship that ends with her being shot by her ex. Enter Tian - gorgeous, intense, and unforgettable. He’s the paramedic who saves her life and becomes instantly, dangerously fixated on her. That instant connection makes sense later… but at the time, it’s deliciously unsettling.
After her ex is imprisoned, Jess escapes to rebuild her life. Years later, fate throws her back into Tian’s orbit. He is now volunteering at a crisis helpline after a workplace accident destroyed his paramedic career, left him scarred, and severely injured his hand. Tian is protective to the point of obsession… and yes, he absolutely stalks her. 🚩
The paranormal element adds a brilliant twist when Tian discovers he’s a werewolf and Jess is his fated mate. This explains the overwhelming pull and his feral need to protect her. Things escalate fast when Tian, while trying to protect Jess from her recently released ex, accidentally becomes a threat himself. Jess’s response? Iconic. She refuses to be powerless ever again and flips the script entirely, taking control in a way that’s bold, darkly funny and very on-brand for her growth.
The emotional gut-punch comes when Jess realises Tian is also the man she once fell for over the phone, the one who broke her heart by disappearing, too afraid to meet her because of his scars. Her reaction feels raw, real and earned.
The final act brings high-stakes danger, with Jess and her best friend Tris kidnapped by her ex and other low lives. Tian stepping into full protective mode, with help from his best friend Owen’s mafiaesque family, is chaotic, satisfying and perfectly paced.
Overall, this book is gripping, spicy, emotionally charged, and genuinely entertaining. Jess is a standout FMC, Tian is intense in all the right (and wrong) ways, and the story never drags. I flew through it and closed the final page already reaching for the sequel.
I cannot wait to dive into The Bee and The Shadow next.
October 10, 2025
Overcoming the past and Insecurities
A Wolf and a Butterfly 🦋 is a story of overcoming one’s past and insecurities. The story focuses around Jess, as she works to conquer her fears brought on by a violent past relationship, in one of the most unorthodox, and ethically gray, ways I’ve ever heard of. While returning from a failed blind date, Jess is jumped in her salon. Rather than become a victim, Jess takes action and turns the tables on her would-be mugger, holding him captive in her apartment, to act out her wildest fantasies. But things and people aren’t always what they appear. And her would-be mugger is all to willing to take part in her ministrations.
Throughout the story we learn about Jess and Tian’s pasts as they slowly spiral toward each other. While one struggles with severe PTSD, the other fights to overcome what he views as a cripple deformity. Personally, it seemed like Tian should be more concerned with taming and learning to live with the erratic wolf living in his head, but to each their own. Tian being more focused on his appearance than his actual mental struggles in many ways makes him more relatable as a character.
While this is advertised as an urban fantasy, the fantasy elements seem to take a back burner to the rest of the story, only really coming out and becoming important later on.
What starts as an extremely morally gray dramatic romp between strangers turns into an action-packed supernatural rescue mission when Jess and her best friend are kidnapped by her deranged ex. A Wolf and a Butterfly has a lot of Spice and a little bit of everything else to meet all needs.
The character arcs in A Wolf and a Butterfly stood out to me as each is beautifully rounded with flaws and faults while still coming off as endearing (Except Nate. We Hate Nate). I can’t wait to see where Eleste takes the characters in the rest of the series.
A Wolf and a Butterfly 🦋 is a story of overcoming one’s past and insecurities. The story focuses around Jess, as she works to conquer her fears brought on by a violent past relationship, in one of the most unorthodox, and ethically gray, ways I’ve ever heard of. While returning from a failed blind date, Jess is jumped in her salon. Rather than become a victim, Jess takes action and turns the tables on her would-be mugger, holding him captive in her apartment, to act out her wildest fantasies. But things and people aren’t always what they appear. And her would-be mugger is all to willing to take part in her ministrations.
Throughout the story we learn about Jess and Tian’s pasts as they slowly spiral toward each other. While one struggles with severe PTSD, the other fights to overcome what he views as a cripple deformity. Personally, it seemed like Tian should be more concerned with taming and learning to live with the erratic wolf living in his head, but to each their own. Tian being more focused on his appearance than his actual mental struggles in many ways makes him more relatable as a character.
While this is advertised as an urban fantasy, the fantasy elements seem to take a back burner to the rest of the story, only really coming out and becoming important later on.
What starts as an extremely morally gray dramatic romp between strangers turns into an action-packed supernatural rescue mission when Jess and her best friend are kidnapped by her deranged ex. A Wolf and a Butterfly has a lot of Spice and a little bit of everything else to meet all needs.
The character arcs in A Wolf and a Butterfly stood out to me as each is beautifully rounded with flaws and faults while still coming off as endearing (Except Nate. We Hate Nate). I can’t wait to see where Eleste takes the characters in the rest of the series.
June 1, 2025
Disclosure: I’m an ARC reader with a deep love for indie books. I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I’m here to share my genuine thoughts. I always aim to keep my reviews fair and aligned with the genre. Just because I love fantasy or a particular trope doesn’t mean I expect it everywhere. I don’t rate a book lower for not including my personal favorites, and I try to evaluate stories on their own merits.
A Wolf and a Butterfly is a beautiful and captivating debut that completely swept me off my feet. Inspired by a real-life newspaper story about a salon owner and a robber, it blends the ordinary and the paranormal in such a unique way that I was hooked from the very first chapter.
There’s romance, there’s tension and oh so much yearning. Tian is an absolute cinnamon bun of a main male character and quickly became a personal favorite. I especially appreciated the mature and grounded female lead, Jess. She’s a refreshingly grown-up heroine who stands firmly on her own, and watching her reclaim her life and control was incredibly empowering. She’s strong, determined, and absolutely badass.
The paranormal aspect was a real treat. Werewolves are one of my favorite types of shifters, and this book offered a fresh and creative spin on the lore. It felt grounded but magical, and the teaser for the next book made me want more.
I’m eager for book two, I need Tris’s story! The friendship between the trio was so well-written, I love series that follow a friend circle. The trauma definitely is an anchor between the friends, the emotions and thoughts were really relatable.
Also, I have to mention the cover—it's stunning. The color palette, the tone, the mood—it all fits the book so perfectly.
This debut absolutely delivers, and I’m excited to follow the rest of the series!
A Wolf and a Butterfly is a beautiful and captivating debut that completely swept me off my feet. Inspired by a real-life newspaper story about a salon owner and a robber, it blends the ordinary and the paranormal in such a unique way that I was hooked from the very first chapter.
There’s romance, there’s tension and oh so much yearning. Tian is an absolute cinnamon bun of a main male character and quickly became a personal favorite. I especially appreciated the mature and grounded female lead, Jess. She’s a refreshingly grown-up heroine who stands firmly on her own, and watching her reclaim her life and control was incredibly empowering. She’s strong, determined, and absolutely badass.
The paranormal aspect was a real treat. Werewolves are one of my favorite types of shifters, and this book offered a fresh and creative spin on the lore. It felt grounded but magical, and the teaser for the next book made me want more.
I’m eager for book two, I need Tris’s story! The friendship between the trio was so well-written, I love series that follow a friend circle. The trauma definitely is an anchor between the friends, the emotions and thoughts were really relatable.
Also, I have to mention the cover—it's stunning. The color palette, the tone, the mood—it all fits the book so perfectly.
This debut absolutely delivers, and I’m excited to follow the rest of the series!
March 4, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this spicy paranormal tale! The characters were memorable and complex, with their troubled pasts and complicated relationship. It was nice to see a mature badass FMC for a change, and Tian (the MMC) was hot, and just the right amount of brooding to sweetheart. I liked how there were morally questionable characters on both sides, but with justifiable reasons for their actions, which kept them likeable. There were also great side characters, and I can’t wait to read what they get up to in the sequels!
The book has a great pace to it and fits a lot in, from stalking, mafia action, werewolves, a capture/captive situation, to trauma/healing, and more. It also has a great balance of humour, spice, and emotion. One moment the characters’ inner thoughts had me giggling, the next I was feeling heartbroken for them with their struggles. The spice was excellent and well integrated into the story.
I am very much looking forward to spending more time in this world and diving into Book Two - A Bee and A Shadow!
The book has a great pace to it and fits a lot in, from stalking, mafia action, werewolves, a capture/captive situation, to trauma/healing, and more. It also has a great balance of humour, spice, and emotion. One moment the characters’ inner thoughts had me giggling, the next I was feeling heartbroken for them with their struggles. The spice was excellent and well integrated into the story.
I am very much looking forward to spending more time in this world and diving into Book Two - A Bee and A Shadow!
July 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately, I think it fell short in a few key areas. The premise - a woman taking back power from her captor- was intriguing and hooked me early, but the execution didn’t quite deliver.
The MMC felt over-the-top in a way that pulled me out of the story (he is a paramedic, a stalker, an ex-SEAL and suicide operator). He had multiple roles that stretched believability, and his obsession with the FMC came off as forced rather than compelling. As for the FMC... she honestly came across as a bit naïve, and I found it hard to believe she didn’t connect the dots sooner.
The spice, while there, was more fleeting than expected based on the book’s setup. Definitely a case of more tell than show.
With a solid edit and some deeper character development, this could have been a really impactful story. But as it stands, it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This book had so much potential, but unfortunately, I think it fell short in a few key areas. The premise - a woman taking back power from her captor- was intriguing and hooked me early, but the execution didn’t quite deliver.
The MMC felt over-the-top in a way that pulled me out of the story (he is a paramedic, a stalker, an ex-SEAL and suicide operator). He had multiple roles that stretched believability, and his obsession with the FMC came off as forced rather than compelling. As for the FMC... she honestly came across as a bit naïve, and I found it hard to believe she didn’t connect the dots sooner.
The spice, while there, was more fleeting than expected based on the book’s setup. Definitely a case of more tell than show.
With a solid edit and some deeper character development, this could have been a really impactful story. But as it stands, it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
November 24, 2025
Fun read, spicy and quick but needs editing
Would be a four star review but there are some grammatical errors that just rub my brain the wrong way. I desperately wish I could just highlight a sentence and fix it, sending my revision to the author for approval when I find these things. They’re simple but drive me up the wall.
Also the whole “he’s a werewolf” thing seems like a total afterthought tossed in for no reason. Literally could have taken that entire section out and the plot would have proceeded just fine without it.
Spice level is a 4/5. Also really liked that the author didn’t have any weird ways of referring to their genitalia. If I read one more book that talks about his “baby maker”, “man meat”, or her “juicy clam shell”, I’m going to throw something. This book had none of that and the spicy scenes were lovely. There were a few moments when continuity issues popped up but the author addressed them later on.
7.5/10 would recommend!
Would be a four star review but there are some grammatical errors that just rub my brain the wrong way. I desperately wish I could just highlight a sentence and fix it, sending my revision to the author for approval when I find these things. They’re simple but drive me up the wall.
Also the whole “he’s a werewolf” thing seems like a total afterthought tossed in for no reason. Literally could have taken that entire section out and the plot would have proceeded just fine without it.
Spice level is a 4/5. Also really liked that the author didn’t have any weird ways of referring to their genitalia. If I read one more book that talks about his “baby maker”, “man meat”, or her “juicy clam shell”, I’m going to throw something. This book had none of that and the spicy scenes were lovely. There were a few moments when continuity issues popped up but the author addressed them later on.
7.5/10 would recommend!
August 21, 2025
This one didn’t do it for me. The premise had a ton of potential but the characters were both unhinged (and not in the fun way), made really odd decisions, and while their history was sweet and interesting, their chemistry was a bit forced and the MMC was very confusing and contradictory. Is he stalker obsessed with her? Or a platonic acquaintance who just wants to help her and then disappear? The two can’t really coexist. The FMC had a tragic story but she’s not stupid. It was surprising she didn’t connect the dots sooner. The werewolf thing honestly came out of nowhere and didn’t make a ton of sense in this plot. It felt like an afterthought. The book needs a really good edit, there were many grammatical errors, use of the wrong word, missing words, etc.
October 16, 2025
4.5/5
A really fun read and spicy, spicy, spicy! The book had a wild and intriguing concept. While there were times where I was questioning parts, Lina's impeccable eye for detail answered any questions I had within a page or two (seriously- every question was immediately answered). There were parts that made me laugh out loud and parts where I hurt right alongside the main characters with their tragic backstories. Though I wasn't a huge fan of the FMC, the MMC was adork-able and I loved everything about him. Yes, he did start in a very stalker-like fashion, but again, Lina was did very well at justifying his reasons and his affections for Jess.
Overall, this was a very fun read with a dash of supernatural elements and a whole lot of spice!
A really fun read and spicy, spicy, spicy! The book had a wild and intriguing concept. While there were times where I was questioning parts, Lina's impeccable eye for detail answered any questions I had within a page or two (seriously- every question was immediately answered). There were parts that made me laugh out loud and parts where I hurt right alongside the main characters with their tragic backstories. Though I wasn't a huge fan of the FMC, the MMC was adork-able and I loved everything about him. Yes, he did start in a very stalker-like fashion, but again, Lina was did very well at justifying his reasons and his affections for Jess.
Overall, this was a very fun read with a dash of supernatural elements and a whole lot of spice!
October 10, 2025
Hmmm...What would you do if you had a gorgeous man all tied up? One that had broken into your home wearing a ski mask and had a gun in his hand...but there was just something about him... and he seemed so...well...NICEEEE--you get the picture. Guess what Jess does...And there's more of course...murderous intentions (By whom? Read and find out!), shape shifting (guess which character), AND well, you probably guessed it...SPICE! IT'S SPICESAY! WHOOO WHEEE!
December 20, 2025
When an abused woman meets her savior in the most unexpected way, everything changes. He sets out to protect her—and ends up saving her more deeply than he ever imagined. She calls him her possessive guardian angel; he calls her his mate. Together, they confront the scars of the past and begin to heal. Who knew love and the supernatural could blend so powerfully?
Elisabete - The Ink Addicts Reads (Instagram)
Elisabete - The Ink Addicts Reads (Instagram)
June 19, 2025
This is one of the few good books about werewolves I have read so far.
The characters feel real and human even with all the paranormal stuff around them.
It is not a heavy reading so if you are looking for fun and emotional reading, this is totally for you. I finished the book in one day because I just couldn't put it down
The characters feel real and human even with all the paranormal stuff around them.
It is not a heavy reading so if you are looking for fun and emotional reading, this is totally for you. I finished the book in one day because I just couldn't put it down
November 6, 2025
This book is spicy! A good pick for lovers of paranormal/shifter romances with high spice. This one is also a short, easy and entertaining read for those trying to catch up on your yearly reading challenge. The main characters are definitely UNHINGED, and I think the dark romance lovers are here for it. I'm looking forward to Book 2, A Bee & A Shadow.
March 9, 2026
I adore paranormal romance so when I heard about A Wolf & A Butterfly I was so intrigued! Our FMC Jess is a badass survivor who turns the tables when she thinks she is being burgled. Our MMC Tian (the 'burglar'), is actually Jess' stalker of 5 years 🤣. This has everything you love in a shifter romance: humour, drama and spice. This is such a fun read I demolished in one sitting
June 1, 2025
I absolutely adore this book! I was so intrigued by this being inspired from a newspaper article! I love how the paranormal aspects were woven into the story and how it became uniquely it's own! I can't wait for book 2!
December 25, 2025
This had all the elements for a good read. A lot of potential, but very undevelopt characters and the story would benefit from more editing. The language made me roll my eyes and the smut was cringe. Sorry, usually dont write bad reviews but I had hopes with this one and was ultimately let down.
January 3, 2026
I loved this, the fact she took control with the mugger was amazing, but if this was real life, the mugger wouldn’t look like him at all lol. It was funny and made me giggle, the ending was cute can’t wait for book two.
October 7, 2025
was this well written? no.
was it entertaining? yes.
was it entertaining? yes.
November 28, 2025
Not just a quick smutty read, but a surprising amount of complexity and storyline from multiple perspectives, and just the right amount of plot.
Did Not Finish
January 22, 2026DNF @ 11%
First: needs more editing.
Second: not my type of writing, regardless.
First: needs more editing.
Second: not my type of writing, regardless.
January 24, 2026
HOLY PLOT TWIST!
Yes to a woman dominating a risky situation.
Yes to the (gentle) stalking
Yes to the knots...
ALL the yesssssssss!
Yes to a woman dominating a risky situation.
Yes to the (gentle) stalking
Yes to the knots...
ALL the yesssssssss!
November 7, 2025
This book jumps right in and doesn't stop! It's an action (and smut) filled dark romance read with a touch of paranormal for those who love a good wolf knot but don't want a complicated paranormal world. If you like stalker romances that caress the line of dub con (and not in the way you'd expect) this book is for you! Definitely a fun read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews