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Butterfly Games
For fans of Philippa Gregory and Allison Pataki, a debut biographical historical novel about a young Swedish countess whose youthful love affair with the heir to her country’s throne has profound personal and political repercussions.
In some games, winning means losing everything that matters.
In the opulent world of the Swedish royal court, Jacquette Gyldenstolpe walks a dangerous tightrope between romance and political intrigue. Neglected by her parents and ostracized by the people around her, the young countess falls in love with Prince Oscar, heir to the Swedish throne—but their passionate affair has far-reaching consequences for the new Bernadotte dynasty, which is already challenged by threats from inside Sweden and beyond.
By the time Jacquette learns that the Butterfly Game is not for the faint-hearted, it is too late. For she has a secret—one as precious to her as it is potentially devastating to the crown—and she will stop at nothing to protect it.
Based on a true story and set in stormy early-1800s Europe, Butterfly Games is a sweeping historical tale of forbidden love, fierce duty, and the cost of ambition. From the lavish ballrooms of Stockholm to the elegant manor houses of the Swedish countryside, Jacquette’s story will transport readers to a world where every whisper could lead to triumph or ruin.
In some games, winning means losing everything that matters.
In the opulent world of the Swedish royal court, Jacquette Gyldenstolpe walks a dangerous tightrope between romance and political intrigue. Neglected by her parents and ostracized by the people around her, the young countess falls in love with Prince Oscar, heir to the Swedish throne—but their passionate affair has far-reaching consequences for the new Bernadotte dynasty, which is already challenged by threats from inside Sweden and beyond.
By the time Jacquette learns that the Butterfly Game is not for the faint-hearted, it is too late. For she has a secret—one as precious to her as it is potentially devastating to the crown—and she will stop at nothing to protect it.
Based on a true story and set in stormy early-1800s Europe, Butterfly Games is a sweeping historical tale of forbidden love, fierce duty, and the cost of ambition. From the lavish ballrooms of Stockholm to the elegant manor houses of the Swedish countryside, Jacquette’s story will transport readers to a world where every whisper could lead to triumph or ruin.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2026
About the author
Kelly Scarborough
3 books83 followersKelly Scarborough writes historical fiction about fascinating women who lived in challenging times. Her award-winning debut novel, Butterfly Games, received a Bronze Medal in the 2026 Independent Publisher Book Awards for Historical Fiction (Romance). Based on the true story of Countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe and Prince Oscar of Sweden, the novel explores forbidden love, women’s agency, and political intrigue in the early Bernadotte court. A former attorney, Kelly has followed her research to Swedish castles, archives, gardens, and old letters written in French and Swedish. Learn more at kellyscarborough.com
Facebook: facebook.com/kellyscarboroughwriter/
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Facebook: facebook.com/kellyscarboroughwriter/
Instagram: instagram.com/kellyscarboroughwrites/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 19, 2026
Butterfly Games by Kelly Scarborough is a lush historical novel set in early 1800s Sweden that follows Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young countess navigating the glittering yet treacherous world of the Swedish royal court, where gossip, power plays, and political alliances dictate every conversation and action.
Born into scandal after her parents’ divorce, Jacquette grows up in a society where every whisper could lead to triumph or ruin and soon finds herself drawn into a forbidden, high‑stakes romance with Prince Oscar, heir to the throne, even as expectations of duty, lineage, and monarchy pull them in different directions. The title’s Butterfly Games references the delicate and dangerous courtly intrigues in which Jacquette must learn to survive, where love and ambition often clash against rigid social structures. This sweeping tale of love, politics, and survival is inspired by real historical figures and events, bringing an unfamiliar chapter of Scandinavian history vividly to life.
Stepping into Butterfly Games, the first thing that struck me was how genuinely immersive the setting feels: Stockholm’s opulent ballrooms, glittering court gatherings, and whispered alliances make the past tangible in a way that feels alive, almost as if I were wandering the palace halls right beside Jacquette. Her evolution from a somewhat naïve young noble into a woman with both fierce heart and quiet resolve resonated with me deeply, especially as she balances loyalty to her family with her own desires in a world that rarely makes room for a woman’s choices.
The slow unfolding of her relationship with Oscar, set against the larger backdrop of political tension and dynastic uncertainty, made me reflect on how love and duty can sometimes be at odds yet still shape a life’s trajectory in profound ways. I also appreciated how thoroughly researched the historical milieu feels, giving emotional weight not just to the romance but to the era’s broader struggles and intrigues. However, the pacing can feel measured and the courtly politics dense at times, yet, the atmospheric depth and character nuance that Scarborough brings to this debut novel is glaring.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Butterfly Games 4 stars because it transported me into a richly imagined past with elegance and emotional clarity; Jacquette’s story stayed with me as both a personal journey and a window into a fascinating historical moment.
While the pacing leans more contemplative than fast‑paced, the lush world‑building, poignant romance, and thoughtful exploration of duty versus desire made this a deeply satisfying read that I would gladly recommend to fans of courtly historical fiction and character‑driven narratives.
Born into scandal after her parents’ divorce, Jacquette grows up in a society where every whisper could lead to triumph or ruin and soon finds herself drawn into a forbidden, high‑stakes romance with Prince Oscar, heir to the throne, even as expectations of duty, lineage, and monarchy pull them in different directions. The title’s Butterfly Games references the delicate and dangerous courtly intrigues in which Jacquette must learn to survive, where love and ambition often clash against rigid social structures. This sweeping tale of love, politics, and survival is inspired by real historical figures and events, bringing an unfamiliar chapter of Scandinavian history vividly to life.
Stepping into Butterfly Games, the first thing that struck me was how genuinely immersive the setting feels: Stockholm’s opulent ballrooms, glittering court gatherings, and whispered alliances make the past tangible in a way that feels alive, almost as if I were wandering the palace halls right beside Jacquette. Her evolution from a somewhat naïve young noble into a woman with both fierce heart and quiet resolve resonated with me deeply, especially as she balances loyalty to her family with her own desires in a world that rarely makes room for a woman’s choices.
The slow unfolding of her relationship with Oscar, set against the larger backdrop of political tension and dynastic uncertainty, made me reflect on how love and duty can sometimes be at odds yet still shape a life’s trajectory in profound ways. I also appreciated how thoroughly researched the historical milieu feels, giving emotional weight not just to the romance but to the era’s broader struggles and intrigues. However, the pacing can feel measured and the courtly politics dense at times, yet, the atmospheric depth and character nuance that Scarborough brings to this debut novel is glaring.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Butterfly Games 4 stars because it transported me into a richly imagined past with elegance and emotional clarity; Jacquette’s story stayed with me as both a personal journey and a window into a fascinating historical moment.
While the pacing leans more contemplative than fast‑paced, the lush world‑building, poignant romance, and thoughtful exploration of duty versus desire made this a deeply satisfying read that I would gladly recommend to fans of courtly historical fiction and character‑driven narratives.
January 20, 2026
What a beautiful story. If this is Kelly’s debut, I can’t wait to see how she grows as an author.
This is a wonderful peek into the life of Royals and the lifestyle of the palace’s court. I never have cared for regency type books because I think they were so silly. I can’t imagine having someone to dress me several times a day because there were so many different kinds of dresses. I didn’t see too much of this here. I was a little surprised by some of the details in the sexual encounters between “Oscar” and Q, because most of the book was not too risqué. There is quite a bit of silly gossip interspersed with real life drama but an enjoyable read overall.
This is a wonderful historical slice of life that fills in some areas I was ignorant of. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
I did like the follow-up from the author explaining the ties to real life. I wonder if there will be a follow-up as to what happened next.
I actually won a print copy from the author after I had been approved on NetGalley. This did not affect my honest review.
It looked like a beautiful piece of art. I explained that I already had this DRC so she gifted it to another person whom I’m sure will appreciate it more than I can at this point in my life.
This is a wonderful peek into the life of Royals and the lifestyle of the palace’s court. I never have cared for regency type books because I think they were so silly. I can’t imagine having someone to dress me several times a day because there were so many different kinds of dresses. I didn’t see too much of this here. I was a little surprised by some of the details in the sexual encounters between “Oscar” and Q, because most of the book was not too risqué. There is quite a bit of silly gossip interspersed with real life drama but an enjoyable read overall.
This is a wonderful historical slice of life that fills in some areas I was ignorant of. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
I did like the follow-up from the author explaining the ties to real life. I wonder if there will be a follow-up as to what happened next.
I actually won a print copy from the author after I had been approved on NetGalley. This did not affect my honest review.
It looked like a beautiful piece of art. I explained that I already had this DRC so she gifted it to another person whom I’m sure will appreciate it more than I can at this point in my life.
January 6, 2026
3.5 stars
This book was provided by the published via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The author did a great job researching for this book (as specified in the author’s note), and it shows. I was totally immersed in this universe and the historical period, and I really enjoyed reading this novel.
Jacquette’s character arc was well-executed; I found her annoying in the middle of the book because she kept repeating the same mistakes instead of listening to the advice she received. She was frustrating because she’d grown up, so her age wasn’t an excuse anymore. However, she learned from it and, in the end, she behaved like the woman she was raised to be; she’s good her ground and protected those she loved.
This is a great debut, and I will definitely read more of this author’s work!
This book was provided by the published via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The author did a great job researching for this book (as specified in the author’s note), and it shows. I was totally immersed in this universe and the historical period, and I really enjoyed reading this novel.
Jacquette’s character arc was well-executed; I found her annoying in the middle of the book because she kept repeating the same mistakes instead of listening to the advice she received. She was frustrating because she’d grown up, so her age wasn’t an excuse anymore. However, she learned from it and, in the end, she behaved like the woman she was raised to be; she’s good her ground and protected those she loved.
This is a great debut, and I will definitely read more of this author’s work!
January 21, 2026
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
BUTTERFLY GAMES is an historical fiction, debut novel by author, Kelly Scarborough. Set in early 1800’s Stockholm, Sweden and based on a true story, the book is equal parts successful and lacking.
If you’re a reader who enjoys pomp, circumstance, lavish settings, clothing and lifestyles, this book has descriptions that will keep you glued to the pages. Scarborough’s prose is elegant in this area and shows her research prowess.
When it comes to characters, relationships and development, it’s evident that this is early in the author’s career. I’m not much of a romance reader but even I found the relationship between the two love interests to be extremely unsatisfying. In fact, the MMC, didn’t experience any meaningful growth throughout the story which resulted in an unsatisfying conclusion.
Interesting political information about the Bernadotte dynasty, (still ruling today), Napoleon and Charles XIV, is threaded thru the over abundant, descriptive prose. I did learn some new things but they were at the cost of boredom and slow moving pages. To be honest, the last 20% does have much more activity but not being invested in the characters quelled the experience.
Recommended for readers of historical depictions from this specific, (19th century Sweden), time period📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks to the author and publisher.
BUTTERFLY GAMES is an historical fiction, debut novel by author, Kelly Scarborough. Set in early 1800’s Stockholm, Sweden and based on a true story, the book is equal parts successful and lacking.
If you’re a reader who enjoys pomp, circumstance, lavish settings, clothing and lifestyles, this book has descriptions that will keep you glued to the pages. Scarborough’s prose is elegant in this area and shows her research prowess.
When it comes to characters, relationships and development, it’s evident that this is early in the author’s career. I’m not much of a romance reader but even I found the relationship between the two love interests to be extremely unsatisfying. In fact, the MMC, didn’t experience any meaningful growth throughout the story which resulted in an unsatisfying conclusion.
Interesting political information about the Bernadotte dynasty, (still ruling today), Napoleon and Charles XIV, is threaded thru the over abundant, descriptive prose. I did learn some new things but they were at the cost of boredom and slow moving pages. To be honest, the last 20% does have much more activity but not being invested in the characters quelled the experience.
Recommended for readers of historical depictions from this specific, (19th century Sweden), time period📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks to the author and publisher.
September 12, 2025
The premise of this book sounded so promising – a forbidden love affair with a prince in the Swedish royal court, based on a true story? I was really excited for that Philippa Gregory/Allison Pataki vibe. Jacquette's story definitely had its moments, and the historical setting of early 1800s Europe was pretty well-described. I could see the potential for a really sweeping tale of romance and political intrigue. However, while the idea was great, I found myself wishing the passion and tension had landed a bit harder for me. It didn't quite sweep me away as much as I'd hoped, and some parts felt a little slow. It's an okay read if you're looking for a historical novel, but it just didn't fully click for me to be a favorite.
Read
July 15, 2026Butterfly Games: A Novel
Dear Readers,
Dear Readers,
As the author, I’m honored to invite you behind the scenes of Butterfly Games. When I set out to bring Countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe’s story to life, I didn’t want to merely recount history — I wanted to reimagine the silent tension in Stockholm ballrooms, the whispers of palace intrigue, and Jacquette’s quiet resilience as she navigates love and duty.
Feedback from readers and reviewers has been deeply rewarding. Readers’ Favorite praised the novel’s “near cinematic historical detail” and recommended it “very highly.” Literary Titan wrote that the book “leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones," and celebrates its blend of forbidden love, political danger, and tension.
If you’re curious about a historical novel that feels vivid, nuanced, and emotionally raw, Butterfly Games will take you inside the gilded halls of Napoleonic era Sweden—and leave you thinking about Jacquette’s choices long after the last page.
Mark it “Want to Read” and find out. I’ll be sharing excerpts in my blog, but here’s one to start the conversation.
Imagine the first time you meet the person who is going to change your life. After this, there’s no going back.
“At a gap in the tall hedge near the entrance to the aviaries, she found herself looking down at a lanky boy, so typically French, with dark shoulder-length curls. He had fine features—a straight, narrow nose and rounded brown eyes. It was the new prince; there were portraits of him in half the rooms at the palace. His name was Oscar, and he was Crown Prince Charles Jean’s only son. Had she made a list of people to avoid at this moment, his would have been one of the first names she added, right after his father’s.”
Excerpt from Butterfly Games, © 2026, Kelly Scarborough.
Until the next chapter,
Kelly
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn't expect much, but I enjoyed this one. As far as historical fiction and retellings go, it's a good read, especially for a debut. The narration flows seamlessly, though I have to admit I wasn't so sure about the first-person POV initially.
Throughout the book, we follow Jacquette as she starts her journey through the Swedish royal court, with her relationship with Prince Oscar deepening as the years go by. While we do see a lot of character development, Jacquette remains painfully naive almost until the end of the story. And I really mean it - painfully. There were times I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall; that's how frustrating her naivety is at points.
To be fair, the same could be said about Oscar, but he seems to grasp the rules of their environment more quickly than she does. While neither of them wants the life thrust upon them, he resigns himself to it more willingly than Jacquette. Which, I suppose, seems logical given his position in everything.
All that said, their coming-of-age story - brewing with emotions, stolen glances, and kisses while trying to survive the ruthless world of royal court shenanigans and the threat of a coup - is beautifully written. Everything they go through and how we leave them at the end is bittersweet, but it feels logical for the times. My only gripe would be the timeline; as I didn't know much about the real Jacquette, it was a bit hard for me to reconcile when a major plot point happens in the book compared to when it happened in real life (after she married). So, if you do know a bit about this period, it's best to suspend your historical knowledge for a moment while picking this one up.
This was a lovely glimpse into the Swedish Royal Court and the beginnings of the Bernadotte dynasty.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Throughout the book, we follow Jacquette as she starts her journey through the Swedish royal court, with her relationship with Prince Oscar deepening as the years go by. While we do see a lot of character development, Jacquette remains painfully naive almost until the end of the story. And I really mean it - painfully. There were times I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall; that's how frustrating her naivety is at points.
To be fair, the same could be said about Oscar, but he seems to grasp the rules of their environment more quickly than she does. While neither of them wants the life thrust upon them, he resigns himself to it more willingly than Jacquette. Which, I suppose, seems logical given his position in everything.
All that said, their coming-of-age story - brewing with emotions, stolen glances, and kisses while trying to survive the ruthless world of royal court shenanigans and the threat of a coup - is beautifully written. Everything they go through and how we leave them at the end is bittersweet, but it feels logical for the times. My only gripe would be the timeline; as I didn't know much about the real Jacquette, it was a bit hard for me to reconcile when a major plot point happens in the book compared to when it happened in real life (after she married). So, if you do know a bit about this period, it's best to suspend your historical knowledge for a moment while picking this one up.
This was a lovely glimpse into the Swedish Royal Court and the beginnings of the Bernadotte dynasty.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Did Not Finish
March 19, 2026DNF.
I read (I think maybe in writer's digest?) that the author wanted to breathe life into a woman who was a footnote in history. The author did not.
I'm sure this will work for others, but Jacquette was dull. Even the Chatterati, who should have had the potential to be delicious mean girls, were uninspired.
I did go online to try to learn something (anything) about Jacquette and I can see what the author means about her being a footnote. She's just...a name. Unfortunately, the book did not inspire me to complete it and she remains just a name.
I read (I think maybe in writer's digest?) that the author wanted to breathe life into a woman who was a footnote in history. The author did not.
I'm sure this will work for others, but Jacquette was dull. Even the Chatterati, who should have had the potential to be delicious mean girls, were uninspired.
I did go online to try to learn something (anything) about Jacquette and I can see what the author means about her being a footnote. She's just...a name. Unfortunately, the book did not inspire me to complete it and she remains just a name.
November 29, 2025
If you are someone who enjoys Philippa Gregory's Tudor Fiction or even Bridgerton then this is an upcoming novel that you need to check out. Set in the beautiful Swedish Court there is so much drama and intrigue. I will admit I am not very familiar with the monarchy in Sweden but that did not prevent me from enjoying the story and actually persuaded me to look up information on the history of the characters portrayed in this book.
We are introduced to Jacquette who is fourteen years old and very unloved. Her mother who is a well respected nobel has divorced her husband to marry her lover and Jacquette's own father doesn't anything to do with her. She finds herself ostracized because of the scandal of her mother. However, that doesn't stop her from finding friendship in Prince Oscar of Sweden.
But as next couple of years pass things get more complicated and soon Jacquette finds herself playing a game that she never wanted to be apart of to begin with. Can she find a way to move forward without causing her own downfall. I will say this story was very impressive and I enjoyed every moment of it!
We are introduced to Jacquette who is fourteen years old and very unloved. Her mother who is a well respected nobel has divorced her husband to marry her lover and Jacquette's own father doesn't anything to do with her. She finds herself ostracized because of the scandal of her mother. However, that doesn't stop her from finding friendship in Prince Oscar of Sweden.
But as next couple of years pass things get more complicated and soon Jacquette finds herself playing a game that she never wanted to be apart of to begin with. Can she find a way to move forward without causing her own downfall. I will say this story was very impressive and I enjoyed every moment of it!
April 22, 2026
This was a really interesting glimpse into the beginnings of the Bernadotte dynasty in Sweden, which I’d never read about before. We don’t actually know much about the real relationship between Jacquette and the future King Oscar, but it’s clear the author did a lot of research to make the story feel as close as possible to what might’ve happened.
The plot wasn’t especially thrilling or fast paced, but that didn’t bother me. It felt like a very personal story, and I liked watching the characters grow from children into young adults. Jacquette in particular showed clear development, and I don’t blame her for being a bit naive, because I was probably worse at her age. The book also gives an interesting look at how young people used to be expected to function in adult roles. We see how the protagonists in this book were treated like adults long before they were emotionally ready.
Jacquette’s relationship with Oscar felt pretty toxic at times. He didn’t seem to care for her as much as she cared for him, and the imbalance in their status only made it more obvious. I really felt bad for Jacquette, but at the same time, Oscar was only sixteen. Even though he tried to play the part of an adult, he was still just a boy...
The ending felt quite abrupt, but I can see how it works as a symbolic close to an important chapter in both of their lives.
All in all, a very promising debut that made me want to learn a bit more about 19th century Sweden. Definitely waiting for more from this author.
The plot wasn’t especially thrilling or fast paced, but that didn’t bother me. It felt like a very personal story, and I liked watching the characters grow from children into young adults. Jacquette in particular showed clear development, and I don’t blame her for being a bit naive, because I was probably worse at her age. The book also gives an interesting look at how young people used to be expected to function in adult roles. We see how the protagonists in this book were treated like adults long before they were emotionally ready.
Jacquette’s relationship with Oscar felt pretty toxic at times. He didn’t seem to care for her as much as she cared for him, and the imbalance in their status only made it more obvious. I really felt bad for Jacquette, but at the same time, Oscar was only sixteen. Even though he tried to play the part of an adult, he was still just a boy...
The ending felt quite abrupt, but I can see how it works as a symbolic close to an important chapter in both of their lives.
All in all, a very promising debut that made me want to learn a bit more about 19th century Sweden. Definitely waiting for more from this author.
November 20, 2025
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this book. It was a glimpse into a time and place I was entirely unfamiliar with. I enjoyed the blend of plots between what was happening to the characters personally and the grander political machinations. I can’t say I really cared for any of the characters but their actions made for interesting reading. One complaint to note that will hopefully be fixed before publication: this book is set up in five parts. In all but Part Four, the author uses a third person narrator when suddenly it switches to a first person narrator, which was a bit jarring. Overall a good read for history lovers who like a glimpse into messy court life but get tired of reading of only certain time periods and places.
I enjoyed this book. It was a glimpse into a time and place I was entirely unfamiliar with. I enjoyed the blend of plots between what was happening to the characters personally and the grander political machinations. I can’t say I really cared for any of the characters but their actions made for interesting reading. One complaint to note that will hopefully be fixed before publication: this book is set up in five parts. In all but Part Four, the author uses a third person narrator when suddenly it switches to a first person narrator, which was a bit jarring. Overall a good read for history lovers who like a glimpse into messy court life but get tired of reading of only certain time periods and places.
October 26, 2025
I really enjoyed the story and learning some of the historical aspect. I found that I couldn't wait to get back to the book when life was in the way of reading time, which in my view says a lot about the book.
There were a few times the storytelling seemed to lose the flow or train of thought. In my opinion, the story didn't need the explicit spice scenes.
3.5 stars.
There were a few times the storytelling seemed to lose the flow or train of thought. In my opinion, the story didn't need the explicit spice scenes.
3.5 stars.
June 25, 2026
In 1810 Sweden experienced a succession crisis, and Parliament invited one of Napoleon's marshals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, to become Sweden's next king. This work of historical fiction tells the story of young Jacquette, a daughter of Swedish nobility who became very close with Bernadotte's son Oscar as they were thrust together due to their families' proximity to the crown and in efforts to ferret out plots threatening Berandotte's claim to the throne.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book. I was thrilled to read about a royal family that isn't the British royal family for a change, and even better a setting I'm personally familiar with as I have close family living in Sweden and have visited myself on numerous occasions. The writing was engaging and sucked me in, though I found some of the characters to be somewhat dim or one-dimensional, and a handful of plot points felt heavily contrived. The weirdest thing (to the point I thought it was in error) was the narrative abruptly switching from third person to first person about 3/4 in, which I found jarring. Overall, it entertained, and I'd recommend it to readers of historical fiction who might be looking for a setting that hasn't been covered so many times already.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this book. I was thrilled to read about a royal family that isn't the British royal family for a change, and even better a setting I'm personally familiar with as I have close family living in Sweden and have visited myself on numerous occasions. The writing was engaging and sucked me in, though I found some of the characters to be somewhat dim or one-dimensional, and a handful of plot points felt heavily contrived. The weirdest thing (to the point I thought it was in error) was the narrative abruptly switching from third person to first person about 3/4 in, which I found jarring. Overall, it entertained, and I'd recommend it to readers of historical fiction who might be looking for a setting that hasn't been covered so many times already.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
January 31, 2026
I was pretty disappointed with this one ngl. The premise is promising but the execution is lacking. We follow Jacquette as she navigates the Swedish royal court and her relationship with Prince Oscar throughout her teenage years and into early adulthood. My biggest problem was how utterly naive and unlikeable Jacquette was. She was so naive to the point of silliness in all honesty. It didn't make any sense because she grew up in the Swedish court with a highly controversial, savvy, and ambitious mother and was aware of the role women in her family played in court. Unfortunately everything went in one ear and out another.
In addition, the writing could have made up for the lack of depth in the characters but alas, it was another problem I had. The book was mainly a lot of telling and not showing, and I'd be so confused when an event was brought up because the first instance it would appear would be when a character was telling us about it as it had already past. It almost felt like there were parts of dialogue missing. I think the book could have used another couple rounds of editing. The author tried to include the intricate politics of the time while also covering the "love story" but she couldn't flesh out either plot point well.
The romance was also underdeveloped. Jacquette seemingly becomes obsessed with Oscar out of nowhere. Their interactions are silly and not deep at all, and she came out of them looking weak and spineless. Really I don't know how the relationship was supposed to be believable because when they spoke all Oscar did was complain about his father. You would also need to ignore historical accuracy because major plot points happened at a different time than they did in real life.
Most of all, I think the book missed a great opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of feminine rage, power and its abuse by men, inequality, abusive familial relationships, and control. There were so many sentences I highlighted that would have been great to analyze had the author delved deeper and integrated them in a nuanced way, but they ended up being just random lines thrown in. It made it all the more frustrating because I could see the potential, especially when contemplating the dynamics and conflicts the pursuit of power coupled alongside prohibited/doomed romances would bring.
Although it was a quick read, it was pretty disappointing.
In addition, the writing could have made up for the lack of depth in the characters but alas, it was another problem I had. The book was mainly a lot of telling and not showing, and I'd be so confused when an event was brought up because the first instance it would appear would be when a character was telling us about it as it had already past. It almost felt like there were parts of dialogue missing. I think the book could have used another couple rounds of editing. The author tried to include the intricate politics of the time while also covering the "love story" but she couldn't flesh out either plot point well.
The romance was also underdeveloped. Jacquette seemingly becomes obsessed with Oscar out of nowhere. Their interactions are silly and not deep at all, and she came out of them looking weak and spineless. Really I don't know how the relationship was supposed to be believable because when they spoke all Oscar did was complain about his father. You would also need to ignore historical accuracy because major plot points happened at a different time than they did in real life.
Most of all, I think the book missed a great opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of feminine rage, power and its abuse by men, inequality, abusive familial relationships, and control. There were so many sentences I highlighted that would have been great to analyze had the author delved deeper and integrated them in a nuanced way, but they ended up being just random lines thrown in. It made it all the more frustrating because I could see the potential, especially when contemplating the dynamics and conflicts the pursuit of power coupled alongside prohibited/doomed romances would bring.
Although it was a quick read, it was pretty disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this novel, mostly because it is set at the Swedish court in the early 19th century. This is such an original twist for this genre. I loved learning about Jaquette, even though her stubbornness can sometimes be infuriating. But her story is also touching and she tries her best while navigating the troubled waters of court.
As always with historical fiction, I love when the author includes end-notes to clarify certain historical events or explain which characters truly existed. Here, we also understand the author's research methods and there is an interesting take on historical fiction as a whole. That said, I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I’d read about the Bernadottes beforehand, as the context can be a bit dense at first. There are also quite a few characters introduced early on.
But overall, this is a perfect read for people who are looking for an original twist to a Bridgerton-style story, based on real and lesser-known historical figures, but with just as much court drama, gossip and romance.
Thank you to She Writes Press, Kelly Scarborough and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
As always with historical fiction, I love when the author includes end-notes to clarify certain historical events or explain which characters truly existed. Here, we also understand the author's research methods and there is an interesting take on historical fiction as a whole. That said, I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I’d read about the Bernadottes beforehand, as the context can be a bit dense at first. There are also quite a few characters introduced early on.
But overall, this is a perfect read for people who are looking for an original twist to a Bridgerton-style story, based on real and lesser-known historical figures, but with just as much court drama, gossip and romance.
Thank you to She Writes Press, Kelly Scarborough and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Butterfly Games … who knew there was a name for the secret trysts & love affairs of royalty!!
This “based on a true story” tackles that very subject and takes us through a fascinating time in 1800s Swedish history where the pursuit for political power collides with the desires of forbidden love … resulting in a dangerous & destructive activity called Butterfly Games.
If you enjoy historical romances about royal families and all the drama, intrigue, mystery, secrets, lies, power moves & glamour that accompanies their life & lifestyle … give it a go ... this may be something you will enjoy!
Thank you to @thefuture_of and @shewritespress for the #gifted copy!
This “based on a true story” tackles that very subject and takes us through a fascinating time in 1800s Swedish history where the pursuit for political power collides with the desires of forbidden love … resulting in a dangerous & destructive activity called Butterfly Games.
If you enjoy historical romances about royal families and all the drama, intrigue, mystery, secrets, lies, power moves & glamour that accompanies their life & lifestyle … give it a go ... this may be something you will enjoy!
Thank you to @thefuture_of and @shewritespress for the #gifted copy!
June 9, 2026
I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to engage with Kelly and her debut! I never thought I’d read a book about Swedish royalty, but I did and really enjoyed it. This book reinvigorated my love for historical fiction as I learned so much about Swedish politics and history. I was not a fan of the MMC, but that’s because we never had his POV. There’s room for redemption in the sequel! The plot was messy, but also gave fantastic feminist energy. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Bridgerton series!
June 10, 2026
My first historical fiction. And really enjoyed it. It was really in depth but easy to follow. Getting to know all the characters and the story line flowed so well
September 4, 2025
I simply could not put this novel down. The author plucked a year out of Jacquette's life and gave us this story that felt like we lived an entire lifetime with her. The book gives Bridgerton vibes but also gifts us with Tudor-esque royal drama and historically accurate tid bits that really add to the allure of this book.
I found myself just as confused as our FMC when it came to Oscar and how I felt about it. One moment I felt I hated him and the next I was making excuses for him and nothing makes me more joyous when reading than feeling as though the author has pulled me into the story in that capacity.
In the end, this book is a reminder that while in the 1800s (and really - today) men may have had the titles and the glory, but it is the decision and actions of the women around them that truly impacted history.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. It was truly a gift.
I found myself just as confused as our FMC when it came to Oscar and how I felt about it. One moment I felt I hated him and the next I was making excuses for him and nothing makes me more joyous when reading than feeling as though the author has pulled me into the story in that capacity.
In the end, this book is a reminder that while in the 1800s (and really - today) men may have had the titles and the glory, but it is the decision and actions of the women around them that truly impacted history.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. It was truly a gift.
Review of advance copy
Disclaimer: I received a copy via Librarything giveaway.
A blurb for this refers to The Other Boleyn Girl. I disagree with Gregory’s view of Anne Boleyn in the novel, but I also found it a compelling read. It’s a guilty pleasure book.
Butterfly Games is not that.
The only thing that stands out is that Scarborough found the real-life Jacquette Gyldenstople interesting. But that does not translate to the book in any meaningful way.
The reader is introduced to Jacquette after her parents’ divorce, and she seems to have thoughts about a great many things. At times these thoughts and desires seem contradictory, but hey, she’s human. But she really doesn’t seem to do anything except fall in love with Prince Oscar. Or at least I think they fall in love. I’m not sure why they fall in love. It doesn’t seem particularly passionate or anything. Neither one of them seems all that interesting.
Jacquette is the least interesting girl or woman in the novel. Her mother Aurora seems more interesting. The Chatterati, supposedly mean girls who are mean for two pages, are more interesting (I missed Diane). Jacquette’s aunt is more interesting. Jacquette complains about a great many things but why she feels this way by and large remains a mystery because of all the women in the book Jacquette does not feel like a fully formed character. And nothing that she seems upset about is that bad in the world of the book. She is upset that her parents divorce hurts her reputation but only suffers one insult about it. The Chatterati are even sympathetic to her mother, of all things. The book might have still worked even with that handicapped because of the interesting characters of Aurora, Emilie, and Brita. But then I got to part four.
Parts one to three are all told in third person point of view. Part four is first person. This could have worked. When the book opens, Jacquette is around fourteen; in part four she would be around nineteen. The change in point of view could be a stylistic choice that shows Jacquette has grown to be an independent woman. The problem is that in part five, the book goesDisclaimer: I received a copy via Librarything giveaway.
A blurb for this refers to The Other Boleyn Girl. I disagree with Gregory’s view of Anne Boleyn in the novel, but I also found it a compelling read. It’s a guilty pleasure book.
Butterfly Games is not that.
The only thing that stands out is that Scarborough found the real-life Jacquette Gyldenstople interesting. But that does not translate to the book in any meaningful way.
The reader is introduced to Jacquette after her parents’ divorce, and she seems to have thoughts about a great many things. At times these thoughts and desires seem contradictory, but hey, she’s human. But she really doesn’t seem to do anything except fall in love with Prince Oscar. Or at least I think they fall in love. I’m not sure why they fall in love. It doesn’t seem particularly passionate or anything. Neither one of them seems all that interesting.
Jacquette is the least interesting girl or woman in the novel. Her mother Aurora seems more interesting. The Chatterati, supposedly mean girls who are mean for two pages, are more interesting (I missed Diane). Jacquette’s aunt is more interesting. Jacquette complains about a great many things but why she feels this way by and large remains a mystery because of all the women in the book Jacquette does not feel like a fully formed character. And nothing that she seems upset about is that bad in the world of the book. She is upset that her parents divorce hurts her reputation but only suffers one insult about it. The Chatterati are even sympathetic to her mother, of all things. The book might have still worked even with that handicapped because of the interesting characters of Aurora, Emilie, and Brita. But then I got to part four.
Parts one to three are all told in third person point of view. Part four is first person. This could have worked. When the book opens, Jacquette is around fourteen; in part four she would be around nineteen. The change in point of view could be a stylistic choice that shows Jacquette has grown to be an independent woman. The problem is that in part five, the book goes back to third person point of view and changes the verb tense, implying that the previous sections were all flashbacks, though nothing in that section of the novel supports that.
A good editor would have worked with the author to fix these problems. The fact that they were not addressed, at least in the edition I was sent, is not a good sign.
A good editor would have worked with the author to fix these problems. The fact that they were not addressed, at least in the edition I was sent, is not a good sign.
A blurb for this refers to The Other Boleyn Girl. I disagree with Gregory’s view of Anne Boleyn in the novel, but I also found it a compelling read. It’s a guilty pleasure book.
Butterfly Games is not that.
The only thing that stands out is that Scarborough found the real-life Jacquette Gyldenstople interesting. But that does not translate to the book in any meaningful way.
The reader is introduced to Jacquette after her parents’ divorce, and she seems to have thoughts about a great many things. At times these thoughts and desires seem contradictory, but hey, she’s human. But she really doesn’t seem to do anything except fall in love with Prince Oscar. Or at least I think they fall in love. I’m not sure why they fall in love. It doesn’t seem particularly passionate or anything. Neither one of them seems all that interesting.
Jacquette is the least interesting girl or woman in the novel. Her mother Aurora seems more interesting. The Chatterati, supposedly mean girls who are mean for two pages, are more interesting (I missed Diane). Jacquette’s aunt is more interesting. Jacquette complains about a great many things but why she feels this way by and large remains a mystery because of all the women in the book Jacquette does not feel like a fully formed character. And nothing that she seems upset about is that bad in the world of the book. She is upset that her parents divorce hurts her reputation but only suffers one insult about it. The Chatterati are even sympathetic to her mother, of all things. The book might have still worked even with that handicapped because of the interesting characters of Aurora, Emilie, and Brita. But then I got to part four.
Parts one to three are all told in third person point of view. Part four is first person. This could have worked. When the book opens, Jacquette is around fourteen; in part four she would be around nineteen. The change in point of view could be a stylistic choice that shows Jacquette has grown to be an independent woman. The problem is that in part five, the book goesDisclaimer: I received a copy via Librarything giveaway.
A blurb for this refers to The Other Boleyn Girl. I disagree with Gregory’s view of Anne Boleyn in the novel, but I also found it a compelling read. It’s a guilty pleasure book.
Butterfly Games is not that.
The only thing that stands out is that Scarborough found the real-life Jacquette Gyldenstople interesting. But that does not translate to the book in any meaningful way.
The reader is introduced to Jacquette after her parents’ divorce, and she seems to have thoughts about a great many things. At times these thoughts and desires seem contradictory, but hey, she’s human. But she really doesn’t seem to do anything except fall in love with Prince Oscar. Or at least I think they fall in love. I’m not sure why they fall in love. It doesn’t seem particularly passionate or anything. Neither one of them seems all that interesting.
Jacquette is the least interesting girl or woman in the novel. Her mother Aurora seems more interesting. The Chatterati, supposedly mean girls who are mean for two pages, are more interesting (I missed Diane). Jacquette’s aunt is more interesting. Jacquette complains about a great many things but why she feels this way by and large remains a mystery because of all the women in the book Jacquette does not feel like a fully formed character. And nothing that she seems upset about is that bad in the world of the book. She is upset that her parents divorce hurts her reputation but only suffers one insult about it. The Chatterati are even sympathetic to her mother, of all things. The book might have still worked even with that handicapped because of the interesting characters of Aurora, Emilie, and Brita. But then I got to part four.
Parts one to three are all told in third person point of view. Part four is first person. This could have worked. When the book opens, Jacquette is around fourteen; in part four she would be around nineteen. The change in point of view could be a stylistic choice that shows Jacquette has grown to be an independent woman. The problem is that in part five, the book goes back to third person point of view and changes the verb tense, implying that the previous sections were all flashbacks, though nothing in that section of the novel supports that.
A good editor would have worked with the author to fix these problems. The fact that they were not addressed, at least in the edition I was sent, is not a good sign.
A good editor would have worked with the author to fix these problems. The fact that they were not addressed, at least in the edition I was sent, is not a good sign.
August 11, 2025
Kelly Scarborough’s Butterfly Games is an assured debut novel that transports readers into Napoleonic-area Sweden through meticulous attention to historic detail and scene-by-scene action-packed palace intrigues.
At the tender age of 14, countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe is thrust into Swedish royal court life on the heels of her parents’ divorce and the scandal it caused. Within Drottningholm Palace and the other young women attending to Queen Charlotte, she finds both a hotbed of gossip (her mother’s affair with and remarriage to Chancellor Wetterstedt the subject of much of it) and upheaval around the line of succession. The current king is old and unwell, invasion by Napoleon is certain, and the circumstances are ripe for Crown Prince Gustav to be exiled by the cunning and aspiring commoner, Charles Jean. Almost immediately, Jacquette gets drawn into the push and pull between loyalists to Gustav and those who support the new regime. Maneuvering all this is daunting for the young and inexperienced woman, exponentially more so when she meets Charles Jean’s son, heir apparent Prince Oscar and he singles her out for friendship–and later, possibly more.
Jacquette is a well-drawn, complex, evolving character. While naive and inexperienced at the outset, she knows herself well. When her mother begins pressing her to join Queen Charlotte’s court as a maid of honor, she resists, reminding herself that it is in these courts “that royals and nobles broke their marriage vows, ruined innocents, and trampled hearts without a thought for the consequences…Everyone called it the Butterfly Game, and it had ripped her family in two.” As she grows older, some naïveté remains–she doesn’t always understand how her loyalty can be met with disregard–but the pain she experiences doesn’t jade her. Instead, she grows more steadfast and determined. The cast of minor characters offer many intriguing personalities and add depth of emotion to the story. They are not cardboard cutouts, nor do they exist to advance the plot.
Perhaps the most special aspect of this book is Scarborough’s ability to draw the reader immediately into the place and time. We don’t feel the research; we are in the era. It’s as if she channels Jacquette as her eyes and ears observing the changing court of Charles Jean, thus allowing us to follow along as if in real time. This book will be a sure hit among historical fiction fans, however it will also appeal to anyone who loves a good story well-told.
At the tender age of 14, countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe is thrust into Swedish royal court life on the heels of her parents’ divorce and the scandal it caused. Within Drottningholm Palace and the other young women attending to Queen Charlotte, she finds both a hotbed of gossip (her mother’s affair with and remarriage to Chancellor Wetterstedt the subject of much of it) and upheaval around the line of succession. The current king is old and unwell, invasion by Napoleon is certain, and the circumstances are ripe for Crown Prince Gustav to be exiled by the cunning and aspiring commoner, Charles Jean. Almost immediately, Jacquette gets drawn into the push and pull between loyalists to Gustav and those who support the new regime. Maneuvering all this is daunting for the young and inexperienced woman, exponentially more so when she meets Charles Jean’s son, heir apparent Prince Oscar and he singles her out for friendship–and later, possibly more.
Jacquette is a well-drawn, complex, evolving character. While naive and inexperienced at the outset, she knows herself well. When her mother begins pressing her to join Queen Charlotte’s court as a maid of honor, she resists, reminding herself that it is in these courts “that royals and nobles broke their marriage vows, ruined innocents, and trampled hearts without a thought for the consequences…Everyone called it the Butterfly Game, and it had ripped her family in two.” As she grows older, some naïveté remains–she doesn’t always understand how her loyalty can be met with disregard–but the pain she experiences doesn’t jade her. Instead, she grows more steadfast and determined. The cast of minor characters offer many intriguing personalities and add depth of emotion to the story. They are not cardboard cutouts, nor do they exist to advance the plot.
Perhaps the most special aspect of this book is Scarborough’s ability to draw the reader immediately into the place and time. We don’t feel the research; we are in the era. It’s as if she channels Jacquette as her eyes and ears observing the changing court of Charles Jean, thus allowing us to follow along as if in real time. This book will be a sure hit among historical fiction fans, however it will also appeal to anyone who loves a good story well-told.
November 3, 2025
First, a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Kelly Scarborough’s novel “Butterfly Games" – “or fans of Philippa Gregory and Allison Pataki, a debut biographical historical novel about a young Swedish countess whose youthful love affair with the heir to her country’s throne has profound personal and political repercussions.”
Kelly Scarborough’s Butterfly Games is her debut novel that transports readers into Napoleonic-area Sweden through meticulous attention to historic detail crafts a work of historical fiction that feels as lavish as it is perilous. The book leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones. Yet it is not merely inspired by; it holds its own through details and emotional insight.
Scarborough possesses a gift; as she draws readers into this world with ease. Whether you are familiar with 19th-century Sweden or not, readers will find themselves transported. Her prose doesn’t rely on heavy exposition. Instead, she layers atmosphere and character through action and dialogue, allowing the era to unfold naturally.
Perhaps the most special aspect of this book is Scarborough’s ability to draw the reader immediately into the place and time. We don’t feel the research; we are in the era. It’s as if she channels Jacquette as her eyes and ears observing the changing court of Charles Jean, thus allowing us to follow along as if in real time. This book will be a sure hit among historical fiction fans, however it will also appeal to anyone who loves a good story well-told.
Jacquette, as a protagonist, radiates quiet strength and charm. Around her swirls a vibrant ensemble, each character drawn with precision. Prince Oscar may occasionally come across as lacking in dimension, but the court’s darker players, manipulators, schemers, rivals, more than make up for his shortcomings.
These figures inject tension and unpredictability, driving the plot with palpable stakes. In the end, this book is a reminder that while in the 1800s men may have had the titles and the glory, it is the decisions and actions of the women around them that truly impacted history.
Butterfly Games is proof that a well-told story can transcend category, appealing to lovers of history, drama, and good storytelling alike.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly Scarborough’s Butterfly Games is her debut novel that transports readers into Napoleonic-area Sweden through meticulous attention to historic detail crafts a work of historical fiction that feels as lavish as it is perilous. The book leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones. Yet it is not merely inspired by; it holds its own through details and emotional insight.
Scarborough possesses a gift; as she draws readers into this world with ease. Whether you are familiar with 19th-century Sweden or not, readers will find themselves transported. Her prose doesn’t rely on heavy exposition. Instead, she layers atmosphere and character through action and dialogue, allowing the era to unfold naturally.
Perhaps the most special aspect of this book is Scarborough’s ability to draw the reader immediately into the place and time. We don’t feel the research; we are in the era. It’s as if she channels Jacquette as her eyes and ears observing the changing court of Charles Jean, thus allowing us to follow along as if in real time. This book will be a sure hit among historical fiction fans, however it will also appeal to anyone who loves a good story well-told.
Jacquette, as a protagonist, radiates quiet strength and charm. Around her swirls a vibrant ensemble, each character drawn with precision. Prince Oscar may occasionally come across as lacking in dimension, but the court’s darker players, manipulators, schemers, rivals, more than make up for his shortcomings.
These figures inject tension and unpredictability, driving the plot with palpable stakes. In the end, this book is a reminder that while in the 1800s men may have had the titles and the glory, it is the decisions and actions of the women around them that truly impacted history.
Butterfly Games is proof that a well-told story can transcend category, appealing to lovers of history, drama, and good storytelling alike.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
Europe in the early 1800s shimmered with luxury for the elite, yet beneath the gilded surface lurked danger, deception, and social ruin. Few know this duality better than Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young Swedish countess entangled in the glittering web of royal court life. At the heart of Butterfly Games lies Jacquette’s growing attachment to Prince Oscar, heir to the throne. His affection is returned in kind, but romance in royal circles is anything but straightforward. Secrets cling to Jacquette’s past, and her grasp of the court’s intricate social codes, known as the Butterfly Game, is tenuous at best. One misstep could mean disgrace. Or something far worse.
In Butterfly Games, Kelly Scarborough crafts a work of historical fiction that feels as lavish as it is perilous. The book leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones. Yet it is not merely derivative; it holds its own through vivid detail and sharp emotional insight.
Scarborough possesses a gift; she draws readers into this world with deceptive ease. Whether familiar with 19th-century Sweden or not, readers will find themselves immersed. Her prose doesn’t rely on heavy exposition. Instead, she layers atmosphere and character through action and dialogue, allowing the era to unfold naturally.
Jacquette, as a protagonist, radiates quiet strength and charm. Around her swirls a vibrant ensemble, each character drawn with precision. Prince Oscar may occasionally come across as lacking in dimension, but the court’s darker players, manipulators, schemers, rivals, more than make up for his shortcomings. These figures inject tension and unpredictability, driving the plot with palpable stakes.
Set pieces dazzle. The dialogue crackles. Twists emerge where least expected. The novel refuses to settle into predictability, favoring an unfolding mystery that remains grounded in emotional realism.
This is more than a historical romance. It’s a rich tapestry of ambition, identity, and survival. And while the genre often leans heavily on either character or plot, Scarborough achieves a rare balance, interweaving both with skill. Butterfly Games is proof that a well-told story can transcend category, appealing to lovers of history, drama, and good storytelling alike.
In Butterfly Games, Kelly Scarborough crafts a work of historical fiction that feels as lavish as it is perilous. The book leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones. Yet it is not merely derivative; it holds its own through vivid detail and sharp emotional insight.
Scarborough possesses a gift; she draws readers into this world with deceptive ease. Whether familiar with 19th-century Sweden or not, readers will find themselves immersed. Her prose doesn’t rely on heavy exposition. Instead, she layers atmosphere and character through action and dialogue, allowing the era to unfold naturally.
Jacquette, as a protagonist, radiates quiet strength and charm. Around her swirls a vibrant ensemble, each character drawn with precision. Prince Oscar may occasionally come across as lacking in dimension, but the court’s darker players, manipulators, schemers, rivals, more than make up for his shortcomings. These figures inject tension and unpredictability, driving the plot with palpable stakes.
Set pieces dazzle. The dialogue crackles. Twists emerge where least expected. The novel refuses to settle into predictability, favoring an unfolding mystery that remains grounded in emotional realism.
This is more than a historical romance. It’s a rich tapestry of ambition, identity, and survival. And while the genre often leans heavily on either character or plot, Scarborough achieves a rare balance, interweaving both with skill. Butterfly Games is proof that a well-told story can transcend category, appealing to lovers of history, drama, and good storytelling alike.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My Rating - ⅗
A fast-paced historical novel about a young Swedish countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe and her childhood friendship with Oscar- heir to the Swedish throne (who later becameKing Oscar I of Sweden), which blossomed into a brief adult interlude that resulted in pain and heartache on both sides.
Oscar and Isaac are two individuals who have good intentions, but do not have the leeway most ordinary people have, to make mistakes of the heart. The cold logic of court chemistry is explored intelligently, and Oscar’s father’s relationships are so fraught with paranoia that he can only use his calculations, keeping all human connections secondary to political power; which creates a number of circumstances that wreck the lives of our two protagonists - Oscar and Jacquette - a story based on real historical gossip (as explained in the note at the end of the book).
It is set against the backdrop of struggles and uprisings for a claim to power; and the cruelty that kills not only dissidents but also anyone who doesn't obey established norms of royalty. It explores the tender but ultimately doomed fate of innocent attachments in the face of realistic challenges of wartime. It's heartbreaking, stimulating and leaves the readers feeling sympathetic for the lovers whose affection couldn't survive the sharp, bright light of public responsibility.
Jacquette showed tremendous personal growth, despite facing such a painful experience all alone- and being even lonelier in her craving for her child. Oscar seemed a bit too juvenile as her match- and I was desperately hoping that he'd grow up, but he reminded me of a star-kid stuck in his own ennui.
Their fondness could've grown, but ultimately the interactions between them seemed mostly sexual with very little emotional appeal.
The other tiny thing bugging me was the dates on top of each chapter, it might've been a smoother reading experience if the time gaps could've just been mentioned as a sentence at the beginning of the chapters.
The supporting characters were started off as interesting, but seemed superfluous to the storyline - Brita, Peter, and some of the older characters could've been written in more detail, I think it would've made the story richer.
Overall, it's a good read for fans of casual historical romances.
A fast-paced historical novel about a young Swedish countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe and her childhood friendship with Oscar- heir to the Swedish throne (who later becameKing Oscar I of Sweden), which blossomed into a brief adult interlude that resulted in pain and heartache on both sides.
Oscar and Isaac are two individuals who have good intentions, but do not have the leeway most ordinary people have, to make mistakes of the heart. The cold logic of court chemistry is explored intelligently, and Oscar’s father’s relationships are so fraught with paranoia that he can only use his calculations, keeping all human connections secondary to political power; which creates a number of circumstances that wreck the lives of our two protagonists - Oscar and Jacquette - a story based on real historical gossip (as explained in the note at the end of the book).
It is set against the backdrop of struggles and uprisings for a claim to power; and the cruelty that kills not only dissidents but also anyone who doesn't obey established norms of royalty. It explores the tender but ultimately doomed fate of innocent attachments in the face of realistic challenges of wartime. It's heartbreaking, stimulating and leaves the readers feeling sympathetic for the lovers whose affection couldn't survive the sharp, bright light of public responsibility.
Jacquette showed tremendous personal growth, despite facing such a painful experience all alone- and being even lonelier in her craving for her child. Oscar seemed a bit too juvenile as her match- and I was desperately hoping that he'd grow up, but he reminded me of a star-kid stuck in his own ennui.
Their fondness could've grown, but ultimately the interactions between them seemed mostly sexual with very little emotional appeal.
The other tiny thing bugging me was the dates on top of each chapter, it might've been a smoother reading experience if the time gaps could've just been mentioned as a sentence at the beginning of the chapters.
The supporting characters were started off as interesting, but seemed superfluous to the storyline - Brita, Peter, and some of the older characters could've been written in more detail, I think it would've made the story richer.
Overall, it's a good read for fans of casual historical romances.
January 16, 2026
I really wanted to like this book because the synopsis sounded really intriguing. Unfortunately, I found the book boring and the main character, Jacquette, so incredibly naive and painfully dumb. When she meets her love interest, Oscar the prince, she is only 14 so at first it made sense that she was naive and unaware of how things are. But her mother, Aurora, is a former Countess and former maid of honor to the Queen. Aurora was also an ambitious woman and not above using others to get what she wanted, including her daughter. Yet despite knowing this, Jacquette still doesn't seem to know what exactly is going on and doesn't act like she understands her role in the world. I find it hard to believe she can be this naive with a mother who's willing to sacrifice societal norms and conventions for wealth, prestige, and royal favor. As we see the story through Jacquette's POV, there were multiple times throughout the book where I wanted to shake her and tell her what an idiot she was.
The pacing of the book was a tad slow. The book was broken up into parts named after setting and time period, There was a subplot about a rebellion against the crown prince, Oscar's father Charles Jean, that I found more interesting than what Jacquette was going through. The last 20% of the book was where a lot of the plot seemed to happen but by the time I reached out, I couldn't be bothered to care that much. The ending also was open ended in that there was no real resolution to the story. It just kind of ended without the main character really learning anything or us learning anything about her.
My other disappointment with the book is that I thought there would be more emphasis on the Butterfly Game. At the beginning of the book, the Butterfly Game was defined as a term that describes fleeting sexual affairs between lovers who frivolously change the objects of their affections. Yet Jacquette never engages in the butterfly game. She was a victim of the game and didn't seem to understand the rules of the game. There were no sexual affairs on her part. Oscar fully participates in the Butterfly Game, but we only hear about it through other characters and just in an off-handed manor. Maybe if the book had a different title, my expectation would have been different.
Overall, I found the book slow and the FMC naive and insufferable. It did not deliver on it's promise of court intrigue, sexual tension, and political maneuvering.
I would like to thank NetGalley and She Writes Press for sending me the electronic ARC for me to read and provide my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
The pacing of the book was a tad slow. The book was broken up into parts named after setting and time period, There was a subplot about a rebellion against the crown prince, Oscar's father Charles Jean, that I found more interesting than what Jacquette was going through. The last 20% of the book was where a lot of the plot seemed to happen but by the time I reached out, I couldn't be bothered to care that much. The ending also was open ended in that there was no real resolution to the story. It just kind of ended without the main character really learning anything or us learning anything about her.
My other disappointment with the book is that I thought there would be more emphasis on the Butterfly Game. At the beginning of the book, the Butterfly Game was defined as a term that describes fleeting sexual affairs between lovers who frivolously change the objects of their affections. Yet Jacquette never engages in the butterfly game. She was a victim of the game and didn't seem to understand the rules of the game. There were no sexual affairs on her part. Oscar fully participates in the Butterfly Game, but we only hear about it through other characters and just in an off-handed manor. Maybe if the book had a different title, my expectation would have been different.
Overall, I found the book slow and the FMC naive and insufferable. It did not deliver on it's promise of court intrigue, sexual tension, and political maneuvering.
I would like to thank NetGalley and She Writes Press for sending me the electronic ARC for me to read and provide my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
September 14, 2025
Butterfly Games follows Jacquette, a Swedish countess with close ties to the currently unstable Swedish monarchy. The old crown prince has been exiled, and the new crown prince has a son, just a few years younger than Jacquette. The two soon begin to fall for each other, and what follows is far outside what the monarchy had in mind.
I liked the concept of this book more than the execution of it. The first half was difficult for me to get through because it just felt like nothing happened. I understand that this is derived from real people and for that reason, there needs to be a lot of exposition, but I felt like there was too much. And to go along with that, whenever I read the dialogue between characters, it felt like I was missing chunks from the dialogue or like they were speaking in a sort of code that I couldn’t understand. It made it really difficult to follow both the romance plot as well as the political/historical story.
Jacquette’s character was a whole other thing for me. At times, she seemed very aware of how the royal court worked, and other times she seemed completely oblivious to how basic schemes worked. It was strange to see her go back and forth between the two so often. I understand the naivete when it comes to relationships for sure, but she seemed to lack any sort of social awareness at times when it would be fairly obvious.
My final grievance was how Oscar was described and how that affected how I viewed him. For almost the entire book, I felt like I saw him as someone who was going to have a sort of character switch because of how certain actions of his were described, but no. His character didn’t really change throughout the years which I feel like really made this book fall flat for me.
Despite my previous complaints regarding this book, I did not dislike it by any means. It just took a lot for me to get through the book and for that reason, I didn’t like it as much as I probably would’ve. For people that like books that focus more on the historical setting rather than the romance, I would say this book would be for them, but unfortunately I am just not one of those people.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the concept of this book more than the execution of it. The first half was difficult for me to get through because it just felt like nothing happened. I understand that this is derived from real people and for that reason, there needs to be a lot of exposition, but I felt like there was too much. And to go along with that, whenever I read the dialogue between characters, it felt like I was missing chunks from the dialogue or like they were speaking in a sort of code that I couldn’t understand. It made it really difficult to follow both the romance plot as well as the political/historical story.
Jacquette’s character was a whole other thing for me. At times, she seemed very aware of how the royal court worked, and other times she seemed completely oblivious to how basic schemes worked. It was strange to see her go back and forth between the two so often. I understand the naivete when it comes to relationships for sure, but she seemed to lack any sort of social awareness at times when it would be fairly obvious.
My final grievance was how Oscar was described and how that affected how I viewed him. For almost the entire book, I felt like I saw him as someone who was going to have a sort of character switch because of how certain actions of his were described, but no. His character didn’t really change throughout the years which I feel like really made this book fall flat for me.
Despite my previous complaints regarding this book, I did not dislike it by any means. It just took a lot for me to get through the book and for that reason, I didn’t like it as much as I probably would’ve. For people that like books that focus more on the historical setting rather than the romance, I would say this book would be for them, but unfortunately I am just not one of those people.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2026
Jacquette had to learn to play the Butterfly Game in order to survive the Royal Swedish Court. Her feelings for her childhood playmate grow as they grow up in the court, but he is the heir to the Swedish Throne. Personal and political plots force the two apart, but they keep coming back to one another. A romantic and suspenseful historical fiction.
The Swedish Royal Family is not one that I've read too much about, but I found the story to be quite interesting and full of intrigue. There was romance, political turmoil, spies, and subterfuge. Prince Oscar was pulled from obscurity in Paris and made a royal due to his family's political maneuvering, but he wanted to do things differently than his father and grandfather. There was also the threat of Gustaf, the exiled king and his supporters hanging over their heads.
The story begins when Jacquette is a bit younger, the first time she meets Oscar. I found the early parts of the book when Jacquette is learning the social game of the court to be a little bit slow, mostly because she was so young that she wasn't really a part of it. Her mother, Aurora, had grand plans for her, but they weren't really relevant until she was old enough to be married. This dragged out the first half of the book a bit. The second half, when Jacquette was older and more involved in the social scene was much more interesting and it helped pick up the pace of the book.
The story jumped through time quite a lot and moved around Sweden as well. It felt like I was just getting glimpses of scenes throughout time rather than really getting to know the characters because of this. Jacquette was a fine character, especially once she really learned the game she was playing. I did not like Oscar, although it made sense for him to be spoiled the way that he was. There were also some spicy scenes that honestly felt a bit out of place in this book. The time might have been better used fleshing out the characters a bit more.
I enjoyed the political aspects of this book the most, so I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy historical fiction based around that or readers looking for romantic historical fiction.
Thanks to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the review copy.
The Swedish Royal Family is not one that I've read too much about, but I found the story to be quite interesting and full of intrigue. There was romance, political turmoil, spies, and subterfuge. Prince Oscar was pulled from obscurity in Paris and made a royal due to his family's political maneuvering, but he wanted to do things differently than his father and grandfather. There was also the threat of Gustaf, the exiled king and his supporters hanging over their heads.
The story begins when Jacquette is a bit younger, the first time she meets Oscar. I found the early parts of the book when Jacquette is learning the social game of the court to be a little bit slow, mostly because she was so young that she wasn't really a part of it. Her mother, Aurora, had grand plans for her, but they weren't really relevant until she was old enough to be married. This dragged out the first half of the book a bit. The second half, when Jacquette was older and more involved in the social scene was much more interesting and it helped pick up the pace of the book.
The story jumped through time quite a lot and moved around Sweden as well. It felt like I was just getting glimpses of scenes throughout time rather than really getting to know the characters because of this. Jacquette was a fine character, especially once she really learned the game she was playing. I did not like Oscar, although it made sense for him to be spoiled the way that he was. There were also some spicy scenes that honestly felt a bit out of place in this book. The time might have been better used fleshing out the characters a bit more.
I enjoyed the political aspects of this book the most, so I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy historical fiction based around that or readers looking for romantic historical fiction.
Thanks to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the review copy.
May 26, 2026
I read this as part of a Tandem Collective readalong and overall, I enjoyed it, but it was not quite what I expected.
Butterfly Games follows Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young Swedish countess whose life becomes intertwined with Prince Oscar against the backdrop of royal politics, court scandal, and the changing landscape of nineteenth century Sweden. Drawing on real historical figures and events, it explores love, duty, ambition, and the sacrifices expected of those living within royal circles.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its historical setting. I knew very little about this period of Swedish history before picking it up, and I found the political aspects far more interesting than I expected. The court dynamics, social expectations, and real historical context kept me engaged throughout and often felt more compelling than the central romance.
Jacquette is a likeable protagonist, although I found her quite naive and easily manipulated at times. Her devotion to Oscar often frustrated me because the relationship never felt balanced. She seemed willing to risk everything for him, including her own reputation and wellbeing, while his feelings felt far less convincing. The romance never fully worked for me and often came across as quite one sided.
Considering the novel is based on real historical figures, I was hoping for a deeper connection to the characters. There is a lot of historical detail and exposition, but I never felt like the characters became fully formed people on the page. I understood their circumstances more than I understood them.
The pacing was also a little uneven. Some sections felt very slow, while the ending felt surprisingly abrupt, almost as though the story stopped randomly, rather than ended.
I still found this an enjoyable read. It was interesting, well researched, and introduced me to a fascinating historical figure I had never heard of before. While it was not a favourite, I am glad I read it and I think readers who enjoy slower historical fiction with a strong focus on court life and politics may get more out of it than I did.
Butterfly Games follows Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young Swedish countess whose life becomes intertwined with Prince Oscar against the backdrop of royal politics, court scandal, and the changing landscape of nineteenth century Sweden. Drawing on real historical figures and events, it explores love, duty, ambition, and the sacrifices expected of those living within royal circles.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its historical setting. I knew very little about this period of Swedish history before picking it up, and I found the political aspects far more interesting than I expected. The court dynamics, social expectations, and real historical context kept me engaged throughout and often felt more compelling than the central romance.
Jacquette is a likeable protagonist, although I found her quite naive and easily manipulated at times. Her devotion to Oscar often frustrated me because the relationship never felt balanced. She seemed willing to risk everything for him, including her own reputation and wellbeing, while his feelings felt far less convincing. The romance never fully worked for me and often came across as quite one sided.
Considering the novel is based on real historical figures, I was hoping for a deeper connection to the characters. There is a lot of historical detail and exposition, but I never felt like the characters became fully formed people on the page. I understood their circumstances more than I understood them.
The pacing was also a little uneven. Some sections felt very slow, while the ending felt surprisingly abrupt, almost as though the story stopped randomly, rather than ended.
I still found this an enjoyable read. It was interesting, well researched, and introduced me to a fascinating historical figure I had never heard of before. While it was not a favourite, I am glad I read it and I think readers who enjoy slower historical fiction with a strong focus on court life and politics may get more out of it than I did.
May 25, 2026
Butterfly Games follows Countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young woman growing up in the early 1800s in Sweden, which is in the grips of huge upheaval. The previous King and Crown Prince have been overthrown and exiled and the country must pick a new heir- enter the French Marshall Charles Jean and his son Oscar with a shaky alliance with Napoleon. Jacquette is only a couple of years older than Oscar and they meet as children, cultivating a deep friendship which grows into something much more over time.
This is deeply descriptive of the amazing royal residences of the time and has maps throughout guiding the main points of references. Most of the characters are based on real people and you can tell there have been hours and hours of research into diaries, biographies and letters from the time. This is one of my favourite kinds of historical fiction- one that shines a spotlight on a woman, who is by now just a footnote in history. The book explores her possible relationship with Oscar and how she balances loyalty to her family, a new love and her reputation in a royal court known for its scandalous love affairs.
I enjoyed seeing how Jacquette developed as a naive teenager to a woman navigating power plays and treasonous plots in a world that gives women very little influence. I also very much enjoyed researching further into Swedish history from the time - I had no idea of the huge changes it went through at the time. I only wished there was a bit more around the ending and it was left less open- I would have loved maybe a chapter detailing some years after the last events.
Thank you so much to Tandem collective and bereadnow for a copy of the paperback and for having me along the Readalong :)
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This is deeply descriptive of the amazing royal residences of the time and has maps throughout guiding the main points of references. Most of the characters are based on real people and you can tell there have been hours and hours of research into diaries, biographies and letters from the time. This is one of my favourite kinds of historical fiction- one that shines a spotlight on a woman, who is by now just a footnote in history. The book explores her possible relationship with Oscar and how she balances loyalty to her family, a new love and her reputation in a royal court known for its scandalous love affairs.
I enjoyed seeing how Jacquette developed as a naive teenager to a woman navigating power plays and treasonous plots in a world that gives women very little influence. I also very much enjoyed researching further into Swedish history from the time - I had no idea of the huge changes it went through at the time. I only wished there was a bit more around the ending and it was left less open- I would have loved maybe a chapter detailing some years after the last events.
Thank you so much to Tandem collective and bereadnow for a copy of the paperback and for having me along the Readalong :)
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January 25, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, which was a happy surprise!
The story follows Jaquette, a young girl at the Swedish court. She befriends Oscar, the son of the crown prince, who will eventually become King of Sweden. This chronicles their relationship and the various decisions and sacrifices that Jaquette makes over their teenage years.
Overall, I really liked this. It is a solid historical fiction book, and the comps to Philippa Gregory are legitimate. I enjoyed the fresh setting of the Swedish court and (as always) the examination of the role women played in major political machinations.
I did, however, have a couple of things that kept it from being a five-star read.
1. Butterfly Games as a theme was really heavy-handed and inserted into dialogue a couple of times in a way that felt unnatural and unnecessary.
2.
3.
I would read this author again and this was a very strong debut. Thank you goodreads for the giveaway win!
The story follows Jaquette, a young girl at the Swedish court. She befriends Oscar, the son of the crown prince, who will eventually become King of Sweden. This chronicles their relationship and the various decisions and sacrifices that Jaquette makes over their teenage years.
Overall, I really liked this. It is a solid historical fiction book, and the comps to Philippa Gregory are legitimate. I enjoyed the fresh setting of the Swedish court and (as always) the examination of the role women played in major political machinations.
I did, however, have a couple of things that kept it from being a five-star read.
1. Butterfly Games as a theme was really heavy-handed and inserted into dialogue a couple of times in a way that felt unnatural and unnecessary.
2.
3.
I would read this author again and this was a very strong debut. Thank you goodreads for the giveaway win!
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