Butterfly Games

by Kelly Scarborough

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Historical

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Sweden, 1815. A tale of secrets, survival, and the high-stakes games women play behind the throne. For a young countess named Jacquette, winning means losing everything that matters.

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. . . . Scarborough possesses a gift; she draws readers into this world with deceptive ease.”—Literary Titan, 5-star review

Kelly Scarborough worked for more than two decades as a law firm partner and white-collar prosecutor, but her real passion is reading and writing biographical historical fiction about fascinating women navigating love, politics, and power in European history. Her debut novel, Butterfly Games, is inspired by her visits to Swedish castles and archival research. Kelly lives in Madison, Connecticut and Bluffton, South Carolina.

Connect with her here:

Web: kellyscarborough.com
Facebook: facebook.com/kellyscarboroughwriter/
Instagram: instagram.com/kellyscarboroughwrites/

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

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: 3 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Butterfly Games 3 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.

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Katarina Väisänen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Shyames · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Queen KB · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Scarborough]

Butterfly Games: A Novel

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

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[HalKid2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

BUTTERFLY GAMES is attorney Kelly Scarborough's debut novel about politics in the Swedish royal court, in the early years of the 19th century. I chose it because I know little about Swedish history and thought this might launch a new realm of interest. Unfortunately it did not turn out as I hoped. Three stars is a bit of a gift.

First, let me describe the uncertain political climate that provides background to this story.

In 1810, King Charles XIII (1748-1818) sits on the Swedish throne without a legitimate heir. So, to increase his own influence in Europe, the powerful French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) picks loyal French General Charles Jean Bernadotte (1763–1844), the future King Charles XIV John, to be Charles' heir. Understandably, not everyone in Sweden is happy that a French commoner is the new Crown Prince of Sweden.

HISTORICAL NOTE #1: Charles Jean's eventual ascension establishes the House of Bernadotte, the royal family that still sits on the Swedish throne.

HISTORICAL NOTE #2: For film fans and/or those interested in royal gossip, Charles Jean Bernadotte was married to Désirée Clary (1777-1860), who was previously engaged to Napoleon, before he married Josephine de Beauharnais. That earlier romance is the subject of the 1951 bestselling book and 1954 movie Désirée starring Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons.

Into this politically turbulent setting, the author introduces 14-year-old protagonist Jacquette de Geer, daughter to one of Queen Charlotte's ladies-in-waiting, Aurora de Geer. Having divorced Jacquette's father, Aurora is now married to Count Gustaf af Wetterstedt (1776–1837), Sweden's influential Minister of Foreign Affairs. Jacquette has grown up alongside the Crown Prince's son, Oscar, and the two are good friends.

BUTTERFLY GAMES focuses on the evolving relationship between Oscar and Jacquette, which, not surprisingly, develops into a romance with lots of obstacles. Mainly the fact that Oscar, now reluctantly in line to become King, needs to marry someone with royal blood to help legitimize his family's claim to the throne. Blood that Jacquette is sadly lacking.

The experience of reading this book was in a word, plodding. It's built on inconsequential gossip, fancy balls, political maneuverings, fictional trysts, secret meetings, entitled nobles, and tidbits about who traveled where. There's little suspense, few characters I cared about, and I personally found details of how the rich and powerful live boring. I found myself reading and reading, waiting for the plot to begin. The last quarter of the novel is faster paced but BUTTERFLY GAMES was not a book I looked forward to picking up. It may be that the book is well researched, even historically accurate, but I can only recommend it to those who are interested in this time period or in the history of Sweden.

[Jane Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sapna Reinant · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Astrid Greyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Abby D · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Betsy Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love loved this book. I am a historical fiction fan to the core and I though that Kelly's story of Jacquette was beautifully done.

I adore reading about everything this novel has to offer, the opulence, the intrigue, the political upheaval of this time period in Sweden which I had ZERO knowledge of and was incredibly interesting. Aurora, Jacquette's mother who remarries the Count Gustaf af Wetterstedt (minister of foriegn affairs - it was a scandelous situation) relationship with Jacquette was one I've seen before in similar novels (though not the same exact world of course) and reminded me of how these women pushed their young girls. Honestly, the majority of the supporting characters in the book were enjoyable and added color.

Jacquettes arc throughout the story (she was so young to begin with and so inexperienced and naive!) and her growth into a woman who is strong and determined as she navigates her relationship with Prince Oscar and the Jean Charles' court dynamics had me glued to the end. I have no idea how these women did it back then frankly. The ending of the book was a whirlwind. I would highly recommend to other readers that enjoy this type of world.

Additionally, I felt like the research done surrounding the court and the historical descriptions were extremely well done.


Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Beth Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid reader of historical fiction, but I had never read anything that took place in Sweden, much less around the Swedish royal court. This novel takes place in several royal residences from 1811-1816. Based on many historic figures, the author does a masterful telling of some of the events around the chosen Crown Prince of Sweden and his son Oscar, focusing on the relationship between Oscar and Jacquette Gyldenstolpe. Jacquette is the daughter of a somewhat controversial but influential within royal circles. I learned so much from reading this book and was constantly on my phone looking at pictures of the people involved, reading about them, and looking at the beautiful royal palaces and buildings that were the setting. I had to do some background reading to understand exactly what was going on in the Swedish royal court at the time since I was puzzled at an heir to a throne being elected or chosen. The best books are ones that teach me something new! The writing is very good, and the book is an enjoyable read. I read it in a couple of days because I had to know what was going to happen next. The names were a little confusing at first since I don't have a reference point for Swedish names, but I quickly figured out who everyone was.
I look forward to any book Ms. Scarborough might write in the future. Excellent debut novel!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise for this book was fascinating. We're taken through a fascinating time in Swedish history when royalty all over Europe was in turmoil. This specific setting focuses on Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a Swedish noble who finds herself obsessed with the new crown prince, a commoner. The title, Butterfly Games, comes from the main theme of the book, which involves marriage for prestige and money, and love affairs for fun.

Sadly, with such an interesting subject to work with, this book didn't capture my imagination. I simply didn't care about Jacquette because the narrative didn't show me who she was; she didn't feel real. Jacquette's goals are unknown for so long, it feels like she isn't vital to the story even though she is the point of view character. We don't get her insights into her society, her desires for change, her future dreams, how she sees the people around her, etc. I felt like I understood a couple of the non-pov characters, such as Carl and Oscar and Emilie, better than Jacquette.

Also, I'm a plot-driven kind of reader. And I couldn't tell you what the plot was. So unfortunately, this book was not for me. If you enjoy a surface-level trip through the Swedish courts in the 1850s, then this might be for you. It just didn't work for me.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating of 3.5 The author takes us inside the Swedish monarchy during the tumultuous times of Napolean, and reveals the sort of intrigue and deceptions one has come to expect in a royal court. In this court the sexual alliances and dalliances are called the Butterfly Games. Jaquette has never been interested in taking a place in the Queen's court, that is almost guaranteed, since her mother serves as chief lady-in-waiting. As children, Jaquette and Prince Oscar became friends which eventually evolved into a romantic relationship. The stories that followed these two star-crossed lovers and her mother's attempts to place Jaquette in the Queen's court play an important part of the storyline, which is sometimes complicated and yet shows the way "politics" works within royalty whims and duties. I was not entirely fascinated by this story and therefore found it difficult to become that invested in the characters. While others will find the book top-notch, I liked it enough to give it a 3.5 rating. Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #ButterflyGames

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Butterfly Games by Kelly Scarborough caught my eye because of the setting, I had never read any historical fiction set in Sweden and the promised blend of romance and court intrigue sounded promising.
The book is based on a real life historical figure, Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, a young countess who fell in love with Prince Oscar, the controversial heir to the Swedish Throne as part of the new Bernadotte dynasty, whose claim to the throne was constantly under threat. Their forbidden love has consequences both personal and political, and there is no guarantee of a happy ending.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and thought the author did a good job of describing court life in early 1800's Sweden, from social events to dress the detail is there and it is clear that a significant amount of research went into this book. Unfortunately the characters fell a little flat, and Prince Oscar in particular was so one dimensional that it made the lengths that Jacquette went to a little hard to believe. The character development I was hoping for never really materialised which is a shame, as attention to detail alone is not enough for me as a reader.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a work of heart. You can feel the love and care Kelly Scarborough poured into the story and its characters, and that sincerity is present on every page.

That said, the story didn’t quite deliver the level of intrigue and drama the blurb promised. Paradoxically, it felt as though everything and almost nothing happened at once. The plot moved, but without the tension or momentum I expected.

Character development also felt limited. Beyond minor shifts in Jaquette, most characters remained largely unchanged. Even Jaquette’s arc felt less like a transformation and more like a gradual permission to be who she already was. Her defiance existed from the beginning; the journey was simply learning how to navigate the court’s rules before stepping fully into it.

While I can see that the author wrote glimmers of hope in the final sentences, the book left a sad, blue haze by the end. Jaquette’s story becomes one of a casualty of a reckless prince’s whims, a tale as old as time, and one that feels all the more heartbreaking for how inevitable it is.

Thank you to She Writes Press/Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC.

[Bibibabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and tragic historical fiction set in Sweden in the 1800s. The author has done an impressive amount of research to make this book as close to the facts as possible and brings to light a really interesting piece of Scandinavian history that is practically unknown to the rest of the world.
This book is definitely more historical fiction than romance. I was far more interested in the rule of Charles Jean as an elected Crown Prince (who knew such a thing existed?) than the relationship between Jacquette and Oscar. The way the story was told lacked a deeper, emotional foundation. The writing style feels somewhat contemplative and detached from the characters. EVen in the chapters told from Jacqette's point of view, I couldn't really connect with the character.
As I was expecting a romance, I felt that the end was a bit abrupt and the reader is left wondering whether Jacqette was happy or miserable. I would have liked an epilogue to bring a sense of closure.
Definitely still worth reading!

[Chelsea Ekstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and IBPA Members’ Titles / She Writes Press for giving me an ARC of this book (ebook version).

Royal historical fiction is my jam so I knew I had to read this when I saw it. It was refreshing to read about non-English royals (as much as I love them). The characters were complex and interesting, but with the typical problems for their time and genders. I did not like (or understand) why Part 4 was written in first person when the rest of the book was not. Perhaps this is something that will be changed before the book is published. It really disrupted the flow.

As is usual for me and this type of story, I went down an internet search rabbit hole to find out as much as possible about the real people behind this book. I was surprised to find that Carl Lowenhielm was the illegitimate son of King Charles XIII (King Karl in this book) and that isn’t mentioned at all. It would lend itself even more to Oscar and Carl’s dislike for each other and I think it would add to the story.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1809, there was a coup in Sweden that placed the childless Charles XIII on the throne. In an effort to gain favor with Napoleon (and protect the country from invasion), Sweden elected one of his marshals, Jean Bernadotte as Crown Prince. Bernadotte’s descendants still occupy the Swedish throne today.

This story is a fictionalized version of true events after Bernadotte and his son Oscar began living in Sweden in 1811. The title Butterfly Games refers to the dangerous liaisons that play out among the members of the Swedish royal court, especially those involving Prince Oscar and Countess Jaquette Gyldenstolpe.

The author has created a wonderful story based on real historical events and has a beautiful writing style that immerses the reader in the story. Sometimes, however, events unfold in a somewhat disjointed manner, resulting in several disconnects and moments of confusion for the reader.

Thank you to Net Galley and She Writes Press for this advanced copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Geeky Bookers - Ilaria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise and the historical setting, and I appreciate the work that clearly went into the research behind this novel. However, I struggled with the execution and, unfortunately, had to stop reading.

The writing style often left me disoriented. I found it difficult to follow who was speaking or where the characters were in a scene. The dialogue also felt unrealistic at times, particularly in the way maids addressed aristocratic figures, which made it harder to stay immersed in the period setting.

The characters themselves came across as flat and unlikable, so I found it difficult to connect or care about their journeys. While I recognise that this is the author’s debut and admire the ambition of tackling such a detailed historical backdrop, ultimately, the story didn’t work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release.

[T M. Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Butterfly Games was an interesting read with a premise that immediately caught my attention. The writing style was easy to follow and there were moments where the story really drew me in. However, I found myself wishing for more closure by the end, as several storylines felt unresolved and left me wanting a clearer sense of direction.The young lovers at the center of the story were vividly portrayed, but at times their perspectives felt somewhat sheltered. Their challenges and decisions didn’t always carry the weight of real-world struggles, which made it harder for me to relate to their journey on an emotional level.While this wasn’t a perfect read for me, I can see how others may connect with the youthful energy and drama of the characters. It was engaging in parts, even if it didn’t fully deliver on every thread it introduced.Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Amanda Conlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the books that makes me wish Goodreads did half and quarter stars. This book was somewhere between a 3 and 4 star read for me and I got through it in less than a day. I enjoy a good historical romance and did not know very much about this time in Sweden so it was a nice dive into that era. The FMC Jaquette/Quette/Q was a well layered character with a solid arc throughout the book that let her be a defiant figure who was still a victim to her circumstances and yet another spoiled prince.

**Spoiler Alert**

I don't love the unplanned pregnancy trope which is part of why I did not give this one a stronger rating. I understand it fits the characters and the time the story is set in but it's just a pet peeve of mine. I would recommend this book to others as an entertaining and quick read because it was layered and moved quickly from a plot standpoint. An enjoyable way to start the new year.