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Evolution of Us #3
Butterflies
For Tara, hating James is easy. Forgetting everything that happened between them…not so much.
Maybe it’d be easier if every time she saw him, she wasn’t staring straight into the face of everything she lost. But figuring out a way forward is coming at a steep cost.
James has his own version of the truth, and Tara’s not the only one running from her past. But right now, he needs a girlfriend. Not just any girlfriend, but one convincing enough to keep his family off his back for a while. The problem is, the one person he thinks could make that happen hates his guts. She’s also his ex.
When James strikes an expensive deal with Tara that solves both their problems, Tara thinks it’s the easiest cash she’s ever made. But spending time together opens old wounds deeper than either of them expected.
When a blast from the past catches up with them, James and Tara revisit a version of history they didn’t know existed. Not only is it painful, it’s dangerous. Soon enough, James and Tara find themselves fighting a losing battle—against each other, the truths they’ve come to believe, and the secrets hellbent on staying buried.
Maybe it’d be easier if every time she saw him, she wasn’t staring straight into the face of everything she lost. But figuring out a way forward is coming at a steep cost.
James has his own version of the truth, and Tara’s not the only one running from her past. But right now, he needs a girlfriend. Not just any girlfriend, but one convincing enough to keep his family off his back for a while. The problem is, the one person he thinks could make that happen hates his guts. She’s also his ex.
When James strikes an expensive deal with Tara that solves both their problems, Tara thinks it’s the easiest cash she’s ever made. But spending time together opens old wounds deeper than either of them expected.
When a blast from the past catches up with them, James and Tara revisit a version of history they didn’t know existed. Not only is it painful, it’s dangerous. Soon enough, James and Tara find themselves fighting a losing battle—against each other, the truths they’ve come to believe, and the secrets hellbent on staying buried.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
8 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Taylor
5 books17 followersA psychological thriller lover turned romance fanatic, Sydney Taylor writes books that are a combination of all the dark & dreamy vibes you crave to keep you on the edge of your page.
Sydney is a sugar-obsessed animal lover who thinks pigeons are misunderstood. She’s an avid reader of all things that keep your blood flowing, your thighs clenching, and your mind wondering.
Sydney enjoys reading and writing plot twists, thinks everything is urgent, and feels the most grounded when she's with her almost-husband and their two dogs and two cats.
When she’s not huddled over her laptop or Kindle at four a.m., she can be found knuckles deep in a bag of Sour Patch or in her backyard.
Sydney is a sugar-obsessed animal lover who thinks pigeons are misunderstood. She’s an avid reader of all things that keep your blood flowing, your thighs clenching, and your mind wondering.
Sydney enjoys reading and writing plot twists, thinks everything is urgent, and feels the most grounded when she's with her almost-husband and their two dogs and two cats.
When she’s not huddled over her laptop or Kindle at four a.m., she can be found knuckles deep in a bag of Sour Patch or in her backyard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 26, 2025
Great book!! Loved James and Tara’s relationship!! I haven’t read the other books in this series yet, but I am definitely going to!!
January 9, 2026
My first book by this author and I really liked it. Tara and James were pulled apart as teens by malicious means. I felt for Tara as she revealed the events of the night that changed her. Rage went through my soul. She was so strong and her hatred for James was understandable. I loved James. He was so possessive and alpha. His relationship with Rosie was beautiful. I love seeing a dog being used for healing your hurts.
This story was emotional and my heart hurt for both James and Tara. They had been through so much individually and it was their “fake” dating that started filling the void they both felt.
The author did a great job of making me care about the MC’s and wanting the best for them. I’m also curious about the two previous books as they were side characters here.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for an arc and this is my honest review.
This story was emotional and my heart hurt for both James and Tara. They had been through so much individually and it was their “fake” dating that started filling the void they both felt.
The author did a great job of making me care about the MC’s and wanting the best for them. I’m also curious about the two previous books as they were side characters here.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for an arc and this is my honest review.
February 11, 2026
Butterflies is a heartbreaking story of second chance and college romance. This is Tara and James’ story filled with unexpected surprises and psychotic threats. Tara is just getting her life back on track when her ex love James started attending her school after joining the army. James wants answers as to what happened to them and would do anything to make it right. I love the patience and protectiveness of James and how he waits for Tara. I love how Tara slowly lets her guard down for James and told him what had happen which led to her past threat coming back into their lives. Their story is really heartbreaking and I love that they worked together to get their HEA. I also love the friendships they have and how supportive they are when they need the help. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
January 2, 2026
Tara and James had found love in high school and things took a turn when James left for the Army. Tara had gone through something traumatic all alone and a broken heart. James thought Tara gave up on them. Come to find out they both never truly gave up. Working together was hard for the both of them until James suggested something that would change their lives. I am beyond thankful Tara and James found their way back to each other. Their love is for sure one for the books.
I really think everyone should read Butterflies when it’s released January 14th! 🦋
I want to thank Sydney Taylor for the opportunity to read Butterflies before it’s released. Such a dark but beautiful story.
I really think everyone should read Butterflies when it’s released January 14th! 🦋
I want to thank Sydney Taylor for the opportunity to read Butterflies before it’s released. Such a dark but beautiful story.
Review of advance copy
All three books in this series were phenomenal. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories, if you haven't read the pervious books, definitely check them out.
This book totally broke me. If you're looking for a romance with a bit of suspense with an unlikeable character here you go .
Sydney did an amazing job with this series and I look forward to reading more from her.
This book totally broke me. If you're looking for a romance with a bit of suspense with an unlikeable character here you go .
Sydney did an amazing job with this series and I look forward to reading more from her.
January 1, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and I really enjoyed it. It was very packed with depth to the book and characters. It was easy to follow and you love them. I will definitely be reading the others in the series!
January 7, 2026
That meme “emotional damage” summarizes my feelings. There’s so much unpacked for our FMC and MMC. I spent a good portion of the book in tears. I did laugh and drop the book saying ‘no’ to it.
Sydney was not kidding when she made the genre romantic suspense. It’s such a heart wrenching beautiful story.
This whole trilogy is a worth reading!
Sydney was not kidding when she made the genre romantic suspense. It’s such a heart wrenching beautiful story.
This whole trilogy is a worth reading!
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Note: I read this book as a standalone and have not read the previous books in the series before this.
Speaking of not reading the past books before this one, I noticed that while the author had incorporated content warnings, the author had mentioned only one of the themes and mentioned that the rest of the books would give some sort of an idea of how the series goes, and it was also mentioned that the rest of the warnings can be found on the website. For starters, I believe there are a lot of people like me who start off with a random book as a standalone and, depending on how they fall in love with the interconnected series, decide to pursue reading the rest. Hence, from that kinda reader's perspective, given I have no idea how the previous books went, it would have been good to mention all the content warnings on the page, even if a reader might or might not skip it and might or might not have read the book. I also do not encourage authors to give content warnings in their website and instead mention them all at the start, on-page because if you think that the likelihood of someone skipping/missing content warnings when it is at the front of the book is high, then they are definitely going to miss it if it is on your website and nobody has the patience to go and check them out.
The reason I took my time to emphasize the above point because given the content warning I saw mentioned on the page, I thought that was the only thing that I had to be wary of. But alas, the book turned too dark and gory at the end for me. Although it doesn't trigger me badly, I am concerned for those who might pick this up and might get triggered, as even for me, it was a shock to read about things on the page because there were a lot of sensitive things happening.
While the book was a decent read and I kind of saw things coming, I also felt that the book tried to force-fit a lot of tropes together in one, which kinda made things a bit of a mess, because if there were a trope or two, I would enjoy it if the book focused heavily on that to feel the full extent of it. This one switched through a lot of tropes too quickly.
I am not someone who enjoys second-chances when the MCs were exes in the past for barely a few months, and then have a long gap because that means the author has to do full justice to their chemistry and romance in those very few months, and their yearning throughout the years. I think this book didn't do much justice for the most part until the very end, when we hear some side of things from the MMC throughout those gap years.
Coming to the personality of the MCs, I felt that I didn't quite connect or understand them (just like how I couldn't really feel much of their spark or connection a lot of times - I did sometimes though). When I read the first line of the book, I was like, "Wow!" because books these days have lost the essence of a good opening line and the starting line in this book made it funny and gave me hope but within the first chapter, my first impression of the FMC was quite gone - I personally didn't like her character and we all know that first impressions matter a lot.
I strongly believe that the book has a lot of potential, given that there aren't major issues with the book in itself, but rather could have some things done differently to appease the majority of readers. This book is a 2.5-star read for me personally, but given how I have seen the reviews coming for this one from others by just reading the ARC, I think for the right audience, it could be a good read!
Note: I read this book as a standalone and have not read the previous books in the series before this.
Speaking of not reading the past books before this one, I noticed that while the author had incorporated content warnings, the author had mentioned only one of the themes and mentioned that the rest of the books would give some sort of an idea of how the series goes, and it was also mentioned that the rest of the warnings can be found on the website. For starters, I believe there are a lot of people like me who start off with a random book as a standalone and, depending on how they fall in love with the interconnected series, decide to pursue reading the rest. Hence, from that kinda reader's perspective, given I have no idea how the previous books went, it would have been good to mention all the content warnings on the page, even if a reader might or might not skip it and might or might not have read the book. I also do not encourage authors to give content warnings in their website and instead mention them all at the start, on-page because if you think that the likelihood of someone skipping/missing content warnings when it is at the front of the book is high, then they are definitely going to miss it if it is on your website and nobody has the patience to go and check them out.
The reason I took my time to emphasize the above point because given the content warning I saw mentioned on the page, I thought that was the only thing that I had to be wary of. But alas, the book turned too dark and gory at the end for me. Although it doesn't trigger me badly, I am concerned for those who might pick this up and might get triggered, as even for me, it was a shock to read about things on the page because there were a lot of sensitive things happening.
While the book was a decent read and I kind of saw things coming, I also felt that the book tried to force-fit a lot of tropes together in one, which kinda made things a bit of a mess, because if there were a trope or two, I would enjoy it if the book focused heavily on that to feel the full extent of it. This one switched through a lot of tropes too quickly.
I am not someone who enjoys second-chances when the MCs were exes in the past for barely a few months, and then have a long gap because that means the author has to do full justice to their chemistry and romance in those very few months, and their yearning throughout the years. I think this book didn't do much justice for the most part until the very end, when we hear some side of things from the MMC throughout those gap years.
Coming to the personality of the MCs, I felt that I didn't quite connect or understand them (just like how I couldn't really feel much of their spark or connection a lot of times - I did sometimes though). When I read the first line of the book, I was like, "Wow!" because books these days have lost the essence of a good opening line and the starting line in this book made it funny and gave me hope but within the first chapter, my first impression of the FMC was quite gone - I personally didn't like her character and we all know that first impressions matter a lot.
I strongly believe that the book has a lot of potential, given that there aren't major issues with the book in itself, but rather could have some things done differently to appease the majority of readers. This book is a 2.5-star read for me personally, but given how I have seen the reviews coming for this one from others by just reading the ARC, I think for the right audience, it could be a good read!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Sydney Taylor and Naughty Nook PR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Thanks for ruining my life, Sydney! Just kidding… but you did make me ugly cry, and I’m not sure whether I love you or hate you right now. This book was ahhh... so many things, idk where to even begin. I guess we will start with the fact that I didn't know this was the final book in a 3-book series, but that's okay, it can obviously be read by itself. This was my first book by Sydney, and based on how much I enjoyed this one, I will be going back and reading the others. Also, I read this whole book in one sitting, in like 3-4 hours, because I COULD NOT put it down.
I noticed the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book (doesn't matter for me, but it will for some) and would encourage those who do have triggers to make sure you check them on her website for this book, as it does get very heavy. I think it even says at the beginning of this book that this one is the heaviest in this series, and I can't speak for the other two, but this one is definitely an emotional ride.
Tara was an amazing character, and one that I liked from the literal first line of the book. (I was literally cackling.) Her inner monologue is so much like my own that her POV just flowed perfectly like she was a literal person sitting beside me telling me her story. James was about as perfect as he could be, and I love the way he didn't stop going after what he wanted (without being a jerk, obviously). This is a hardcore second chance romance, with a lot of pain and trauma hidden in past secrets that inevitably find their way to the surface. The residual tension between Tara and James was BURNING, and I wanted to scream at them to finally get it over with! Alas, Sydney makes us wait (but not too long ;), so it feels real vs. too rushed or unrealistic.
If I had to be picky, there are two things that stuck out to me, but they don't detract from the story enough for me to change my rating. 1.) There is a bit of a miscommunication trope (which I despise), but it didn't frustrate me like they normally do and flowed well with the story. I still think someone should have just said, "pause, we need to hash this out because it doesn't add up," but I get why that didn't happen, because then there wouldn't be a story, lol. 2.) Sydney, girl, imma need a back story on Sarah... because what in the heck just happened?? With no explanation??? I NEED ANSWERS!!!
Anyway, if you like emotionally damaging second chance romances with some snarky and sarcastic banter and delicious spice, I am going to be recommending this book to you for like, ever.
Thanks for ruining my life, Sydney! Just kidding… but you did make me ugly cry, and I’m not sure whether I love you or hate you right now. This book was ahhh... so many things, idk where to even begin. I guess we will start with the fact that I didn't know this was the final book in a 3-book series, but that's okay, it can obviously be read by itself. This was my first book by Sydney, and based on how much I enjoyed this one, I will be going back and reading the others. Also, I read this whole book in one sitting, in like 3-4 hours, because I COULD NOT put it down.
I noticed the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book (doesn't matter for me, but it will for some) and would encourage those who do have triggers to make sure you check them on her website for this book, as it does get very heavy. I think it even says at the beginning of this book that this one is the heaviest in this series, and I can't speak for the other two, but this one is definitely an emotional ride.
Tara was an amazing character, and one that I liked from the literal first line of the book. (I was literally cackling.) Her inner monologue is so much like my own that her POV just flowed perfectly like she was a literal person sitting beside me telling me her story. James was about as perfect as he could be, and I love the way he didn't stop going after what he wanted (without being a jerk, obviously). This is a hardcore second chance romance, with a lot of pain and trauma hidden in past secrets that inevitably find their way to the surface. The residual tension between Tara and James was BURNING, and I wanted to scream at them to finally get it over with! Alas, Sydney makes us wait (but not too long ;), so it feels real vs. too rushed or unrealistic.
If I had to be picky, there are two things that stuck out to me, but they don't detract from the story enough for me to change my rating. 1.) There is a bit of a miscommunication trope (which I despise), but it didn't frustrate me like they normally do and flowed well with the story. I still think someone should have just said, "pause, we need to hash this out because it doesn't add up," but I get why that didn't happen, because then there wouldn't be a story, lol. 2.) Sydney, girl, imma need a back story on Sarah... because what in the heck just happened?? With no explanation??? I NEED ANSWERS!!!
Anyway, if you like emotionally damaging second chance romances with some snarky and sarcastic banter and delicious spice, I am going to be recommending this book to you for like, ever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Butterflies
By Sydney Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TROPES:
* Fake Dating
* Touch Her and Die
* She Hates Him
* Second Chance Romance
* High School Sweethearts
* Romantic Suspense
* Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
If you’re looking for a read that packs an emotional punch with a side of high-stakes tension, Butterflies by Sydney Taylor (Evolution of Us, Book 3) is an absolute must-add to your TBR! This book is a masterclass in the fake dating and second-chance romance tropes, bringing James and Tara back together in a way that is as explosive as it is heart-wrenching. Watching Tara navigate her lingering feelings—and her very valid resentment—while playing the "perfect girlfriend" to James is pure entertainment, and their chemistry practically leaps off the page.
What sets this story apart is how it seamlessly blends steamy romance with genuine romantic suspense. Just when you think you’ve settled into their fake-dating ruse, a "blast from the past" turns everything upside down, forcing them to confront dangerous secrets and a version of history they never saw coming. It’s a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster that will have you rooting for their happily-ever-after until the very last sentence. If you love protective heroes and fierce heroines who aren't afraid to fight for what they lost, grab this one immediately!
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends.
By Sydney Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TROPES:
* Fake Dating
* Touch Her and Die
* She Hates Him
* Second Chance Romance
* High School Sweethearts
* Romantic Suspense
* Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
If you’re looking for a read that packs an emotional punch with a side of high-stakes tension, Butterflies by Sydney Taylor (Evolution of Us, Book 3) is an absolute must-add to your TBR! This book is a masterclass in the fake dating and second-chance romance tropes, bringing James and Tara back together in a way that is as explosive as it is heart-wrenching. Watching Tara navigate her lingering feelings—and her very valid resentment—while playing the "perfect girlfriend" to James is pure entertainment, and their chemistry practically leaps off the page.
What sets this story apart is how it seamlessly blends steamy romance with genuine romantic suspense. Just when you think you’ve settled into their fake-dating ruse, a "blast from the past" turns everything upside down, forcing them to confront dangerous secrets and a version of history they never saw coming. It’s a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster that will have you rooting for their happily-ever-after until the very last sentence. If you love protective heroes and fierce heroines who aren't afraid to fight for what they lost, grab this one immediately!
10/10 Would recommend to family and friends.
January 14, 2026
This third and final book was hands down my favorite of the series. I would actually like to give it 4.5-⭐️ but I don’t know how to give halves on GR 🤭
It was darker, heavier, and far more emotional—and it hit hard. Please be sure to review the trigger warnings before reading, as the themes explored are intense and deeply personal.
The author handles loss, grief, and PTSD with such care and gentleness. Tara and James’ story is heartbreaking: high school sweethearts torn apart in a brutal way, with seemingly no hope of recovery. Their pain feels raw and earned, and the emotional weight of what they’ve lost lingers on every page.
Their second-chance journey is layered with unresolved trauma, buried truths, and wounds that never fully healed. What begins as a transactional arrangement quickly becomes something far more complicated, forcing them to confront the past they’ve both been running from. The tension is emotional as much as it is romantic, and the payoff is incredibly powerful.
This book will hurt and then heal - beautifully written, emotionally rich, and a fitting, impactful conclusion to the series. 💔✨
Thank you to the Sydney Taylor and Naughty Nook PR for the free ARC. This review is only my opinion.
It was darker, heavier, and far more emotional—and it hit hard. Please be sure to review the trigger warnings before reading, as the themes explored are intense and deeply personal.
The author handles loss, grief, and PTSD with such care and gentleness. Tara and James’ story is heartbreaking: high school sweethearts torn apart in a brutal way, with seemingly no hope of recovery. Their pain feels raw and earned, and the emotional weight of what they’ve lost lingers on every page.
Their second-chance journey is layered with unresolved trauma, buried truths, and wounds that never fully healed. What begins as a transactional arrangement quickly becomes something far more complicated, forcing them to confront the past they’ve both been running from. The tension is emotional as much as it is romantic, and the payoff is incredibly powerful.
This book will hurt and then heal - beautifully written, emotionally rich, and a fitting, impactful conclusion to the series. 💔✨
Thank you to the Sydney Taylor and Naughty Nook PR for the free ARC. This review is only my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🦋 ARC Review 🦋
Butterflies is what happens when your ex wants to fake-date you for cash, but your unresolved feelings show up wearing glitter wings and emotional baggage. 🦋💸💔
Content Warning: grief, pregnancy loss, emotional trauma.
Butterflies is a moody, emotionally charged second-chance romance with a fake-dating twist that cuts deep. Tara is still reeling from heartbreak and loss when James, her ex who walked away, returns, pulling her into a pretend relationship to appease his family. What begins as a cover story quickly unearths old wounds, unresolved feelings, and truths neither of them are ready to face.
This isn’t a lighthearted romance; it’s a story of scars, survival, and the painful path toward healing. The writing is tender yet gut-wrenching, with butterfly symbolism that lingers long after the last page. Fans of emotional angst, second-chance love, and fake-dating tropes with real stakes will find Butterflies devastating and beautifully cathartic.
⭐ Rating: 4
📚 Who should read this: Readers who crave emotional depth, second-chance romance, and stories that balance heartbreak with hope.
Butterflies is what happens when your ex wants to fake-date you for cash, but your unresolved feelings show up wearing glitter wings and emotional baggage. 🦋💸💔
Content Warning: grief, pregnancy loss, emotional trauma.
Butterflies is a moody, emotionally charged second-chance romance with a fake-dating twist that cuts deep. Tara is still reeling from heartbreak and loss when James, her ex who walked away, returns, pulling her into a pretend relationship to appease his family. What begins as a cover story quickly unearths old wounds, unresolved feelings, and truths neither of them are ready to face.
This isn’t a lighthearted romance; it’s a story of scars, survival, and the painful path toward healing. The writing is tender yet gut-wrenching, with butterfly symbolism that lingers long after the last page. Fans of emotional angst, second-chance love, and fake-dating tropes with real stakes will find Butterflies devastating and beautifully cathartic.
⭐ Rating: 4
📚 Who should read this: Readers who crave emotional depth, second-chance romance, and stories that balance heartbreak with hope.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Butterflies is gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, ugly-crying perfection.
Told in dual POV, this story follows Tara and James, high school sweethearts whose lives are torn apart by sudden separation and life altering trauma. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a deeply emotional journey through loss, grief, and healing, along with the long and painful process of finding your way back to yourself and to each other.
Sydney Taylor writes trauma and recovery with so much care and poetic tenderness. Every emotion feels raw and honest. The pain is heavy, but it never feels pointless. Watching Tara and James confront their past, make amends, and slowly rebuild what was broken is both devastating and beautiful.
I ugly cried more times than I can count. This book hurt my heart in the best way and stayed with me long after I finished. The ending comes full circle and feels so earned. If you want an emotionally heavy, cathartic read that will absolutely wreck you and still leave you grateful, this one is unforgettable.
Butterflies is gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, ugly-crying perfection.
Told in dual POV, this story follows Tara and James, high school sweethearts whose lives are torn apart by sudden separation and life altering trauma. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a deeply emotional journey through loss, grief, and healing, along with the long and painful process of finding your way back to yourself and to each other.
Sydney Taylor writes trauma and recovery with so much care and poetic tenderness. Every emotion feels raw and honest. The pain is heavy, but it never feels pointless. Watching Tara and James confront their past, make amends, and slowly rebuild what was broken is both devastating and beautiful.
I ugly cried more times than I can count. This book hurt my heart in the best way and stayed with me long after I finished. The ending comes full circle and feels so earned. If you want an emotionally heavy, cathartic read that will absolutely wreck you and still leave you grateful, this one is unforgettable.
Review of advance copy
What a beautiful second chance story! This book touches on some sensitive topics so please be sure to check the warnings. I truly enjoyed this story. Tara our FMC is a strong take no crap woman who has spent the better part of 10 years learning to cope with the fact that her forever boy left her (among other things). Survival and avoidance had become her daily life. Enter James, our former military MMC, who only knew that he had been ghosted by Tara but never why. These characters really tugged on my heart with their relatability. We get to see ups and downs after James convinces Tara to be his 'fake' girlfriend for his sister's engagement party. There is a little bit of mystery sub-plot in here that left a nice taste of suspense throughout as well that added just enough for the story to move without being forced. Overall this was a sweet suspenseful read that was very well balanced between plot and romance. I'm going to have to go back and read the other two books in this series now!
January 15, 2026
Butterflies
Evolution of Us Series Book 3
By Sydney Taylor
Butteries is Book 3 in Sydney Taylor’s Evolution of Us series featuring high school sweethearts turned enemies turned lovers Tara and James.
I loved the themes of second chance, healing, and growth. Combined with some suspense and phew! It is a heck of a story. So much pain and love tied up together.
I really enjoyed having Tara and James’s history unfold throughout the story. It’s not an easy one to read and Tara’s version just broke my heart. I couldn’t help but root for them and their HEA…though at times I did want to slap both of them on the head. So much pain could have avoided if they would have just talked.
This book is a standalone in a series and it was easy to pick it up and enjoy not having read the first two. Though now I probably go back and read the others. Highly recommend for fans of second chances, healing and high school sweetheart to enemies to lovers.
Evolution of Us Series Book 3
By Sydney Taylor
Butteries is Book 3 in Sydney Taylor’s Evolution of Us series featuring high school sweethearts turned enemies turned lovers Tara and James.
I loved the themes of second chance, healing, and growth. Combined with some suspense and phew! It is a heck of a story. So much pain and love tied up together.
I really enjoyed having Tara and James’s history unfold throughout the story. It’s not an easy one to read and Tara’s version just broke my heart. I couldn’t help but root for them and their HEA…though at times I did want to slap both of them on the head. So much pain could have avoided if they would have just talked.
This book is a standalone in a series and it was easy to pick it up and enjoy not having read the first two. Though now I probably go back and read the others. Highly recommend for fans of second chances, healing and high school sweetheart to enemies to lovers.
January 15, 2026
4.5 starts bumped to 5. This book was sooo good! Image me feel so many emotions: happy, sad, angry, heartbroken. I almost cried and if I had more of a heart I probably would have lol. Tara and James met as teenagers and fell hopelessly in love. Some events took place that tore them apart. Several years later they come together again and the two of them have to work on their trauma together to find their way back to the place they were as teenagers. Watching them open up and deal with their pain and suffering was emotional and hard, but beautiful all the same. This is also a book of suspense. I don’t want to give any of that away but there is fraud, theft, B&E, blood, loss of life… That’s all I’ll give away on that. James was high on the list of book boyfriends for me: I mean… he braids her hair!! I would recommend this book to most people! Thanks so much to the author and Naughty Nook PR for allowing me an arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tara and James have a complicated history - they were high school sweethearts. Fast forward to today, she HATES him, which is awkward considering that they are coworkers. James and Tara end up revisiting history when he ropes her in to being his +1 to his sister’s wedding, and all the events leading up to it. A few fake dates won’t hurt anyone… right?
Sydney Taylor did it again. Butterflies is the third book in her Evolution of Us series, and she did not disappoint. Butterflies serves us a taste of romance and passion, laced with danger and suspense. The plot kept me on the edge of my favorite reading chair the whole time with its many twists and turns.
The push and pull between the dual POV narratives, makes the “enemies to lovers” tension almost tangible. The chemistry is thick with James and Tara, and their banter had me in a chokehold.
Sydney Taylor did it again. Butterflies is the third book in her Evolution of Us series, and she did not disappoint. Butterflies serves us a taste of romance and passion, laced with danger and suspense. The plot kept me on the edge of my favorite reading chair the whole time with its many twists and turns.
The push and pull between the dual POV narratives, makes the “enemies to lovers” tension almost tangible. The chemistry is thick with James and Tara, and their banter had me in a chokehold.
February 9, 2026
I feel like this book/story had so much potential. The characters were great. The build up was okay on the “favor” and how quickly Tara gave in to James. I wish the big suspense with Aj and Sarah was better. It didn’t really fit for me and for Sarah to all of a sudden be this psycho and capable of what she do and for Aj to just be jealous of James. Idk I wanted more. If it had been maybe another 100-150 pages and we got more on Aj and James relationship in high school. James and Taras meeting and relationship. Cus being together 6 ish months as a teen and your in love for 8 years unable to let go. And then we see the actual interaction with Aj and Tara and she just blindly believes his bs and her parents don’t give her all the letters. Why? It was good. I didn’t get emotional but I think that’s cus it just didn’t all flow enough for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, that was my first reaction after I finished this and some less savory words on how I had to
have a good convo with Syd on playing with a person’s heart! Because this one was a true
rollercoaster of emotions, take this as your warning keep your tissues close by! I also had a
laugh at times but the tear was my main emotion. After her first 2 books Caterpillars and
Cocoons I thought I knew what to expect, but she surprised me and knocked it out of the park
with this one! Sydney I can’t wait to read what the future books will be! Because I will be there for
it all! I can’t give it any less then 5 stars if I could give more stars I most definitely would!
Please just do yourself a favor and read this book!
have a good convo with Syd on playing with a person’s heart! Because this one was a true
rollercoaster of emotions, take this as your warning keep your tissues close by! I also had a
laugh at times but the tear was my main emotion. After her first 2 books Caterpillars and
Cocoons I thought I knew what to expect, but she surprised me and knocked it out of the park
with this one! Sydney I can’t wait to read what the future books will be! Because I will be there for
it all! I can’t give it any less then 5 stars if I could give more stars I most definitely would!
Please just do yourself a favor and read this book!
December 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first time reading this author and I received this book as an ARC. I loved the story of James and Tara. I really liked how everything was tied back and they were able to explain why they felt the way that they did in the past. I loved all the other characters as well and glad to see that Tara was able to get back with old friends from high school. Rosie was such a great addition to the story and showed how much James listened. I really enjoyed getting to hear his letters to Tara when she was in the hospital. This book has some hard topics, but I feel like they were handled well and the reader really gets a warning at the start of the book about them. I definitely will be reading more from this author as I truly enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The romance, sadness and mystery melded perfectly and made me unable to put down this book. James and Tara’s story honestly broke me. All those years they spent without each other and all the sadness and rage they each felt. It took some time but I was so happy when they were able to finally communicate with each other properly and realize that all they needed this entire time was each other.
The mystery in this book was sprinkled in so wonderfully. The author did an amazing job of just adding in these little snippets before bringing the full picture into view.
This was my first novel by the author and although it’s the third book in the series, the book can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for your novel.
The mystery in this book was sprinkled in so wonderfully. The author did an amazing job of just adding in these little snippets before bringing the full picture into view.
This was my first novel by the author and although it’s the third book in the series, the book can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for your novel.
January 12, 2026
All I can say is just Wow what an incredible romance this was! I’m speechless🖤🩷
James and Tara were high school sweethearts and so madly in love they were planning a life together. Then James went off to join the military. Life went completely horrible for Tara, even worse than horrible. Life altering horrible. Tara just disappeared from his life and he never understood why.
Years later they are working at the same place and going to the same college. James is still madly in love with her is determined to prove they should be together again.
Your heart well shatter in this book, omg the tears and teared!! I LOOOVE how it all worked out and they worked through the heartbreak together and Tara FINALLY got some peace with James! Gaaah this is definitely a favourite book for me!! 🖤🩷🦋
James and Tara were high school sweethearts and so madly in love they were planning a life together. Then James went off to join the military. Life went completely horrible for Tara, even worse than horrible. Life altering horrible. Tara just disappeared from his life and he never understood why.
Years later they are working at the same place and going to the same college. James is still madly in love with her is determined to prove they should be together again.
Your heart well shatter in this book, omg the tears and teared!! I LOOOVE how it all worked out and they worked through the heartbreak together and Tara FINALLY got some peace with James! Gaaah this is definitely a favourite book for me!! 🖤🩷🦋
January 1, 2026
All three books in this series were incredible! However, this one really stole my heart. I fell in love with Tara and James. I knew there was something major that happened between them and I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know what that was. This book shattered me. What Tara went through all on her own left her a shell of her former self. I’m furious that their love story was fractured by a self absorbed asshole. They missed out on precious years that they could have been together. The suspense in this story was extremely well done and I feel that Sydney hit this one out of the park!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sydney surely knows her thing to blend some humour and sorrow curated carefully in each book in the series, and also how she always relates how the story goes with the title of each books - and this book carries heavier theme than the last ones.
I like how the story developed and the characters growth - two person sharing a past that they left behind ended up as co-workers. As they navigate they way to move forward, the unresolved gaps between them begins to unfold with unspoken truth and traumatic experiences. The emotions surrounded these scenes added depth to the story that either makes you shed tears or smile and Sydney closed it off with a HEA. Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
I like how the story developed and the characters growth - two person sharing a past that they left behind ended up as co-workers. As they navigate they way to move forward, the unresolved gaps between them begins to unfold with unspoken truth and traumatic experiences. The emotions surrounded these scenes added depth to the story that either makes you shed tears or smile and Sydney closed it off with a HEA. Thank you for the ARC opportunity.
January 20, 2026
Tara and James were high school sweethearts who thought they would always be together. Until something traumatic happens to Tara while James was in the army. Years later they work at the same place and she doesn't want to have anything to do with him. His parents keep asking him if he will have a special girl for his sister's wedding and says he is dating Tara again. He asks Tara about it and says he will pay her, which she says yes. It's almost like they never broke up, she thought she would hate it but she's getting old feelings. I love how James treats her and acts like she is the only woman in the world for him. This story was absolutely adorable and I loved every minute of it.
January 27, 2026
I've had amazing opportunity to arc read this book!
This story was really touching, sweet and warm, showing that people who truly love and long for each other will always come through the barriers that have been keeping them away, fight all the fears that they have so that they could finally be happy together in the end. The strength and faith of Tara was very admirable, that after everything she still managed to be this strong, bad ass woman. James is also a great example of a true brave, loving and strong soul who will keep his smile and try to reach the people that matters to him no matter what. I really liked their chemistry and the bond that they have.
This story was really touching, sweet and warm, showing that people who truly love and long for each other will always come through the barriers that have been keeping them away, fight all the fears that they have so that they could finally be happy together in the end. The strength and faith of Tara was very admirable, that after everything she still managed to be this strong, bad ass woman. James is also a great example of a true brave, loving and strong soul who will keep his smile and try to reach the people that matters to him no matter what. I really liked their chemistry and the bond that they have.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the Evolutions Of Us series and I have been so excited to read Butterflies and it was absolutely incredible! I read this in one night, because I could not put it down!
I loved Tara and James so much! I felt every emotion they had because it was so raw and real. Their characters both went through so much while they were apart so it was so rewarding to see how their story plays out together!
🦋romantic suspense
🦋fake dating
🦋she hates him
🦋exes/ high school sweethearts
🦋co-workers
🦋grief rep
I loved Tara and James so much! I felt every emotion they had because it was so raw and real. Their characters both went through so much while they were apart so it was so rewarding to see how their story plays out together!
🦋romantic suspense
🦋fake dating
🦋she hates him
🦋exes/ high school sweethearts
🦋co-workers
🦋grief rep
January 4, 2026
✨ARC Review✨ I’ve been lucky to have been considered to be an ARC reader for this book considering I’ve never read the first 2 books in the series, but I can guarantee I’ll be picking up book 1 and 2 because WOW. Trigger warnings aside, never having gone through any of that for myself, but I found myself reading as if I was directly in Tara’s shoes. I felt all the emotions as they played out and cried when I thought it was all over. Such a beautiful story with the most absurd time gap but I still loved it. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the first book I read in the series first I want to thank the author and naughty nook pr for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. I am going to read now books 1 and 2 cause it was phenomenal. It was heart wrenching at some points and a book that can make me cry and bring out my feelings is a great book in my eyes. Sometimes I just need a good girl cry. I loved the suspense in the book.
If you want a book that will rip your heart out and leave you on the edge of your seat this is it!
If you want a book that will rip your heart out and leave you on the edge of your seat this is it!
Review of advance copy
Note: I read this as a standalone I have not read the previous 2 books of the series.
This is my first time reading from Sydney Taylor and I was pleasantly surprised. The author has done a great job with James and Tara’s story.
Butterflies is an emotional read, with some sensitive topics so be sure to check those before diving in. All in all this was an enjoyable read and I will be going back to read the previous 2 book of the series.
If you are a lover of fake dating and second chances with emotional plots, this is definitely for you.
This is my first time reading from Sydney Taylor and I was pleasantly surprised. The author has done a great job with James and Tara’s story.
Butterflies is an emotional read, with some sensitive topics so be sure to check those before diving in. All in all this was an enjoyable read and I will be going back to read the previous 2 book of the series.
If you are a lover of fake dating and second chances with emotional plots, this is definitely for you.
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