Starving Butterfly

Shadowed States #2

by F. King Hayes

They took my daughter, thinking I would shatter.
They were mistaken.
Violence raised me.
Groomed me to obey.
Trained me to endure.
I am done letting men decide what happens to my body, my child, or my future.
Scott is gone.
Dustin pulled the trigger.
Cole won’t meet my eyes.
They called it protection.
I call it control.
These men were divided long before they ever stood beside me. Now they’ll choose — loyalty or blood.
I will not beg.
I will not cry.
I will not ask for permission.
If the world wants war —
I will create one.
Pain was only the beginning.
Death is only temporary.
But this time —
We choose who survives.

Author’s Note: Starving Butterfly is a pitch black/horror steamy Why choose romance, with detailed graphic content that may be disturbing for some readers.

Genres: Dark Romance

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 14, 2026

About the author

I am a writer, I write dark romance that sometimes ends up as horror er0tic whooops

Reader of basically everything fiction might see some wild things come out of me.

Reviews

[Becki 🤎 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starving Butterfly 🦋

Ok, I’m sat in complete shock & full of adrenaline whilst writing this review. I loved this so so much!! It was so much more than I expected!! I did message Hayes throughout because there were too many moments that had me needing to discuss!

Slaughtered Firefly, was full of layers not just Summers but the multiple men that all had issues but all had their purpose too. It delved deep into each characters background, what Summer went through, what the men had to offer & why they were all so important to Summer

Whereas Starving Butterfly shows us the progression of these characters, new relationships & new sides to them. Whilst also showing us who Summer should have trusted & who she should have just shot point blank dead 🥲

I still really feel for her! She went through so much & it never ends for her 😭 Will she ever get a happy ending? 🥲 I LOVED the new relationships & how everyone came together for Summer (in more ways than one 😉)

Safe to say it was absolutely unreal! I loved every single part of it, it took me 2 days (stupid work) but my god did I devour and take in every single last word!! I was SHOOK from the very first chapters until the very end…(that ending was naughty!!)

Anyways, this is releasing on 14th May, add to your TBR, pre-order & Makesure you read slaughtered firefly first!! You will honestly LOVE them!!

Thank you again to Hayes for letting me ARC for you, I shall now be on the pester for the next release 🤣🤎

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Erica L · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t read the first book, please do and familiarize yourself because you’re about to be heavily traumatized over and over again. I had to mentally prepare myself for this book and do some breath work 🤣

Girl what the hell x2. That recap had my anxiety sky high before I even started the first chapter because I just knew this book was going to be devastatingly rough but worth it. I hate Cole. I don’t care how much trauma they’ve endured both with/without one another… but I’ll never forgive him and neither should Summer. I love her back & fourth banter with Lucas even if he is terrible. Nice little twist the younger brothers. Wasn’t expecting that at all. Scott’s justice was delicious. Ethan, I need more back story on him. And Karter!? I need book 3 asap.

This book was not as intense as the first. But don’t let that sentence fool you because it is still intense compared to others. I love Hayes writing style. You get quick to the story and leave no room for filler or fluff. This book was a “read in one sitting” type of read. Thank you! Can’t wait for the next one

[Cami Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why 😭😭😭😭My heart is broken 💔
This book was fast past paced with all kinds of F***ery!!
So much to unpack & dots connected with even more questions!!
4.5 ⭐️’s!!

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took some time to process before writing this review and honestly I'm still screaming. I devoured this. I absolutely love this authors books! You definitely have to read slaughtered firefly before this! Book 1 sets the foundation and this one just well it blows up. Literally.

The trauma, the heartache, this was so emotional. Summer can't catch a break! Not just Summer, shoot, most of these characters can't catch a break. Things just kept coming that I wasn't expecting and this entire thing is one giant mindf*ck! 🖤 I'm stressed 😂 All the characters are messy, but I love them all together. Except Cole..I'm so so so mad at him right now. Grrr...

My thoughts are scattered all over the place 😂😭 I'm mad, I'm upset. I loved it. Like LOVED this! I'm still heartbroken. Sigh. I LOVED seeing some other characters in this. Even tho roles might of been small or even just a drop of a name! That's all I'll say about that.

The ending. I'm not even ready to discuss that but ok let's do it 😂 WTF. Cliffhanger!!!!! I need book 3 now so I can either be completely destroyed emotionally or completely healed. I'm left in limbo right now and I NEED answers!!!!! 😭😭😭

This one literally took my breath away. I'm left questioning time lines, comparing, trying to piece answers together on my own. Honestly, this one might of jumped to my favorite from this author. Well freaking done! Is book 3 ready yet? Asking for a friend 😂

Sooo many twists and turns in this one. Very emotional ride. Quite the rollercoaster. As usual check the triggers. I think this one is going to stick with me for quite some time 🖤

✔️Pregnancy
✔️Serial 💀
✔️Betrayal
✔️Enemies forced to work together
✔️Reverse Harem
✔️Political corruption
✔️Trauma survival
✔️High angst
✔️Pitch black
✔️Captivity

[Gwyn Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I just read? No, seriously! Wow! Just…Wow! Between the "WTFs," the "noooooos," and the "OMGs," I spent the majority of the book gasping in shock. It was a total mindfuck.

​First, Summer just can’t seem to catch a break. As if her past trauma wasn't enough, the layers just keep piling on. Honestly, I’m surprised she hasn’t had a complete mental breakdown yet. Although, the book does end on a massive cliffhanger, so there’s plenty of room for that in book three.

Cole? Yeah, he's an idiot. A complete and utter idiot. So much pain and sadness could have been avoided if he’d just been man enough to actually do something. I was already on the fence after book one, but now? I’m done. I don't care what he does to redeem himself in the next book. I just can’t with him.

​Scott? That was a whole pile of "WTF." Seriously, the sweetest of the bunch gets the short end of the stick and is taken on a ride of fucked-up proportions. He has officially become my favorite. (Please, F. King Hayes, I am begging you! Do not ruin this for me. I love him and will be devastated if you mess with his character!).


Dustin is also an idiot, but seems to pull his head out of his ass.  He's still an idiot, just one we somewhat like now. No matter the situation, he seems to stay level-headed. A feat with all the fuckery going on around him. 

​As we learn how interconnected these characters really are, the story gets even more complex. Just when you think you finally have it figured out, another plot twist slaps you upside the head. And even throughout all the fuckery, I still loved every minute of it. 

 

[Mariah Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Starving Butterfly is so different from the first book, Slaughtered Firefly, but so deeply dark and depressing in its own way.

I did not register the character crossover until this book and I was stoked. It answered some questions I had from Fixing Her, but definitely not all of them. I have so many more questions now.

I liked that a lot of the past trauma was left in the first book and this book had current trauma. It also had the best amount of feminine rage. The FMC fully unleashed her inner psychopath and I was here for it! I was hoping she would create chaos and she absolutely did.

The relationship development between most of the characters was fantastic. Especially between some of the MMCs 👀. There’s one character I definitely no longer like due to his own selfish decisions and other characters I definitely shouldn’t like and absolutely do.

I would say this book does not have an HEA and ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. After reading all three books, the author leaves the endings open as to create more books and more series within the same universe and timeline…I think, I hope.

The only part of this book I didn’t care for was the very long recap at the beginning. Having a recap of book one was a fantastic idea. It was just very long and kind of hard to follow with all the characters being involved.

If you like horror erotica or pitch black romance sorties then this series is for you. They are pitch black and have a lot of triggers. If that isn’t an issue for you, they are all so so good.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sign me up for your next arc release F. King Hayes! In obsessed.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

F. King Hayes, I Need Emotional Compensation

OMG Besties… WTF. DID. I. JUST. READ?! "Starving Butterfly" came in swinging and immediately reminded me why Slaughtered Firefly is absolutely required reading first because Book 2 starts right where Book 1 leaves off. No easing in. No mercy. Just immediate chaos.😳

First, can we talk about that opening summary?! The characters interacting with the author had me grinning because it was such a clever, unexpected twist. I was obsessed before the story even fully started.💯

And Summer? Oh, this woman is DONE asking permission. Watching her step into rage, pain, and absolute destruction had me clutching my Kindle... Hard. Then add Cole, Scott, Dustin, Lucas, and Karter into this tangled disaster of betrayal, loyalty, secrets, and emotional damage?! Pure mindfawk energy. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, F. King Hayes said, “Cute,” and threw another twist directly at my face.😳

AND THAT ENDING?! F. KING HAYES. ABSOLUTELY NOT. A cliffhanger?! I am not a happy camper. I needed the next book yesterday. Also… read the TWs. Pitch black means PITCH BLACK.

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 4/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t even know where to begin. I thought our FMC had already survived the worst, that she’d been forged in fire and nothing could break her again… but I was so painfully wrong. The hurt she endures in this book it wasn’t just unexpected it was the kind of hurt that makes you stop reading for a second because you feel it right along with her. I’m devastated for her in a way I didn’t see coming.
But don’t think for a second that she stays down. Her revenge? It’s not just satisfying it’s brutal and served on a platter so twisted it made me grin through the heartbreak. She rises in a way that made every ounce of pain worth witnessing.
I went in with high expectations because Summer has always been one of my favorite FMCs, and somehow she still managed to shatter every single one. F. King Hayes writes with this raw, emotional intensity that drags you into the story and refuses to let you go. Every feeling is sharp. Every moment is alive. Every heartbreak is personal.
And yes, I absolutely despise the cliffhanger she left me with. It gutted me. But at the same time, I’m buzzing with anticipation for book three. I need answers, closure and healing.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well thank you very much for shattering my heart💔 with another one of your truly beautifully tragic horror stories F. King Hayes.!
My eyes are all red and puffy and I have even more questions now with the completely breath stopping ending. Oh yes darklings get settled in for this crazy rollercoaster ride through Summers life that I thought couldn't get any worse. With all her men that are involved romantically and the history behind everyone explained more in depth.
All the love, betrayal, secrets and yes Summer and her full on rage, full of vengeance, the black hole in her heart with no room for remorse only revenge and so much blood. And just wait for the deep fried spirals 🤭🙃😏 I laughed so hard.

So first check TW before reading.

Then read Slaughtered Firefly first. Then get ready for more heart break and read this book. They are both incredible stories. For all of us lovers of the darkness and the bloody horror. These pitch/black steamy Why-Choose Romances are must reads.

I highly recommend this book and this series.
🤗🖤🖤🖤

[Bonnie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Starving Butterfly and wow… this book absolutely destroyed me in the best way. F. King Hayes really went all in with the darkness, emotion, and chaos in this one.

After everything Summer’s already survived, She’s messy, broken, angry, and completely ruthless when she needs to be. I loved her.

The relationships are intense, toxic, emotional, and complicated in the best dark romance way possible. The twists kept hitting, the angst was brutal, and there were so many moments that genuinely shocked me. F. King Hayes balances the horror, revenge, spice, and found family elements so well that I couldn’t stop reading.

If you like your dark romance genuinely dark with betrayal, vengeance, morally grey men, and an FMC who fights back hard, this one is definitely worth the emotional damage.

[Sharkie Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before going into to this please know your triggers. Your mental health matters!

This book picks up right at the end of Slaughtered Firefly. You get a funny Summery from the characters which was a nice touch. This was a wild ride with a lot of moving pieces. Summer is on a mission and there is always someone in her way trying to stop her. She can’t catch a break. This story is not for the faint of heart and leave you sobbing. This book for me was really good but had my cussin and wanting to throw my phone. I will say there were times I was confused with the timeline of events. I felt like when I got a character pov we were dropped in the middle of something and didn’t have the full story. That’s the only reason I gave it a 4star. Overall I want my girl to get her justice and can’t wait for part 3.

[Angelica Ybarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read trigger Warnings

I knew going into this book that it was going to be a destroy me!! I almost didnt sign up for the ARC but I am glad I did!

I was shocked all the way through. It was twist after twist and I dont think I had the same emotion between chapters. And the spice was on point!!

The trauma, lies, betrayal, and revenge was so beautifully written. Im still not over everything that happened in Starving Butterfly.

I absolutely love "Fck it" moments in books but when it was finally said in this book i think screamed with excitement. (Iykyk) i was not expecting that scene.

I definitely recommend Starving Butterfly but you do need to read Slaughtered Firefly and Fixing Her.


I would like to thank F.King Hayes for letting me be a part of the ARC team. I cant wait to read more about these characters.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that made you literally unable to breath for a couple seconds?? I didnt until this! I will give zero spoilers or information about the book due to me loving to go in blind so I can attempt to try and share my feelings (not good at that either).

This book did not simply just break me, it shattered me to my soul. You get somethings answered that you were left questioning from Slaughtered Firefly and then you are left with more. This is/was a very emotional read for me, I felt so much anger/hatred, love/adoration, fear, I was surprised and even had a little giggle a couple times. I already loved these characters and some how was able to fall even more in love with them.

Seriously check your triggers though!!

[MsAprilreadswhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG where do I even begin?! This is my THIRD book from this author and at this point I should know better because WHY do I keep letting myself get emotionally wrecked like this?! 😭💔
First of all, check your triggers because this is definitely a dark read with some heavy themes. I don’t think it was as dark as the first book, but WOW it still destroyed me. My heart shattered all over again for Summer. That girl deserves peace, happiness, redemption… SOMETHING. Like please let her finally get her happy ever after! 🥺
And THE BABIES?! Don’t even get me started because I am STRESSED. I need answers immediately. This book had me spiraling, questioning my sanity, screaming internally, and staring at the wall after finishing. The emotional damage is REAL and honestly I’ll probably never recover.

[Angela Ballas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book early..and just WOW!!!! It was sooooo good! Summer..this poor girl has been through it. If you read Slaughtered Firefly..which you HAVE to read before this one..then you know! But her guys 🥵🌶️..they take care of her. I love the way F. King Hayes puts a summary of the 1st book..and how she tells it! I was sitting on the edge of my seat..and I still sitting there after finishing. The book was so sad 😭..but the revenge is AMAZING!!! There are times that my jaw just dropped and I was like WTH! IYKYK! It ends on a HUGE cliffhanger..but so worth it! I can’t wait for book 3! Definitely a must read!

[Melissa Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐'s
WOW!!! First check your trigger warnings. This is a DARK DARK RH. Also, even though there is a spectacular recap and intro from the author, you should really read Slaughtered Firefly.
I like this book more than book 1, there were less flashbacks and more of Summer and her men. This book picks up directly where book 1 leaves off. So strap in because you are in for a hell of a ride. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! My heart broke so many times. The spice is definitely SPICING! I was entranced from the beginning, and loved every bit until the very end. I need the next book like now!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already knew going into Starving Butterfly that F. King Hayes was going to hand me an absolutely unhinged plot, but I was NOT prepared for the emotional damage this series would deliver. Book 2 Starving Butterfly hit so much harder than I expected. Beneath all the chaos, tension, and insanity was this raw emotional weight that completely wrecked me. Every character decision hurt in the best way possible, and by the end I just sat there staring at the wall trying to recover. F. King Hayes really said “you can have trauma with your plot twists” and honestly? Mission accomplished.

[Lakecia Goedken · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Spoilers***

This book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m really hoping everything gets wrapped up in a third and final book because I genuinely cannot handle a fourth at this point. Go into this one knowing that not everyone gets a happily ever after.

Summer has already been through more than anyone should ever have to endure, and I honestly can’t imagine what her life is going to look like next. But after that ending, I absolutely need to find out.

[Allie 👑 Wangg 🦑 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk if I finished this book or if this book finished ME.

In true F King Hayes fashion my heart is broken. I hurt for Summer. ALWAYS CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!

This story is RAW. FAST PACED. GOING TO SHRED YOUR HEART.

I can’t believe I don’t have book 3 yet 😂 (funny considering book 2 isn’t out yet technically)

I could not wait to get home to finish this book…. There is much to be said, but I am literally still processing..

Great work!

[Zoe Savidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive Starving Butterfly as an ARC, I can’t believe I’ve read it all in one go and got to wait for the next one!!
It was amazing and loved it as much as the first one, I loved how all the books are linking together and seeing familiar faces!
Well done F. king Hayes and can’t wait for book 3!

[♥︎Obsidian°Scorpio°Reads♥︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off Mrs, Hayes what did you concoct here 👀?

This starts off where slaughtered firefly left off.
UGH!!....this will have you i a choke hold and leaving you with not only a heavy heart but also more questions then answers. The triggers in this are not for the faint an all of them hit hard they are raw an emotional so read your TW/CW's. Can't wait for book 3 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
🥺🥺🥺.75/5

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we thought what Summer had already endured was heartbreaking enough  well buckle up for bk2! And yes theres a cliffy for bk3! But Summer holds her own and with her men at her side well the ones she can trust she can be unstoppable! Well written engaging steamy desires drama action, dark themes twists and that cliffy!

[Katherine Elley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch black dark romance
Why choose
Check triggers. This book may be disturbing for some readers.

You must read Slaughtered Firefly to get the idea of the story.

We pick up from that cliffhanger of an ending.

Gabriella has been taken. Summer needs to find her but is it too late?

OMG this book. ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER?! I need tissues AND therapy. Now to wait patiently for the next book.

[Mrsz_reads13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why does this series continue to hold me in its blood stained clutches?!?!? I cannot put it down!! The level for twisted taboo and darkness is not for the weak... Please check those triggers and have fun!!

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My head is everywhere and nowhere..... F King has made me a fan for life and this series is what started that. Book one was amazing and book two... Just as amazing!!!!! I am so glad I picked this up and read it. I love her writing and how her stories play out.

[F. Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was trauma...let's see I read it about a dozen times and feel numb... okay well that's all :) 7/10 would write better

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Ashley Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark as hell, wildly unhinged, emotionally destructive, and VERY spicy. I had the best time.

[April Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want another one soon ..loved the appearance by a certain doctor😉😉it is insane

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

That cliffhanger though!!!!
This book was fantastic. I'm already eager for book 3. Highly recommend!