Butterfly

Metamorphosis #1

by Lee McCormick, B. Ripley

Make me into something different.

Shiloh

My world is simple… blood and paint. It’s all I know. It’s what I am. And then there’s him. A sweet hockey player who seems determined to lead me straight to hell. Getting close to him is dangerous. I’m not made to love, I’m made to create. The only way I know how to do that is through death.

But Donovan makes me want things… to be more than a monster. I don’t know if I can stop myself from craving the way his blood would look on canvas long enough to become something different, or if wanting his heart is nothing more than my sadistic muse demanding his destruction.

Donovan

My world is simple: pucks and pads. I’ve dedicated my life to hockey and becoming the elite goalie I am. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. All I’ve ever needed. But then there’s Shiloh. A talented artist who keeps secrets, hiding the truths of who he is away from me. As beautiful as he is unpredictable, Shiloh is the only thing outside my career that I truly crave.

Trying to figure him out keeps me on my toes, but the more I uncover, the darker it gets. His art is brutal, his hands create by destroying, and though I know I shouldn’t, I give him my heart to hold. He’s more than the monster he thinks he is, but if all he can see is his doom, then we’ll be doomed together.

___

Butterfly is a First Person/Dual POV, MM Dark Hockey Romance about a serial killer artist and the hockey goalie he’s obsessed with. HEA guaranteed.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Dark Romance, Dark, Hockey, Sports Romance, Serial Killer

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2026

About the author

Lee McCormick has been writing since they were very young, and they've finally found the courage to offer up some of their favorite ideas to the world. Parent to two amazing kids and three pretty fantastic dogs, they've always been fascinated with dark romance and love that transcends time and reason.

When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game. 

Reviews

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐️

I’m staring at the wall and that’s not even helping. This book broke me in so many ways, but it put me back together and it’s such a masterpiece of a story.

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARLS I CANT STOP SOBBING MY HEART!!!

✨MURDER TWINK and GINGER HOTTIE
SUCH DEXTER VIBES ✨


Ughh this book was a whole experience I devoured it so fast the way I grew to love both of these characters Shiloh and Donovan but something about Shiloh really drew me into him as a character and I couldn’t place what it was about him.

Shiloh my killer baddie ughh my broken boy I love him so much he has been through so much and went though life thinking he isn’t good enough and so broken but when he gotta met Donovan you could tell the switch went off in him. He seemed to be at ease and he learned so much about himself he didn’t see before because Donovan helped him see himself in new ways and I can’t my heart these boys have my heart my souls my tears, everything I’m obsessed with them

Donovan is such a green flag he is one of the greenest green flags the way his character felt like sunshine and it was like he was there to help Shiloh like they were made for each other which I do think they were. The way they instantly clicked the first time meeting in the alley to the very end we got to see them grow not only as individuals but we got to see their relationship blossom into something beautiful in their own way.

The whole book we watched them change and grow and it felt like we were watching a love story that’s what it felt likes they seemed so real to me more than a story it felt I was watching their relationship blossom in front of me. I swear they were meant to be together like they completed each other like I think they were soulmates and I’m standing by this and I’m kit even done. I’m so drawn to them both of them together and separate like this book is just a pure masterpiece, so much is happening but it’s so damn good




Shiloh and Donovan my baby boys I love them so much and this book is in my top 2 of this year and maybe of all time. That’s how good this was to me the way I was left speechless and staring at the wall when I finished even tho it finished me. I just love this book so much and I just need more I didn’t want this to end I didn’t wanna leave Shiloh and Donovan think they are up there with my top couples in mm books just cause of their chemistry and everything!!!

this was an experience a whole rollercoaster of emotions and I loved every single second of this book and it’s one that will forever be in my heart and mind and I need in injected into my veins.

Also throughout I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was gonna happen next and I absolutely love books that do that the adrenaline rush that comes through me like I’m obsessed

Lee McCormick and B Ripley are just phenomenal when it comes to writing. The way they incorporated so many emotions and feelings that it just elevated the whole story for me the way I was instantly drawn into this book and the way I was left sobbing so hard I couldn’t see the pages for a bit like I’m so obsessed with their writing and THEY HAVE DONE IT AGAIN

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I feel cheated by this book!! I went into it wanting a specific type of book based on the blurb and previous books I've read from Lee McCormick - unhinged, OTT, and ridiculous - but this wasn't it!

I mean, how can you tell me there's a serial killer artist who uses his victims blood in his paint, but then during the entire book, he only uses a teeny tiny bit of blood that had soaked into his precious hoody?!? I was expecting him to be treating his vic's like some kind of halal meat situation in a Dexter style set up, not extracting a fucking blood stain from his hoodie after randomly killing some guy who crept up on him 😂😂 I felt like I was more unhinged than Shiloh for wanting more insanity and psychopathic behaviour!!! To me, he was basically cosplaying a serial killer. He kept banging on and on about how he needed blood to paint, how blood made him feel, blah blah blah, and I wanted to scream at him that maybe he should have just befriended a fucking phlebotomist and learnt how to draw blood rather than murder people 😂😂😂 Phlebotomists are sadistic enough to fit the plot, they literally stab people with needles all day like pro-voodoo masters! I was just so disappointed and I don't know what that says about me 😂😂😂😂

Also, if Shiloh is so obsessed with the colour red, why the fuck does he dye his hair green?! Green is an absolute bitch to maintain (ask me how I know) whereas red is the colour that never fucking leaves. It's far more low maintenance, and then if he got his victims blood in his hair, it'd blend right in rather than colour theory his green hair.... It just really bugged me! Why green? When did he keep up his hair maintenance? How the fuck did he keep having random showers and not have to deal with his curly hair after?! I swear, I even leave the tiniest bit of dampness in my hair and I look like Einstein put his fingers in a plug socket!

I feel like I need to stop ranting about Shiloh now or I'll never move on!

Ok, so then we have Donovan who is like a giant teddy bear hockey goalie with shocking taste in friends and home decor. He didn't read as a hockey player to me because he treated it like a typical 9-5 profession. I didn't feel the passion for the sport - he was more interested in Godzilla and comfy clothes! I don't really have many thoughts about him really, he was kind of a nothing character in his own story. I do feel like he'd taken a few too many pucks to the head though because he was so blase about Shiloh having made a copy of his keys before they even had a conversation, and then turning up in Donovan's clothing like a complete stalker! Donovan was just like, huh, ok he's wearing my hoodie that was clearly inside my wardrobe, inside my locked apartment.... Must make him my boyfriend asap. It was nuts but not in the way I was looking for!!

Then we have Donovan's best friend Oakley... I don't understand why he kept getting full-named whenever people talked about him! Anyway, I hated his introduction to Shiloh. I thought he was a giant arsehole and a shitty friend to Donovan. He literally brags about fucking Donovan's long-time crush the night before with no thoughts as to how that would make Donovan feel, or how it would affect his relationship with Shiloh who was standing RIGHT THERE!!! It was a choice! I don't particularly like him but I am curious about the situation with his stepbrother, Jude. Jude was probably the only character that I really liked and he's only in like one paragraph for the whole book 😂😂

This was just such a disappointment!

[Laura Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butterfly is book one in the Metamorphosis series. This MM dark romance story is about Donovan and Shiloh.

I’ve recently read a couple of MM dark romance stories, and I have to say this one felt different. Different in a good way. I thought it was a unique story and I was here for it. Donovan is a hockey player. He is such a sweet guy and a big green flag. Shiloh is an artist and a killer. He is a broken boy and my heart broke for him.

I loved Donovan and Shiloh’s dynamic. Not only did I really enjoy their romance, but the suspense was great too. I was completely invested in their story. Donovan and Shiloh were such an unexpected pairing, and I couldn’t get enough of them together.

I do have to mention I was not at all a fan of Donovan’s best friend Oakley. Hopefully he will redeem himself in the next book. I am certainly excited to see what comes next in the series!

[-`♡´- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think I’m being too generous with my six star shelf but idgaf, I loved this. I devoured it with the intensity that Shiloh wanted to be devoured whole by Donovan.

More RTC.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you not love a black cat serial k1ller + a golden retriever hockey player?! I loved everything about this book except I wish it had been longer! I could have used a little more detail and time spent in different scenes. I love Donovan and Shiloh together 🥺 And I’m very curious about Oakley and Jude’s story!

Virgin MC
SK + hockey player
Size difference
Feral smaller bottom
Some light stalking
A little 🩸 play
Third act breakup: yes; resolved quickly
HEA

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so refreshing. I’ve read so many romance novels that there isn’t much that surprises me anymore, but I can honestly say that I’ve never read anything like the combination of tropes in this book.

Shiloh is such an interesting character. This book has the staples of a dark romance - stalking, blood play, a tiny bit of murder - but the trajectory of Shiloh’s character growth and the resolution to the third-act drama took me by surprise, in a good way. The way that the two characters lean on each other is so sweet and really very touching.

I really enjoyed this, particularly as the start to a new series. I’m excited for the next one.

⭐ 4.5/5

[Cia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yum yum, delish!

I wasn’t sure what I was going to think of this book, considering the two other books I’ve read by this author weren’t exactly my favorites. So cue my surprise when I was hooked 15% in and barely set this book down!

I think, the heart and soul of this book is Shiloh and why it works the way that it does and why it works so well. Shiloh is such an interesting protagonist (antagonistic antihero?), and I truly think the book is so good because of him. If he had been written any other way, I feel like the book could’ve come off as hokey or trying too hard to be serious. Shiloh was the perfect blend of dark, but needy. Independent and mysterious, but insecure and possessive. There were times where his sections were veering into the melodrama of “I only know darkness and sin”, but not so much that I wanted to put the book down.

I also enjoyed Donovan and how, for a “sunshine” character, he had depth and was more than just a sweet person who’s done nothing wrong his entire life. Donovan was detached and (mostly) even-tempered and I liked his dynamic with Shiloh a lot. He was there for him and, for the most part, didn’t push Shiloh to be anything more than what he was. He liked Shiloh for exactly who he was, even before he KNEW who Shiloh was. I also appreciated that Donovan was a character with agency instead of being an innocent angel that’s infantallized which I feel often happens in dark romances like this.

Do I think it was a bit unrealistic for how chill Donovan was with Shiloh stealing from him, breaking into his apartment, etc? Sure, but I also think it sort of makes sense for a character who’s so removed from his own life to be intrigued/fascinated by someone like Shiloh, so I give that a pass!

I honestly just loved how smoothly the book went, too. It was fast, but their romance still felt evenly paced. It has violence, but it wasn’t over the top. It had smut, but there wasn’t too much of it, and while it was bordering on kinky, it never went overboard and it stayed hot throughout the whole book.

And, the book gave me enough information about Oakley and Jude’s relationship to get me interested without taking over this book, which is something I’ll always love! You can set up a sequel in the same series without it taking up a hefty portion of the book before it!

I do think my one complaint is that Shiloh’s murdering is justified. I suppose I was hoping he was just a psycho that killed to kill and not because of a deeper meaning, but that might just be my preference! Perhaps I watched Hannibal (the TV show) too young and my love for dark romance has been skewed by that show and their romance. I still enjoy that Shiloh killed for his art and he wasn’t totally a vigilante, but would I have liked it more if he was just a serial killer?? Absolutely! But that’s just a me thing 🤭

All in all, I really enjoyed my time with this book and I never thought I’d be feeling maternal over a serial killer, but here we are 🥹 that’s my baby boy!

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I might have enjoyed this book a lot more if I hadn’t read it right after Deathball. Unfortunately for this one, it had to follow a 6-star read, and I think that probably played a bigger part in my reading experience than I realized.

That being said, there were definitely things I enjoyed here. I liked the darker, obsessive side of their relationship, and there were some moments between them that had an intensity I appreciated. The way they slowly became so wrapped up in each other, especially the idea of being seen and accepted even for the ugliest parts of themselves, was probably my favorite aspect of the story.

I also found myself saving quite a few lines throughout the book. Some of the things they said to each other were genuinely beautiful, especially when their feelings became almost overwhelming. There was something about the way they wanted every part of each other—not just the pretty or easy parts—that worked particularly well for me.

But despite those moments, I never fully connected with the story. I didn’t dislike it, but I also never became as invested as I wanted to be. I think this may simply have been a case of a story that didn’t quite hit me the way I hoped it would, because there were enough elements here that I can see myself enjoying it much more under different circumstances.

Overall, it was an okay read for me. Not a bad story by any means, just one that didn’t stick with me as much as I would have liked.

3.75⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.25

[AnnaKitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He’s in my lungs, in the air I’m breathing.
I’m obsessed, and I’d kill to make sure it’s a feeling I can keep.”

Ohhh I love me some unhinged twink and a big teddy bear 🖤
Shiloh was somehow different from our usual psycho killer, not only because of his size. And because I don’t want to spoil anything, I shouldn’t be saying more, but regardless of anything, I loved him! He was so genuinely hilarious trying to convince Donovan that he should be afraid and failing beautifully at that 😄


And Donovan, sweet but fiercely protective, wearing his heart on his sleeve 🥹

“He nods, the tangled snarl of curls bobbing on his head, face as pale as a ghost and a small dribble of coffee on his shirt.
I have never seen anything quite as beautiful.”

Such an unexpected pairing, these two, but somehow still making it work 🖤
Passion bordering on desperation, so so hot ❤‍🔥

Honestly this book reads on one breath, constantly intriguing, with amazing characters - and yes, I think we all clocked Oakley and Jude early enough 🤭

Enjoy! 💜

[Karina Liebiedieva · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10 Якось в мене було багато очікувань, здається🫣, вайб Фелікса і доктора Лав з вʼязниці Алабастер👬 серійний вбивця і відомий хокеїст тут, рудий хлопець і чорноволосий, я люблю таке, бо це як я і моя дівчина😏👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩Дуже класна перша половина і трошки нереалістична друга, яка мені все змазала оце🫪. Але другу хочу прочитати🙂‍↕️

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

There was something subtly honest about this book. Shiloh is a killer, honest in his ways but Donovan's reactions to Shiloh and his actions and past feel true to life without exaggerations that some dark stories carry. For the longest time I was convinced Shiloh could not be redeemed, if I think about the way Shiloh was set on killing Donovan, he still feels unforgivable. I guess that is the beauty of this darkling, the forgiveness and understanding that forms between them.
Perfect amount of drama, sexy time and action. Plus a promise of interesting stories to come .

[Jessica Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive. So much fun.

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook

this was a whole vibe. donovan and shiloh were super sweet and i really enjoyed their dynamic. kind of actually liked the fact that donovan wasn’t immediately down with the whole shiloh being a serial killer thing. it was rather refreshing to see a dark romance mc have a realistic reaction to murder. but i also love that he just couldn’t stay away from shiloh. and the ending? the full circle moment? cuties.

i’m gonna need whatshisname to get his shit together for book two and earn jude’s love because i’m already obsessed with jude and won’t accept less than he deserves.

also is it weird i’m lowkey super bummed about kyle? he was a vibe. sorry, little fellow.

[Orita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amé, me quedé con ganas de más celos y de Oakley pero loved it

[july · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book SO much. It was the perfect combination of unhinged and sweet, and somehow it worked so incredibly well. The characters were amazing, and so was their relationship. They just fit together perfectly, and I really loved how well their relationship was developed.

I found myself with tears in my eyes multiple times during some really emotional moments. Shiloh completely captured my heart 🥹 There was suspense, tension, and just the right amount of everything to keep me completely invested.

I genuinely adored this book and I’m SO excited for the next one about Oakley and Jude. Omg, I need it already

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I usually really enjoy the amount of darkness books written or co-written by Lee McCormick have, and this one is no exception. I loved Donovan and Shiloh so much! I loved Donovan's golden retriever energy and Shiloh was the perfect black cat to go with that golden retriever. The story was action packed and I really enjoyed that. I was waiting to see how and when would Shiloh come clean about himself, while I was scared to see how Donovan would react to it. Neither of them had a totally easy childhood, but Donovan's was better than Shiloh's and my heart went out to them.
It was great to see Shiloh trust Donovan and be honest and open with him. And Donovan finally found someone who sees him for himself.

This was a fun read and I'm excited to read Oakley and Jude's story!

[Daje1968]

I was looking forward to this one, but it was an almost immediate DNF.

Serial killers are just not my thing, especially when they’re murdering random innocent people. No trope-shaming if that’s your jam, but I simply don’t have the imaginative capacity to romanticize someone like that.

And serial killer plus hockey player? That combination is as jarring to me as it was in Bltz’d. It’s like chocolate and sardines.

To top it off, the serial killer is also a petite college student. Had I kept reading, I wouldn’t have been shocked if he turned out to have flaming red hair and a precocious grade-school sibling he was raising. It started to feel like someone was checking off a list of all my least favorite tropes and features.

[Naile C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hiçte dark değildi aslında, neden öyle pazarlamışlar bu kitabı anlam veremedim. 😄
Tek bir dark element vardı o da Shiloh'un katil oluşu ama psikopat olduğu için falan değil yaşadığı travmalar sonucu edindiği bir savunma mekanizmasıydı bu, ondan da vazgeçti zaten.
Çok heyecanlı bi hikaye değil ama ben bu aşka ikna oldum o yüzden 4 yıldız diyorum ✨️

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read two dark romances back to back, so unfortunately, I couldn't help but compare them. Maybe if I'd read this after a different genre, it would have hit differently, and I would have loved it. It's clearly hitting the mark with a lot of readers.
I did enjoy the story; I just didn't feel the chemistry between the MCs. I also thought it was going to be darker. That said, I absolutely loved Oakley, and I'm really looking forward to his book.
I absolutely love Lee McCormick and B. Ripley's writing, but I guess this book just wasn't for me.

[VR]

DNF very early on. I'm annoyed I couldn't get into this, but Donovan is boring as hell and devoid of any personality. I paused five times in the space of an hour to scroll Instagram before I realised it was probably time to give up.

[Mariansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a thrilling and entertaining story. And I was so curious to read this collab, I’ve loved everything I’ve read by both these authors and this collab is freaking amazing!

The plot and the pacing is perfect, and I just loved the characters 💛 Shiloh the broken boy definitely needed Donovan in his life. He loves him perfectly!

The mix of hockey, romance, background story and spice was great! If you’re gonna pick up this book, and you’re familiar with the authors, you won’t be disappointed

[MM Bookwrecked · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Ok, wow. I absolutely loved both Shiloh, my broken baby, and Donovan, my walking green flag. Chapters 29, 30 and 31 broke me but in a good way I guess haha? I do love a bit of angst even if it hurts. I don't usually like separations but it made sense here when Donovan found out about Shiloh's ummm extracurricular activities. I have to say though I didn't like Oakley - even if he saw the darkness in Shiloh, he was really rude to his best friend's boyfriend. Plus he also slept with his best friend's ex crush which isn't cool lol even if Donovan didn't like him anymore. I will still read Oakley and Jude's book because I'm a big fan of stepbrothers (who isn't). The whole plot with Sidney was predictable but overall added to the story. And while I understand why Kyle was introduced - so Donovan didn't question the messages too much - I feel like he could have played well in the next book, but obviously with his death that's not really possible. But yeah really recommend this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I ADORE THESE TWO!!! This is a black cat × golden retriever dynamic. I usually love my black cat characters the most but I couldn't help but fall in love with our golden retriever Donovan🥹 I love his love for Shiloh, his kind heart, and how he uplifted him. And Shiloh, omg my poor broken boy. Seeing him navigate loving someone for the first time, learning how to communicate, and just being open with Donovan was so heartwarming. That third act breakup actually killed me, my heart BROKE for both of them but I'm glad they got their HEA. I'm SO intrigued for Jude and Oakley. Stepbrothers? Count me in, I can't wait for their book👀

Serial killer artist × hockey player goalie
Opposites attract
🩸 play
🔪 play
Size difference
Stalking
Stabby MC
Virgin MC
Third act breakup

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️SPOILERS‼️

I knew when I saw these two were doing a collaboration that I just had to read it and I’m so glad I did because ohmygod… they had my heart the whole freaking time.

Shiloh and Donovan were such a good time from the moment that Shiloh meets him. Shiloh usually keeps to himself so when he meets Donovan, he’s so confused with his feelings. I freaking love him so much. I just love how he’s so confused.

And Donovan. He’s all sunshine. A hockey player and just wants to help. I just love how when Shiloh even gets in his place and steals his clothes, he doesn’t even bat an eye.

And when Donovan finds out what Shiloh does, oh man, what a whirlwind. But what I really love is how Shiloh would do anything to protect him.

The end of chapter thirty-one - oh, my heart. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. Also, I loved seeing Shiloh with kids. Iggy. If you know you know. At that moment, that’s when I knew that Shiloh would protect anyone that meant anything to him.

I just love how natural these two fall into each other’s graves and just how they learn about each other’s pasts.

I need Oakley’s book because the mystery we get in this book- what in the world?!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I loved everything about it from the level of crazy shown by Shiloh, to the level of acceptance from Donovan. Also little twist got me and I was pleasantly surprised. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.

[Lo Schall · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ 3🌶️

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one just fine, but I think I would've liked it better on an another time. However, it did got me interested in Oakley and Jude, so I will read that book!

[Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paintings made out of blood. An adorable (and scowly) 5’4 serial killer who breaks into the goalies apartment, steals his hoodie and then demands he be taken to dinner.

- Hockey player X artist/serial killer
- Golden retriever X black cat energy
- Size difference
- Hurt/comfort
- Pansexual mmc
- First times