“Victoria, will you marry me?”Those words changed my life forever…just not in the way it would for most. I had it all until one fateful evening transformed my life in ways I never imagined.Nine months later, I move to a sleepy little town, hoping to escape the demons of my past. As I attempt to claim back my life, Jude Montgomery enters my world, and things begin to change.I thought running would … change.
I thought running would appease the nightmares, but I soon discover my past won’t let go. Things are not what they seem, and I begin to question the world as I know it. Jude may hold the answers, but will my love for him blind me to the truth?
Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? In my case, yes, it does.
Will the truth set me free? Or will it imprison us both?
My name is Victoria Armstrong, and this is my story…I think.
“With heart and heat and a depth we adore for in our favorite reads, James has penned an absolutely stunning novel.” Christina Lauren, NYT and #1 International Bestselling Authors of Twice in a Blue Moon
“Wow! This book! It’s not just a story, it’s an experience. Enthralling. Epic. Beautiful. Chase the Butterflies grabbed my heart, twisted it, and NEVER let go.” -Mia Sheridan, NYT bestseller
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Where do I start with this review? Maybe from this.. Chasing Butterflies is a must read! This is one of those books where after finished reading it you’re sitting and wondering, “What the hell have I just read?”. It’s been three days since I finished it, and my head is still inside the story. Still feel this incredible love between Victoria and Jude. Monica is an amazing storyteller. She has written a wonderful, emotional and surprising love story that will leave a mark on your heart. This marvelous romance is worth more than five stars!
I adore this book and it was so far away from what I expected.
A heartbreaking story of a love so strong, it holds on in this life, and through to the next and beyond and never fades.
“Its not goodbye…..its goodnight”
Monica really puts your emotions through the ringer with this one!! A beautifully written, thought provoking, fantastic book with a unique twist that breaks your heart makes you cry till you think you have no more tears to cry all the time hoping for a miracle !!!
“Life is complicated, Tori. No matter what decisions we make,there are always going to be consequences”
I’m not going to say much more because everyone needs to experience the reaction I had so in my opinion you really need to go in blind to get the full effect, but what I will say is put this on your tbr list or read it now and it will soon become one of your favourites like mine!!!
“The butterflies, I know you felt them”
She was so near to her happy ending. She could see it, taste it, feel it and then she watched it being stolen from her grasp.
With a broken heart she tried to start over, to reconnect with the world though baby steps.
The handsome stranger with a heart of gold, who insists on helping her. Who is he and what is the price she will have to pay for his help in her hour of need..?
Oh my gosh so much I want to say but still the words swim infront of me.
My heart broke reading this and now I have myself a new ugly cry book.
I knew this book was going to leave me an emotional and snotty mess, but still it crept up on me and then WHAM! when I least expected it, I ran straight into the devestation and everything just happened at once.
Even though the subject matter is delicate it’s written beautifully. You feel every single thing, and that alone is a skill few authors possess.
Tori is an amazing character, that fate dealt a rough hand to. She fought against all odds to see the whole picture, and I for one admired both her courage and strength.
There’s so much more I want to say, but I want this to be spoiler free so all I’m going to say is..
If you only read one book this month, pick this one you will not regret it I promise you that!
Rate: +5/ 5 stars
I’ve been staring at a blank page trying to write a review for this book ever since I finished it… but there are just no words to describe this book or how it made me feel. Also, I really don’t want to give any spoilers. This book needs to be experienced without any info, please go in blind and don’t, DO NOT seek spoilers, trust me! Or this book won’t have its desired effect or impact and won’t be the masterpiece that it is for you. Because that is honestly what this book is… a masterpiece.
I’ve never read a book like this, EVER! And I am still so shook and amazed. You think you know what you’re reading and then BAM… you are hit with the most epic plotwist ever in the history of plotwists. It was insane and I was reeling from it until the end of the book. From that moment onwards, there were so many tears and heartache, like my heart literally hurt for the unknown and for these characters and I couldn’t stop reading… I just had to know how it all would end and that ending man… it might have been even more epic than the plotwist.
At one point, I thought this book wouldn’t have an HEA but it did and it warmed my heart and had me in tears again. We get an open-ending HEA and gosh I pray to all the lords above that Monica gives us more of these two. Pls pls pls, it doesn’t have to be a whole book, it can be a novella. I just want to see them together, happy, a few years down the line and to know how it all happened (darn, I wish I could be more specific here but I’ll give too much away).
I just…. I loved this book with all my heart even though said heart was in a shamble of tiny pieces from reading it. I love these two amazing characters and their epic, crazy and unique love story. Monica’s writting is unbeliavable and this book was nothing short of amazing. And I want more.
After being introduced to Monica James’ words with her last series, I honestly will forever one click or sign up for whatever has her name on it. I love going into books blind, it’s absolutely the best. This is one of those I recommend just one clicking because it’s Monica James and that’s all you need to know. Read it, be taken by the story. You will think you know but you don’t know. And of course throw in the feels that Ms. James’ words always seem to have and you have a set up for an awesome book. I love when you can just tell an author has poured their heart into a story. So this is most definitely an absolute must read!! LOVED IT!!
I’ve just finished Chase the Butterflies book and OMG you guys! This story was unbelievable and very original.
I love it from the beginning to the very end. Monica James enchanted me with this magical story and I couldn’t put this book down so curious with what kind of wild journey she’ll take me with main characters. At first I was mad at author that she prepared that cruel fate for Tori and Jude but then, as a story went further I saw Mrs. James’ twisted mind and where she’s heading with this story.
I’ve never read book like this one so far.
I was surprised, shocked and captivated by the plot and I still can’t believe what an awesome story I’ve read. Totally emotional rollercoaster.
What a mind-blowing storyline that was so unexpected! This book was a roller coaster of emotions and I couldn’t put it down because it was so captivating. This was such a different story from what I typically read but I was so happy I took the chance on it! What started as the happiest moment of her life ended up changing Victoria’s life forever, and after the accident and the fallout afterwards, she relocates to a sleepy town to regain her control over her life. After her move, she meets Jude and the sparks instantly fly, and also reconnects with her friend from high school, and slowly she starts to take her life back and heal. Just when you think you know where the book is going, your mind blows up when Monica provides one explosive connection after another, and the relation between Victoria, Jude, and other characters in the book, in combination with the overall situation Victoria was in at the beginning of the book – MY MIND WAS SO BLOWN! Without giving away any spoilers, really all I can say is that I didn’t expect this book, this storyline, but I was so glad I took a chance on this book because it absolutely wrecked me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
If I had to give one word to describe this book to someone, I think I would go with complex. Yes, I think that would be it. There is just so much to this book, and I think you could read it twice and get so much out of it the second time as you did the first time.
I could probably also go with a fun one – shook. I was pushed past what I expected. This made me sit on the edge of my comfort zone, and I love that btw. I just read it with my hand on my mouth speechless, and tears in my eyes from so much emotion.
This is heart-stopping, breathtaking, and full of soul. Bravo Monica…so damn good.
Chase the Butterflies by Monica James is Jude and Victoria’s story.
Without giving any spoilers away, just know that this story needs to be read to be experienced and savoured. It’s intense, amazing, heartbreaking, emotional feels, moving, raw, enduring, satisfying, sexy, steamy and full of rollercoaster ride of emotions that will have you craving more !!!
I still am in awe of the highest highs and the lowest lows that I read and felt in this story. One minute I’m laughing then next, I’m sobbing as if my heart was breaking apart. Kudos to author Monica James for how she wrote a touching story about two people who found each other during a broken period in their lives. The chemistry and connection between them is sensational; the plot is fantastic- just know that this is such a beautiful story that will rip out your heart then put it back together 100fold. Amazing start to finish!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars ********
Monica James never ceases to amaze me with each release. Chase The Butterflies is so different than what I’ve read from her before – I loved it!
Victoria’s journey to truth is filled with so many questions, twists, and turns. Her path reminded me a little of a rollercoaster. Starting with that slow climb to the top, and once the ride drops, it’s nothing but bends, spins, stomach drops, and emotion. And once it’s over, you want to get right back on.
Jude – *sigh* – is the epitome of perfection. His connection with Victoria took me a minute to feel but once I did. Wow. It was enchanting and otherworldly.
There’s not much I know how to say without giving away anything, so just READ IT.
I felt all the butterflies
I chased them, I caught them and I let them fly away to their happily ever after reading this beautifully written story by Author Monica James.
My stomach flipped & fell in love with finding that true love which can be found when you least except it and in the most imperfect out of this world ways
This book gave all the feels. I loved every moment I sat down and read this magnificent story that comes to life off the pages.
I feel soo ALIVE after reading this book!
5 popped!
Let me start off by saying, this is a must read!!!!!!! I found Monica James’ books this year and this book has definitely put her on my “I’ll read whatever she writes” list. There’s so much I want to say about that story, but I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that it is a roller coaster of emotions, has a plot twist that I never saw coming, and an amazing connection. It was one of those books where at one point I had to make myself slow down so it didn’t end too fast, but that was so hard to do! Thank you Monica James for an amazing story that will stay with me for a very long time!
Wow!!!! I don’t even know where to begin with this. I don’t want to spoil anything. Once again, I went in totally blind and had no idea what this book was going to be about. It’s Monica James…that’s all I really need to know.
Nine months ago Victoria’s life changed. In one night. In one moment. It all changed and now she was starting over. In a small town. In a house by the lake. It was time to take her life back. She was still numb but deep inside her she had hope. She also has a mysteriously hot neighbor who knows exactly what to say and when to show up. Jude somehow made her feel again. To feel is to open up. Be true. To be vulnerable. She doesn’t know much about him but their connection is undeniable. Even if it’s a complication they both weren’t looking for.
Well, like I said, I can’t really say much. I can say that I loved it! It gave me every single feel. It’s a beautiful story full of love, friendship, family, passion, and so much more. The writing is also all of those things! I know Monica gave her all with these words and story. I know her father is looking down at her and is so proud of the woman, daughter, wife, friend, and author that she is.
Quotes:
“I think we’re going to be great friends.”
“Every scar tells a story. It’s a stepping-stone in one’s journey. Maybe one day…you could show me yours.”
“Every day I spend with you is a date.”
“Cheapskate,” I mumble under my breath, grinning.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Chase the Butterflies is a gritty story about love, loss and rebuilding yourself all over again.
This book catches you pretty mich from the beginning, and i was addicted.
The book holds so much emotion and I absolutely adored it.
This book is one of the best I’ve read. It’s highly recommended, with tissues and wine at hand. Spectacular read.
I went into this story not knowing what to expect….what I read completely blew me away. This story was just so completely different, in the best way, compared to recent stories I have read. It’s stories like that that leave an impact on me. That makes me remember the story well after I have finished.
It was a fantastic story that was well written. This story is pact full of emotions. I will say there are only a handful of stories out of the hundreds that I have read that have made me shed physical tears. It was a very emotionally powerful story. I absolutely loved how the author ended it! It was perfect! It’s probably my favorite part of the entire story. I will say this isn’t a traditional contemporary romance. It does step outside the box but it’s so good. If you like your stories heartfelt and emotional this is a must read. If that’s not your thing, like me, this is a must read. I adore this story and it’s one that I will always remember.
Chase the Butterflies is a stand alone and is Victoria Armstrong and Jude Montgomery’s story.
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Chase the Butterflies is like no book that I have ever read.
I love how Monica James writes and I usually can’t put her books down well this book was no exception. I HUNG ONTO EVERY WRITTEN WORD!
This is an emotional & beautiful story and it went in a very different direction than what I thought it would.
What a great book to read and yes that means it is a must read. Beware that this is an emotional and different kind of book. 10 + STARS. I absolutely love this author and her books and I can’t wait to see what is next.
ARC REVIEW
This book is a true masterpiece, and until now, I am sure I have misused the word ‘masterpiece’ because this book is something special, something unique and something I have never come across in my life until now.
Every word I use and every sentence I think of using to describe this book feels wrong and not worthy, I am not sure how to express my feelings for this book in a true and non-crazy way.
‘Chase The Butterflies’ by the incredibly talented Monica James is a book that changes lives, a book that brings you hope and changes the way you see the world. An unexpected surprise that will move you in way I assure you, you have never been moved.
This is a beautiful story about life and death and everything in between, love, hope, pain, grief, and acceptance. It is a book that will show you a new side to things, a book that can get you through a rough time and give you hope, or hold your hand through a good time and make you feel alive.
This book will bring electricity into your body, a tingle that starts from your fingertips and reaches your whole body until it finally becomes the brightest light that has ever touched you.
Victoria is our sweet heroine in this book, she has had an amazing and loving life until everything she knew turns upside down and she has to learn how to go on and live her life again. She has been through so much, things that broke her, things that could’ve destroyed her if she’d let them, but she remains strong. She is resilient and tough, she refuses to live her life in fear or even to just live a meek and gray life, she refuses to stay down on the ground and let life beat her up.
Victoria is kind and understanding, she is empathic and loving, someone willing to go the extra mile to help others and not even complain about it, someone who’s never put herself first until she had to. And when she did put herself first, she found that there was a long way to go ahead of her, but she was ready to take it, no matter the obstacles, the challenges, and the unexpected butterflies.
Jude is someone most people wouldn’t think about twice, he is impulsive and inventive, snarky at times and very moody, but he, he has something special inside him. He couldn’t care less about what other people thought of him, the only person he truly cared about was the exact reason he’d do anything to make him proud.
Jude is smart and calculating, he is assertive and closed off a times, but once he opens up, you see he is really sweet, you see how much he cares, how protective and kind, someone to make you feel safe, someone who won’t push you but will be there every step of the way, a selfless man ready to anything in order to protect those he cares about.
This book defies the logic of physics, time and space and anything else you want, but yet somehow it works and it has become a literary masterpiece everyone should read.
This book will bring you into another world, another time where problems seem far away and everything that matters is right in front of you.
It will wrap you in a blanket of comfort, making you feel safe and happy, giving you a safe place for you to escape.
Even when things seem to get hard, there’s still a peacefulness about this book that it will feel as if you just finished a 300 hours yoga retreat and couldn’t feel more at ease with your mind if you tried.
And trust me when I say to expect the unexpected, no matter how many times you think you know what’s going to happen next, you don’t.
Even in the darkest of moments, hope shines through in this book followed by love and light, a mix of emotions that can have the power to leave you breathless and breathe strength into you at the same time.
‘Chase The Butterflies’ is a book that changed me, a book that showed me light, a book that is so powerful is almost scary but you don’t care anyway because you can’t put it down.
This is a must-read for every human being, no distinction, no buts of what-ifs, it just is.
If you are looking for something refreshing, a breath of fresh air, something out of the ordinary, then this is the story for you.
A book written in the brightest of stars in the sky and passed on with every tiny and yet powerful flap of a butterfly’s wings.
Victoria is having what should have been the happiest day of her life to marry the man she loves but things don’t go as expected for her. She ends up in a small town about nine months later. Jude is her hot next door neighbor and the perfect guy for her. Will the past keep her from finding happiness? An emotional rollercoaster and it made me a wreck but I couldn’t stop reading.
This heartwrenching, heartwarming story has been an emotional roller coaster for me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!
With complex characters that will pull on your heartstrings and leave you breathless. An amazing story that is profuse in both, its beauty and moving storyline that will leave you wanting more.
I really enjoyed following Victoria and Jude’s, intense, fun, and entertaining journey that is also fill with twists and turns. Chase the Butterflies is not only addictive, but mind-blowingly amazing, and I highly recommend it!
This beautiful story brought out so many emotions out of me I couldn’t stop my tears even if I wanted to. I was introduced to Monica James this year and she never seizes to amaze me. Chase the Butterflies is different, unique, real and full of heart. I’m not going to spoil this book for anyone because I truly believe everyone should read this masterpiece!! It’s crazy how life can change you from one instant to the next and everything you thought you wanted was supposed to be the path you take. Chase the Butterflies is a story of changes, heartache and what true love really means. I am forever grateful that I was able to read this story. Monica really outdid herself with this book.