“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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What can I say about this book…….. I am in awe of Monica’s writing and this novel is just WOW! I devoured her All The Pretty Things Trilogy and I knew this one was going to be very different in genre. As I read the story I thought I knew where it was going, I thought I had it all figured out but then BAM! Monica just threw me for a total loop and I can tell you I had no idea whatsoever about what was really going on.
Chase The Butterflies is a poignant story about a woman who’s life takes a disturbing turn on what should have been the happiest night of her life, and with another devastating realisation following on from that, she makes a decision. Several months on our heroine Victoria has moved to a small town to try and start fresh, this is where she meets Jude the Hero of the story.
Jude is a single father to a special young boy, a true gentleman who is more than happy to get his hands dirty to help the new member of the sleepy town he calls home. The chemistry between Jude and Victoria is ever present and is a perfect slow burn romance between the two main protagonists. The more you read the more you know both characters have their secrets and are both guarded people and perhaps they are fated to be the person the other needs to break those walls down.
Then comes the twist and my jaw about hit the floor with the huge gasp I made. I was floored, absolutely floored. At first I wondered if I was going to like where this was going, then after a few more pages there was no doubt in my mind I was going to adore this book! Monica’s writing is perfection, the emotion, the subject matter, the poignancy. The deeper meaning behind each moment, the connections, it’s thought provoking, it’s achingly beautiful and it made my heart hurt with how unbelievably raw it was. This novel is a masterpiece of human nature, human emotion and the essence of life, love, fate and destiny. Chase the Butterflies is best going in totally blind, and I challenge you not to love this novel.
OMG this cover. And it’s Monica James!
Cette nouvelle romance de Monica James m’a bouleversée au plus haut point. Je pensais avoir découvert quelques retournements de situations mais Monica a su me surprendre avec ce roman qui est différent de tout ce qu’elle a pu écrire auparavant. Une magnifique histoire plus que bouleversante et qui fait écho à une épreuve de la vie de cette fabuleuse auteur.
Victoria Armstrong est une héroïne qu’on va apprendre à découvrir au fil des pages et qui ne pourra que nous bouleverser pages après pages. Quand on la rencontre, sa vie est parfaite : elle est heureuse avec son petit ami de 10 ans, elle est sur le point de l’épouser quand tout va basculer dans les ténèbres. L’impensable se déroule sous ses yeux impuissants mais en refusant son destin, elle finira tout de même par le changer irrémédiablement. Décidant de changer de vie, elle va partir neuf mois plus tard dans une ville où on ne la connaît pas. Elle ne veut plus avoir de sentiments pour quiconque et c’est donc troublée qu’elle fait la connaissance de Jude car il saura la rendre à nouveau vivante. Elle est une coquille vide qui souffre de nombreux traumatismes , qui se bat pour vivre de nouveau mais qui devra affronter les fantômes du passé. Le combat sera épuisant mais on pourra compter sur sa détermination pour tenter d’aller de l’avant. Elle pourra compter sur sa meilleure amie Charley MacMann pour l’épauler et la forcer à sortir de cette bulle qu’elle veut se construire. Elle va donc devoir affronter les autres, les regards parfois durs de certains habitants mais elle devra surtout trouver les réponses aux questions qu’elle se pose.
Quand Jude Montgomery va entrer dans sa vie, on va voir une autre facette de Tori. Elle est certes fragilisée, blessée et traumatisée mais elle a cette force en elle qui ne peut que susciter d’admiration. Elle n’accepte pas son destin et elle va tout mettre en oeuvre pour comprendre le lien incroyable qu’elle va tisser avec son mystérieux voisin. Il sera toujours là dans les moments de doutes, de remises en questions et il saura la sauver plus d’une fois d’elle même. J’ai adoré la relation qui va se tisser entre eux car nous avons l’impression que deux âmes soeurs se sont trouvés. Bien entendu , elle va refuser dans un premier temps de n’être autre chose qu’une amie mais l’évidence est tellement présente qu’on va se mettre à se poser des questions , d’autant plus que Jude est très mystérieux. Elle va aussi débarquer dans une ville qui a connu ses propres drames, où tout se sait et tout est jugé. Certaines personnes seront donc plus réfractaires à son lien avec Jude que d’autres mais jamais l’animosité va dépasser les limites de la bienséance. Quand un retournement plus qu’inattendu donne une nouvelle vision à l’intrigue, il nous faudra ressentir de sublimes émotions.
Que dire de Jude Montgomery? C’est notre héros et n’ayant pas de chapitres écrits de son point de vue, il nous faudra compter sur Victoria pour mener l’enquête. Il est très protecteur, très charmant, très mystérieux. Les questions débarquent à vitesse grand V quand nous le découvrons et nous sentons de suite que nous allons adorer le voir et le revoir. Il est clairement un homme pivot de la ville, il a des squelettes dans le placard mais jamais on a la sensation qu’il va agir de manière malsaine ou dérangeante. Bien entendu , nous avons l’impression qu’il suit Victoria comme son ombre mais tous ses actes auront une raison précise, tout comme ses changements d’humeur ou d’avis. Il doit préserver une personne qui lui ait cher et je ne dirai juste qu’une seule chose : Angus m’a émue profondément. Je ne vous dirai pas qui il est et ce qu’il apporte à l’intrigue mais oui les émotions vont de pair avec lui. Jude sera donc le fil d’Ariane de cette histoire et celui qui pourrait faire sortir Tori du labyrinthe sinueux qu’est devenue sa vie.
Bref, je ne peux pas vous en dire plus car Chase the butterflies est un roman VO qui se lit, qui se vit et qui se ressent. On ne restera pas indifférent à cette histoire qui saura nous bouleverser, nous secouer et nous surprendre au plus haut point. Monica James a mis une nouvelle fois la barre haute avec une romance à laquelle on ne s’attend pas mais qui nous ravira.
WOW! WOW! WOW!
This was something I did not expect!!! I will admit I knew who Jude was early on.. I picked up on it, I just did not expect the twist and must say absolutely genius.
Jude & Victoria will mold into your heart and squeeze every bit of it with their love and adoration over each other. The sacrifices that must be made. The acceptance that Victoria must live by…
This book is beautiful, it’s extremely well written and will leave you in awe!
Monica!!! Once again! Thank you for an amazing book. This is a MUST HAVE!!!
If possible Monica maybe a Book 2? I’ll be happy with a Novella
Overall Rating – +
“Never be ashamed of your scars. They simply mean you were stronger than whatever tried to tear you down”
I have no words and have no idea how to start this review. But just know, her words, this book, was everything and I was swept away with the beauty of it.
Tori has just been proposed to and the next minute they are being mugged, she’s near raped but then a mysterious stranger comes to help her, with the fiancé tailing him, but not really helping. There is still an attack and she ends up hurt. 9 months later, she’s starting again, dealing with the after effects of the mugging and now being on her own.
She is struggling and is trying to get her life back on track and on her first night in her new home, she meets Jude. There is an undercurrent of attraction between them but she’s not wanting or ready for that. Jude can see her struggles and wants to help her heal so that she can move on. I loved that he didn’t let her words deter him for helping her and would be there regardless, I swooned major over Jude.
Be prepared for Jude to completely steal you heart. I don’t think I’ve read a hero who is so genuine and filled with so much love and tenderness in a long time. Jude will completely sweep you off your feet and leave you smitten beyond words. He’s got his own struggles, but that will only make you love him more.
Their journey is hard and will hit you in ways you won’t see coming but what I love about this story is the meaning of love and being there for someone and helping them through their struggles regardless of the outcome.
James completely captivated me with this read, it was original, different and really emotional, I had proper ugly tears. It gutted me and healed me and left me on a cloud of happiness. This book deserves all the stars and is one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. A MUST READ for sure!
*An ARC received for an honest review*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 80%
POV – Duel
Hero – +
Heroine –
Story – +
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
If there was ever an impossible book to review, it is Chasing the Butterflies by Monica James. I spent the first 50% in an eager state while I soaked up the characters and the situations. I spent nearly the entire last 50% on an emotional journey that left me feeling distraught and crying, literally sobbing for Victoria. I devoured the last half of the book within hours. Hours where I soaked my bed pillow with tears running down my face. Hours of crying that created so much puffiness that you could tell, even with makeup, that I spend the morning crying.
I feel like it’s impossible for me to discuss the plot without accidentally revealing things I shouldn’t. So, I won’t discuss the plot or really even the characters. This is a story that readers should, no, readers need to go into blind. Without expectations. Chasing the Butterflies made me step back and reevaluate my life. I love a story that hits me right in the heart and makes me pause. This book does just that and then some. It’s an emotional hit. A journey. An experience for the reader. Plus it has some of the most beautiful and touching quotes I’ve ever read.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
“An epic love story of two broken people who battled against all odds and found love…in this lifetime…and the next.“
Chase the Butterflies was heartbreaking,original, beautiful and I loved it! It broke my heart to pieces and than put it back together. I really don’t know how to write a review for book that left me speechless. To say that this book surprised me is an understatement. I don’t want to talk about things happening in this book because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I know Chase the Butterflies is one of those books I will never forget,and It’s one of those books that stays with you for a long time after you finish reading them.
I usually don’t like books that make me feel this way and avoid reading them but I’m so glad I read it. And that epilogue was e v e r y t h i n g!
When I tell you that you are not ready for this story, I MEAN YOU ARE NOT READY. Be scared. Not of the story, but of losing your heart to the book. That’s exactly what happened to me, I am broken but Monica pieced me back together.
Get the chocolate, the Ben & Jerry’s, the wine, whatever your comfort food is.. GET IT before starting.
Chase the Butterflies has left me breathless. I probably shouldn’t leave my review right after finishing, to give myself some time to feel and breathe, but these words are coming from my heart.
“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?”-The Butterfly Effect, Edward Lorenz.
This story has moved to my top must reads of 2019. It was truly unexpected what Monica gave us, but I feel different after reading this. It was so original and so raw and so CONSUMING. I didn’t just devour the book, but the book devoured me.
“Once I face my demons, only then can I let go.”
Jude and Victoria. I can’t put their bond into words. It was surreal. It was life-consuming. Passionate. They were EVERYTHING.
I won’t say much more because you truly need to read this story to be able to understand what I’m trying to put into words. Thank you Monica, for giving us such an incredible, breathtaking story.
Don’t be scared to read this. You need it. It needs you. Take the leap.
“Every scar tells a story. It’s a stepping-stone in one’s journey. Maybe one day…you could show me yours.”
Wow! What a mind bender! Unexpected twists and turns made this book really interesting for me, so I don’t want to spoil that for other readers, but I will say that there was a point in this book that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Chase the Butterflies is creative and a different sort of romance, and I really liked the story and the sentiments behind it.
Victoria’s life is shattered, and somehow she has to learn to move forward again. Things get complicated when Jude arrives. Victoria knows that he’s important to her life, she just doesn’t know how. That importance turns into something much more, and there’s clearly a serious romantic connection between them. Finding out more about that connection brings one of the many surprises in this title.
I really did love this story, mostly for it’s investigation into death, dying and the afterlife and what happens to those left behind. Chase the Butterflies is a touching story and I will say there were a number of pages that had me choked up. If you are looking for a different sort of romance and like surprises, you might just like Chase the Butterflies.
To fully experience the rainbow of emotions…GO IN BLIND. Do not read anything about this book, just inhale and experience it, because it is a powerhouse of EVERYTHING. Once I picked my jaw up off the floor and let this story marinate a few days, I probably still can’t put in to words how much this story moved me…it was everything I needed but didn’t know at the time. It hurt, it healed, it brought ugly tears, happy tears, and just filled my chest with well…..Butterflies. Gorgeous, heart-felt, soul soothing, beautiful, and whimsical!! Open your mind, your heart, and go forth and love it as much as I did!! Cancel your plans for the day while you’re at it!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
‘Jude kisses the shell of my ear before whispering “Make a wish.” ‘But what he doesn’t realize is that all my wishes have just come true.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Have you ever just watched a butterfly in flight with rapt attention, and wondered what guides it’s path? Is it predetermined or is it just a random journey?
I’m sure there’s a perfectly good scientific explanation, like the avoidance of prey; but I love the randomness of it, the sporadic twists and turns that leave you mystified as to it’s destination.
Life’s a little like that. Random changes of direction can see us on paths we never fathomed.
For school teacher, and newly engaged Victoria Armstrong, one incident in her life causes her path and her flight to be VERY much like that.
“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” For her, yes, it most certainly does!
Without giving this phenomenal story away, as it is most perfectly enjoyed going in blind, one tragic occurrence begets a sequence of events that change several lives seemingly irreparably.
But this is not a mere romantic tragedy, in fact it’s a difficult story to peg into any one genre.
It is however a story of daring to hope.
To believe that we can skew what is predetermined and not accept what we are told but create our own destiny.
That there is more to this life.
This author has woven this story with such splendour and care, you will weep tears of all emotions and willing so. That’s how beautifully this tale is written.
I URGE you, do NOT miss the opportunity of how this story may affect your own life and set to flight your own renewed hopes and dreams.
This is undoubtedly the most compelling story I have read this year and worthy of many more than 5 stars!
5+ STARS
Wow!! Hot Damn!
This book will put you on a rollercoaster like you’ve never imagined! This is by far my favorite book of 2019! There’s nothing else out there quite like Chase The Butterflies. It’s a combination of suspense, love at first sight, curl your toes kind of romance, and so much more that you would never imagine! This book will blow you away and when you least expect it, it will crush your heart and then put it back together again! If you’ve never read Author Monica James you are truly missing out on some of the best stories out there! She doesn’t just have one genre because she’s in one all by herself! I’ve since bought every book from her past collections that I haven’t read. What can I say, I love to dig into every book from authors I can’t get enough of! Absolutely counting the days until the next release!
Monica James
CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES by Monica James is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance plus something -more story line focusing on Victoria ‘Tori’ Armstrong, and Jude Montgomery.
Told from first person perspective (Victoria) with a few chapters from Jude and Henry CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES follows in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy, one in which our heroine was shot just minutes after accepting her boyfriend’s proposal. Fast forward nine months wherein Victoria ‘Tori’ Armstrong heads to northeastern Connecticut in an effort to reclaim her life where she will meet and fall in love with a man’s whose own demons are dangerous and dark. Secrets and lies begin to reveal a path that transcends anything and everything Tori could have ever imagined including the reality that her life is no longer her own.
CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES is a thought-provoking story of heart break and loss; an emotional and raw tale of grief, love, acceptance and moving on……a brilliant, profound and clever tragedy where several people pulled together by circumstance, time, destiny and love.
Oh My God You Guys!! You know for me there are those special books, those rare magnificent ones. The ones that I’ve read and just know that something magical has just transpired. This was one of those books. Like it’s so different and utterly unique that I know it’s going to end up in that catalog with my all time favorites like Bright Side by Kim Holden and Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. Books that years later I’m still feeling, y’all!
I’m going to be completely honest here… this review is really kinda hard to write, not because the book wasn’t astonishing! It was, but because I don’t want to give even the smallest tidbit away. See this book is one that captures you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go. Still days later, I feel like I’m trapped in this vortex of feelings still trying to process my emotions. I don’t want to let this book go. I want to stay in my little bubble of feelings with Victoria and Jude. There was not even a little bit of this book that was predictable, which I absolutely loved!! Everything I thought I knew was swept out from under me and I was left breathless, a tear-filled mess.
“Every scar tells a story. It’s a stepping-stone in one’s journey.”
Jude is mine! I’m just laying that out there for everyone right now. Monica James has crafted the perfect Hero in my eyes. He’s gorgeous, just arrogant enough, but there are secrets behind those beautiful eyes of his.
Victoria was grasping onto everything she could to figure out what was going on. I loved her character. She was tough and fearless and beautiful. My heart was simultaneously breaking for her and I was screaming for her to make the right choice.
I am so impressed, like I could bow to Monica James for how well she did one this book. I fell so in love with Jude, Victoria, even all the secondary characters. When all of the secrets started unfolding I was terrified wondering what was going to happen, what direction the author was going to go in. I wondered if I was going to be left heartbroken in the end. I will say, I shed many tears during this book. But I think there is something wonderfully therapeutic about a good cry over a book this special. That puffy eyed, sniffles, chocolate and wine needed after effects of a great book hangover. That’s what you’re gonna get with Chase the Butterflies.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book! I am planning to buy a copy in every format I can get one in!!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
-This book deserves an infinite number of stars. The incredibly unique storyline of this book is truly immeasurable on a scale. It’s just an experience. One everyone should experience.
-While the scenes between Jude and Victoria aren’t in your face blow you over with killer tension. They are hot and amazingly beautiful and glorious. They are all you could possibly want. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Cliffhanger Warning-No cliffhanger! After Ms. James takes a ball peen hammer to your heart several times over. After you’ve been through a couple boxes of tissues and bottles of wine. You will get an ending I think you will be happy with!
I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
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Victoria (Tori) is experiencing one of the most exciting moments that a couple can have. Her boyfriend Bryan proposes marriage. But that moment is interrupted by an event that will change their lives forever. u2063
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Sometimes, at the worst moment of our lives, we meet a special person who accompanies us on our journey through this life. Jude is that person, the hero who rescues Tori, not once but twice. The encounter between Tori and Jude is enigmatic, fascinating and brilliant. Monica James brings us a wonderful and stunning romance with some suspense, hopes and a twist that will leave you surprised and happy about the way the story was developed. This is one of my best readings this year. Believe me, you won’t want to miss it! Is a must read.u2063
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***Highly recommended.***u2063
CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES by Monica James is the story of Jude and Victoria.
Victoria has moved into a new town to start fresh from her past that isn’t good. Victoria meets Jude who as we learn also has a past that isn’t good either. Both are broken people that start to find themselves helping each other heal. But sometimes the past comes into your future bringing you back to were you don’t want to be. This book is one that will be hard to put down and will keep you guess what is going to happen. It had so much more than I had thought when reading the blurb of the story. Very emotional read for me.
Wow, Chase the Butterflies is one of those books that just blow me away. I don’t want to give anything away so this will be a short review. It’s an amazing heart string pulling read. I thought I knew where the story was going at one point but I didn’t and I was totally shocked and amazed to see the story line develop. This is definitely one you should read.
My heart is still recovering from this story. Full disclaimer. I DO NOT CRY! I rarely do. I get a little emotional but I never full out cry. It rarely happens. Maybe once or twice a year. Well, thanks to Monica James, I full out bawled to the point I had to leave my bedroom because my husbutt was sleeping beside me and I knew I was going to wake him up. My heart was so full of this unique and raw story that I was blown away. Honestly, I am still at a loss for words because of how things all played out in this story.
Victoria has been through so so much. Pain, heartbreak, betrayal. Then trying to start anew, she meets Jude. He makes her feel alive. Their connection is evident right from the start even though he fights it. But their pull is so strong. There is a lot of characters coming through this story that add that much more to the depth of the story and its uniqueness. I loved the banter that Jude and Victoria have as well. It keeps you on your toes and has you giggling and swooning at the same time. As this story flows and things are revealed, my heart stopped. The tears started. My mind was blown. I was shaken. When things happen, and you will KNOW what I am talking about, your jaw will drop and you will question everything!
My heart goes to Monica James. I know she has been through so much this year. I know this book is special to her heart. And I understand why. Chase The Butterflies is one of the most raw and unique stories I have ever read in my life. It will hit you hard. It will blow your mind. You will question everything. But you will feel at peace at the end. And the tears flowed by the time I closed the book. This is one of the most raw and stunning stories I have ever read and it is by far the best one I have read this year. I know I adore SO many books, but this is one book I will never forget. It is hard to write a review because you just want to drop everything that blew you away, but as always, spoilers are bad. All I can say is that this book is a must read.
This 5 star story had me reading non stop for hours. I will not say too much because this is an original storyline. One that is not written too often.
I was debating on a 4 star and 5 star. For objective reasons, I gave it a 6 star. The story was amazing and unique. A well thought out plan and very well executed. Characters that were perfectly created and made me feel so much. This is a storyline that is rarely written about. A whirlwind of emotions.
For subjective reasons, I gave it a 4 star. I saw it coming. Why? I have no reason. As the story progressed, I knew it was that kind of storyline. So I was not surprised. Not sure if I read a spoiler somewhere or not.
So therefore it’s a 5 star must read. I strongly recommend this story.
5 STARS
Oh my goodness…this book brought me to the point that I could barely read past my overflowing tears. Just typing this review and thinking of what this book made me feel, is causing my eyes to well up. Monica James succeeded in creating a written work of art that captures all the emotions! Everyone has a story, Victoria and Jude’s will draw you in and you can’t help but connect with them as they work through their trauma and grief, to find their happiness. It’s a beautiful transformation that truly resembles the metamorphosis of a butterfly.
This is one quote that I love and that I will remember always!
“It’s not goodbye. It’s good night.”
This book is everything and is one of my favourites for 2019!!! Chase the Butterflies by Monica James is a rivetingly EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!