Ash and the Butterfly

I requested this ARC on a whim, having just read the author’s novella which a loosely-connected prequel to this, and I’m so glad I did because it’s the most refreshing historical romance I’ve read in ages. The central premise, of mathematician Grace attempting to decode the information hidden in her deceased friend’s journals, has parallels in several of the characters who are hiding facets of their true selves because of society’s expectations or just through fear of being vulnerable. I liked how Grace is depicted as multi-dimensional: highly intelligent and openly emotional and understanding the practicalities of fitting into the world she’s been born into. Her relationship with Luke has sparks from the outset and develops with wit and spice and then emotion that’s downright heart-wrenching. The writing manages to evoke all the feelings throughout: there’s a scene near the end which made me snort-laugh and then almost tear up within a page, and by that time I was fully at the ‘unable to put this down’ stage. My only disappointment is that the author doesn’t (yet) have anything else for me to devour - but I will definitely be looking out for the next one.

The book begins with Luke and Grace as enemies. I really appreciated the background info being given in small bits regularly, so not to leave the reader hanging and hanging wondering exactly what happened in the past between them.
All the chapters are titled "In Which .....", which is very clever. The one entitled "In While Luke Suggests a Therapeutic Exercise" was so titillating! In fact all the sexy scenes were absolutely marvelously done. I absolutely felt like I was right there in the room, and my "breath hitched" numerous times! For how well the spice was done, even though it was fairly basic I'd give it a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The verbal sparring between Luke and Grace was so, so good. *Chef's kiss* Lots of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth vibes!
Nothing to criticize, absolutely loved this book! The plot had me hanging on till the last few pages wondering if it was really possible to get a HEA! I don't often feel like rereading romance novels but this one I definitely will!

This was a strong sequel in the Secret Lives of Regency Ladies series, i really enjoyed the overall story going on and how the characters worked in this universe. It had that Regency-era romance that I really enjoyed and was invested in what was happening to the characters. Lark Maitland has a strong style for this type of book and can't wait for more.

EXCEPTIONAL. I absolutely adored Lark Maitland's book, and Ash and the Butterfly was phenomenal. A breath of fresh air in the historical romance cannon.

This sexy, gripping and clever tale was a delight to read.

I have not yet read the first book and feel I need to in order to get the back story of the characters but that said it does mean I can re read this after which will be fabulous for me as a reader.

This is a good read and for a while I was transported to another world which was intense and amazing..

Delicious and delightful! This is such an excellent historical romance – satisfying and authentic – with so much to savour. Author Lark has created a universe surrounding the new Bexley Museum where entomologist (and adventurer) Luke Ashburton is working. Its founder has died in a fire just three weeks before the Museum is due to open. There’s a tight group of academics, all friends and colleagues of the late Earl of Bexley who are working together to make the opening go ahead. Enter our Butterfly, gifted mathematician Grace Chetwood, who is not just misjudged because she is a woman, but because she’s also curious, enthusiastic, and in her own words ‘A little too. Too voluptuous, too giggly, too spotted, too quick to speak, to cry, to gasp’. The late and lamented Earl wrote his field notes in code, and it's Grace who is invited to assist with deciphering the notes. This puts her firmly in the sights of the very judgy Luke, who (of course) fatally underestimates her, even as he fights his attraction.

Their interactions are delicious, they squabble and bicker, spar, and needle until they are both so turned on it’s combustible 🌶🌶 There’s misunderstanding on both sides. As if this isn’t enough, they are racing to solve the puzzles and make the Museum opening a success.

I love the freshness of it all - Ash is a third son, so he’s not wealthily or titled, just clever and resourceful. Grace has been compromised, but not by Ash, so she’s accepted a lackwit's marriage proposal and is anxious to know if she’s with child. Ash also has a proposal in the planning (not to Grace). There’s a 'love is love' subplot that broke my heart, matchmaking, Grace’s complicated but ultimately empathetic family (we met them in The Duke’s Bride Vanishes, Lark’s first histrom), the museum itself, and enough romance-science to give it all substance. Grace is so gorgeous and vivacious and such a foil for the more reserved Luke. It's a slow burn (sort of), complicated and delightfully steamy when they finally get there. So much tension to relieve 🤭

Reminds me of Courtney Milan’s amazing The Heiress Effect.

Thank you Lark Maitland for the ARC and congratulations on writing a banger of a book! Opinions are my own.

This was my first read by this author. I love the cover so decided to give this a try.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The characters are fantastic, especially the heroine Grace. I liked that she was a brilliant mathematician and was brought into the story to solve a problem. It gave her a grander purpose and room for her character to develop. The MMC, Luke, is also refreshing. He's a nobleman's son but does not have a title since he is not heir. He doesn't let that stop him from pursuing his interest which is science, a lovely change in Regency romance. These two had great chemistry and banter. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

I thought the plot was unique for a Regency romance. It kept me engaged and wanting to pick up the book.

Would recommend!