What do you think?
Rate this book
Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles
Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles is a Spicy Urban Fantasy set in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Butterfly thought she knew what she was getting into when she agrees to let her boyfriend turn her into a vampire. She was wrong.
Although no longer having her period, not needing to wear a bra, and teaming up with her new best friend to kill animal abusers are some of the perks of being a vampire, having your mind ripped into by your sire...not so much.
There was more to the sire bond than Brigham let on.
Butterfly is running out of time before the new moon when her transition will be complete, and she needs answers. She finds a man from Brigham's past that is willing to give her the answers she needs-but at what cost?
Will Butterfly ever get her happy ending?
TROPES:
Dark Secrets
Sexy Zaddy Vampire
Abduction
Fear of Commitment
Magical Powers
Butterfly thought she knew what she was getting into when she agrees to let her boyfriend turn her into a vampire. She was wrong.
Although no longer having her period, not needing to wear a bra, and teaming up with her new best friend to kill animal abusers are some of the perks of being a vampire, having your mind ripped into by your sire...not so much.
There was more to the sire bond than Brigham let on.
Butterfly is running out of time before the new moon when her transition will be complete, and she needs answers. She finds a man from Brigham's past that is willing to give her the answers she needs-but at what cost?
Will Butterfly ever get her happy ending?
TROPES:
Dark Secrets
Sexy Zaddy Vampire
Abduction
Fear of Commitment
Magical Powers
365 pages, ebook
Published January 30, 2026
2 people are currently reading
1995 people want to read
About the author
Katie Gabbert Downey
2 books16 followersKatie Gabbert Downey is a Minnesota born midwestern multigenre author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2026
Butterfly, our female protagonist, is a newly transformed vampire.
The story is well developed, steady and profound.
The development in Butterfly’s personality is slowly growing. I appreciated this way of writing, it kept my attention to the story.
Also her history is slowly being unraveled, piece by piece: Knowikg more of her part, helps you understand better who she is now.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is well developed, steady and profound.
The development in Butterfly’s personality is slowly growing. I appreciated this way of writing, it kept my attention to the story.
Also her history is slowly being unraveled, piece by piece: Knowikg more of her part, helps you understand better who she is now.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. ☺️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2026
I have needed a great novel, and Butterfly is just that. A great novel. At first, I had to double check that I was reading the first book, as the story felt so fully realized that it almost seemed like a second installment in a series. That sense of depth works in the book’s favor and quickly immerses the reader into its world.
Butterfly is the female main character, a newly turned vampire navigating her transformation while trying to hold onto her sense of self. Her frustration with her partner/ sire Brigham’s emotional distance aligns closely with traditional vampire lore. His reserved nature, lack of visible emotion, and tendency toward secrecy define much of their relationship. Yet what complicates this dynamic is that with Butterfly, he does show cracks. He laughs. He offers subtle smiles. These moments make her confusion and hurt feel entirely justified.
Butterfly’s backstory unfolds gradually, and learning about her human life adds important context to her reactions. This makes Brigham’s choices increasingly frustrating. Their relationship has only lasted a few months, yet he is prepared to completely upend her life while remaining emotionally closed off. Expecting her to accept such a transformation without resistance feels unrealistic, and her frustration with him is both understandable and earned.
One scene captures this imbalance particularly well. Brigham arrives so late that Butterfly is genuinely worried and emotionally exhausted from his constant secrecy, only for him to respond with, “Why are you so upset?” That moment shows the emotional disconnect between them, and it was impossible not to feel her anger.
Butterfly’s curiosity is one of her defining traits, even when it leads her into dangerous situations. Still, the way she handles these moments feels true to her character. Rather than panicking, she asks questions, engages with what is happening, and even manages to make those around her laugh. Where many characters would spiral, Butterfly remains inquisitive and brave, which makes her both refreshing and memorable.
The dialogue is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Butterfly’s humor, wit, and ability to form connections bring the story to life. Her interactions feel natural and engaging, and the dialogue carries much of the book’s charm.
That said, much of the conflict hinges on miscommunication. If Brigham had been more open and honest, many of the central issues could have been avoided. Readers who dislike the miscommunication trope may find this aspect frustrating. There are instances where Butterfly is given partial truths. The information may not be shocking, but it absolutely should have been disclosed. Learning that a mutual friend was Brigham’s master raises valid questions about why something so significant was concealed. It is the accumulation of these smaller omissions that becomes particularly aggravating.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
Butterfly is the female main character, a newly turned vampire navigating her transformation while trying to hold onto her sense of self. Her frustration with her partner/ sire Brigham’s emotional distance aligns closely with traditional vampire lore. His reserved nature, lack of visible emotion, and tendency toward secrecy define much of their relationship. Yet what complicates this dynamic is that with Butterfly, he does show cracks. He laughs. He offers subtle smiles. These moments make her confusion and hurt feel entirely justified.
Butterfly’s backstory unfolds gradually, and learning about her human life adds important context to her reactions. This makes Brigham’s choices increasingly frustrating. Their relationship has only lasted a few months, yet he is prepared to completely upend her life while remaining emotionally closed off. Expecting her to accept such a transformation without resistance feels unrealistic, and her frustration with him is both understandable and earned.
One scene captures this imbalance particularly well. Brigham arrives so late that Butterfly is genuinely worried and emotionally exhausted from his constant secrecy, only for him to respond with, “Why are you so upset?” That moment shows the emotional disconnect between them, and it was impossible not to feel her anger.
Butterfly’s curiosity is one of her defining traits, even when it leads her into dangerous situations. Still, the way she handles these moments feels true to her character. Rather than panicking, she asks questions, engages with what is happening, and even manages to make those around her laugh. Where many characters would spiral, Butterfly remains inquisitive and brave, which makes her both refreshing and memorable.
The dialogue is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Butterfly’s humor, wit, and ability to form connections bring the story to life. Her interactions feel natural and engaging, and the dialogue carries much of the book’s charm.
That said, much of the conflict hinges on miscommunication. If Brigham had been more open and honest, many of the central issues could have been avoided. Readers who dislike the miscommunication trope may find this aspect frustrating. There are instances where Butterfly is given partial truths. The information may not be shocking, but it absolutely should have been disclosed. Learning that a mutual friend was Brigham’s master raises valid questions about why something so significant was concealed. It is the accumulation of these smaller omissions that becomes particularly aggravating.
I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery
February 17, 2026
Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles is a bold, spicy urban fantasy that blends dark romance, supernatural politics, and sharp edged empowerment into a fast paced vampire tale set against the gritty backdrop of Minneapolis.
Downey leans fully into the seductive allure and psychological danger of vampire lore. Butterfly’s decision to let her boyfriend turn her is framed not as naïve fantasy fulfillment, but as a choice with escalating consequences. What begins as a transformation filled with seductive perks immortality, power, bodily freedom quickly unravels into something far more complicated and sinister. The sire bond becomes the emotional and psychological battleground of the novel, raising questions of autonomy, manipulation, and control.
The dynamic between Butterfly and Brigham drives much of the tension. Secrets linger beneath every interaction, and the deeper Butterfly digs into his past, the more the power imbalance shifts. The inclusion of a mysterious figure from Brigham’s history adds intrigue and forces Butterfly to confront the cost of both her transformation and her loyalty.
While the novel embraces spicy romance and mature themes, it also weaves in threads of female friendship, vengeance, and personal agency. Butterfly’s partnership with her best friend adds energy and grit, balancing darker elements with moments of fierce solidarity.
Fast, provocative, and unafraid to explore the shadows of vampire mythology, Butterfly delivers a sensual, high stakes start to what promises to be an addictive urban fantasy series.
Dark secrets, dangerous love, and the price of immortality.
Downey leans fully into the seductive allure and psychological danger of vampire lore. Butterfly’s decision to let her boyfriend turn her is framed not as naïve fantasy fulfillment, but as a choice with escalating consequences. What begins as a transformation filled with seductive perks immortality, power, bodily freedom quickly unravels into something far more complicated and sinister. The sire bond becomes the emotional and psychological battleground of the novel, raising questions of autonomy, manipulation, and control.
The dynamic between Butterfly and Brigham drives much of the tension. Secrets linger beneath every interaction, and the deeper Butterfly digs into his past, the more the power imbalance shifts. The inclusion of a mysterious figure from Brigham’s history adds intrigue and forces Butterfly to confront the cost of both her transformation and her loyalty.
While the novel embraces spicy romance and mature themes, it also weaves in threads of female friendship, vengeance, and personal agency. Butterfly’s partnership with her best friend adds energy and grit, balancing darker elements with moments of fierce solidarity.
Fast, provocative, and unafraid to explore the shadows of vampire mythology, Butterfly delivers a sensual, high stakes start to what promises to be an addictive urban fantasy series.
Dark secrets, dangerous love, and the price of immortality.
February 10, 2026
This vampire dark romance had an intriguing concept and some genuinely interesting ideas, but unfortunately, the execution made it a rather confusing reading experience for me. It took me far too long to even realize that “Butterfly” was the actual name of the female main character, which set the tone for how unclear many elements of the story felt.
A lot of the world-building is not explained at all and instead left to be pieced together through tiny hints scattered across chapters. While I usually enjoy subtle storytelling, here it went a bit too far. Important plot points are hidden behind micro clues that require rereading chapters to fully understand what’s going on. That might work for small details, but when it affects major aspects of the plot, it becomes more frustrating than immersive.
Once everything finally clicks, the world itself is quite interesting, and the overall idea behind the story is solid. The atmosphere fits the dark romance genre well, and I can see what the author was aiming for. However, the constant need to connect dots and decipher key information kept me from fully engaging emotionally with the characters and the story.
Overall, this was an okay read with a nice concept and promising world-building, but the lack of clarity and explanation made it harder to enjoy than it needed to be. Readers who enjoy very cryptic storytelling may appreciate it more, but it didn’t fully work for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lot of the world-building is not explained at all and instead left to be pieced together through tiny hints scattered across chapters. While I usually enjoy subtle storytelling, here it went a bit too far. Important plot points are hidden behind micro clues that require rereading chapters to fully understand what’s going on. That might work for small details, but when it affects major aspects of the plot, it becomes more frustrating than immersive.
Once everything finally clicks, the world itself is quite interesting, and the overall idea behind the story is solid. The atmosphere fits the dark romance genre well, and I can see what the author was aiming for. However, the constant need to connect dots and decipher key information kept me from fully engaging emotionally with the characters and the story.
Overall, this was an okay read with a nice concept and promising world-building, but the lack of clarity and explanation made it harder to enjoy than it needed to be. Readers who enjoy very cryptic storytelling may appreciate it more, but it didn’t fully work for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fresh and intriguing layer to the romantic fantasy genre. The novel immerses readers into a world where vampires navigate the complexities of guild politics, forbidden romance, and personal transformation. The world-building is imaginative and immersive, with each scene rich in detail and atmosphere, pulling readers deep into the heart of the Vampire Guild.
The FMC stands out for her unique blend of strength and vulnerability, making her journey both compelling and relatable. As she faces daunting challenges and difficult choices, readers witness her growth and resilience, echoing the emotional depth found in the best fantasy romances. The plot is skillfully paced, balancing suspenseful moments with heartfelt connections and romance that feels genuine and powerful.
Romantic tension and dramatic intrigue are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, ensuring readers remain invested from start to finish. Downey’s writing style captures both the danger and allure of her world, blending magical intrigue with authentic character development. Fans of stories combining drama, romance, and supernatural elements will find Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles a standout, highly recommended for anyone seeking an emotionally rich and enchanting adventure.
The FMC stands out for her unique blend of strength and vulnerability, making her journey both compelling and relatable. As she faces daunting challenges and difficult choices, readers witness her growth and resilience, echoing the emotional depth found in the best fantasy romances. The plot is skillfully paced, balancing suspenseful moments with heartfelt connections and romance that feels genuine and powerful.
Romantic tension and dramatic intrigue are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative, ensuring readers remain invested from start to finish. Downey’s writing style captures both the danger and allure of her world, blending magical intrigue with authentic character development. Fans of stories combining drama, romance, and supernatural elements will find Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles a standout, highly recommended for anyone seeking an emotionally rich and enchanting adventure.
February 9, 2026
Butterfly was unlike any vampire novel I have read to date. It was a refreshing take on the human turned vampire by her boyfriend trope. While familiar elements of the traditional vampire story are there; a mysterious and very old vampire falls in love with a young human girl, Katie Gabbert Downy writes the story in a captivating way.
We begin the book in the middle of the story, and the plot unfolds as the book progresses. We begin to learn more about Butterfly, the female protagonist, her relationship with Brigham, the main male character, and the world Butterfly has been plunged into. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the wit of Butterfly, and the unique details the author created about the transformation process.
That being said, most of the plot is based upon the miscommunication between Butterfly and Brigham. This is not particularly my favorite trope, so readers who find this distracting may have a hard time connecting to the story. However, I did enjoy this novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this story as an advanced readers copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
We begin the book in the middle of the story, and the plot unfolds as the book progresses. We begin to learn more about Butterfly, the female protagonist, her relationship with Brigham, the main male character, and the world Butterfly has been plunged into. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the wit of Butterfly, and the unique details the author created about the transformation process.
That being said, most of the plot is based upon the miscommunication between Butterfly and Brigham. This is not particularly my favorite trope, so readers who find this distracting may have a hard time connecting to the story. However, I did enjoy this novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this story as an advanced readers copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Review of advance copy
Butterfly plunges readers into a shadowed world of vampire politics, forbidden desire, and dangerous loyalties. Katie Gabbert Downey crafts a darkly alluring tale where every secret whispered in the night carries power — and peril.
At its center is a heroine navigating a deadly vampire guild, where trust is rare and enemies wear familiar faces. Her journey is tense, dangerous, and intoxicating, as she balances survival, ambition, and a romance charged with dark longing. The vampire love interest is brooding, magnetic, and thrillingly unpredictable, creating a connection that simmers with desire and danger.
Downey’s worldbuilding is gothic and immersive. From candlelit halls to secretive guild politics, the atmosphere is both elegant and menacing, keeping readers on edge while they fall deeper into intrigue and obsession. The story balances action, romance, and tension, delivering a narrative that is dark, sensual, and compelling.
At its center is a heroine navigating a deadly vampire guild, where trust is rare and enemies wear familiar faces. Her journey is tense, dangerous, and intoxicating, as she balances survival, ambition, and a romance charged with dark longing. The vampire love interest is brooding, magnetic, and thrillingly unpredictable, creating a connection that simmers with desire and danger.
Downey’s worldbuilding is gothic and immersive. From candlelit halls to secretive guild politics, the atmosphere is both elegant and menacing, keeping readers on edge while they fall deeper into intrigue and obsession. The story balances action, romance, and tension, delivering a narrative that is dark, sensual, and compelling.
Want to read
January 5, 2026This upcoming urban fantasy has a bold voice and a refreshing edge. Butterfly: Vampire Guild Chronicles puts a sharp spin on vampire lore, blending dark tension, humor, and heat in a way that feels modern and unapologetic. Butterfly is a compelling heroine whose transformation comes with real consequences, and the twist on the sire bond adds emotional depth and urgency to her journey. Set in Minneapolis, the story balances gritty danger with moments of wit and empowerment, making it easy to get invested in what happens next. Fans of spicy urban fantasy with strong characters and high stakes will definitely want this on their radar.
February 5, 2026
'If you love vampires, vigilante justice, romantasy, quirky fun characters and spice- this book is for you!'
The characters were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were so very appealing and likeable and quirky and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good vampire story. This was unlike any vampire story I have ever read. I love the banter between our main characters Butterfly and Brigham. It is fun to watch how their relationship develops. The friendship between Butterfly and Anton was nice to read and see how that developed. This was a refreshing vampire, urban fantasy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a wonderful start to a series! The writing wasn't info-dumpy; we learn about the world as the main character, Butterfly, does. I liked the secondary characters as much as I liked Butterfly. Very well-written!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The overall story was ok, I would have liked to have some things explained a little better. The were some parts that either happened to quickly, were repetitive, and some that just fell of the mark. This could have been a really excellent book if it was executed better.
January 30, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book! It is different from the usual vampire books and it’s phenomenal. The way it was written draws you into the politics of the vampire guild and following the FMC navigating it. I absolutely loved this book so much!
February 17, 2026
The storyline and worldbuilding were interesting, but there were some parts of it that left me a bit confused, so it took me a while to get into it. It was a decent read though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved it! Great storytelling! I couldn't put it down!
Review of advance copy
Loved this starting to like vampire books highly recommended love the story between the characters and how one changes for the other and they stuck together no matter what
January 30, 2026
This was quite good. I couldn’t put it down!
January 27, 2026
I loved this book! Vampires in Minnesota? Yes, please! I hope this becomes a series! I loved the characters and the twists.
February 7, 2026
Goodreads giveaway book
I struggled to get through this book. It took quite a bit to finally understand 1. That butterfly was the female characters real name 2. That she was a newly turned vamp 3. That there was any issue or that she was coming of age and there were rules to it… I’m sure that is supposed to be to be part of the plot but the relationships and the duality of the character just got lost and tedious.
With some editing and a few world and character development elements earlier it would have made the book flow.
I struggled to get through this book. It took quite a bit to finally understand 1. That butterfly was the female characters real name 2. That she was a newly turned vamp 3. That there was any issue or that she was coming of age and there were rules to it… I’m sure that is supposed to be to be part of the plot but the relationships and the duality of the character just got lost and tedious.
With some editing and a few world and character development elements earlier it would have made the book flow.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews