What do you think?
Rate this book
Kings and Butterflies
Even since his father died a few years ago and bequeathed The Butterfly Inn to him, Dallas has been competing with fancier and more expensive hotels on the San Leandre boardwalk, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Even when the inn is at capacity, he’s barely able to pay himself a decent salary. A lot of developers want to buy the inn, but Dallas wants to honor his father’s memory.
He’s trying to think about how to keep things afloat when the most gorgeous man he has ever seen in his life walks into the inn. Despite how attracted he is to him, Dallas finds himself having to turn him away from the inn because he doesn’t have a credit card to check in. The gorgeous stranger offers $10,000 in cash to stay for the week and Dallas, who should know better, takes the money and checks him in under a fake name.
He spends the next few days wondering who his guest is, whether he’s a criminal, until Dallas finds himself rescuing his sketchy guest from a drunken club situation. Soon, he’s learning his guest’s secrets—and they’re much bigger than he expected.
Just not in the way he thought. But the kind of thing surrounding this stranger—Dallas is pretty sure that only exists in fairytales. Should he follow his heart and go into the unknown or stay home and protect his father’s legacy?
This story is approximately 50,000 words in length and contains adult language & erotic adult scenes. It is intended for adults. Content warning for some power play.
He’s trying to think about how to keep things afloat when the most gorgeous man he has ever seen in his life walks into the inn. Despite how attracted he is to him, Dallas finds himself having to turn him away from the inn because he doesn’t have a credit card to check in. The gorgeous stranger offers $10,000 in cash to stay for the week and Dallas, who should know better, takes the money and checks him in under a fake name.
He spends the next few days wondering who his guest is, whether he’s a criminal, until Dallas finds himself rescuing his sketchy guest from a drunken club situation. Soon, he’s learning his guest’s secrets—and they’re much bigger than he expected.
Just not in the way he thought. But the kind of thing surrounding this stranger—Dallas is pretty sure that only exists in fairytales. Should he follow his heart and go into the unknown or stay home and protect his father’s legacy?
This story is approximately 50,000 words in length and contains adult language & erotic adult scenes. It is intended for adults. Content warning for some power play.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2017
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 27, 2017
3.75 stars
This is a fluffy fun romance that I really enjoyed, and will definitely be adding to my comfort rereads. It's got all these cozy foodie details, because the protagonist, while running an inn, has a deep passion for food and was originally going to be a chef. I loved the foodie bits in this story!
So there's a potentially sketchy bisexual (named on the page) love interest who is handsome, charming, mysterious and secretive, and then must leave quickly. And then there is a lovely stretch of the story where they are having an online relationship. I really liked the way the story honored that aspect of their connection. It felt more respectful of online relationships than I often see.
I deeply enjoyed the D/s dynamic between the MCs, which emerges a bit late in the book. The timing of that felt right to me, and worked with the story arc. The D/s felt real, especially that it was kind of organic and then they negotiated partway through it. (Negotiations beyond safewords and safe signals take place off screen, FYI. I felt ok with that, but I understand that some readers may not.) The dynamic had some lovely chemistry to it, and a lot of heat. It was nice to sink into it from inside the submissive's POV, and to also not have sexual topping/bottoming be related to D/s role, but a separate question.
There are some places where the MCs thoughts meander a bit in vague ways, which I got a bit lost in. The ending moves a bit quick for me, and things are wrapped up rather fast, in a way that felt like a fantasy, but I still found them satisfying. In general, this was a satisfying light read, and I am definitely going to be reading more by this author!
There is a hidden trope in this story, . This trope often lends a fantasy fairy tale feel, and I got a kick out of reading a queer version of that fantasy. Which I am tempted to remove my spoiler warning about because I think some folks would be really excited for and want to read the book for it specifically. But I am trying to respect that some people want to be surprised by such things.
Trigger Warnings:
This is a fluffy fun romance that I really enjoyed, and will definitely be adding to my comfort rereads. It's got all these cozy foodie details, because the protagonist, while running an inn, has a deep passion for food and was originally going to be a chef. I loved the foodie bits in this story!
So there's a potentially sketchy bisexual (named on the page) love interest who is handsome, charming, mysterious and secretive, and then must leave quickly. And then there is a lovely stretch of the story where they are having an online relationship. I really liked the way the story honored that aspect of their connection. It felt more respectful of online relationships than I often see.
I deeply enjoyed the D/s dynamic between the MCs, which emerges a bit late in the book. The timing of that felt right to me, and worked with the story arc. The D/s felt real, especially that it was kind of organic and then they negotiated partway through it. (Negotiations beyond safewords and safe signals take place off screen, FYI. I felt ok with that, but I understand that some readers may not.) The dynamic had some lovely chemistry to it, and a lot of heat. It was nice to sink into it from inside the submissive's POV, and to also not have sexual topping/bottoming be related to D/s role, but a separate question.
There are some places where the MCs thoughts meander a bit in vague ways, which I got a bit lost in. The ending moves a bit quick for me, and things are wrapped up rather fast, in a way that felt like a fantasy, but I still found them satisfying. In general, this was a satisfying light read, and I am definitely going to be reading more by this author!
There is a hidden trope in this story, . This trope often lends a fantasy fairy tale feel, and I got a kick out of reading a queer version of that fantasy. Which I am tempted to remove my spoiler warning about because I think some folks would be really excited for and want to read the book for it specifically. But I am trying to respect that some people want to be surprised by such things.
Trigger Warnings:
September 30, 2018
I hate to DNF a book but I just couldn’t do it. The writing kept pulling me from the story and the story wasn’t strong enough in character development to keep my attention.
August 28, 2017
This was super fun to read!
It was adorable and light, I really liked it.
The pace sometimes felt kind of off, but it was something I could deal with, so no biggie. Mostly, I really fell for Dallas and Simon's story so I didn't mind much about some of the "unrealistic" aspects.
Now about the sexual interactions, I did like them for the most part, but sometimes it made me a bit uncomfortable because I wasn't sure 100% of the time that both Simon and Dallas were on the same page. Dallas kept saying that even though some of the things Simon did caught him with his guard down, he didn't mind, but I still felt uneasy because even though Simon kept reassurin Dallas, it still felt like Simon handled himself however he liked and then worried about Dallas' comfort with it. I felt especially uneasy about it the first time it happened, because even though Simon did realise they needed to discuss terms and grounds and boundaries, I could be wrong but the conversation never really came to be (not on page at least, that I was aware).
Another issue was the editing. I know this is an ARC and everything, but there were some parts that were too messy (if it's details here and there, I usually don't bother mentioning, but in this case I think it needs to be said).
So, all in all, there were a few issues, but I still could enjoy this a fair amount.
*Review of an ARC provided by the author*
It was adorable and light, I really liked it.
The pace sometimes felt kind of off, but it was something I could deal with, so no biggie. Mostly, I really fell for Dallas and Simon's story so I didn't mind much about some of the "unrealistic" aspects.
Now about the sexual interactions, I did like them for the most part, but sometimes it made me a bit uncomfortable because I wasn't sure 100% of the time that both Simon and Dallas were on the same page. Dallas kept saying that even though some of the things Simon did caught him with his guard down, he didn't mind, but I still felt uneasy because even though Simon kept reassurin Dallas, it still felt like Simon handled himself however he liked and then worried about Dallas' comfort with it. I felt especially uneasy about it the first time it happened, because even though Simon did realise they needed to discuss terms and grounds and boundaries, I could be wrong but the conversation never really came to be (not on page at least, that I was aware).
Another issue was the editing. I know this is an ARC and everything, but there were some parts that were too messy (if it's details here and there, I usually don't bother mentioning, but in this case I think it needs to be said).
So, all in all, there were a few issues, but I still could enjoy this a fair amount.
*Review of an ARC provided by the author*
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018
August 20, 2017
Kings and Butterflies was a lovely story by, the for me new, author Lina Langley. It features Dallas and Simon who couldn’t be more different than night and day. Dallas is a chef turned inn owner. After his father’s death Dallas took over the management of The Butterfly Inn but it isn’t his dream. One day a mysterious man wants a room and pays in cash for the whole week. This is the beginning of many fantasies Dallas has about the real identity of this man. Reality can’t hold a candle to his fantasies.
It is a well-written story with a good pace. There is something refreshing and light about the story. The first few chapters were a bit repetitive but after that changed I was pulled into the story and it kept me interested throughout the entire book. Even as the descriptions of sceneries and surroundings were good it is the dialogue that is this author’s forte. The witty banter had me cracking up and I was laughing out loud multiple times. The conversations have, at times, also a more serious and deeper layer. The best of both world I would say.
As the story is told from Dallas’s point of view I got a better grip on his character than on Simon’s. Dallas is a hard-working man who wants to keep his legacy in honor of his father. He doesn’t take everything Simon says for granted and isn’t swayed by his wealth.
Simon is kind of arrogant but with such a matter-of-fact attitude that it becomes endearing. He is rich, so what. The important thing is that he understands Dallas and loves him.
All in all a book I can recommend to anyone who likes to read a funny love story with a bit of seriousness and mystery.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lina Langley.
It is a well-written story with a good pace. There is something refreshing and light about the story. The first few chapters were a bit repetitive but after that changed I was pulled into the story and it kept me interested throughout the entire book. Even as the descriptions of sceneries and surroundings were good it is the dialogue that is this author’s forte. The witty banter had me cracking up and I was laughing out loud multiple times. The conversations have, at times, also a more serious and deeper layer. The best of both world I would say.
As the story is told from Dallas’s point of view I got a better grip on his character than on Simon’s. Dallas is a hard-working man who wants to keep his legacy in honor of his father. He doesn’t take everything Simon says for granted and isn’t swayed by his wealth.
Simon is kind of arrogant but with such a matter-of-fact attitude that it becomes endearing. He is rich, so what. The important thing is that he understands Dallas and loves him.
All in all a book I can recommend to anyone who likes to read a funny love story with a bit of seriousness and mystery.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lina Langley.
September 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
This was just an ok read for me. The characters were one dimensional and flat, as was the story. Unfortunately, there was nothing engaging or unique to draw me in or make the story memorable. To me, the only reason the characters fell in love was because the author wrote it. There wasn't really anything in their interactions or relationship outside of physical attraction that would foster the kind of love that they professed after they've spent about a week together. The reader is left to assume that in the two months of off page skyping that they learned enough about each other to bolster their physical chemistry. For a story to work for me, I like to see character/interpersonal relationships develop within the narrative, not just be told or left to assume that they did. This was why the story felt empty to me. Also, the writing style was a bit stilted and repetitive; certain phrases/ideas would be repeated 2-3 time in one paragraph then restated a few pages later, making the character feel stuck in the same mindset and developmental stage. The book could have used another round of editing to trim this redundancy and clean up the many typos and grammatical errors that ran the gamut from small, and easily overlooked to blatant e.g. “moving is hung down to Dallas zipper”. Generally, I try not to nitpick typos or even grammar, but with nothing compelling about the story, the only thing I really had to focus on was all the grammatical issues. I’m sure plenty will find this simple “swept off his feet” tale enjoyable, but it just wasn’t for me.
This was just an ok read for me. The characters were one dimensional and flat, as was the story. Unfortunately, there was nothing engaging or unique to draw me in or make the story memorable. To me, the only reason the characters fell in love was because the author wrote it. There wasn't really anything in their interactions or relationship outside of physical attraction that would foster the kind of love that they professed after they've spent about a week together. The reader is left to assume that in the two months of off page skyping that they learned enough about each other to bolster their physical chemistry. For a story to work for me, I like to see character/interpersonal relationships develop within the narrative, not just be told or left to assume that they did. This was why the story felt empty to me. Also, the writing style was a bit stilted and repetitive; certain phrases/ideas would be repeated 2-3 time in one paragraph then restated a few pages later, making the character feel stuck in the same mindset and developmental stage. The book could have used another round of editing to trim this redundancy and clean up the many typos and grammatical errors that ran the gamut from small, and easily overlooked to blatant e.g. “moving is hung down to Dallas zipper”. Generally, I try not to nitpick typos or even grammar, but with nothing compelling about the story, the only thing I really had to focus on was all the grammatical issues. I’m sure plenty will find this simple “swept off his feet” tale enjoyable, but it just wasn’t for me.
August 31, 2017
This story was a lovely and sweet take on our childhood fairytales. Average guy, Dallas meets the Prince of his dreams, Simon. They fall in love and live happily ever after.
I loved Simon from the start. He was running the Butterfly Inn as a tribute to his late father. It wasn’t what he wanted to do with his life, but what he has settled down to do. When a gorgeous mysterious stranger shows up, offering a lot of cash for a room Dallas doesn’t know if he should trust the stranger or not. But there’s something about the stranger has Dallas intrigued. And he needs to find out who Simon really is. They start with an ice cream date and from there a relationship blooms between them.
Simon was a little harder to understand as a character. Mostly because the story is told from Dallas’ point of view. And I did have minor issues with how rough he handles Dallas during their intimate encounters without there ever having been a conversation about it. They talk about having that conversation, but it doesn’t really happen. Simon does grow on you as a character the further along you read.
The story is well written, the pace moves it along nicely. Minor editing errors, but they are easy to overlook. I recommend this story for a fun, light, enjoyable read.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Simon from the start. He was running the Butterfly Inn as a tribute to his late father. It wasn’t what he wanted to do with his life, but what he has settled down to do. When a gorgeous mysterious stranger shows up, offering a lot of cash for a room Dallas doesn’t know if he should trust the stranger or not. But there’s something about the stranger has Dallas intrigued. And he needs to find out who Simon really is. They start with an ice cream date and from there a relationship blooms between them.
Simon was a little harder to understand as a character. Mostly because the story is told from Dallas’ point of view. And I did have minor issues with how rough he handles Dallas during their intimate encounters without there ever having been a conversation about it. They talk about having that conversation, but it doesn’t really happen. Simon does grow on you as a character the further along you read.
The story is well written, the pace moves it along nicely. Minor editing errors, but they are easy to overlook. I recommend this story for a fun, light, enjoyable read.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
What a charming book the writing was great. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were well developed and thought out. Dallas is a Inn Owner and Simone is ? are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, an Inn, boardwalk, a club, family, food, a stranger, men in black, SUV’s, police, a waterfall and so much more in this book.
Here is a quote from the book, “Maybe you should get used to a little rejection,” Dallas said, trying his best to hold back a smile. “Maybe,” Paul said. “From you, though, it would be a tragedy.” Dallas bit his lower lip as he felt himself blush. Of course Sketchy McSketcherson was also masterful at flirting.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. This was a fantastic story with great characters that I didn’t want to end. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “Maybe you should get used to a little rejection,” Dallas said, trying his best to hold back a smile. “Maybe,” Paul said. “From you, though, it would be a tragedy.” Dallas bit his lower lip as he felt himself blush. Of course Sketchy McSketcherson was also masterful at flirting.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. This was a fantastic story with great characters that I didn’t want to end. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
August 23, 2017
The second book that I've read from Lina, Kings and Butterflies is a no-angst happy romance that all little girls and gay boys dream of.....finding Prince Charming. Not quite charming at first, hotel guest Paul Starr is a bit sketchy. Dallas has to decide whether to trust the enigmatic man with pockets loaded full of cash. Both characters are crazy sweet, until they connect in the bedroom. Wow...the chemistry there is off the charts for these two lovebirds. A bit of power play makes for some hot action. A good, fun read with a hfn ending. My only complaint is there is no epilogue - I need follow up! I like to know what happens next....a month, year, lifetime even. Perhaps there's a next chapter waiting for our sweet men.
August 21, 2017
This is a cute story of Dallas who's been left The Butterfly Inn by his late father and Simon who's trying to hide from his parents for awhile. Dallas is suspicious of Simon and is just hoping that he is not a secret developer after the inn as he wants to keep his legacy in honour of his father.
Simon has to work hard to gain Dallas' trust. He has a straight to the point attitude, he's rich but he understands and has fallen in love with Dallas. Can he get Dallas to love him?
The witty banter had me laughing out loud. All in all an enjoyable book by a new author to me.
Simon has to work hard to gain Dallas' trust. He has a straight to the point attitude, he's rich but he understands and has fallen in love with Dallas. Can he get Dallas to love him?
The witty banter had me laughing out loud. All in all an enjoyable book by a new author to me.
August 22, 2017
Dallas and Simon(Paul) are two guys whose lives are following paths set down by their families. When they meet and experience a connection possibilities of different paths come into consideration.
As this is told from Dallas's POV we get to peek inside his head but Simon remains more of a mystery. Simon's background slowly emerges and Dallas allows himself to feel attracted to him but they both seem resigned to the paths they're on.
It was a lovely story and it wasn't a convoluted plot, just two men who meet and are attracted to each other, and wonder if their lives can be compatible.
As this is told from Dallas's POV we get to peek inside his head but Simon remains more of a mystery. Simon's background slowly emerges and Dallas allows himself to feel attracted to him but they both seem resigned to the paths they're on.
It was a lovely story and it wasn't a convoluted plot, just two men who meet and are attracted to each other, and wonder if their lives can be compatible.
October 12, 2017
The prince and the pauper fall in love.
I wanted to like this story. It was a different take on a prince and pauper tale, which I liked. Unfortunately the writing ruined it for me.
I wanted to like this story. It was a different take on a prince and pauper tale, which I liked. Unfortunately the writing ruined it for me.
September 27, 2018
DNF ~15%
I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't do it. The writing was just...not good. VERY simplistic with information/details we didn't need and far too much exposition.
I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't do it. The writing was just...not good. VERY simplistic with information/details we didn't need and far too much exposition.
Read
June 3, 2020DNF. painfully repetitive
June 17, 2020
3 and a half Stars
The book was okay. I liked the charecters. I think some parts of the book seemed alittal rushed and I wished they had Simon and Dalles talking more.
The book was okay. I liked the charecters. I think some parts of the book seemed alittal rushed and I wished they had Simon and Dalles talking more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews