When the Lady of the Lake speaks, she expects you to listen…
Never one to linger, computer security expert Charity Puck doesn’t expect to be romanced by the small-town charm of her latest job. But when her RV rolls into Plentiful, Wisconsin, nestled along the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior, she’s convinced nothing could be more alluring—until she gazes into the delectable hazel eyes of her new client.
Underestimated due to the crutches on his arms and braces on his legs, CEO and researcher Gulliver Winsome doesn’t expect his job to put his life in danger. But as he rushes to bring an eco-friendly pesticide to market, in an attempt to save the pollinators, he finds himself the target of a sinister plot—uncovered by the tiny blonde dynamo he hired to fix his servers.
Someone is trying to steal Gulliver’s research, and they’ll stop at nothing to bury the evidence. With feelings in bloom and the would-be couple’s lives in peril, it’s up to Charity to decipher the clues before they both end up in the Lady of the Lake’s cold-water castle.
Katie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review A story with a lot of sweetness, but also pain and heartbreak, “Butterflies and Hazel Eyes”, by Katie Mettner (Breaking Night Press), features two interestingly different protagonists, who soon learn they were made for each other. Gulliver and Charity are both strong, decent, kind, and very competent in their job areas; they don’t let their physical issues hinder them from a full and active life. The author showed how they deal with them in a non-dramatic, positive and matter-of-fact way, more as a characteristic or feature than a limitation, an aspect I really appreciated. There’s a positive representation of people with disabilities throughout the story. The fact they had broken childhoods seems to make them more resilient and compassionate about other people’s suffering. I liked that they’re so honest with each other and there’s no needless drama in their relationship. The fact they spend so much time together and enjoy it is also engaging. Gulliver is a Beta, lonely hero, and Charity, who is a loner, too, finds her right match. There’s an innocence about the hero which is very endearing, even if he seems as a bit naïve at times. Gulliver’s project dimensions were interesting and unusual, too, with its ecological implications, besides the socio-economic value. I liked the characters’ passion and devotion to it. There’s a friendly small-town environment and secondary characters that add to the story. The beautiful Lake Superior setting was another aspect I enjoyed. I found that the dialogue and interaction between Gulliver and Charity, with lots of talking about feelings and emotions, and multiple proclamations of love, became often redundant and excessively sweet. At times, the characters felt too fictional or their voices too similar. I would have liked to have Gulliver’s point of view. The story dragged a bit for my taste, too.
Butterflies and Hazel Eyes by Katie Mettner is as much of a love story between the two main characters as it is between Mettner and Lake Superior, which is… lovely. The way Mettner writes about Lake Superior and Wisconsin really brings both to life. I can see people who aren’t even sure where Wisconsin is on the map wanting to visit after reading the book.
As far as the romance between Charity and Gulliver it was very sweet and came on very fast, but when you know, you know. I really enjoyed that they were up front with each other and actually communicated. This is a refreshing change of pace from romance books where the two characters keep secrets and are constantly fighting or worried about what the other person thinks of them. Communication is the key to every relationship!
One the other hand, at times all of their talking and declarations of love became a bit much for me. I wanted more action in regards to the mystery, which really doesn’t start to pick up until about a third of the way through the book, or more descriptions of the area, or even more about their jobs as a way to help the story move along faster.
The other wonderful thing about Butterflies and Hazel Eyes is how Mettner writes about the main characters and their disabilities. It is very matter-of-fact and it doesn’t hinder them from living full lives. How they help each other, such as Charity opening doors for Gulliver, who uses crutches, is just something that you would do for a friend or loved one and doesn’t need any fanfare. I also enjoyed that this wasn’t the type of book where the character’s disabilities left them broken and by the end of the book they were fixed.
Another enjoyable sweet romance by Mettner, and I look forward to reading more by her!
Great small town story in Wisconsin! Heartwarming, Emotional and Delightful! Characters were charming and sweet, perfect together! #ownvoices. Katie Mettner is awesome with her character’s disabilities, having them fall in love and the settings that make you feel you are there also.
Being a huge Katie Mettner fan, I was expecting to love Butterflies and Hazel Eyes, but for some reason, I wasn’t expecting the emotional roller coaster she put me on. Have you ever wanted to just take a character in your arms and give them a long, warm hug? That’s how I feel about every character in this book. Maybe I want to hug everyone from the isolation of the Covid lockdown, or… perhaps it’s that Katie Mettner is an ace at making characters human, emotional, and loveable. Yep, that’s it. I bow to the master of character development. Katie always gets it right. Charity isn’t your everyday hero, and have no doubt, she is the hero of this story, even though she’d never take credit. She is as sure about her work as she is unsure about the impact she has on the people around her. Having lived a nomad life for years, she doesn’t recognize true friendship and love when it falls in her lap. The acceptance she gets from the town of Plentiful is so confusing to her that she doesn’t know what to do when she’s faced with it. The inner conflict and turmoil really made me want to hug her. I can’t say more without spoilers. You have to read it for yourself to know what happens. But don’t think that Gulliver isn’t a hero. He’s Charity’s hero, and she needs one. He’s been as equally hurt and let down in life as she has, but that doesn’t keep him from fighting for the girl. Even with their differences, he and Charity are perfect for each other, and that’s clear right away. The chemistry is strong between these two. Katie has also added some strong and very loveable secondary characters too, and I’m thrilled she’s turning this into a series. I can’t wait to read Honey’s story. But not only that, in this book, the setting is just as much a character as Charity and Gulliver. Her descriptions of the Lake and surrounding area are so beautiful and so well-written (without being over-written) that I’ve immediately added Lake Superior to my bucket list. Truth be told, I loved everything about this book. If you love small-town romance written with a breathtaking setting and whodunit suspense, then you’re going to love Butterflies and Hazel Eyes. Don’t let the #ownvoices tag scare you away. These characters feel more natural and live more emotional lives than most romance novel characters in the top 100 list on Amazon. It’s a 5-star read that will leave you wanting to save the pollinators and book a trip to the great lakes for a canoe ride with your soulmate.
I had read the first book, “honeybees and sexy tees” before this one and it was totally fine…although they do go in chronological order. I really enjoy Katie Mettner’s writing, there is a sweet tone to her stories. I like that the main characters are not perfect…in this book, Charity and Gulliver each have a physical disability…but this doesn’t stop them in the least! These are strong and capable characters with vulnerabilities. Charity has spent her entire life running…she’s never stayed in one place very long…she’s traveled the country in her RV, Myrtle, and her dog Mojo (I loved Mojo!) and comes to the town of Plentiful to prevent Butterfly Junctions’ computer system from being hacked. It’s a company that Gulliver co-founded…they are super close to creating a safe pesticide that will keep the bees and butterflies thriving while addressing crop destroying pests. The author obviously did a lot of research on this echo system along with computer IT in creating this story. While Charity is helping Butterfly Junction prevent hackers it becomes very obvious that there are some real bad guys who want to get their hands on the formula worth in the billions of dollars. All along, Gulliver and Charity begin to fall for each other…but can Gulliver enjoy life outside of his 24/7 work? And can Charity stop running and give herself a real chance to be loved? Read it and find out! The book is sweet and steamy, realistic with down to earth characters and one large and lovable dog.
BUTTERLIES AND HAZEL EYES is a romantic suspense featuring characters with disabilities and a plot line with environmental leanings. I say this not only to preface my review, but to remind would-be readers that this novel might be outside of their comfort zones—and that's a good thing.
Mettner has published over forty #ownvoices novels in the past decade, and that experience is on full display in her latest offering. Her characters are realistic beyond a mere reflection of humanity. They're dimensional. You may relate to one aspect of their lives and simultaneously find your eyes opened by another.
And the setting—don't get me started. This is as much of a love story between the author and Lake Superior as it is the heroine and hero. Her descriptions engage the senses, immersing you in the small town of Plentiful, Wisconsin. Seriously, friends, in the immortal words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."
I don't want to get spoiler-ish, so I'm not going to touch on the suspense sub-plot, but I will say it's intriguing and has a strong tie-in to the love story. If you like well crafted, outside-the-box stories, you're going to enjoy this one.
Happy reading!
This review is based on a advanced copy provided—via NetGalley—in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
This book has it all! It's full of heart, heat and warmth from the second Charity walks into Gulliver's life. I absolutely adored Charity and Gulliver. For me, their intricacies as people made the whole book. They both have physical challenges and we see the pain behind that, but at the forefront is Charity's inner strength and resilience. I loved that right from the get-go. She is someone I would want in my corner! I enjoyed the mix of suspense and romance and was rooting for the mystery to be solved, plus for Charity and Gulliver to get their happy ending. And what can I say about Mojo?! Adorable! This is the perfect small-town romantic mystery.
Omg this book had me crying like a baby... Especially the ending.... When I tell u Katie is awesome at making 2 people fall in love she is... And when I tell u that u will love this book and all the people in it u will... I can't wait for the other one to come out ...
If you are looking for a good small town romantic mystery, Butterflies and Hazel Eyes is the book for you!
Charity is a little person with a big heart and presence. Gulliver uses leg braces and crutches and is on his own personal journey. Even though they both have disabilities and a less than ideal childhood, this does not stop them from making the most of life. They are brought together through work and they have a lot to deal with, both in their personal and professional life. Someone is hacking into the system and causing havoc and danger for both them and Gulliverś partner. All the while they are dealing with this, they try to stay positive and hopeful.
Charity and Gulliver seem made for each other and I kept rooting them to move on from the strong friendship they formed and move on to romance. I definitely will be reading book 2, Honeybees and Sexy Trees!
Sweet, but dramatic a fantastic mystery solved as you fall in love. I really enjoyed the main characters and I thought it was great that they had disabilities but whilst it was mentioned it was not all that they offered. I also enjoyed the current climate crisis being part of the story in finding ways to save bees and butterflies which is an important issue the world is facing. As well as these awareness raising themes this was also a great story.
Loved this story; Charity and her big dog protector, and Gulliver; and Butterfly Junction. Humor, sweetness, beaches, and a touch of suspense. My first experience of this author, and immediately got Honey's story in "Honeybees and Sexy Tees." Good reads.
Charity Puck makes her living as a white hacker, basically, someone who goes in and prevents black hackers from stealing information. She travels around in her motorhome dubbed Myrtle, and her large mixed-breed dog, Mojo. Since Charity is vertically challenged being only 4'2", Mojo also serves as her protector since she works at night.
Charity pulls into Plentiful, Wisconsin to start a job working at Butterfly Junction. She has a dream job lined up following this one, where she hopes to set down roots. Something she's never done before. One look at the owner of Butterfly Junction, Gulliver Winsome, and Charity is quite smitten.
Gulliver Winsome due to Rickets has deformed legs and requires crutches to get around. Gulliver and his partner, Mathias are in the process of developing an eco-friendly pesticide that is worth billions. They are very close to finishing the formula but have to guard it. Hence where Charity comes in to plug openings to prevent black hackers from gaining entrance to the data.
Trouble extends past computers when Mathias is run off the road, threatening notes are left and boat fires. Gulliver and Charity begin to get closer to one another as they work together, but both carry deep wounds. Despite the pull to be together, they both are fighting their instincts not to get hurt. It takes one terrifying situation to make Gulliver realize just how much he cares about Charity, and Charity to realize that she's grown roots in Plentiful.
This was a very sweet story with a wonderful message about how important our pollinators are to mankind, and using harsh chemicals can lead to the pollinators carrying the chemical back to the colony and killing it. We are very dependent on these insects and should do more to protect them.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley via Breaking Night Press and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Charity Puck is a traveling IT woman, her current job brings her to Plentiful, Wisconsin. She meets Gulliver Winsome, the CEO of an eco-friendly pesticide research facility, the man she will be working for. The two have a mutual attraction but Charity's is a bit hesitant to allow herself to fall in love. Also someone is trying to steal his formal, lives are in danger, unless Charity can figure out who is behind this dangerous scheme.
Charity is great at her job, she is confident in her work, not as much with her personal life. Her Childhood was not good and it affects her (romantic) relationships. Gulliver's childhood was not ideal either, but he is a bit more confident and wants to get to know her more deeply, if she will give him the chance. The two can be a perfect pair, if they let love in.
Butterflies and Hazel Eyes is a heart felt story with a great plot and likable characters. I was hooked from the beginning, wanting to see Charity and Gulliver have their happily every after. It had the perfect mix of romance and suspense. I really enjoyed this read and recommend to those who love a great cozy romantic/suspense.
Sometimes I get a book because of the title, or the picture or the author and never read the back, or maybe read the first couple of lines. I was pleasantly surprised when this romance novel turned into a mystery/suspense story as well. The romantic suspense genre is the best of both worlds.
Charity finds herself working for a company who is researching the best pesticide that will not affect the butterfly and bee population, and furthermore our food supply. Though the circumstances are fictional, the fact that we need to save the bees and butterflies from harmful pesticdes is not. It's a real issue we must deal with. And in this story there are people out to get the information Gulliver has discovered in his research. It starts with computer hacking and becomes dangerous. I don't know how much of the computer mumbo jumbo is true. If so, the author sure did her research.
Katie Mettner is an amputee who writes inclusive characters with varying disabilities. Both Charity and Gulliver have disabilities. My issue is that I had a hard time picturing the characters as the cover didn't match their description. And with the name Gulliver, I couldn't help but picture an old man, especially with his disability. But that is probably just a 'me' thing. The cover is beautiful.
The romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense made for a great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a well written small town heartwarming story. Charity Puck was born with dwarfism but does not let that get in the way of life. She loves life but struggles with staying in one place for too long. She is an IT specialist who goes from job to job in her Winnebago named Mrytle checking items off her bucket list. Her traveling companion is an extremely large dog Mojo. She accepts a job in Plentiful, Wisconsin at Butterfly Junction. Gulliver one of the co-owners is working on a safe pesticide for farmers. He struggles with insecurities and has a disability. He works non stop instead of enjoying life. Katie Mettner weaves a wonderful love story dealing with two wonderful people who have realistic social issues. Thrown in is some romantic suspense and wonderful secondary characters. I loved the town of Plentiful. I recommend reading. Can't wait for Matias and Honey's story.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley but I an my honest review.
Butterflies and Hazel Eyes starts with an impressive, creative and happy Charity Puck, this young lady has such independence and gumption I loved her immediately! Reading about her childhood and her height challenges made me such a fan and it was so sweet to follow her as she meets and falls for Gulliver Winsome, a lover of insects and butterflies!! I especially enjoyed the small town atmosphere and the lovely people Charity and her dog, Mojo interact with. There’s a special formula to protect and a lot of money, that are in the balance and Charity is right in the middle as things start to get dangerous!! Early in the book your introduced to the subject of disabilities and it’s weaved delicately throughout but not with pity or discouragement, but with perseverance and healthy self-esteem, a wonderful enjoyable story!!#BUTTERFLIES&HAZELEYES#KATIEMETTNER
BUTTERFLIES AND HAZEL EYES presents two endearing characters meant for each other: computer security expert Charity Puck and CEO and researcher Gulliver Winsome. The story balances both romance and suspense: their feelings for each other blossom while at the same time, she uncovers a plot that puts his life in peril. It attempts to stop him from bringing an eco-friendly pesticide to market and steal his research.
I enjoyed Katie Mettner’s romantic writing in previous books but this is my first listen to her work. It illustrates the lives of ordinary people, with their faults and handicaps, and celebrates the ways their love for each other opens the heart.
Sarah Colton’s narration does justice to the writing. She has a warm voice with ‘controlled blaze’ with the necessary range to bring the story to life.
Charity Puck is a computer expert or as she says, “a server patch technician”. She is a free spirit always ready to travel to a new destination with her beloved dog Mojo. Arriving in Plentiful, Wisconsin, she has no idea how this beautiful town will change her life. Gulliver Winsome and his partner are close to perfecting an eco-friendly pesticide that will help protect the pollinating insects and the waterways. Gulliver hired Charity when an outside source tied to access their computers. When his partner’s car is forced off the road, this is just the beginning of attempts to either steal their research or keep them from completing the project. Charity and Gulliver develop a strong friendship that slowly leads them towards a passionate attraction, but will Charity be ready to move on when the job is finished? They have both dealt with past physical and emotional issues, but have never let those issues define them. A charming romance with a touch of danger. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
What a sweet story of accepting the gift of love. Charity Puck is a traveling IT woman, hired to help at Butterfly Junction, but the job turns into more. She has never sayed loving in any one place, but her experience in Plentiful is causing her to question her routine. During her stay she starts to believe she can fall in love and really likes Gulliver. It is not an easy road due to people trying to steal his work and an employee getting hurt. One of the best moments was what Gulliver did for her for her birthday, it was so sweet. This book is definitely worth reading, you will not be disappointed with the mix of romance and mystery. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary electronic copy of Butterflies and Hazel Eyes by Katie Mettner. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this book prior to publication. My opinions are my own and nothing has influenced my rating.
Butterflies and Hazel Eyes is a well written, emotional novel set on the shores of Lake Superior with astounding descriptions of that beautiful area and characters that grab you from the first page to the last.
Charity Puck is the heroine, and she has not had an easy life, which makes her wary of trusting others, so she chooses to take temporary positions and live in a traveling home. I enjoyed her struggle with the attraction between her and the hero and how the town wraps her in love and kindness.
Gulliver Winsome is a unique hero, and I thoroughly enjoyed his characterization. It’s unusual to have a beta hero, but the few that are in books always appeal to me. I enjoyed his determination to convince Charity she no longer needs to move from place to place.
The romance between Gulliver and Charity is lovely. The chemistry is strong from the start and builds beautifully as the story progresses. They are perfect for each other, and I truly wanted Charity to realize his value and accept the warmth and caring from the small community.
If you enjoy small-town romance with engaging characters, and an intriguing plot that has a good deal of suspense as well, then you will enjoy Butterflies and Hazel Eyes as much as I did. I look forward to reading other books by Ms. Mettner. Happy reading!
A beautiful story; I adore Gulliver and Charity. The honesty and compassion to their lives and values is refreshing. I love how they grow past their insecurities and find happiness. The banter made me smile from the moment they meet the chemistry sparks and a little suspense to keep me reading. I recommend this book and will be reading more from her.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I really like the part we're Charity and myrtle Travel the country. For her job. In filling her bucket list.
When Her dog found her, And what she named him. And the reason she named him that.
Me being a person who's build's classic cars, Parts of this book Has classic cars in the story. Makes it a personal touch for me. I highly recommended story it was really good.
I received this book from the author, Katie Mettner, after following her on social media for a few months. While romance novels aren’t my preferred genre, I must say there is a lot more to this book than the romance aspect. There are great likable characters, a business espionage thriller element and a beautiful setting.
There are many things I appreciated in this first of a new series for Katie, top of the list is the excellent way in which she educated readers about Charity’s and Gulliver’s disabilities. Bravo Katie! Secondly, I appreciated the obvious research into butterflies and their habitats. So beautifully descriptive and understandable. Not to be short-changed is the great thriller! That carried the day for me.
Romance novels still aren’t one of my favorites, but this book is so much more. A heartfelt thank you, Katie.
wow what a book! Gulliver and Charity are such a great couple as they deal with the insecurities their individual pasts have given them. Along the way be prepared to learn as much as Charity of the world of the pollinators. You will have a new appreciation for Butterflies and bees after reading this book.
The author has pulled us into the lives of Charity and Gulliver and never lets go. They each may have a disability and insecurities because of if but upon meeting, Charity and Gulliver have an attraction. Will they be able to find happiness or will outside forces be able to destroy them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet and easy book to read. I loved that the main characters weren't the typical characters in a romance book. Each had a disability that impacted their lives to a point and emotional baggage from their upbringings they had to come to terms with. I loved how they grew together as a couple and individuals.
This is my first book by Katie Mettner and I really enjoyed it!!! The CEO, Gulliver Winsome, discovers he is the target of sinister plots. He hires computer security expert, Charity Puck. Are they both in danger? Is there a spark between Charity and Gulliver? Read and find out!!! Enjoy!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Ms Mettner's ability to teach us about people with a disability--you don't even realize you're learning. Their struggles are genuine, the storyline realistic and captivating, and the characters well developed. I liked Charity and Mojo immediately, and I so wanted to stare in Gulliver's eyes. I'll be reading the rest of the series for sure and recommend it.
This book was so good! It is so rare for me to find a book with great disability rep and this one was perfect. I loved all the characters so much and cried over them several times. Charity and Gulliver's love story was amazing and I loved getting to learn more about pollinators and the effects they have on our Earth. I really enjoyed the suspense element, plus the twist was unexpected. This was my first Katie Mettner book, but certainly not my last!