Three talented women with a dream of becoming famous: Sydney Allen is a naturally skilled dancer, Tricia is a gifted artist and Portia aspires to become a model. Sydney has raw talent but no formal training, Tricia has natural ability but no self-confidence and Portia has beauty but no scruples. Sydney eventually secures quite possibly her last shot at her dream. Financial tycoon Nolen Adams stumbles upon Sydney at the audition and is immediately captivated. She is truly a Black Butterfly; beautiful and unique. Nolen soon learns he can buy Sydney gifts but he can’t buy her. He will have to earn her love the old-fashioned way. Tricia’s break comes when she is introduced to Nolen’s friend, famed photographer Todd Ellison, and they experience an instant connection. As a child, she suffered unspeakable horrors at the hands of her father but she slowly opens up with Todd and begins to heal. Unfortunately things haven’t fallen as neatly into place for Portia and envying her friends, she sets into motion a hailstorm of meanness destroying their close bond and nearly costing one of them their life. Can Sydney and Tricia find love and Portia find forgiveness?
As I was reading the novel I kept thinking I would love to see this as a movie. It would make for a very entertaining and enjoyable experience. There is so much to love about Black Butterfly. The plot is very sophisticated and intricately developed. The twist and turns are like a fun rollercoaster ride of tumultuous moments and sweet, passion-filled ones. Sydney’s character is so well developed I felt connected to her and invested in her succeeding under her own terms. Nolen is a very complex character with his fluctuating moods but I love a man/beast that can be tamed only by his woman’s love. Sydney has the power to turn this fierce man into an anxious, flailing lover. Interestingly, Sydney knows the power she wields over Nolen but she never abuses it. The main characters are from differently ethnicities with Sydney being an African-American Southern belle. Her old-fashioned values prevent her from selling her soul for her dreams. Nolen is White and a product of his past and although he tries to go legit it seems it is ingrained in his personality to be harsh and calculating in all his dealings. However, meeting Sydney results in a catharsis and experiencing his change as the story progresses is really amazing. The character Portia has no such moral compass and is definitely the villain of the story. She manipulates situation after situation but in the end she learns a painful lesson. Tricia Hesser is a fragile beauty with a mysterious background but is the glue that keeps their friendship intact. Sadly, she harbors a secret that almost destroys her when its magnitude and heinousness is revealed. It is very ironic that Tricia finds love and acceptance in the arms of Todd, a man who sees women as disposable; much like the media he uses to express his work – film.
This story is about rebirth, growth and evolution on so many levels. Everyone becomes a better person because of love. The journey is painful but sweet and riveting at the same time. Sienna Mynx novels have a quality to them that touches you deep. I remember the stories and the characters long after I’ve read them. Mynx’s ability to create realistic characters and situations and at the same time stretch the reader’s imagination is pure genius.
Filed Under: Books, Recommended Reads
Tagged: erotic romance, interracial, romance, top pick
