Butterfly Hunter

Just when I think I have a good handle on what I definitely like and dislike in romance novels, I read something that changes my mind again. I'm actually very grateful that I'm still open to new possibilities, but I have to laugh at myself for being inconsistent. This is gay-for-you, which is probably my least favorite trope in m/m romance, and the point-of-view character, Dave, does a lot of introspection about his sexuality. I think, though, as I suspect is also true of [b:The Apothecary's Garden 36182648 The Apothecary's Garden Julie Bozza https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504564153s/36182648.jpg 24756018], that he is a slightly unreliable narrator. Nicholas, his love interest, says several times that Dave speaks his own thoughts aloud without realizing it. So I wonder if Nicholas overheard some of his introspection. I think it would also be accurate to say Dave is demisexual. But that word is never used, or “bisexual” (Dave's only previous relationship was with a woman). Overall, this book feels very dreamlike. I don't know how realistic some of it is, but it all flows together so beautifully. I really felt their connection, as well as how much Nicholas loves butterflies. I predicted they would get together because one of them would be injured, or they would be in danger, but nothing like that happens. Instead, they come together because of how happy Nicholas is when he finally finds the butterflies. I thought that was so unusual in a romance novel and I loved it. Most of the story takes place in the Australian Outback, and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a book that brings that setting to life.Anyway, it's a great book, and while a few things made me raise my eyebrows a bit, the story itself carried me away. I can't imagine what will happen in the rest of the trilogy, but I'm excited to find out.