Release Blitz & Book Review – Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza

A big welcome to Julie Bozza as part of her release blitz with Gay Book Promotions for Butterfly Hunter from LIBRAtiger.

Review

This is the first book I’ve read by Julie Bozza, and I couldn’t put it down to the point that I’ve just added this and the rest of the trilogy to my wish list on Book Depository. The characters grabbed me right from the beginning and I found Nicholas, in particular, very endearing. I also got hooked into the story immediately and needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. I enjoy reading about ‘fish out of water,’ and the meeting of different cultures, and I particularly loved the Australian references and how the story connects to the Aboriginal Dreamtime. It added a surreal, beautiful, and in some places eerie, touch to the story.

I also enjoyed how the imagery of the butterflies reflected Dave and Nicholas’ story, and I thought the author did a great job in showing the growth of their easy friendship, and I appreciated that she took the time to do that first. Dave’s friends felt very much like an extended family and I think the feeling of community is real strength in this story. I love Charlie, and his friendship with both Dave and Nicholas, and Denny who knew Dave better than he knew himself. Denial is a wonderful thing.

The landscape, which is a big part of the story, is very well described, and easy to visualise. The butterflies were also characters in their own right, and beautifully described. The author captured the feeling of why Nicholas was drawn to them perfectly, and although I guessed the foreshadowing that was hinted in various parts of the story, it didn’t detract from the reveal.

I’d recommend Butterfly Hunter to readers who enjoy feel-good stories with likeable characters, an interesting, different plot, and fabulous imagery. 5 out of 5 stars.

RELEASE BLITZ

Check out the brand new covers for Julie Bozza’s Butterfly Hunter Trilogy

Book Title: Butterfly Hunter

Author: Julie Bozza

Publisher: LIBRAtiger

Cover Artist: Gayna Murphy

Genre/s: MM romance

Length: 57,000 words/165 pages

It is the first in a trilogy but is a standalone story.

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Blurb

The most beautiful things happen when you least expect them.

It started as a simple assignment for Aussie bush guide Dave Taylor – escort a lone Englishman in quest of an unknown species of butterfly. However Nicholas Goring is no ordinary tourist, his search is far from straightforward, and it’s starting to look as if the butterflies don’t want to be found. As Dave teaches Nicholas everything he needs to survive in the Outback he discovers that he too has quite a bit to learn – and that very often the best way to locate something really important is just not to want to find it…

Buy Links

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bP58g7

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZ3GPJR/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GZ3GPJR/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07GZ3GPJR/

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/888134

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/butterfly-hunter-julie-bozza/1115864769?ean=2940155765356

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/butterfly-hunter-1

iTunes US: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/butterfly-hunter/id1423275975?mt=11

Excerpt from Butterfly Hunter

They were silent while Dave led his client out to the car park, paid off his ticket, found the car and put the bags in the boot, insisting in a mutter that he didn’t need Goring’s assistance.

It wasn’t until they were heading into the city on Kingsford Smith Drive that Dave finally spoke. “I’ll take you to the hotel. I booked it with an early check–in. I’m sure you’ll be glad of a shower and change of clothes.” When he risked a glance at the man, Dave was disconcerted to find that Goring’s smile once again had a wicked kick to it. “Um,” said Dave, “sir…”

“I always had a thing for chauffeurs,” the man confided.

“Huh.” Dave frowned, and stared very hard at the road ahead, though he wasn’t entirely sure how much he was actually seeing. “Well. What do you do when they don’t have a thing for you?”

Goring chuckled, sounding genuinely amused. “Ah, come on. Seize the day!”

“Mate, life’s not thatshort.”

The chuckle turned into a laugh – and Dave liked that. Still, he was relieved when Goring said, “All right, I’ll stop. Don’t mind me. I hardly got a wink of sleep on that damned plane.”

“You weren’t exactly travelling cattle class. Were you?”

“No, but …” Goring looked away, biting at his lower lip. He was a tall, scrawny man, and his lips were the plumpest thing about him. They were a dash of pink on his pale face. They were almost pretty. “Too much on my mind, I suppose.”

Dave let a beat go by, and then headed for safer ground. “Common wisdom is to stay awake for as long as you can today, and try not to sleep until tonight. Get into the new time zone as soon as you can.”

“Yes, so I’ve heard.”

“And I find that people like to start with a good breakfast, to keep their energy levels up. The hotel – you’re at the Hilton – is known for their breakfasts.”

“I see.”

“It’s up to you, but I’ll keep you company, if you like. For as much of the day as suits.”

“Starting with breakfast … ?”

“If you like,” Dave repeated. “And later, if you have people here, I can drop you off wherever. Just tell me what you want to do and then, you know, feel free to change your plans if you can’t stay awake any longer or whatever.”

Goring was staring at him. “I understand.” After a moment, he added, “I don’t know why I was expecting laconic rather than loquacious.”

Dave glanced at him. “Dunno if I’m your typical Aussie, mate.”

Another laugh, though wry this time rather than genuine. Then Goring asked, “Will Mr Taylor be able to join us for breakfast?”

“What?” Dave grimaced as he turned right onto Albert Street. They were almost there. “No, I’m – I’mDave Taylor.”

“Oh.”

“I guess I didn’t – No, I didn’t introduce myself. The meeting at the airport didn’t, uh –”

“Didn’t quite go as planned,” Goring smoothly supplied.

“No. My fault. Look, we’re here,” Dave said. “I’ll drop you off, and you can check in while I park.”

“No need. I’ll stay with you.”

Dave glanced at him, and thought that Goring wasn’t merely being polite. In any case, he needed to decide right away, as he was already approaching the car park. He nodded, and flipped on the indicator. So be it. Almost nothing this morning had gone as intended, so why not this as well?

They were silent again as Dave collected a ticket, and then quickly chose an empty space on the ground floor – it was still too early to be busy. Once he’d parked, they both got out, and met around the back of the car. Dave looked the man in the eye, and held his hand out. “Good morning, uh, sir. I’m Dave Taylor.”

Goring shook his hand with a cool firmness before disengaging. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr Taylor. Call me Nicholas.”

“Dave.”

“David,” said Nicholas.

Dave grinned, and turned to open the boot, started lifting the three bags out. “All right, but no one calls me that. It’s Dave or – well, my friends call me Davey.”

“Would you join me for breakfast, David?”

“Sure. Thanks,” he added, quite genuinely. “We can talk over your trip. I’ve brought maps and such.”

“Good. Here, let me –”

But Dave only handed over the cabin–sized bag, and insisted on wheeling the larger cases. “I’ve got it,” he said. He attempted the three syllables as they emerged into sunlight: “Nicholas.” He wondered how long it would be before he was allowed to go with Nick or Nicky.

“Thank you.” The man’s smile was a little gentler by now.

Of course it had all gone horribly wrong so far, and God only knew what that meant for the rest of the trip, but it seemed that at least Dave had been forgiven for his part of the shambles. He nodded, both accepting and returning the thanks. Nicholas seemed to understand. As they walked shoulder to shoulder into the hotel, Dave dared to think the next three months mightn’t be a complete disaster.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE TRILOGY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE NOW

About the Author

Julie Bozza is an English-Australian hybrid who is fuelled by espresso, calmed by knitting, unreasonably excited by photography, and madly in love with Amy Adams and John Keats.