Butterfly Games - by Kelly Scarborough (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Philippa Gregory and Allison Pataki, a debut biographical historical novel about a young Swedish countess whose youthful love affair with the heir to her country's throne has profound personal and political repercussions.

In some games, winning means losing everything that matters.

In the opulent world of the Swedish royal court, Jacquette Gyldenstolpe walks a dangerous tightrope between romance and political intrigue. Neglected by her parents and ostracized by the people around her, the young countess falls in love with Prince Oscar, heir to the Swedish throne--but their passionate affair has far-reaching consequences for the new Bernadotte dynasty, which is already challenged by threats from inside Sweden and beyond.

By the time Jacquette learns that the Butterfly Game is not for the faint-hearted, it is too late. For she has a secret--one as precious to her as it is potentially devastating to the crown--and she will stop at nothing to protect it.

Based on a true story and set in stormy early-1800s Europe, Butterfly Games is a sweeping historical tale of forbidden love, fierce duty, and the cost of ambition. From the lavish ballrooms of Stockholm to the elegant manor houses of the Swedish countryside, Jacquette's story will transport readers to a world where every whisper could lead to triumph or ruin.

Review Quotes

"An excellent work of historical fiction that delivers an engaging romance and memorable characters."--Kirkus Reviews

"With near-cinematic historical detail and enough drama to push the story forward, Scarborough's debut marches her straight up to the top of the genre. Very highly recommended."--Readers' Favorite, 5-star review

"In Butterfly Games, Kelly Scarborough crafts a work of historical fiction that feels as lavish as it is perilous. The book leans into the elegance of Bridgerton, the stately tension of The Crown, and the shadowy power plays that recall Game of Thrones. . . . Scarborough possesses a gift; she draws readers into this world with deceptive ease."--Literary Titan, 5-star review

"The writing is realistic, the tension in many scenes is heart-stopping, and Oscar's intentions in his love for Jacquette are uncertain. I loved learning about this period of Swedish events, not often mentioned in history books."--Readers' Favorite, 5-star review

"Lyrical and passionate, this historical novel illumines a little-known countess with a big story. Drawn into a treacherous game of politics, betrayal, and forbidden love, young Jacquette must choose between her heart and her loyalty. A tale that reels you in and doesn't let you go."--Jude Berman, author of The Vow, a 2024 Kirkus Best Indie Book

"Set against the turbulent backdrop of Napoleonic-era Sweden, this richly woven tale follows Countess Jacquette Gyldenstolpe through passion, political intrigue, and heartbreak. Blending deep historical insight with irresistible drama, this is a romance that lingers long after the final page."--Anna-Lena Berg, noted biographer of Jacquette Gyldenstolpe (Jacquette Gyldenstolpe) and Gustav af Wetterstedt (Grand Tour)

"This opulent tale of early-1800s Swedish palace intrigue is richly detailed, meticulously researched, and bursting with all the good stuff--gossip, scandal, spies, and, of course, forbidden romance. Based on the life of lady-in-waiting and royal mistress Jacquette Gyldenstolpe, Butterfly Games will transport you to the gilded hallways of Napoleonic Stockholm, where secrets are worth more than gold."--Emily Matchar, author of In the Shadow of the Greenbrier

"Complex, captivating characters. Immersive prose. Glittery royal court intrigue. Based on the true ill-fated love story between a countess and a prince, Butterfly Games unfolds with all the dramatic intensity of a Shakespearean tragedy."--Joan Fernandez, author of Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh

"In this novel of love and betrayal, Jacquette grapples with Swedish court politics, while her mistakes, resolve, and sacrifice make her the true heroine of this sweeping tale."--Michelle Cameron, author of Beyond the Ghetto Gates and Napoleon's Mirage

About the Author

Kelly Scarborough worked for more than two decades as a law firm partner and white-collar prosecutor, but her real passion is reading and writing historical novels about the lives of fascinating women in challenging times. Her visits to Swedish castles and archives, along with the interesting people she met on her travels, inspired Butterfly Games, which is her debut novel. A lover of coastlines and sunsets, Kelly lives in Madison, Connecticut, and Bluffton, South Carolina, where she spends much of her time trying to keep track of her workaholic husband and appease her stubborn Shih Tzu.