Review: IMAGO by N. R. Walker

Series: Imago #1
Genre: LGBTQ+, Romance
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Pages: 162
Release date: February 18th 2017

Nerdy, introverted genius lepidopterist, Lawson Gale, is an expert on butterflies. He finds himself in a small town in Tasmania on a quest from an old professor to find an elusive species that may or may not even exist.
Local Parks and Wildlife officer, Jack Brighton, is an ordinary guy who loves his life in the sleepy town of Scottsdale. Along with his Border collie dog, Rosemary, his job, and good friends, he has enough to keep from being lonely.
But then he meets Lawson, and he knows he’s met someone special. There’s more to catching butterflies, Jack realises. Sometimes the most elusive creatures wear bow ties, and sometimes they can’t be caught at all.
Lawson soon learns there are butterflies he can’t learn about it in books. They exist only in a touch, in a kiss, in a smile. He just has to let go first, so these butterflies can fly.

Imago is a lighthearted and adorable little book! It has a nice and steady pace, good writing, adorable characters, and the sweetest of romances. It is a very fast read, with it being under 200 pages, but it is super enjoyable.

N. R. Walker always does a wonderful job when it comes to setting, and that holds true for this book. The feel-good atmosphere and cuteness are ever present in this novel are a breath of fresh air, and very much appreciated. This is the perfect read for anyone who needs some cheering up.

The cute starts out right at the beginning! This story is a mix of flirting, dates, kisses, and steamy scenes. The dual POV gives readers glimpses into both of the main characters’ thoughts, and it’s such a delight reading about them getting to know each other. I couldn’t stop smiling!

Main characters are really sweet. Their relationship as a whole is adorable, and a lot of their scenes together made me smile. Imago is actually a lot steamier than I thought it would be, but the progression of the physical part of Jack and Lawson’ relationship feels very natural.

Lawson is a really interesting character. He’s a geek and totally owns it, and his profession — lepidopterist, an expert in butterflies — really stands out and gives an unique air to the story. Walker uses this opportunity to develop the plot around Lawson’s work, and it adds depth to the story.

There’s not a lot of focus and development for side-characters, though. Most of them feel like props, but I guess that is to be expected in a book of this length and that focuses on the main characters’ relationship and romance. That’s my only complaint, really.