Book Review: Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Butcher & Blackbird

Brynne Weaver

The Ruinous Love Trilogy, #1

Publisher: Independent

Published Date: August 14, 2023

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Thriller, Fiction

360 Pages / 8 Hours 43 Minutes

Date Read: January 7-8, 2025

Format: 📖

Source: Physical TBR

This is the first book in a three-part standalone series. As always, if you prefer a spoiler free review please read my quick review instead of the in depth review below.

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About the Book

What's better than two people who have a mutual attraction deciding to start a friendly competition? Oh, the fact that they are both serial killers? Sloane and Rowan are an unlikely pair of friends who travel from Virginia to California to Boston and to Texas. During their competition their friendship starts to turn to more. Unfortunately, some unexpected hiccups come into their game-can Sloane and Rowan survive this deadly game or have they finally met their match?

Disclaimer

When reading any dark romance, please read your trigger warnings.

Quick Review (Spoiler Free)

I totally understand that murder is not everyone’s cup of tea... but it is mine! So a romance about serial killers, yes please! Count me in. The banter between Rowan and Sloan is great. It made some of the dark topics seem a little lighter. And I love the hints to all the other characters; I feel like it will be a good lead into the other brothers' books when I get a chance to read them! Not super spicy but just enough to get the fuel going with them.

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Now, let's get into the details!!

I did almost quit when the fangirling started between the two, but I am glad that I stuck it out. I love when the MMC has the “she’s mine” moments and would kill for his lady. Rowan is just that type. The nicknames are cute and their banter gets so much better as their competition progresses.

Plus, I really liked all of the "plucking" comments from Sloane. I cackled at this ever time. And then seeing that Rowan did not have a super strong stomach in some scenes but he can kill a man with no problem, well, I mean I guess he's human after all. Ha!

And I love that this whole book spanned a good amount of time... actual years... before their friendship really blossomed into more. I don't always like the insta-love reads and I like when we get a couple who really works for their relationship.

Ratings