Butcher & Blackbird - book review!

Wow! This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and I loved it! Sloane and Rowan are both murderers—but not just any kind. They’re serial killers who only target the worst kinds of people. They’ve each heard of the other by their infamous nicknames, but they had never met—until Rowan finds Sloane trapped in a cage by her most recent kill. After helping her escape, they get to know each other and discover their shared interests. That’s when they come up with a yearly competition:

Living on opposite sides of the world, they agree to meet once a year and race to eliminate the same evil target. Whoever completes the kill first wins. This goes on for years, and with each meeting, their attraction grows, making it harder to remain just friends who see each other only once a year.

This book is definitely dark but also so much fun! I loved the banter between the characters, and the audiobook is chef’s kiss! I highly recommend this read!

#butcherandblackbird #bookreview #serialkillerbooks #darkromancebooks #darkromance

2025/1/31 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, bookworms, let's talk about the absolute wild ride that is ‘Butcher & Blackbird’ by Brynne Weaver! If you’ve been searching for a book that truly pushes boundaries in the dark romance genre, or perhaps a spicy murder mystery with a psychological thriller edge, you need to add this to your TBR pile immediately. I've seen it pop up on so many 'best romance novels for adults spicy' lists, and now I totally get why. First off, let's address the elephant in the room: yes, it features serial killers as its main characters, Sloane and Rowan. But before you shy away, hear me out! This isn't just gratuitous violence. The brilliance of this book lies in its unique premise: these two only target the truly awful people of the world. Think of them as dark vigilantes, and that moral ambiguity is what makes their story so utterly captivating. You find yourself rooting for them, despite their deadly hobby, which is a testament to Weaver's writing. My personal take? The 'spicy' level is definitely there, but it's intertwined with incredible tension and a slow-burn connection that builds throughout their yearly meetings. Their banter is electric, full of wit and a shared understanding of their unconventional lives. Rowan, in particular, is a character you won't soon forget. His charm and ruthlessness are a magnetic combination, and seeing him interact with Sloane, who is equally formidable, is just pure entertainment. Their chemistry isn't just physical; it's a deep, twisted recognition of a kindred spirit. For those wondering about the 'serial killer romance aesthetic,' this book delivers. It’s not just about the kills; it's about the allure of shared darkness, the acceptance of one’s true nature, and finding love in the most unexpected and morally gray places. The cover art itself gives you a taste of this vibe, with its dark imagery, perhaps hinting at the crossed cleavers and blackbird silhouette mentioned on the review graphic – symbols that perfectly encapsulate the story's themes of death, judgment, and freedom. Is ‘Butcher & Blackbird’ a series? That's a common question I see! As of now, it stands strong as a captivating standalone novel. However, it is the first book in 'The Butchers & The Blackbirds' series, so there's hope for more stories set in this intriguing world, potentially following other characters or expanding on Sloane and Rowan's journey. So, while this particular story wraps up nicely, the universe has room to grow! If you're a fan of horror romance books that don’t shy away from the dark side, or if you’ve been looking for dark romance book recommendations that are truly unique and unforgettable, then ‘Butcher & Blackbird’ is a must-read. It's dark, it's spicy, it's psychologically engaging, and it will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page. Seriously, go read it!