Book Tropes + Genre Graphic
Genre:
• Dark Romantasy
Tropes:
• Morally Grey Serial Killers
• Slow Burn Romance
• Laugh Out Loud
Book Blurb
" You have never been unlovable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be."
- Butcher & Blackbird
Rock's Review
Book: Butcher & Blackbird
Author: Brynne Weaver
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
⚠ Spoilers Below ⚠
18+
I never thought I'd be saying this...but this serial killer romance story is HOT. A unique mix of blood and lust to show just how complicated it can become when two morally grey serial killers paths cross, one pining since the very beginning, while the other battles back and forth with their true feelings.
Right at the start, the first page in fact, we are immersed into a gruesome scenario with Sloane trapped in a cage and a rotting corpse near by with an angry marching army of Orzo pastas. (Hint: It's not actually pasta) Brynne's bizarre humor had me laughing out loud during so many pages. And as ironic as it sounds to be laughing during a book that involves a variety of triggering topics, she casts a light note to the darker subjects and corners of life. Someone's got to do it, right?!
The dual POV experience, which I think is perfect for this series, helps readers connect on a deeper level and understand the characters minds and the actions they pursue. When we get to see both sides of the relationship morphing simultaneously, it brings everything right back to where we started, except blossomed beyond recognition.
And let me tell you, both Sloane and Rowan are filled to the brim with fire crackers just waiting to be set off. As charismatic and charming as Rowan may be, when he proposes they agree to meet up for an annual game of cat and mouse, hunting dangerous criminals across the U.S, not only do they get a taste of satisfaction that they crave and love, but they also get a taste of some not so yummy things.....
Now I don't want to spoil the parts that make this book unique so I'll let your mind simmer with that thought. (For those of you who have already read, you know exactly what scenes I'm referring to!) I would recommend reading the trigger warning list before reading this book, as I mentioned earlier, as this story has topics that the average mind isn't stewing about. I was also eating up every bit of the off-the-wall humor, and appreciated seeing how both abstractions - Death and Love - were both bathed in a light that brought a connection between the unlikely pair.
The dialogue and characters are easy to follow and I never felt lost like I needed to go back and re read. Even the side characters, like Lark, Sloane's bestfriend, is compassionate to the bone, giving off a strong ride-or-die friendship bond.
If you're a slow burn romance fan, then you are in the right spot. The slow burn between these two had me scorching from head to toe by the time I reached the middle threshold of the book. Even their deepest, darkest secrets can't compare to the trust and affection that cooks between them, intentional or not. The kiss scenes are just as breath taking as the sex scenes. It's WELL worth the build up to it when you finally see The Butcher and Blackbird together, as a duo, not competitors. It's a 8.5/10 on the smut scale for me. I get heart eyes just thinking about it...
Rock's Recommendation
Who should read this book?
Any bibliophile who hasn't traversed the lands of Dark Romance yet, I think this book is an excellent entry point to start at - as it was my first dark romance story. And depending on how you feel about the topic of serial killers and gore, it's certainly a one-of-a-kind love escapade you don't want to miss. There's only a few killings you have to get through, and then the rest is pure compassion and romantic moments.
It's R rated due to open-door sex scenes, so keep that in mind if you're looking for an closed-door romance instead.
Overall, if you're in the mood for some murderous pining and morally grey characters, I suggest you pick yourself up a copy.
Get a copy on Amazon
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