Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Butcher & Blackbird

Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

257 reviews

nouriareads's review against another edition

dark emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I’m going to be a killjoy, sorry 🤷🏿‍♀️ but that’s not how you (should) do CW/TW. I get the intent behind the humour, but apart from the appropriate ones, the “funny” ones were weird. Using them for promotion is fine, but not where your readers are trying to take care of themselves.

It reads very quickly, I was glued to my e-reader!! Sloane and Rowan are charming and have chemistry, their banter was so good both IRL and through text. Rowan is like that guy who says corny things, but you can’t help but swoon a little. Even if the dynamic and kinks aren’t your cup of tea, there’s consent, a safe word and checking in so they’re exploring their relationship in a healthy way.

I’m not a fan of insta-lust, the time jumps made it seem like their friendship developed too quickly, and the romance even faster, so it felt like insta-love too. Before developing feelings for each other, I wanted them to be friends, so I wasn’t satisfied with the trope’s execution. Their character development was superficial and the author was too heavy-handed in setting up the sequels. Let me enjoy this couple first, then we’ll see.

It’s the kind of book you turn your brain off to read, it worked for the romance but my traitorous brain couldn’t help but ask SO many questions about the 🔪 logistics, but that’s a me problem. Their rationale for hunting serial killers and their victim’s psychology were flimsy. Also, why only 🔪 men?

It was still an enjoyable read: no plot just vibes with an original premise, but not as intense as the TW and synopsis make it seem. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser and aren’t squeamish this could work!!

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bee_wuud's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Love love loved it. Maybe I’m deranged, but I thought it was a funny idea and enjoyed Sloane and Rowan’s story. The cookies and cream ice cream tho… 🤢

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lecheeese's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

fairytalefootnotes's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes, etc: Serial Killers, Competition, Friends to Lover, He Falls First, Boy Obsessed

POV: Dual, 1st Person

3rd Act Breakup?: Yes

Cliffhanger?: Yes

Song Association: Work Song by Hozier

Notable Quote: “We’re not normal people. We are monsters. But if we’re monsters, we’ll thrive in the dark. Together.”

The Praise: Butcher & Blackbird was the perfect blend of dark, funny, and sweet. The characters were well developed and easy to root for. Rowan was so sweet and down sooooo bad for Sloane. This is my second Brynne Weaver book and I loved it just as much as I loved Marrow.

The Critique: I don’t love when epilogues don’t focus on the book’s main couple. I wanted more of Sloane and Rowan!

Final Thoughts: Hilarious, sweet, sexy, and dark. I can’t wait to read about Lachlan and Lark!

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allisonkhenson's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

this was fun but I wish some elements were more fleshed out

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grace33's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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lea_lea's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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hanschub's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

i actually wasn’t going to read this because tiktok hype is annoying, but i did read it and i absolutely loved it. the pacing was off in some chapters, but i could overlook that in some chapters because of how well-written the characters were, not to mention their connection (off the charts). this was my first serial killer romance and as a dark romance lover, i think i’ve unlocked a new favourite trope.

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boba_nbooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

{ Before you get into this book, make sure you read the trigger warnings. }

Sloane and Rowan are both serial killers who take out criminals and predators who commit the most heinous crimes. Rowan comes up with the amazing idea to create a game for him and Sloane, where each year they are given a criminal's name and see who can kill them first. Little do they know, this game will lead the two dark souls to find commonality and an unbreakable bond.

I was somewhat uneasy going into this book because I'd only heard that it was DARK. And, it is. Are there gross moments that made me cringe? Yes. Is there torture and murder? Yes. Is it one of the most funny and heartwarming books I've read this year? Also yes. However, I'd say Butcher & Blackbird is first and foremost a romantic comedy where the two main characters just happen to be serial killers who kill the most horrendous criminals.

If you've also only heard about the dark parts of this book and are intimidated by it, I'd urge you to give Butcher & Blackbird a chance. Plus, if you're an audiobook reader, definitely listen to this one. The dual narration is so good, and the banter just hits.

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krosebooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Hooked in the beginning, but lost some interest towards the end. Loved the idea for the book and the characters were very lovable. Almost wished the murder aspect of the book was played into a little more. It wasn’t equal parts, mostly romance, which might have been better for the demographic.

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