Reviews with content warning for Stalking - Butcher & Blackbird

This was interesting. I didn't know anything about the book but a friend bought it for me so I thought I'd give it a read. It was a lot more fun than I was expecting and less gross. I can't say I'm a dark romance girly in the traditional sense because when most people talk about dark romance I feel like they're talking about all these bad things happening to the FMC by the MMC against her will. Like I'm all for the dark romance being like "oh he's a killer" "he's unhinged" "he's scary" but as long as he doesn't hurt the lead character then I'm cool with it! Like why are you trying to hurt the object of your affection? That should be the exception to the rule. BUT IDK THAT'S JUST ME. Either way, this was funny because the two of them were so unhinged but like functional??? In everyday life??? Which I guess is true for sociopaths but I also don't think sociopaths are capable of love so I don't know what to call them. The FBI apparently calls them vigilante's so I guess that??? But something Rowan said at the end about her evolving and not devolving like most people believe killers would do really got to me. Like I know this was fake but it was really stretching some truths here.

REGARDLESS!!! Rowan and Sloane were really cute together and I enjoyed their banter. I'm really looking forward to reading about the rest of Rowan's brothers. Their stories are already kind of built up so I think they'll both really exciting too.

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balladeer_rabbit's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

5.0

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kharri13's review against another edition

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funny slow-paced

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

3.0

I sure read this book. Not bad but I just don't feel the development matched the time they supposed had been spending together. They made it seem like only two years had passed not four because they just didn't seem to know a lot about each other. I just would've liked to see some of those four years ya know? But I did like Rowan which is a big plus cause usually this type of book has a brooding I'm too damaged for her man that I HATE. I have a feeling leather and lark will be like that I do want to know what's going with circus peanuts and fionn over here. Author were you being funny or were you genuinely thinking of a third book there

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mamccoystories_reads'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? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The author brings these characters to life through their interactions with each other and through their dealing with their own insecurities. The book is hilarious in a dark morbid way. The banter between the characters is great and hilarious. This book had me constantly laughing despite the gore that is present that these two serial killers partake in.

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ladybug12793's review against another edition

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dark 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

3.5

great slow burn

I enjoyed this book. It was a slow burn from friends to lovers. I don’t like books jump to the main characters being in love with no background relationship at all any time spent together.

4 🌶️

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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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jaynovara's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging 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? No

4.5

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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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