Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

Butcher & Blackbird: The Ruinous Love Trilogy, Book 1 by Brynne Weaver, Lucy Rivers

61 reviews

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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justinekorson's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional 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? Yes

4.0

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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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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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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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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ladydeathnesta's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I want to give this book more stars! I loved this book so much! Can’t wait for the next one 🥰
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geekykiki's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

This book is the perfect mix of gore, smut and humor and loved every second. Not for squeamish folks but is definitely for those who like there comedy super dark.
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direguard'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? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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lex_is_bookish's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny 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

4.5

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aksmith92's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense 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

3.5

BRB - I'm going to get myself an exorcism.

The Setup: Butcher and Blackbird is a dark romance that weaves together elements of horror, thriller, and romance in a unique and gripping narrative. The story revolves around two vigilante serial killers, Sloane Sutherland, known as 'Orb Weaver,' and Rowan Kane, known as 'Boston Butcher.' Their shared mission to rid the world of other serial killers is a product of their traumatic pasts, driving the plot forward.

Sloane's character is complex, marked by her dark artistry as she turns her kills into macabre webs. Her life turns when she meets Rowan, who shares her mission. Their relationship evolves from rivalry to deep affection, all while they navigate the horrible world they inhabit. Rowan, who balances his brutal side with a nurturing role as a chef and caretaker for his brothers, finds himself drawn to Sloane, and the two engage in an annual deadly competition to find and kill the worst of humanity. 

The novel delves deep into the character's internal struggles, the impact of their pasts, and the unlikely romance that blossoms between two people who live on the edge of humanity. The narrative's blend of horror elements, emotional depth, and dark romance makes it a standout for readers who enjoy stories that push boundaries and explore the darker sides of love and justice.

What I Liked: Goodness, goodness me. First and foremost, I did not believe I would like this book. It blew up on TikTok, and I firmly believed that this would be like Haunting Adeline - a crime through and through, and I wouldn't be able to feel how people could read this. Well, parts of it are still most certainly a crime, but I ended up enjoying this way more than I thought. Truth be told, I was going to rate this a 4.5 up until about 60% and then near the end. I'm even tempted to bring it up to 4 stars because it had a good plot twist I didn't see coming, which I always appreciate. Overall, these characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed them a lot. The plot was ridiculous, but it made sense (well, kind of), and overall, I LOVED the slow burn aspect of this book. The development of the side characters was also a lovely touch, and I am interested in seeing what Weaver produces in the future with some of the other characters. I was hooked, to be honest, and I couldn't put this book down. Not only was it interesting, but Weaver made it funny. I did laugh out loud in many places. As mentioned, a pretty good plot twist near the end was an interesting touch. Overall, I had a good time.

What Was Just a Bit Off: Ugh, I am not a dark romance girly in my core. Albeit this is the best one I've read, I can't get on board the very demanding and unrelenting male character, particularly during sexual instances. Around 60% of the way through, when the two characters finally got together, it seemed that the book mostly turned into erotica and porn, which I want to go on record is NOT a bad thing, but it just took away from the story for me. And I feel this way about most spicy romances with dark, brooding, and demanding men. Regardless, this book started feeling flat for me once they got together. Additionally, during the plot twist, I think the way Rowan handled the situation was out of character for him - he would've found another way around saying those words, even if they had some hidden messages in them [yes, I am vague due to spoilers!]. I loved Sloane's character through and through, though.

I just can't believe I read this, and I am so glad I did. While it's not the highest rating I've ever given, it's a big star in my book for some dark romance. Weaver is a good writer who can piece together a fabulous narrative with witty humor. Bravo!

Please be advised of the trigger warnings in the front of the book. It is NOT for highly sensitive folks or those who regularly get squeamish. I was sensitive to only one part about someone getting beaten (I struggle with that in books, movies, etc.), but there is some intense gore, body horror, and violence. Additionally, there are some fierce sexual scenes - all consensual and done well, but wow, was it a lot. Please take care of yourself first!
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