A review by pastelpageturner
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was the first dark romance that was suggested by my sister (by suggested I mean she told me there was accidental cannibalism and I unfortunately am what “Curiosity Killed the Cat” is about). I was not disappointed. I was locked in at the start with how Sloane and Rowan meet. He fell first. Hard. I have the second book on hold and I am not patiently waiting.

PLEASE pay attention to the trigger list. Do not downrate this book because you didn’t. She lists everything.

Anyway, I was hooked at their meeting and his dishing out the challenge. Everything Rowan does for Sloane had me swooning. I would dismiss his murderous tendencies. It’s minor when he clearly shows how much he cares without admitting how he feels. Sloane gradually meets him which makes it all the better (bonus Rowan doesn’t mind losing to her because he thrives on the challenge).

There were times I forgot this was about two people who murdered people. I was wrapped up in the slow-burn romance where these two fools could be honest about how they go about their business but couldn’t be open about their feelings even though both were sending signals. I enjoyed how this took place over some time. It wasn’t a few months. It made their connection feel sincere. Even if they had not come together as a couple they would have stayed friends. Maybe I could even say it’s kind of friends to lovers? I will say that.

I was not upset about the ice cream. I giggled. Well, I was giggling about the whole scene because of Rowan. I could not even be shocked. I don’t think I would have even without the pre-apology. Might have done a harder double take but again Rowan in the moment with Sloane teasing him made it less appalling. I would not like to have said ice cream.

I’ll finish gushing about these two. Listening to the dual narrator audio makes the experience even better. If I was going to recommend it to someone I would tell them to opt into that. It pulls you in deeper into their twisted little romance. I might listen again next year.
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