Brynne WeaverRomance · Dark Romance
Butcher & Blackbird
Synopsis
Sloane Sutherland and Rowan Kane are both serial killers — but they only kill other killers, the predators the law never catches. When their paths cross during a competitive, invitation-only "game" that turns vigilante murder into an annual contest, the two rivals strike up an unlikely friendship built on gallows humor, shared trauma, and a mutual appreciation for creative violence.
What starts as banter and one-upmanship slowly deepens into something neither of them expected or knows how to handle. But Sloane and Rowan both carry wounds from the past, and as their bond grows, an old threat begins closing in — one tangled up in the reasons they each became what they are.
The first book in Brynne Weaver's Ruinous Love Trilogy, Butcher & Blackbird is a dark romantic comedy that swings between graphic horror and genuine tenderness. Following the Kane family and the dangerous women they love, it pairs an extremely violent premise with banter-driven, slow-burn romance — squarely for readers who like their love stories pitch-black.
How it reads
- Writing4.0
- Impact3.5
- Characters4.5
- Plot4.5
- Atmosphere4.5
Prose complexity 4/10
Content warnings (8)
Graphic ViolenceGoreCannibalismTortureSexual ContentSexual AssaultAbuseDeath Of A Parent
Readers say (1)Fast · Moderate · Dark · Romantic · Spicy
Readers flagged (2)
ViolenceGore
- I had a really good time with this. It was dark, funny, gross in the best way, and somehow still managed to be sweet. The banter between the characters was probably my favourite part, and I flew through it because I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. It didn’t quite hit 5 stars for me because I was expecting a bit more suspense, and at times it felt like the romance took over the thriller side of the story. Some parts also dragged a little. But overall, it was such a fun, entertaining read and definitely different from anything else I’ve picked up lately. I’d happily recommend it if you’re into dark romance with plenty of gore and black humour.
- <div>I liked the book, but I had higher expectations for the crime aspect. Although there are some pretty gory and action-packed scenes (which I really liked), as a true crime fan, I was hoping for more depth on the background of the killers and how the investigation unfolded. The details about how Sloane tracked her targets felt a bit superficial. </div><div>Even so, I really enjoyed the read. The relationship between Sloane and Rowan is super sweet, though sometimes the story moved a bit slowly. </div><div>My favorite parts were definitely the scenes where they were chasing the cannibal and the guy with the saw; those moments kept me on the edge of my seat. </div><div>Now that I know the focus is more on the romance and the crime isn't as deep as I hoped for, I’m sure I’ll enjoy the next book even more. </div>
- I might be leaving towards a 3.5 but I'm bumping it up to 4. It's def a dark romcom. Actually it delivers in all three accounts, it's dark, funny, and romantic. They were messed up and dealt with some messed up people, but you couldn't deny their love! The one thing I didn't like was how much time has passed! That was missed time that they could have been prime couple! I won't lie, the torture at the end was almost too much. Think, intentional paper cut between fingers or a nail bending back after you scratch something. Know that feeling? That's what I got after reading that part (don't want to spoil anything). The murderous couple was so cute together though. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
- First time reading AND finishing a dark romance! This was unhinged on so many levels, and I enjoyed it a lot! Easy, fast paced, not cheesy, twisted and gore! This was a new experience, the spice (y'all are about spice) was spicy enough! I learned about the existence of new piercings (iykyk) Rowan and Sloane are a perfect pair, I loved the slow burn and the tension building. Will I read the second book? Not sure at the moment, but it's definitely on my TBR when for when the right time comes.
- Wow, the sheer number of trigger warnings at the beginning of this book made me second guess what I was going into. But, after a good start it tapered off a little bit towards the end with the slight plot twist, but overall it was a good read. A good introduction into a dark romcom genre!
- rowan es el estándar
- 3.75


