🔪 Butcher & Blackbird 🐦‍⬛
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“You’re my friend. Maybe someday my best friend.”

This dark romantic comedy had spice, gore, and killer adventures! Check the content warnings!!!

Thank you NetGalley, Zando, and Brynne Weaver for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book. 💕

“You have never been unlovable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. I can do that, if you’ll let me.”

5 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Only one word can describe how I feel about this book.
💀 Obsessed 💀

I devoured this book and audiobook within a day. The dialogue was so entertaining along with the steamy, naughty scenes that left me wanting more. This definitely lived up to the Tiktok hype for me and I am so excited for the sequel Leather & Lark.

Butcher & Blackbird revolves around two serial killers who only kill for good - their targets are only other serial killers. The title is named after our two leads: Rowan - Butcher and Sloane - Blackbird, aka the orb weaver. The two compete yearly to wipe another serial killer off the map. The concept itself is a bit unhinged, but they love every part of their game.

We follow the duo during their yearly murder competitions and the violent, bloody scenes of them hunting their targeted prey. The chemistry between Sloane and Rowan is so genuine and endearing. Rowan is so smitten with Sloane and the two of them truly are two peas in a pod. The banter is witty as is the writing itself. (You will never look at certain foods the same way again!)

"Rowan rests the handle of the ax against his shoulder and huffs before giving me a wink. “Getting revenge for hurting my girl, of course."

Dual POV
[Vigilante] Serial killers
Friends to lovers
Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
Dark Romcom
He Falls First
Touch him/her & die
Action Packed
All around Morally Gray

“I would kill for you, and I have. I would do it again, every damn day. I’d turn myself inside out for you. I would die for you.”

If you loved the idea of Dexter but wish it had a bit more... 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Zando and Brynne Weaver for the eARC of Butcher and Blackbird.
This was a phenomenal read and even more amazing audiobook. Joe Arden & Lucy Rivers knocked the audio OUT OF THE PARK.

Please check this out (after the trigger warnings!!)

4.25

I loved this book. Such great back tension between the main characters. It was funny and dark and sweet all at the same time. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

This book lived up to the hype and the some. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about a serial killer rom-com but it was absolutely fantastic! The banter between these two characters was amazing! This was such a fun read I can't wait for the next book!

I kept seeing this book all over TikTok and the premise of 2 vigilante serial killers entering a murder competition was intriguing enough but finding out it was also a romance novel had me curious. This book gets both gruesome and spicy and I had a good time reading it. The beginning of the book is largely dedicated to the competition so we see Sloane and Rowan's relationship develop over time. I couldn't help rooting for them and can't wait to see what this author puts out next.

3.75 Stars

"You're all the best things to me, Sloane. No matter how many bruises are in your heart or on your skin."


What to Expect:
• They have an annual murder competition
• Hurt/comfort
• He gets a tattoo of a drawing she made for him
• He falls first
• Touch her and die

Well, that was one heck of a wild ride!

Before I get into my positives and negatives, I will say that the writing is absolutely flawless, as is the characterization of both Rowan and Sloane. Also, Joe Arden should never do any other narration that's NOT narrating in an Irish accent, because it too was flawless.

It was hard for me to rate this book because I really struggled with the first half. I feel like it's been hugely hyped, and after reading Marrow last year, which this author co-wrote, and I freaking loved, I guess I had some huge expectations going in.

The first half heavily focused on Rowan and Sloan's yearly murder contests. Way more page time was spent on each hunt than on their connection or the romance, and there were significant time jumps between when they would see each other, which made me struggle with their connection.
However, the second half of this book was the book l'd been expecting the whole time. It was freaking fantastic!! I loved where the story went, the suspense side, and all that took place between Sloan and Rowan. I couldn't put it down! Despite these two being ruthless serial killers, we get to see a tender side of both of them and basically what made them who they are.

"I can't lose you." "Then you'd better kiss me," I whisper back.

Absolutely check TW's. Even though it is labeled as a dark romantic comedy, it is heavy on the darkness and some scenes are quite graphic.

"The cover is so pretty and pink," I said as I slowly clicked the request button on NetGalley without reading the description below. Yes I noticed the butcher knife and chainsaw on the cover, so I knew it may have been a little dark. Until I opened this ebook and read the first couple of pages that included the content and trigger warnings, did I realize what this book had in store for me!

This was a dark, hilarious, tense rollercoaster of a ride about two serial killers who find and murder other serial killers and turn it into a game... yes, it gets dark and morbid and, oh boy, will you never look at a tub of ice cream the same way again. I highly suggest this story for those who like a little dark flavour in their lives.

Sloane and Rowan are two characters that you don't suspect that you'll love as much as you do! Oh my heathens, do you ever want so much for this murderous couple. Through their games and stalker ways, they will have you rooting for their friendship to become a little bit more the whole way through!

Okay serial killers but make it fun and adorable? I loved this book! I had such a great time reading this. Very gory and that gore is definitely detailed out for you. There is some spice, if that’s not your cup of tea.

thank you so much Zando and Brynne Weaver for the eARC!

I’m extremely excited for the next book in this series!

I don't know that I've ever read anything quite like Butcher & Blackbird. What an original and intriguing book!

The book centers on two serial killers who fall in love. Yep...you read that right....two serial killers. Now before you start judging it, you should know that they are "good" serial killers. They search out and kill bad and despicable people. Basically, in their eyes, they are using their skills to "clean up" society. It just so happens that it also helps to fulfill a need for both of them too - - the need to kill.

When Sloane and Rowan accidentally meet after both targeting the same man, they find themselves drawn into an unlikely friendship. They bond over their similar "hobby" and find they like each other. They decide to meet once a year in a friendly "hunting" competition. This goes on for a period of time during which it's evident that they are both developing feelings for one another.

This story can be a bit gruesome and there are some discussions about ice cream and maggots that got to me but it was worth the cringe factor. I truly enjoyed this unlikely couple and unique relationship.

I also chose to listen to the audiobook a bit and it was outstanding. Joe Arden does a fabulous Irish accent. Quite enjoyable

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I don't know if this is considered a dark romance I've never dabbled in the sub-genre. But this was delightful, well as delightful as murdering people while flirting can be.
The "gore" factors were not that bad (of course check warnings), especially after seeing some reviews, I was worried I wouldn't be able to stick it through.
NOW the "spice" was great, when it kicked into gear it REALLY kicked in. Loved it.

The couple was cute, it is still a predictable romance at its core and I loved that.

Also love the little bits featuring Katee Robert's books ;D

Mr.&Mrs. Smith meets When Harry met Sally.
Two killers competing with each other until they don't start to fall for each other.
Very dark and super hot romance which is funny,disgusting and sexy at same time. I was suprised how much I enjoyed reading this romance.

I LOVED THIS SO FREAKING MUCH OMG. I did not realize this book was everything I was missing in life. I have not stopped thinking about it since I finished. Did it give me nightmares? Maybe. But am I also foaming at the mouth waiting for book 2? Absolutely.

I liked Rowan and Sloane. Their banter was EVERYTHING. Their dynamic with each other was so well built. The way Sloane opened up to him and the way Rowan was always rooting for her, waiting for her and just loving her was so beautiful to read. Both of them were so protective towards each other, going to lengths for each other and never giving up, I loved that. As individuals too they shined. One did not overpower the other and was quite balanced.

The action bits were quite vividly described which I did have an issue with at one point in the book. There's a lot of gore. A LOT. In fact, more so than the spice. I was not so much invested in the plot or what they did as much as their romance which is why this is a three star read for me.

These might be just me issues but once I read about Sloane's genital piercing, I just wasn't able to ignore it during the spice. Sorry 😂🙈 Another thing am not appreciative of was that there was a lot of swearing in this. I don't mind how much one swears but using God's name in vain got to me...

The ending was quite good and explosive. I like Lachlan a lot, he was probably my favorite character so I'll look forward to his book. Overall, a decent read.

There's a long list of TW, so please check it out before reading. This book might not be for everyone.

This book is everything! I knew immediately it was going to become one of my top favorites and it absolutely is! I cannot wait to read more by this author!

I didn't expect to like this book, but I had a great time reading it! Obviously it's very dark, but it's also super funny and romantic. I definitely see why it's having more mainstream success beyond just the world of dark romance.

I loved this book. I think the biggest appeal to me was the fact that these are characters knocking on the door of 40 and actually do have life experience. Everything isn’t and wasn’t easy and sunshine and rainbows. They were jaded about life and relationships.

We get much less of Lilah’s POV so she took me a bit to figure out. I figured early on there was clearly an illness and not to mention the title.

I adored Callum. I love that he and Lilah could question each other and talk things through (for the most part) it was just a breath of fresh air for these mature characters.

If you enjoy a heartbreaking love story with more mature characters, this may be right up your alley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5

You guys! THIS 👏🏼 BOOK! 😍

Yes, there are relevant trigger warnings, but it’s not THAT bad… 😅

I am not a dark romance girlie, but this book has me rethinking things. Probably not completely, but you get the idea.

I listened to the audio of this book and I cannot say enough wonderful things. The narrators were PHENOMENAL! The way the humor ingrained in this novel came through made the stomach-churning parts easier to get through, that’s for sure. Plus, I am a total sucker for an Irish accent! This book was such a surprise! I never thought I’d be cheering for two serial killers to fall in love!

I became utterly obsessed with the tension between Rowan and Sloane. He has a total ‘TOUCH HER AND ☠️’ vibe and I am here 👏🏼 for 👏🏼 it! And THE SPICE. Y’ALL! 🥵🥵🥵

I really cannot recommend this book enough. I am GIDDY with anticipation for book two! I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us next.

Thank you to Brynne Weaver, Zando, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Once I read the warnings at the beginning, I was pretty excited to read this dark story about serial killers of serial killers. I was hoping it would be more focused on the murders and have a side of romance, but it ended up being the other way around. For a story that spans over four years, I thought there might be more "victims" and was a bit disappointed when there were only a few.

I did root for the characters to get together and they fit pretty well, especially with their hobbies. I think we could have learned more about their pasts, but it was an entertaining read and easy to get lost in.

Butcher and Blackbird has a lot of hype surrounding it, so it's important to go in with a clear mind. You don't want to expect it to be the best book you've ever read OR the worst based on its popularity. It deserves to be read and enjoyed like any other book which is why I waited to start it - I wanted to make sure that I could read it without expectations.

I'm so glad I did! There are a lot of disturbing scenes in this book. It's about serial killers after all. There's also a lot of really sweet, moving scenes.

Sloane is closed off and paranoid. Rowan is open and reckless. He falls first, but they both fall hard. And guys...there is a BEAUTIFUL twist on the piercing front!! 😍😍

Butcher and Blackbird is a slow burn romance about two seriously screwed up people whose black little souls cry out for each other. There's a lot of emotional healing involved even during some of the more physically traumatic scenes. Be prepared to swoon amidst the carnage!

The plot twist at the end truly took me by surprise. I figured something would happen to threaten the couple but was NOT expecting that!! Well done!!

Thank you, Brynne Weaver, Zando, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.75🌟!
Everything around them maybe messed up but their relationship was a thing of beauty.
So much understanding, pining, hesitation, mutual respect…. Ahhh so wholesome.
Add in some witty banter, good plot, unique characteristics and characters- you got a winner.

Give me a hero who knows his heart and isn’t shy to go after her and I’ll be your loyal friend.
Rowan- god, that man is something else. I loved him loved him loved him! Even though he is darkness personified for some people he had this child like innocence and deviousness for his close ones. Especially for his little blackbird Sloane.
Sloane is just too good. I loved her shy, socially awkward, lonesome side BUT her other side?….it’s lit like a firework!
There were so many poignant and wonderful moments between these two in the book that was just amazing.

All in all a superbly written book with a beautiful love story between two serial killers who deserve the world.
-reverse grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers.
-dangerous games, kinda slow burn.
-smitten hero, he is a fan!
-touch him/her and die!
-quirky and colourful secondary characters.
-TW (with double capital letters ), KU and recommended.