I love this books. It’s got the darker aspects you expect and yet I was laughing SO HARD. This is easily one of my favorite books now. If you’re into dark romances but want something a little lighter this is good! As always check trigger warnings cause there is a lot. This is a book I see myself recommending to many friends.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: January 9,
2024

Butcher and Blackbird is a slow burn romance between morally grey serial killers. This is also the first book in a trilogy. This is my first book by Brynne Weaver and I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

Sloane is a serial killer in North Carolina. Not just your average serial killer, but one that only kills other serial killers. Sloane is known as the orb weaver, her signature plucking the eyeballs out of her victims.

Rowan is also a serial killer is Boston. He also only kills other series killers, balancing the scales of good and evil. Rowan runs into Sloane at the home of one such victim and saves her from her own untimely death.

This begins their annual competition where they meet up and try and chase a killer. The first one to kill wins. Over the years, Sloane and Rowan realize their connection is deeper than their annual competitions and eventually become lovers.

This is a slowwww burn but once they DO get together, it is worth the wait! I loved this relationship, the witty banter and pure adoration that Rowan has for Sloane is amazing. This is a 4 star for me but I encourage you to read the trigger warnings. This is a serial killer love story so if you’re squeamish, be aware there are many serial killery details throughout the story!

#NetGalley #brynneweaver #butcherandblackbird

Wow. This was definitely a dark romance and I’m not one for the gore and violence but the romance far outweighed any of that and certainly elevated this from a typical romance.

I liked the characters a lot. I really would’ve liked some more details about both of the characters’ backstories, especially Sloane’s. Something really awful must’ve happened and I didn’t feel as though the reader really found out what it was. Maybe we’ll hear more about this in the next book since Lark was with Sloane during those experiences.

I absolutely will read the next book in this series and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m recommending this to all my friends who want a spicy read but something a little darker than they’re used to in the main stream romance section.

This book is not for the squeamish. It takes some dark dark turns but it is amazing nonetheless. I can wait to see how the rest of the series and characters unfold.

Consider this my official entry into the genre that is Dark Romance. While this isn’t my first time reading it, this is the one that’s going to convince me to give it a proper try.

This was such a fun, twisted and messed up book that had me hungry for more (Get it? You only will if you’ve read it 😭) and I loved every minute of it.

Going into this, I admit I was ready to read surface-level characters that didn’t have much depth to them, however, I am so glad I was proven wrong and I discovered characters that I love. Also, the found family (And real family) aspect of this book also made it even more chef’s kiss (Another related joke, look at me go)

I am so excited to read what comes next for these characters. I am anxiously waiting for the next release so I can see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4 🌟 the audiobook is truly fantastic and would definitely recommend (if you’re comfortable with the trigger warnings)!! The whole serial killer thing was certainly a lot and made my stomach flip a time or two but wow Rowan is OBSESSED with Sloane and I loved every minute of the pining and tension. The ending definitely has me excited for book two and seeing more of Lachlan and Lark 🖤

Thank you to netgalley for sending me this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I honestly didn’t know what I should expect from this book, but holy moly I loved it. I would have never thought that a book with these types of trigger warnings would be a book for me. Thank you netgalley for this great book. I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy crazy gruesome fun!!!!

This book was a breadth of fresh air, balancing dark material with surreal situations and that didn't take itself too seriously. This unique balance allowed Rowan and Sloane to slowly build a relationship with one another that was realistic and was able to withstand the danger and conflict that 2 serial killers can get into. Each yearly competition pushed their relationship into a new realm and was a clever way to progress the story that was unique.

Additionally, I thought the inclusion of the serial killer personas and their reputations as a great way to build a repertoire between Sloane and Rowan that wasn't surface level and based solely on attraction. The public serial killer personas allows for them to know more about the other by reputation and connect on a level that is usually explored much later in a romance. In some respects, they have put their skeletons out first and now just have to get to know the normal stuff about each other and gain familiarity. This flip of the normal structure of a romance novel allowed for the conflicts and uncertainties to be bigger and more dramatic without feeling out of place.

Rowan, our hero, was the perfect blend of loveable golden retriever energy and psychotic serial killer. This is evident from the instant connection he felt for the heroine, Sloane. From the minute they meet, Rowan is focused in on Sloane, not only for her appearance but also for her attitude and resume as the Orb Weaver. But he also understands that he needed to be patient for her to get to the same place.

Sloane on the other hand is shy, and uncertain in unfamilar situations. This skittishness was balanced beautifully with her desire to grow closer to Rowan and their continual contact through the competition. This allowed me as a reader, to empathized with Sloane instead of being frustrated with her for her reluctance. I also appreciated that Sloane continued to put herself out there and to test the boundaries with Rowan. It allowed for her to grow as a character across the story and to learn to trust others to be there for her.

All together, this is one of my top reads of the year and it was a great time. In a rarity for me, I wish the book was even longer! I am highly anticipating the release of Leather & Lark.

5⭐️
3🌶

SLOANE AND ROWAN FOR THE WIN!

Butcher and Blackbird is a wildly exciting, dark, nasty, and spicy ride in the adventures of two s3rial k!llers.

Sloane stole my heart immediately and kept it throughout the entire book. She is fun, heartfelt, sexy, and courageous. The love she has the for the (few) people in her life is heartachingly sweet and balances out her dangerous side. Sure, she may unalive people in her spare time, and generally be a little grumpy and feisty, but you really can't help but cheer her on. Rowan is a new, top-tier book boyfriend. Again, I understand that these MCs unalive people, but you truly fall in love with their every move. The fact that Rowan has a dirty mouth and a heart of gold? Come ON. He's irresistible.

A few parts of this book made me feel physically ill. Actually queasy. Like, I may never look at cookies and cream ice cream in the same way ever again. And I'm 100% on board with that because I think that speaks to the quality of writing. It's perfectly descriptive and gives you the goods.

A perfect mix of character depth and an exciting (albeit disgusting) plot, Butcher and Blackbird has solidified itself as a favorite dark romance, for me. I CAN'T WAIT to see what the rest of the series holds!

“That’s so Keanu-mantic.”
This book was soo totally out of this world! I have never read a book like this one. It had me grossed out, on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud, saying what the fuck!, and OMG!! I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one!
I want to thank Brynne Weaver, Zando, and NetGalley for giving me this arc and for me to provide an honest review about it!!

What starts off as a contest between two killers (who only kill other killers) turns into something more as the longer the game goes on the closer they become. This was a fun rom com about two killers ( who only kill other bad guys) who meet by accident and initiate a game... and as the game spans years the closer the two become. Sloane and Rowan are rival killers, yet the moment they meet each other, they find that they really do see and understand one another. So they begin a game: they'll be given a location and first one to spot the killer and kill them wins. What starts off as banter soon turns into more as they begin spending more time with each other, hunting together, watching one another... and ultimately falling for each other. But nobody said being a killer in love would be easy, and the game they're playing is against other dangerous people. Rowan fell for Sloane the first moment he met her, but in order to keep her from flying away he initiates a game as a way to get to know her to and to see her again. Can he prove to her that he's the one for her? This was such a fun read. I adored the rom com aspect of it and the chemistry between Rowan and Sloane was amazing. This was absolutely a add to your tbr book for me and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a unique and fun (with a bit of spice) romance!!I can't wait for the second book and to read about the other brothers/couples in this series!!

*Thanks Netgalley and Zando for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I am now a Brynne Weaver fan, I am now a fan of this novel, the audio narrators, and this will reside in my brain for a very long time.

Did you know you needed a dark romantic comedy novel in your life? No? Well, now you do. This was a wild ride from start to finish, but keep in mind it is dark romance. It’s about serial killers. There’s a lot of murder and it’s gory, but somehow also hilarious.

This was brilliantly crafted and I don’t know how the author did it, but she did it damned well. The narrators brought it to life in the audiobook and I will be reading this and re-reading many times, I know it.

WHAT?!?!??! What in the world did I just read.. I mean, don't get me wrong.. I LOVED it, but my mind is blown! This book had me hooked from page one. What is better than serial killers falling in love. The spice in the book was 100%!

Thank you to Zando and NetGalley for my e-copy of this book!

2.75/5 stars for me. I had heard so many great things about this book, especially thee audio book, so I thought I would give it a shot!

Things I liked: The banter, the family aspects, the dual POV

Things I couldn’t get past: the gore, the high stakes, the ice cream

It was a very well-written book with interesting characters and development! I am so happy so many people have loved this, but it just wasn’t a book for me. I was not able to get past all the less than romantic parts..

I have seen this making it’s round in the book community, and was recommended it by a new book friend at a book event, so I was super excited to get an ARC of it to read.

Butcher & Blackbird is not your typical rom com. And in the same vein, it’s also not your typical dark romance. Brynne Weaver took these two genres and (successfully) mashed them together to create what I think is quite a unique read. We follow the story of Sloane (Blackbird) and Rowan (Butcher) as their lives entangle after they both decide (separately) to kill a notorious serial killer. It sparks a friendship which, over the years, turns into something a bit more.

I think the thing I like the most about this book is the unique combination of rom com and serial killers. Both Sloane and Rowan are notorious serial killers who target bad and terrible people in their spare time, and reading a funny and romcom based romance about serial killers genuinely was different for me. I feel like you don’t often get that kind of gore and darkness in a more easily digestible and honestly quite funny at many times format. In my personal experience, dark romance books tend to be a bit more serious. It really did make this a unique and engaging read.

I also thought that their relationship was one I really adored. I love a possessive man in a book, and seeing how Rowan was with Sloane was just swoon worthy in my opinion. His insta-love was subtle (at least I thought it was insta-love), and so I wouldn’t let that turn any readers off from picking it up. And when we got to the spice, man was it good. Very much on the kinkier side in a lot of ways, and I will say that Rowan has a bit of a dirty mouth on him.

I love that this is going to be a series of standalones, and I am so excited to read about Lark and Lachlan next, they both intrigue me SO much. One thing I will note though is definitely read the trigger warnings. There is some more (what I would consider) unconventional triggers that you might not necessarily think to expect, so even if you think you have no triggers these might just be the straw that broke the camels back.

Overall, this was a solid 4.75 star read for me!

This book is definitely worth all of the TikTok rave. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. It was a perfect combination between light and dark, good and evil, love and hate. Definitely a quick read. Highly recommended!!

YEP, WOW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶 💀💀💀💀

I can't believe this book sat on my ARC TBR for as long as it did. I had seen all the hype for it, but kind of waited for the hype to die down so I wouldn't be influenced.
I really loved this book.

"I’m not sure how long it’s been, maybe twenty minutes, but it feels like an eternity." ~ Sloan.

It's dark, and feral and full of plotting and planning. Rowan and Sloan are serials killers who kill bad serial killers....kind of like vigilante serial killers. They meet for the first time and the chemistry is fire!

They create a tradition...or a game, if you will, where they have to hunt down their serial killer prey before the other does, in order to win.

There is a not-so-traditional trigger list, lots of romance tension and spice.

It gives off Dexter meets Mr & Mrs Smith vibes.

This is MUST READ for anyone who loves Dark Romance or Horror Romance.

So cool that a book like this made it to traditional publishing. Indie books in this genre don't typically get picked up. I've ready other Brynne Weaver books, and this holds up. Also recommend the audio. Fun read!

This would have been the perfect book for me when I was like 16 or 17. Not that I would recommend this book for this age range, but I would have adored this book at the time.
I'm not reading a lot of romance and after reading this, I am finally convinced that this is just not my genre. But I liked the setting and it was very entertaing.
I would have expexted this to be more gory. Also I never really had the feeling that this "game" that the two are playing has any real consequences for them. I mean, the fbi should try to catch them, no? But here they even have friends who are absolutely fine with their hobby and the two have no reason to hide their activities from them. All in all things feel really convenient for them. But its a romantic comedy after all, so I guess thats fine.
I really liked Rowan's POV. He seemed like an honest guy who is really passionate about things he likes. Also he is a really loyal friend. Maybe I would have preferes only one POV? I'm not sure.
I don't think I will continue with this series. I am not that invested in the story yet and I think there are books out there that I will enjoy more.
Thanks Netgalley for my advanced copy.

What a delightfully filthy surprise! If Dexter was a romcom. I laughed, I gasped, I blushed, I panted, I yearned, I felt all the things with Rowan and Sloane. I can’t wait to read more from Weaver as soon as possible. This was such a treat!!