I was absolutely terrified to pick up Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver. Love the author, follow her on all social media, but she loves to put my only triggers in her books. Still, where there is a will to overcome, I will find a way.
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver is book one of the Ruinous Love Trilogy. It is a dark romantic comedy that was published on August 15th, 2023 and is 355 pages long. You can find the book wherever books are sold and on the author’s website here.
Premise
Well, this particular murder had not gone according to plan. Sloane found herself in a bad situation, locked in a cage next to a decomposing dead guy. Then Rowan shows up, and well, he’s a big fan of her work, and her. He makes a suggestion for a little game. They hunt down and kill serial killers, first person to kill them wins. And let the games begin.
Triggers
Triggers found in Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver include:
- Eyeballs and eye sockets
- Chainsaws, axes, knives, scalpels—a lot of sharp objects
- Accidental cannibalism and not-so-accidental cannibalism
- Food that includes semen
- Detailed sex scenes, which include (but are not limited to) cock warming, rough sex, praise kink, anal, adult toys, choking, spitting, dom/sub interactions, genital piercings
- References to parental neglect and child abuse
- Parental loss (not depicted)
- References to child sexual assault (not in detail)
- Murder, Violence, Gore
My Thoughts
As I previously mentioned, I honestly didn’t think I would pick up the Ruinous Love trilogy because there are certain triggers in these books that I just have a hard time handling. Specifically cannibalism. Talk about an appetite suppressant.
Still, I’d heard so many good things about the series and FOMO got me real bad.
So I grabbed Butcher and Blackbird from Libby, and dove into the book, making sure to take breaks after certain scenes to do something or focus on something cozy.
I gotta say though, now that it’s finished. It wasn’t as bad as my brain had worked it up to be. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of telling my husband about the book and I’m fairly positive he’s planning on having me watch Silence of the Lambs now.
Alright, let me tell you all the reasons I love Sloane. Sarcastic, witty, introvert, fiercely protective, slightly stabby and has a dark sense of humor. It’s almost as if Brynne Weaver jumped into my head and pulled out my perfect FMC. I love her, she can do no wrong, and I will fight anyone who tries to say anything bad about her.
“I didn’t gouge them out, Butcher. I plucked them. Delicately. Like a lady.” – Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
As for Rowan. Well he’s just a bit of a golden retriever with anger issues that he control pretty freaking well. So of course I love him. Oh he murders? Whatever, it’s not that big of red flag. And the insecurities, the way he pined for Sloane. Of course I’m basically swooning over here.
“That woman you were watching …?” My fingers tighten around his throat as he desperately nods. “She is mine.” – Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Are you ready for a high-tension, slow-burn, with a hot as hell tension breaking scene? Sure, there is some super kinky scenes in this book, with some high heat. However, it’s blended so perfectly with the plot that it adds to the story, no skipping the spice here.
Look both Sloane and Rowan have some pretty big insecurities. Yes it takes them some time to go from friends to lovers. But when they finally get out of their own damn ways, it’s fucking beautiful.
“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. I don’t just like you, Sloane, and you fucking know it.” – Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Look I’m getting these side characters in the next books, and I cannot wait for them. I’m only curious if Winston will be making his glorious return.
Overall, the vibes of the book are dark, though the romance itself isn’t so much, it’s kinky but their relationship is fitting for Sloane and Rowan. So go grab your ice cream, and get cozy with serial killers falling in love.
Who Would Like Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver?
Tropes in Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver include:
- Friends to Lovers
- He falls first
- Touch her and die
- Only one bed
Make sure you check out all of my recommendation posts for the Ruinous Love Trilogy below:
If you liked Lights Out by Navessa Allen, Where’s Molly by HD Carlton, or The Mindfuck Series by ST Abby, you will probably love this book.
Have you read Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver, or have you added it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments. I love interacting with other readers over books I loved.