CATEGORIES: BOOK BLOG POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS, ROMANCE, COMEDY, SUSPENSE
ABOUT THE BOOK
TITLE: BUTCHER & BLACKBIRD
SERIES: THE RUINOUS LOVE TRILOGY, BOOK 1
AUTHOR: BRYNNE WEAVER
GENRES:ROMANTIC COMEDY, romantic SUSPENSE
PUBLISHER: BLUE NOSE PUBLISHING
PUBLISHING DATE: 10/10/2023
FORMAT: AUDIOBOOK
LENGTH: 8 HOURS, 43 MINUTES; 368 PAGES
NARRATION: JOE ARDEN & Lucy rivers
SOURCE: SELF-PURCHASED
GOODREADS summary
My Thoughts:
Blackbird & Butcher by Brynne Weaver was one of those books I had seen circulating on Bookstagram repeatedly and had to see what all the fuss about. The synopsis had me intrigued. A romcom with serial killers? Color me curious.
But, the trigger warnings are what hooked me and sealed the deal. Accidental cannibalism? Say no more, I was in. So, was it worth my precious audible credit? Let’s discuss.
THE PLOT:
The story kicks off with our female main character, Sloane (a.k.a. Blackbird), being trapped after hunting down and murdering another serial killer. Rowan (a.k.a. The Butcher ) finds her because, coincidentally, he too, is a killer. The two don’t exactly hit it off at first, but there’s a connection, a magnetic attraction and Rowan isn’t eager to let Blackbird fly off.
The plot is driven by Butcher and Blackbird’s annual game of “who can catch a killer first”. Honestly, this part of the plot wasn’t the strongest, it was fun to read about, but the stakes weren’t high enough to pull me in.
The plot is also driven by Blackbird’s fear of getting too close to Rowan despite her growing affection for him. Lastly, it’s driven by dangers presented by the killers they’ve tracked down.
Butcher & Blackbird is reminiscent of the book and hit TV show “Dexter” and had a bit of a Bonnie & Clyde feel to it.
"Being a serial killer who kills serial killers is a great hobby… Until you find yourself locked in a cage.”
THE CHARACTERS:
Sloane’s character was the easiest to understand. She had a lot of pent up anger from traumas from her childhood and also a fear of being abandoned. Her unwillingness to trust and open up to Rowan was completely understandable. She didn’t trust regular people, so why on earth would she trust another serial killer. Makes sense.
Rowan, on the other hand, was a little harder to pin down. He too faced trauma, but his psychopathic behavior seemed to be like a light switch. He was a model citizen – a celebrated chef, seemed perfectly well adjusted, trusting of others – until he wasn’t. I found it hard to buy that a ruthless killer could also be the perfect book boyfriend.
"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."
THE AUDIOBOOK NARRATION:
The audiobook narrators, particularly Joe Arden with his irresistible Irish accent, elevates the experience. His portrayal of Rowan is enthralling, and Lucy Rivers’s performance is equally compelling. The production quality of the audiobook breathes life into the story.
WRITING STYLE:
Brynne Weaver skillfully balances playful dialogue with moments of intensity and gore. A subtle nod to iconic serial killers from popular culture adds a layer of intrigue, though it occasionally diminishes the element of surprise.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters and several of the jokes made me laugh out loud. I also loved the way Rowan and Sloane’s love bloomed – it was touching and really struck a chord with me.
One weak point of the story was the pacing. That middle – so slow. Honestly, I almost abandoned it because of that. But, the third act made up for it. I was like finally! It gets good. I wish there was less of Rowan and Sloane pining for each other and more plot, more spice, more action.
It’s a slow burn, but there wasn’t enough plot to keep me burning to want to read on.
Was “Butcher & Blackbird” Spicy?
ABSOLUTELY! When they finally got to business, I got my smut cherry atop my romance sundae. The combination of vivid writing and Joe Arden’s delectable Irish brogue sent my heart into a frenzy. I’m dishing out a sassy 3 chili pepper rating on the spice-o-meter!
I enjoyed Butcher & Blackbird, though it was too much of a slow burn for my taste. If the middle had been sped up a bit, I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
None of the scenes were realistic, but they were good fun and I think it is worth reading via audiobook as the production is top notch. I might read the next installment, Leather & Lark, but I sure do hope the pacing is better.
Have you read this book? Leave a comment with your thoughts below.
Thanks for reading!
P.S. If you are craving more romantic suspense books, take a look at my book review here for “The Manchineel” by debut author Jessica Carrasquillo.
OR
Take a look at my post “Top Ten Psychological Thriller Audiobooks (That Will Give You Chills).
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