Butcher & Blackbird

By Brynne Weaver

Are you really a serial killer if you are killing serial killers? (Say that three times fast)

The Ugly Truth:

Butcher and Blackbird is everything I wanted out of a serial killer romance novel; from the tension between Rowan and Sloane to the entertaining and murderous game they play to the perfectly flowing plot – I was happily surprised with this book.

Starting with our characters – Rowan, babe, you can be my chef any day you need to be. I love a down bad boy and he was practically the poster child of longing. He knew from day one that Sloane was something special and created an entire game to hold her interest in him. I respected that he took his time in getting to know her and remembered every detail she shared in hopes that he could one day win the girl. On top of that, he had a fascinating back story and I enjoyed the fact that he lived a ~normalish~ everyday life outside of his more nefarious activities. It was cute to see him interact with his brothers, and I felt that it was his point of view that opened the door to so many more plot points and ideas of where the next books could go. 

Sloane – Blackbird – you are my idol. I have yet to read the Mindfuck series, and know that covers much darker themes, but I have to think if you liked that one, you will love our leading lady here. I was worried at first she would be miss independent because her amazing talents at, well, killing people, so I was happily surprised when I saw her opening up to Rowan. It was clear that she in on him from the get-go as well and it was cute to see her come into her feelings as a, for lack of a better term, typical girl. She, despite taking on the scariest of scary guys, was still overthinking texts and giggling on phone calls as she sorted through her crush. Beyond that, simply put, she is a badass and I enjoyed her creativity in her murders.

The plot was strong and flowed in a quick cadence but still allowed a reader to follow along peacefully. I, unfortunately, had to put my book down a few times to live my life, and it took about a minute or two to get back in on everything when I first picked it back up, but then I was locked back on the tale.

I think for anyone who likes a good mystery, but loves a good romance more (and some smut), this is an amazing book for you! I am excited to check out the next ones in the series.