A review by courtneyreadsallnight
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

adventurous dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.5

I don't know if you've heard the hype on this one, but it's 100% valid. Butcher and Blackbird are code names that this serial killer duo use for one another in a laugh out loud dark romance that I devoured in under 48 hours. It was snarky and engaging, spicy and sweet. Definitely check your trigger warnings on this one, friends! 
 
Sloane and Rowan have admired one another's work for years when a slip up one day lands Sloane in a position that only Rowan can get her out of. Luckily, he happens upon her in her time of need.  In return, Rowan takes advantage of the situation, ensuring himself further contact with a peer who he both admired for her work and physical attributes.  
 
Sloane is drawn to Rowan in her need to connect with someone who could understand her and the draw of the excitement that time with him provides her. Over the years, these two find their relationship growing while resisting the urge to allow it to develop into anything romantic.   
 
When there's an incident at Sloan and Rowan's annual get together, they both realize that their feelings can't be held back any longer.  But how do they make a life together work?  
 
Some of my favorite passages from the book:  
 
"I just want to take my trophies and stage my scene and go, not hang around and watch as they liquefy." 
 
"I swipe a hand down my face as Rowan manages to shovel one more bite into his mouth before he passes out face down on his plate. There's a beat of silence. Thorsten and I stare at the man sleeping on a bed of salad with thinly sliced rare human steak hanging out of his mouth......'Well,' I say, as I sit back in my chair, laying my hand on the surface of the table with the watered steel blade clutched in my palm. 'I guess it's just you and me now.'" 
 
"A thick swallow catches in Rowan's throat. 'I can't lose you'. 
'Then you'd better kiss me,' I whispered back.  
Rowan meets my eyes. His hands warm my cheeks.  We're just a breath of space away from one another, and I know everything will change once his lips touch mine.  
And it's true." 
 
"I bark a laugh and roll my eyes. 'You're the worst.' 
'You'll love me someday.' 
One of my steps falters.  
Today is that day. 
Maybe yesterday too. And the day before that. Maybe for a while, in fact." 
 
"'Get fucked,' she says, and presses her lips to my cheek before tucking herself beneath my arm and threading her fingers between mine. 'In a loving way, of course.'" 
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