Review: Butcher and Blackbird

 

Title: Butcher & Blackbird

Series: The Ruinous Love Trilogy

Author: Brynne Weaver 

Release Date: August 2023

Every serial killer needs a friend. 

Every game must have a winner. 

When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive—the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul. From small town West Virginia to upscale California, from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match? 

Butcher & Blackbird is the first book in the Ruinous Love Dark Romance trilogy of interconnected stand-alone dark romantic comedies. This dual POV novel ends on a HEA. 

***Butcher & Blackbird is a DARK ROMANCE intended for an adult audience - please see Brynne’s website for a comprehensive list of CWs***

What happens when two rival murderers happen upon a chance meeting with one another while hunting their prey? An annual game of hunting, blood and suffering to change their rivalry into an unlikely friendship, going against the most monstrous in the country. 

Sloane is known as the Orb Weaver- she plucks out the eyes of her victims, and wants intricate webs. Rowan is known as the Boston Butcher, murdering for sport. But each have something in common. They rid the world of those who are deserving. 

But as their friendship develops into something more, the question becomes "do monsters deserve love, too?"

So,  Butcher & Blackbird was an impulse buy. I have seen it all over my tiktok, and when I went to Walmart to grab two completely different books, I picked up Butcher & Blackbird also. And even though I have seen it everywhere- I didn't really know much about it. Which is perfect since I like going into my books blind. And while I may question every bite of ice cream in the future (thanks for that by the way) - let's be real, I couldn't give up that deliciousness... If the promise of pain and sickness from being lactose intolerant doesn't stop me, the book surely wouldn't 😂😂- I loved this book. 

It was the perfect combination dark, but still a rom-com with a slow-burn between the characters. It was light in a way I never knew a dark romance could be - but still had the dark elements to it that I love in my books (but definitely check over the tw if you have any). 

I loved Sloane, she was quirky and sassy. And I loved Rowen, he was funny and charming. And they were perfect for each other. This book was exactly what I needed to get back into reading after a busy stress filled month. It was everything I didn't know I wanted. It was a fun but dark read, that made me feel giddy like a kid in a candy store. So if you like your characters a bit deranged, if you like content that makes you wonder what the heck you just read, but like characters that can bring a smile to your face, or make you laugh then I recommend this book. And I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. 

5 chaotic cookies & cream ⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. A few scenes, with details and k!nks. 

Tropes: 

→ dark romance 

→ rom-com 

→ serial killer H & h 

→ black cat x golden retriever  

→ slow burn 

Trigger Warnings

Review: Obsession

 

Title: Obsession

Series: The Mate Games

Authors: K. Loraine & Meg Anne

Release Date: May 2022

I rejected my fated mate and didn’t regret it for a second. Until now.

Shipped off to Ravenscroft University, a graduate school for the supernatural elite, I have a lot to live up to. As the heir to America’s most powerful pack, my life up to now has been spent in a gilded cage. But not for the reason you might think.

I was locked away, not to be protected, but because I was born broken. A disappointment to them all. A wolf who couldn’t shift.

This is supposed to be my fresh start, but my past won’t leave me alone. Not when he’s here. The arrogant wolf shifter who ruined my life after I turned him down seven years ago. Now, I’m a pariah, followed by the rumors my rejected mate has spread, hated by my classmates, isolated again.

From everyone but them.
A vampire prince.
A forbidden priest.
A powerful demigod.
A bully wolf.

I’m playing a dangerous game, and the rules say I can’t be with them. Then again, rules are made to be broken.

And when every moment spent with them brings me closer to finding my wolf, how can I stay away?

Warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. It contains an obsessive stalker, a foul-mouthed, inked and pierced werewolf, a naughty professor with a fondness for watching, a god of mischief, and plenty of heat. If you don’t like your books spicy, your men broody, built, and more bad than good, this is not the series for you. But if you do...read on, and welcome to The Mate Games.

Sunday is sent to Ravenscroft University a graduate school for the supernatural elite. Being from one of the most powerful packs in America, she has a secret- she can't shift. But what she hopes would be a fresh start away from her family, turns out to be a mistake when none other than Kingston is also there- her mate whom she rejected and now he hates her. Also a Priest who is set on keeping her on her knees for hours trying to clear her mind. The vampire prince who is good at ghosting Sunday, and a Norse demigod who is set on training Sunday. But at least her witchy roommate Moira is proving to be a friend. And every moment spend with each of the guys, seems to be helping her find her wolf, and her strength, she can't help but feel a connection to each of them. 

So, I decided to pick up this books, in hopes of pulling me out of a reading slump. I don't know if I'm just distracted because I'm in the midst of planning my daughters birthday or what- but unfortunately I didn't love this book as much as I had hoped. 

I loved the idea of the book- I love RH/why choose, love the paranormal. But it was a bit confusing (again, could have been me)- and I felt like I was missing important information I should have known. For me, the story didn't flow that well and kinda jumped around a bit. And I just didn't feel much of a connection to any of the characters. I read all of book 1 in this series & honestly could hardly tell you anything about any of the characters. 

Overall, it was an ok read. Sunday- while unable to find her wolf wasn't just some weakling or damsel in distress. She was still strong, and able to hold her own- not just with the guys but with some of the threats sent her way as well. 

And I just would have liked to have seen more from the characters. As of right now, I don't feel that invested in them unfortunately (again, that could be a me problem). 

3.5 ⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. Multiple detailed scenes throughout. 

Tropes: 

→ paranormal romance 

→ why choose romance 

→ fated mates 

→ rejected mates 

→ insta-lust 

→ academy 

→ student/teacher 

→ voyeurism 

→ bully romance

Review: Face Off

 

Title: Face Off

Series: Seattle Serpents

Author: Teagan Hunter

Release Date: January 18 

I have two goals this season:

1. Stay single.

2. Get Rory Sinclair to admit she doesn’t completely hate me.

When I find a stray dog roaming the streets of Seattle, the last place I expect to end up is in the office of a grumpy veterinarian—the one woman who can resist my charm. Twin to my teammate’s girlfriend, Rory is full of fire, but I’m not afraid of her flame.

It doesn’t take long for me to realize that the more time we spend together, the more I want it to last. But no matter how hard I try, Rory only sees me as a playboy, refusing to take me seriously.

One weekend trip to a cabin later, I think I have my in…but only if I can get her to admit her feelings toward me aren’t all bad.

Only one of us will win this face-off, and I intend for it to be me.

FACE OFF is a standalone hockey romance novel. It has a golden retriever hockey player, a grumpy veterinarian who is unamused by him, rowdy teammates, absurd text conversations, the perfect amount of steam, and a happy ending.

Aw, I loved this.

So I have been in a bit of a slump- what with the holidays stress, my bday & stressing about my daughters upcoming birthday. But I can always count on Teagan's books to lift my spirits. 

So, the Settle Serpents is a series of standalone hockey romances- and even though Face Off is book 2 in the series you don't have to read book one before hand (but I definitely recommend it). 

Lawson is the funny, jock playboy, and the one who started the Serpent Singles group chat among players of the Seattle Serpents. So no one would ever expect for him to find love. But when he stumbled upon a puppy in an ally it was fate. Not only because he fell in love with the puppy, but because it led him to Rory's vet clinic. 

Rory is a workaholic, owning not one but two top vet clinics in Seattle. She also has a smart mouth, and a mean streak. She isn't known for her sunshine personality. She is known to dislike people in general. And Lawson? She dislikes him the most. 

Sooo, Lawson has golden retriever energy, and Rory had black cat energy. He is the sunshine and she is the grump but together they just work. And I love these books- they always bring a smile to my face and make me laugh, and this one is no different. I enjoyed Lawson and Rory's story. They were cute and cheesy (ok mostly him) and perfect. 

So if you love romcoms and hockey romance do not sleep on Face Off. And I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️ - multiple detailed scenes. 

Tropes: 

→ sports romance 

→ hockey romance 

→ rom-com 

→ banter between characters 

→ black cat x golden retriever 

→ grumpy x sunshine 

→ playboy 

→ contemporary romance 

Review: Scorned Princess

 

Title: Scorned Princess

Series: Crooked Paradise

Authors: Eva Chance & Harlow King 

Release Date: April 2021

Hell hath no fury...

I thought I was trading one evil for a lesser one. Marry a man I might eventually love, forge an alliance between his gang and my father's, and get out from under Dad's sadistic thumb.

Turns out my fiancé has other plans. Like slaughtering me and my entire family the night before the wedding.

I make it out alive, left with nothing but a thirst for vengeance. But if I want to crush the prick who betrayed me, I have to turn to the biggest pricks of them all.

Hot, cocky, and dangerous, Wylder Noble and his men rule Paradise Bend. Their help doesn't come cheap. I've got to prove I'm strong enough to deserve it.

Whatever they throw at me, I can take it. No taunting words or scorching looks will break the wall around my heart.

They think I'm made of glass? I'm a girl of shards that can cut you to the bone.

Before this is over, someone's going to bleed. And this time, it won't be me.

*Scorned Princess is the first in a new gritty contemporary romance series from bestselling author Eva Chase (writing as Eva Chance) and Harlow King. No major triggers, but be prepared for domineering men who make their own rules, a rebellious heroine who's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and an enemies-to-lovers romance where the girl gets all the guys. It's going to be a wild, bloody ride!*

So I picked this book up on a whim. I have been in a bit of a book slump and being busy with the holidays & birthdays etc I don't have as much time to read as I would like. 

I didn't know anything going into this book, but I decided to try it anyways. 

It's a why choose gang romance & has some dark themes throughout. 

Mercy was set to marry a man- one who her father chose for her, but one that she thought would be better than her father. Maybe they could be friends. But Colt, her husband to be betrays not only her, but her father too. 

So Mercy runs to the only person who may be able to take him down. 

Wylder & his crew own Paradise City. They don't really care about the Bend, at the bottom of the hill where the smaller gangs fight for dominance. But when Mercy shows up bloody with one goal in mind, Wylder can't help but take notice. 

Wylder is the heir, set to inheritant his family's gang. Kaige is his enforcer. He's muscle & force but with a lighter side as well. Gideon was the brains. And Rowen is the new guy who earned Wylders trust and loyalty, and is also Mercy's ex. 

Wylder tests Mercy every chance he gets to see if she is worthy enough for his help. But Mercy rises up to each and every challenge. But will Wylder hold up his end of the deal or is Mercy taking a gamble trusting the heir of the city? 

So, like I said I didn't know anything before diving in. And I squeezed in some reading here & there throughout the hectic week. I enjoyed the dark elements- it wasn't super dark, but had some dark themes to it being a gang romance. 

I enjoyed getting to know each character- and can't wait to learn more about each of them. 

And I love why choose romance. Being book 1 in the series, it's a slow burn. It does have some steam but isn't too spicy. There is a lot of mistrust between characters- Mercy doesn't trust any of the guys and is only there to seek out revenge on her ex fiance. The guys don't trust Mercy either. But they slowly try to build towards that so they can both get something out of the arrangement. Overall it was a good read & I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters. 

4 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. A couple scenes with some details. 

Tropes: 

→ Contemporary romance

→ gang romance 

→ dark romance 

→ why choose romance 

→ Arranged marriage 

→ enemies to lovers 

→ second chance 

→ slow burn romance 

Trigger Warnings