Butcher & Blackbird

The Ruinous Love Trilogy, Book 1

By: Brynne Weaver

Narrated by: Joe Arden, Lucy Rivers

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A friends-to-lovers dark romantic comedy full of murder, chaos, and spice, unlike anything you’ve heard before.

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 an HEA.

Butcher & Blackbird is a dark romance intended for an adult audience—please see Brynne’s website for a comprehensive list of content warnings.

©2023 Brynne Weaver (P)2023 Blue Nose Publishing

So many feels

loved this!!! audible only made the whole book come to life. I have never been grossed out, giddy, laughing, crying, spicy, and enthralled all at one time. voice actors amazing and writing fantastic!!

Best audiobook I’ve heard. Amazing job.

I’ve only recently jumped on the audiobook wagon and I’ll admit there are some that I just can’t get into. This one though…this one hooked me immediately. The chemistry between the two narrators is just *chefs kiss*. Amazing.

Amazing Narration

This was such a fun audio book to listen too, the narrators were perfect and I don’t say that often. They were engaging and complimentary and having dual narration was such a good move’ the banter was fun.

keeps you wanting more

this was my 1st book I've downloaded from audible. it has great reviews and I know why. Definitely a great book if you're into thriller and suspense. the down and dirty bits are top notch too. it does get a little cheesey from time to time but don't let that deter you from this love sick book.

(Dexter×2)+Hannibal +Leatherface=Butcher &Blackbird

What a unique concept and experience. This was a fresh twist wit all the trigger warnings that needed to happen. Trigger warnings are the literary versions of a parental guidance sticker was to music for many many readers and this author did not miss. Finding myself caring about the well-being of a single serial killer was so

How do you even review this book?

This book was amazing! I read and listen to books CONSTANTLY and this has gone straight to the top with my favorites! I can't believe I'm going to have to wait so long for the next one! The narrators were great! the book was great! Loved, loved, loved it!

This was a FUN read!

I don't care about sex scenes. But I've found that some of the most intriguing authors, and the most captivating storyline and characters, come from smut....lol. And I say "smut" as a compliment.
The characters are fleshed out well, without diving too deep into their past traumas to make it a pity party.
Sloane and Rowan are, despite their proclivities, well adjusted and seemingly successful adults.
Even facing what she faces from him in the third act, you don't get the sense that she isn't going to be able to go on and thrive.
But I think if those roles were reversed, he wouldn't fair as well.
The writing is well done and witty. The jokes definitely land (as evidenced by the glare I kept receiving from my partner as a snort or a surprised chuckle escaped me) and, to me, they're real people, with real lives.
They just have an eccentric "hobby".
I mean, who doesn't nowadays, am I right?!
I loved the book, and I already have the second pre-ordered. Can't wait!
I would be remiss in my review if I didn't include a comment on the narrators.
In short? Stunning.
Lucy Rivers has complete control over her vocal inflection and artistry of story telling. I have difficulty finding female narrators that I thoroughly enjoy. She is now top 3.
Joe Arden...yeah...I felt like I could bathe in the liquid velvet of his voice. I said what i said!
And his proficiency with accents and ability to bring to life each of the male characters in their own unique way flowed really well.
Both actors did a remarkable job and are a real asset to this audio book.
Warning: You must be somewhat damaged, dark and a little twisted (in the hood way) to really enjoy this.
I know I did.....

A very good story

This book is funny and dark, and sweet. The plot and the character development for both Rowan and Sloane are so well done.
The narration is perfect, and makes the book even better. Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers are not only amazing as their characters, but are also great together - for the emotional as well as the funny parts.

THIS is how to narrate

Favorite audible book hands down just because of the dual narration! Was going to purchase the paperback but so glad I chose this version instead.

Huge fan!

Hi fellow audiobook listeners. I never, and I mean never, leave reviews. Even if I love a book, I stash it away to listen to again at a later date or tell friends and family about it and move on. This one though, I have to leave a review. The banter between the two characters makes you fall in love with them. You just can’t help it. I’ve never laughed, cried and been more grossed or had heart racing scenes in a book like this one.

The narrators. I swear Joe Arden could read me the phone book and I’d swoon. But both Joe and Lucy were phenomenal in this. Joe had to take on a few accents as there are more men characters and he NAILED it. Right down to the laughs, moans and screams, it was like they made this book into a movie in my brain!

The story line kept me hooked, the character development is incredible and the narrators just put the icing on the cake. HIGHLY recommend!