I initially read Butcher & Blackbird on Kindle Unlimited earlier this year.  I instantly loved it.  When it was available as an E-ARC via NetGalley from Zando Publishing I knew I wanted a re-read. 

I told my friends after reading this, that I just finished a Rom-Com that gave me Gilmore Girls and Dexter had a baby.  I envisioned Sloan and Rowan banter the way Rory and Logan banter.  That cocky self-assured male that just knows the quiet, shy girl is going to fall in love with him one day.  Add in a bit of serial killing, an annual competition, and some childhood trauma and you’ve got Butcher & Blackbird. 

The way Rowan fell first and hard?  Desperate not to lose contact with the woman of his dreams, he invents an annual competition. The result?  Best out of five wins the chance to go after an unknown, ghost of a serial killer.  Through the annual competitions, the MCs continue to fall for each other.  There are of course bumps along the way, with a few misunderstandings.  While I would say it was a “miscommunication trope” you didn’t get that awful never-ending pining that you get with some books. The miscommunication, or lack of communication, just made it that much better when they finally started figuring it out.  It was joyful watching them each enjoy the other in their element, even if that element is murder.  We don’t judge. I loved how Rowan not only fell instantly but was also very protective and territorial when it came to Sloane.  

Overall, 5 Stars. I did NOT stop laughing and kicking my feet.  The third act hurt my heart, but it was pieced right back together.  I think Brynne did a lot of foreshadowing for the second book in the series and I am so excited to learn more about Lark, about what Sloane did for her, and of course, another Kane brother. 

 

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