Book Boyfriends and Booze

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver is a dark, thrilling romance that follows two rival serial killers, Sloane and Rowan, whose chance encounter ignites a twisted yet undeniable bond. What starts as a deadly game of competition across the country quickly transforms into an intense friendship—one built on shared darkness, razor-sharp banter, and a unique understanding of each other’s violent nature. As their connection deepens into something more, the ghosts of their pasts begin to close in, threatening everything they’ve built. With danger lurking behind every corner, the question isn’t just whether they can survive their deadly game, but whether their love is strong enough to withstand the bloodshed.

A Dark Romance with a Side of Humor

We went into Butcher & Blackbird thinking it might be a light introduction to dark romance—something for readers who are curious about the genre but aren’t quite ready to dive into the heavy-hitters like Haunting Adeline or The Ritual. However, we were pleasantly surprised. This book is a dark romance masterpiece in its own right, blending murder and serial killing with an unexpected but hilarious and charming tone that makes it stand out. If you can stomach the macabre humor and the morally gray premise, you’ll find yourself laughing and swooning in equal measure as you follow the twisted but surprisingly wholesome relationship between Rowan and Sloane.

Rowan “The Butcher”—A Book Boyfriend Who Knows What He Wants

Let’s talk about Rowan, aka The Butcher, because this man is EVERYTHING! He is the perfect embodiment of friends-to-lovers done right—supportive, challenging, and absolutely obsessed with Sloane in the best way possible. His ability to accept and embrace Sloane for who she truly is without judgment is what makes him so irresistible. He doesn’t just tolerate her quirks—he celebrates them, creating an environment where she feels safe, wanted, and completely seen. And let’s be real, don’t we all want that? Rowan exudes quiet confidence, knowing exactly how to push Sloane’s buttons, making for one of the most entertaining and dynamic romances we’ve read in a while.

Spice Level? Off the Charts!

Here’s the deal: because the book is so witty and fun, you almost forget that this is a slow burn—until the spice hits. And when it does, it HITS HARD. Let’s be clear: Rowan is NOT a golden retriever in the bedroom—he’s all dominance, control, and deliciously unrestrained passion. The tension builds so beautifully between him and Sloane that when they finally cross that line, it’s explosive, intense, and exactly what we were craving. The balance between their lighthearted banter and heated chemistry makes every moment between them feel electric.  Just be aware, you’re getting quality over quantity in these spicy scenes.

Why You Need to Read This Book

If you love dark humor, unique friendships, and a romance that feels as fun as it does dangerous, this is your next read. The friends-to-lovers dynamic is absolute perfection, the banter is sharp, and the spice is top-tier. Even if you’re not typically into dark romance, Butcher & Blackbird is the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and sinister intrigue because while the themes are dark, the tone is light, making it an ideal gateway into the genre. Just maybe don’t read it while eating. Trust us, you’ll be grateful!

Audiobook Listeners—Take Note!

If you prefer audiobooks, run, don’t walk to pick this one up. Narrator Joe Arden brings Rowan’s Irish accent to life, making the experience even more immersive. The audiobook elevates the already fantastic dialogue, making this book an absolute treat to listen to.

Final Thoughts—Rowan Earns a Top Spot on the Book Boyfriend List

Rowan is the kind of book boyfriend you’ll be thinking about long after the last page. We still do. He’s protective, sexy, confident, and hilarious—a rare mix that makes him one of our top book boyfriends already this year. If you’re looking for a romance that is both sinister and playful, Butcher & Blackbird is a must-read. Plus, with Leather & Lark available, and Scythe & Sparrow dropping, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of the Kane brothers and their dark, delicious romances in the Ruinous Love Trilogy.