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11 Books Like Butcher & Blackbird: Dark, Twisted Romances You’ll Love
It’s official—Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver has taken over the dark romance world, and for good reason. Brynne Weaver gave us serial killers in love—a pairing we didn’t know we needed, with morally gray vibes, sharp banter, and moments of twisted tenderness that left us wrecked (in the best way).
If you’re still obsessing over its unhinged, ride-or-die and funny love story and you’re craving more dangerous chemistry, morally complex characters, and darkly addictive plots, you’re in the right place.
Before we get into the list, let’s talk about the two other must-reads in Brynne Weaver’s series—you won’t want to skip them.
First Stop: The Butcher & Blackbird Series (The Ruinous Love Trilogy)
Before diving into similar reads, let’s talk about the Butcher & Blackbird series, officially known as the Ruinous Love Trilogy. If you loved the twisted, dark chemistry in the first book, the next two stories deliver more morally gray leads, sharp banter, and chaotic love—making them absolute must-reads.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (Book 1)
When rival serial killers Sloane and Rowan cross paths, they forge something unexpected—a friendship between two pitch-black souls who hunt other killers. From annual games of bloodshed to undeniable chemistry, this friends-to-lovers dark romance is equal parts chaos, banter, and deadly devotion. Golden retriever meets black cat in the most twisted way.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver (Book 2)
Lachlan Kane, a broody contract killer, wants out of the underworld. Indie singer Lark Montague offers him a way out—hunt a killer for her, and she’ll secure his freedom. The catch? A fake marriage to his sunshiney enemy. Sparks fly in this grumpy/sunshine, hate-to-love romance full of chaos, heat, and groveling.
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver (Book 3)
Doctor Fionn Kane is running from heartbreak, but small-town Nebraska isn’t far enough to escape motorcycle performer (and occasional killer) Rose Evans. When an injury forces her to stay under his care, their friends-with-benefits agreement turns complicated, igniting tension, heat, and ghosts from the past in this dark, small-town romance.
Why Is Butcher & Blackbird So Addictive?
What is it about Butcher & Blackbird that has readers completely obsessed? Brynne Weaver doesn’t just deliver dark romance—she redefines it with humor, chaos, and characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re up to their elbows in blood). Here’s why it’s impossible to put down:
- Morally Gray Perfection: Sloane and Rowan are killers—literally. But their dark, chaotic personalities, paired with moments of tenderness and humor, make them the ultimate morally gray leads. You’ll root for their love even when you know you shouldn’t.
- Sharp, Chaotic Banter: The banter crackles. Sloane and Rowan’s dynamic is witty, sharp, and delightfully unhinged, balancing the darker themes with unexpected humor and charm.
- A Love Story Unlike Any Other: Friends-to-lovers, but make it twisted. Their connection is obsessive, ride-or-die, and layered with vulnerability that makes their love feel real, even against a backdrop of murder.
- Perfect Tropes with a Dark Twist: From he falls first and forced proximity to touch her and die, the story leans into the best book tropes while delivering them in a way that feels fresh, dangerous, and completely bingeable.
If you loved the mix of morally gray characters, high stakes, and a romance that shouldn’t work—but somehow does—then get ready to discover more books like Butcher & Blackbird.
A Note on Content Warnings
Dark romance often explores heavy themes, including violence, morally gray characters, and other potentially triggering content. With Butcher and Blackbird as with any of the books mentioned in this post, always check individual trigger warnings for each book before diving in—most authors provide detailed notes on their websites.
11 Books Like Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver You’ll Be Obsessed With
If you’re craving more morally gray characters, chaotic love stories, and dark vibes, these 11 books deliver everything you loved about Butcher & Blackbird.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Aly, an overworked trauma nurse, fantasizes about masked men from her social media feed. One drunken text leads to a real-life encounter with Josh, her online obsession. Their dark fantasies ignite, but when a genuine threat emerges, Josh shifts from predator to protector.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Consensual stalker dynamic
- Protective male lead who transitions from predator to protector
- Online personas blending with real life
- Great representation of the dark humor contemporary romance genre
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Lights Out by Navessa Allen book review
Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby
She’s a serial killer with a vendetta; he’s the FBI profiler hunting her down. When their worlds collide, sparks fly in this dark romance full of twisted justice, high stakes, and impossible love. A revenge tale where morality blurs, and secrets threaten to unravel their dangerous connection.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- A romantic lead actively hunting killers and unknowingly falling for one.
- The female lead’s killings are fueled by a brutal past and personal justice.
- Fast-paced, with mystery and crime thriller elements woven into the romance. But also with some humor mixed in.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby book review
All you need to know about the Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby
Check out our complete series guide including our series review, what is the series about, fantasy cast, mood board and aesthetic. Plus the perfect playlist vibe to get you in the mood for the books!
Marrow by Trisha Wolfe and Brynne Weaver
Two rival serial killers—brilliant, ruthless, and perfectly matched—collide in a game of vengeance and survival. Their dangerous dance is fueled by hatred, secrets, and undeniable chemistry as they face a greater enemy, forcing them to decide: destroy each other or fight side by side.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Explores darker aspects of forensic anthropology and biology.
- A rivalry between two serial killers evolves into an uneasy, high-stakes partnership.
- Both leads are equally cunning and dangerous, creating a unique dynamic.
Unhinged by Onley James
A cinnamon roll meets a psychopath—what could go wrong? Adam, raised to be a killer of society’s worst, is cold, possessive, and obsessive. Noah, sweet but steel-hearted, needs answers about his past. Together, they unravel dark truths and find something sharp-edged but real: obsession, protection, and maybe love.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Adam is part of a group of vigilante siblings, adding a family bond to the dark romance.
- A tender MM relationship balances the darkness with emotional connection.
- The sweet, soft-hearted Noah clashes—and clicks—with Adam’s cold, obsessive nature.
Black Sheep by Brynne Weaver and Alexa Harlowe
A serial killer and a forensic psychologist are on a collision course—both hunting the same cult leader. Bria, cunning and ruthless, tempts Eli’s tightly controlled darkness. Their dangerous alliance tests every rule, every secret, and every line they swore they wouldn’t cross as their demons come clawing to the surface.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- The story adds a chilling layer of intrigue with a shared hunt for a cult leader, blending suspense and horror.
- Both leads are predators, creating electric tension and a balance of power.
- A simmering psychological and emotional unraveling makes their dynamic both tense and intoxicating.
Tattletale by Kay Cove
Best friends turned enemies, Cricket and Lance are tangled in betrayal, revenge, and unresolved love. She’s on a dangerous mission, seducing secrets from a billionaire, but Lance can’t let her go—especially when the stakes turn deadly. Their bond is explosive, full of spite, longing, and lines that beg to be crossed.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Cricket’s revenge-fueled rage gives her a bold, unpredictable edge.
- Best friends to enemies to lovers
- Adds emotional stakes with Cricket’s mission pulling her closer to another man.
Four Psychos by Kristy Cunning
She’s an invisible ghost with big goals: become real, snack on popcorn, and convince four deadly men to keep her around. Haunting them for years has its perks, but when secrets unravel, she’ll discover her true purpose—and maybe, just maybe, claim her spot as their unexpected fifth piece.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Features a poly romance with four morally gray, complex men.
- Blends dark humor and suspense with the FMC’s journey to uncover her identity.
- Lighthearted wit balances out the darker elements, making it the perfect mix of edgy and fun.
Paradise Lagoon by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
She’s back from the dead, and vengeance is on the horizon. Once whole with her boys, time and pain have reshaped her into something darker. Now, she’s the assassin inside their enemy’s fortress, ready to destroy him—if the broken pieces of her past don’t shatter first.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Focuses on reclaiming relationships fractured by time and trauma.
- A revenge-driven heroine navigating a high-stakes infiltration with deadly precision.
- Balances brutal action with deep emotional wounds.
Loyal by Default by K.C. Mills
Carter, an assassin with a deadly past, only lives for one thing—McKenna. She’s his light in a violent world, but loving her puts a target on her back. As danger closes in and buried secrets surface, Carter must protect her, even if it means unraveling the darkness inside him.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Features a protective male lead torn between love and the violence of his life.
- McKenna’s safety drives the tension, combining romance with action and suspense.
- Explores Carter’s internal struggle with worthiness and love amidst his brutal reality.
Skeletons of Society by Marie Maravilla
She’s the cartel’s ruthless arms dealer, feared as La Brujita. He’s the motorcycle club’s enforcer, hardened by life in the dark. Forced to work together, their worlds collide in a brutal mix of power, betrayal, and forbidden desire. In this toxic paradise, love might be the deadliest game yet.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Ryan’s power and brutality rival the male leads, making her as dangerous as she is captivating.
- Combines cartel crime with outlaw biker dynamics, doubling the gritty stakes.
- Their chemistry thrives on clashing strengths, creating a fiery and volatile connection.
Lovely Bad Things by Trisha Wolfe
She’s the detective; he’s the devil she locked away. When a brutal murder forces Halen to seek help from Kallum, a brilliant yet deranged Nietzsche expert, their dark connection ignites. Twisted minds, primal attraction, and occult secrets collide in a haunting, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that’s as dangerous as it is intoxicating.
What stands out compared to Butcher & Blackbird:
- Blends crime and romance with intellectual and occult themes, creating a gothic, atmospheric edge.
- Features a brilliant yet unhinged MMC locked in a psychological cat-and-mouse with the FMC.
- Builds primal, electric chemistry under the shadow of violence and unspeakable secrets.
Your Next Dark Romance Obsession Awaits
If you loved Butcher & Blackbird for its morally gray leads, chaotic chemistry, and dangerously tender love story, these 11 books are ready to wreck you all over again. Which book are you adding to your TBR first? Drop your favorites in the comments and let us know what other twisted love stories we should feature next!
Read More
- Serial Killer Romance Books
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