Ruinous Love Trilogy Book 1
*This book contains an entire page of trigger warnings. The story revolves around serial killers and their actions. Please read the CW listed below.
Visit Brynne Weaver’s website HERE
Want to know the juicy details of Butcher and Blackbird? Check out the Spoiler Report HERE.
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?
Of have the finally met their match?
Content & Trigger warnings
- Eyeballs and eye sockets
- Amateur surgery
- Skin ornaments
- Chainsaws, axes, knives, scalpels – a lot of sharp objects
- Accidental cannibalism
- Not-so-accidental cannibalism
- Questionable use of a mummified corpse
- Lobotomized man servant
- Ill-advised kitchen implements
- Detailed sex scenes which include (but are not limited to) cock warming, rough sex, praise kink, anal, adult toys, chocking, spitting, dom/sub interactions, genital piercings
- References to parental neglect and child abuse
- Parental loss (not depicted)
- References to child sexual assault (not depicted)
- It’s a book about serial killers, so there’s some generally messed-up murder and chaos
First off, even before you get into the story there is a long list of possible triggers (which I have included above). To some that might be a deterrent. Personally, I couldn’t wait.
Each chapter is written in the POV of either Sloane or Rowan, respectively.
Both are cut from the same cloth — vigilante serial killers determined to take out the worst of the worst.
Upon a chance, and somewhat awkward (for Sloane), meeting, Rowan suggests they engage in a friendly killing competition. Igniting a long dead fire in them both.
Sloane is only 23 and it is a bit odd that her reputation as a vigilante serial killer is as well-seasoned as it is. I don’t recall an age for Rowan, but he owns a restaurant. Then again, in her early twenties, Sloane is an experienced serial killer. To me, Rowan just read older, early thirties maybe? It is entirely possible that his age was mentioned or I am just completely wrong. Once I get an image of a character in my head it is very difficult to change, even if it is blatantly in the story. I’m pretty stubborn like that.
No matter, Sloane and Rowan simply worked.
They each have their own past traumas fueling their present actions and thoughts. Those thoughts don’t change much over the course of the story. At least until they do. It becomes a bit repetitive.
I’m not one to be squeamish or cringe at things easily. Especially in books. There were a few times I swallowed a rock in my throat.
Did it go too far? I guess that’s more subjective.
To me? Not really? Yes, my answer is in the form of a question. Could certain things have been left out? Maybe but not really. The story is what it is. Brynne committed to the subject and went with it unapologetically. (Yes, I know, that’s not really a word). I, for one, appreciate it!
The characters are well developed. And not just the two MCs. Every one of them down to the barely mentioned serial killers. Just enough was written to give you a vivid picture of who they are even if their only appearance is their gruesome death.
The worst part of this book is the sneak peak of the next installment of the trilogy: Leather and Lark. Don’t get me wrong, the preview is great. But (as of the date this is posted)if you go searching for a release date or any information on this novel – NOTHING! Not even on Brynne’s website. Not a way to instill hope that we will be getting the next installment any time soon.
Despite that annoying fact, I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for book two in the trilogy: Leather and Lark!
