Content Warnings: sexual content, blood, violence, gore, body horror, stalking, murder, and accidental cannibalism.
Mention of: child abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, cannibalism, pedophilia, death of parent[s]

6/22/24
I seriously love this book so much 🥰 I decided to do a reread before I dove into Leather and Lark. 

There's been a lot of reviews I've seen, recently, where people were saying they didn't like the timeline or romance aspect of the story and it's so hard for me to understand that perspective. As someone who's been anxious since birth, and has some good ol CPTSD from childhood, I LOVE the care, patience, and time Rowan gives Sloane. From their very first meeting he can see her anxiety and flight response...and he works really hard to show her she doesn't need to run or hide from him. 

When she randomly shows up at his restaurant she's extremely anxious and out of her element...when Rowan finally realizes she's there he can see she's overwhelmed and ready to run and he tries really hard to calm her. Instead of rushing to her like he wants to...he holds himself back and tries talking her down. When she still runs he doesn't get pissed at her...instead he flies to her hometown. By having the neighbor boy deliver ingredients and talking Sloane through cooking on the phone, while he hides across the street, instead of showing up at her door with the ingredients himself...shows that he knows she'd feel ambushed and anxious...he finds a way they can spend time together and get to know each other without causing her further anxiety. By allowing her to learn a bit about his craft, and him, from the safety and privacy of her own home...it just shows so much respect for her. 

There are so many instances, throughout the book, where Rowan holds himself back because he knows that she isn't ready...and he never gets mad or blames her...he just takes his time and tries to find other ways to connect with her and show her that he's someone she can trust with every part of herself. I just have so much love and respect for the way he worked hard to alleviate her anxiety and show her how much he loves all of her.

11/13/23
Ahh! Just as good as the first read...if not more fun since I knew everything that was going to happen 🥰

I'm so happy for Brynne that a trade pub realized just how amazing this book was. Hoping they don't change anything about it when they rerelease...especially the amazing page art.

I will continue on my mission of making everyone I know read and fall in love with Sloane and Rowan 😎


9/22/23
Hear me out...is this about two serial killers falling in love? Yes. Is this also one of the sweetest/most romantic books I've ever read? Also, yes. 🥰

There's just something about finding that one person, in the entire world, that truly understands and accepts you. 🥰

I don't know how to explain how amazing this book is. Is there a bit of gore and violence? Yes...and yet the way that Rowan understands Sloane and gives her the space she needs to feel comfortable with him 🤌🏽

Does loving this book possibly mean I'm a bit unhinged? Idk but I have no regrets! 😌