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The Memory Puller #2.5
The Butcher and the Ballerina
Love is the deadliest performance.
Ronin Matakos, the Butcher of Aethalia, was once a great war hero.
He was once a lot of things—revered, respected, worshipped. But ever since the Empire caged his wolf, he’s suffocated beneath his tarnished reputation, wandering through an aimless fog of fights, females, and that most intoxicating of substances, Delirium.
So, when the Empire comes calling again, this time with an opportunity to regain everything he’s lost, the offer is too good to pass up.
Too bad it’s an assignment to pose as the lover of the one female in Ethyrios who’s immune to his cocky charm.
Mireille Valette is at the top of her game. Both her games, really—prima ballerina and spy-assassin for the Empire. And this lone wolf, whether on stage or on a case, certainly doesn’t need a High-Gods-damned partner. Especially not one as lazy, entitled, and arrogant as the Butcher.
The pair are pitched into a deadly game of cat and mouse with an eccentric Fae billionaire, one with plenty of secrets buried in his macabre mountain estate, the Cathedral of Bones. In this sinister world of bizarre rituals and forbidden magic, danger lurks behind every posh, polite smile.
And just when Ronin and Mireille’s fake relationship starts to feel all too real, the secrets of their own tortured pasts rise up to haunt them.
Will they survive the Cathedral of Bones? Or will love be their final performance?
The Butcher and the Ballerina is an adult urban fantasy romance, book 2.5 in The Memory Puller series. It is NOT a standalone, nor is it intended to be read as an introduction to the series. If you read it first, not only will you be spoiled about things that happen in the first two books (The Memory Puller and The Exile and the Savior), but you might be quite confused about what's going on. But hey, you do you. The Memory Puller series is all about misfits who love to break the rules, after all. If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Raven Kennedy, Sarah A. Parker, or Carissa Broadbent, you just might love it.
This book is intended for readers 18+ and contains mature themes. Please check trigger warnings in the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
Ronin Matakos, the Butcher of Aethalia, was once a great war hero.
He was once a lot of things—revered, respected, worshipped. But ever since the Empire caged his wolf, he’s suffocated beneath his tarnished reputation, wandering through an aimless fog of fights, females, and that most intoxicating of substances, Delirium.
So, when the Empire comes calling again, this time with an opportunity to regain everything he’s lost, the offer is too good to pass up.
Too bad it’s an assignment to pose as the lover of the one female in Ethyrios who’s immune to his cocky charm.
Mireille Valette is at the top of her game. Both her games, really—prima ballerina and spy-assassin for the Empire. And this lone wolf, whether on stage or on a case, certainly doesn’t need a High-Gods-damned partner. Especially not one as lazy, entitled, and arrogant as the Butcher.
The pair are pitched into a deadly game of cat and mouse with an eccentric Fae billionaire, one with plenty of secrets buried in his macabre mountain estate, the Cathedral of Bones. In this sinister world of bizarre rituals and forbidden magic, danger lurks behind every posh, polite smile.
And just when Ronin and Mireille’s fake relationship starts to feel all too real, the secrets of their own tortured pasts rise up to haunt them.
Will they survive the Cathedral of Bones? Or will love be their final performance?
The Butcher and the Ballerina is an adult urban fantasy romance, book 2.5 in The Memory Puller series. It is NOT a standalone, nor is it intended to be read as an introduction to the series. If you read it first, not only will you be spoiled about things that happen in the first two books (The Memory Puller and The Exile and the Savior), but you might be quite confused about what's going on. But hey, you do you. The Memory Puller series is all about misfits who love to break the rules, after all. If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Raven Kennedy, Sarah A. Parker, or Carissa Broadbent, you just might love it.
This book is intended for readers 18+ and contains mature themes. Please check trigger warnings in the beginning of the book or on the author's website.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2024
60 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Kris K. Haines
8 books255 followersKris K. Haines is a fantasy romance author and lover of all stories stabby, spicy, and swoony. Especially those featuring foul-mouthed, hot guys with wings.
Kris has four goals when she writes a book: make you laugh, make you cry, turn you on, and blow your mind.
A Jeopardy!® silver medalist and self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Kris can be found barreling down mountains in the winter and hugging the turns on her motorcycle in the summer. That is, when she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a book.
She lives outside of Philadelphia, PA with her supportive husband, and two sassy pugs.
Kris loves to connect with readers who want to fangirl with her over book boyfriends. Come say hi!
TikTok: @kriskhainesbooks
Instagram: @kriskhainesbooks
Kris has four goals when she writes a book: make you laugh, make you cry, turn you on, and blow your mind.
A Jeopardy!® silver medalist and self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Kris can be found barreling down mountains in the winter and hugging the turns on her motorcycle in the summer. That is, when she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a book.
She lives outside of Philadelphia, PA with her supportive husband, and two sassy pugs.
Kris loves to connect with readers who want to fangirl with her over book boyfriends. Come say hi!
TikTok: @kriskhainesbooks
Instagram: @kriskhainesbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
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March 12, 2024Y'all. The slow burn culminates in 8,000+ words of spice that spans two chapters.
You're welcome.
I can't freakin' wait for you to read this one.
XO - Kris
You're welcome.
I can't freakin' wait for you to read this one.
XO - Kris
July 28, 2024
3,5 stars.
I really LOVED IT until the ending... It was terrible... I HATE WHEN BOOKS ENDS THAT WAY... Ughh.
I really LOVED IT until the ending... It was terrible... I HATE WHEN BOOKS ENDS THAT WAY... Ughh.
August 2, 2024
MISS KRIS ATE! The slow burn was SLOW BURNED! I had the grandest time reading this. Love how she is slowing tying together the pieces of this story. Loved all the little tidbits of info we got for the continuation of the main series 🤌🤌
September 14, 2024
At first I struggled getting into the story. But only because it's set in a different time frame from the other two in the series and I'm gonna be transparent - I didn't read anything about this book before jumping in. All I knew was it was about Ronin and I needed more.
Ronin and Mireille are fire and ice. I'm not quite sure how I'd classify their trope. Reluctant coworkers to lovers? Their dynamic is unique to them and the slowburn really kept burning until it exploded.
I need more of their story and I hope I get to see that in the Rebel and the Captive.
Ronin and Mireille are fire and ice. I'm not quite sure how I'd classify their trope. Reluctant coworkers to lovers? Their dynamic is unique to them and the slowburn really kept burning until it exploded.
I need more of their story and I hope I get to see that in the Rebel and the Captive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
The twists have me shattered!
"What a delightful barbarian, her wolf purred. I think I want to be his prey." (pg 50).
Ronin, the infamous Butcher, a ferocious cage fighter, an infuriating male with an irresistible allure. Mireille, the prima Ballerina, mistress of disguise, emotionless (maybe) deadly agent. Both were Beastrunners, but his was a wolf caged within himself.
At odds with one another, they are reluctantly tasked as partners for a special assignment. They have to pretend to be a couple in order to lure their illusive target. The proffered incentives were something they both had craved for for centuries, and too good to pass up, even though it might be too good to be true. This quest was wrought with mysteries that would put them straight in the middle of the snake's den to find evidence, clues, and uncover dark secrets.
Loved the inner dialogue between them and their wolf counterparts, especially Ronin and his. The banter vaguely reminded me of Venom (Marvel Comics film). Heck, Ronin could low-key pass for Eddie (the host-body for Venom) too, maybe not the color of his hair and eyes or physique, but with his unkempt hair and crude mannerisms! Couldn't imagine living with that inner dialogue 24/7 though, might drive me crazy... my own inner thoughts drive me crazy as it is! 🤣
" Who is this fool making eyes at our female? Ronin's wolf growled.
" She's not our --
" Eat him.
" Wrath of Vestan, eating people is not the only way to solve a conflict.
" But it's the most enjoyable way. Come now, fillet this imbecile. Save me his heart." (pg 171)
I do enjoy reads that bring a mix of thrill, mystery, horror, romance, and fantasy all in one. And omgosh, some parts of the story are hilarious and gave me a good chuckle. Also, there was great progression of emotional development and growth for both Ronin and Mireille throughout the book. Not to mention a slew of roller-coaster emotions for me! Plus, a couple of jaw-dropping twists (still reeling from the big one)!!! (Plus plus! Along with a slow burn leading up to a spicy sub-dom reward. Albeit slightly torturously drawn out and on the violent side, if that's your thing.)
I have the The Rebel and the Captive, but I need to go back and read book 1 & 2 before I read that one. For some reason, I thought this one was the min to read like a prequel to the newest book, but somehow got it mixed up, I guess! 🤔
4.75 stars
"What a delightful barbarian, her wolf purred. I think I want to be his prey." (pg 50).
Ronin, the infamous Butcher, a ferocious cage fighter, an infuriating male with an irresistible allure. Mireille, the prima Ballerina, mistress of disguise, emotionless (maybe) deadly agent. Both were Beastrunners, but his was a wolf caged within himself.
At odds with one another, they are reluctantly tasked as partners for a special assignment. They have to pretend to be a couple in order to lure their illusive target. The proffered incentives were something they both had craved for for centuries, and too good to pass up, even though it might be too good to be true. This quest was wrought with mysteries that would put them straight in the middle of the snake's den to find evidence, clues, and uncover dark secrets.
Loved the inner dialogue between them and their wolf counterparts, especially Ronin and his. The banter vaguely reminded me of Venom (Marvel Comics film). Heck, Ronin could low-key pass for Eddie (the host-body for Venom) too, maybe not the color of his hair and eyes or physique, but with his unkempt hair and crude mannerisms! Couldn't imagine living with that inner dialogue 24/7 though, might drive me crazy... my own inner thoughts drive me crazy as it is! 🤣
" Who is this fool making eyes at our female? Ronin's wolf growled.
" She's not our --
" Eat him.
" Wrath of Vestan, eating people is not the only way to solve a conflict.
" But it's the most enjoyable way. Come now, fillet this imbecile. Save me his heart." (pg 171)
I do enjoy reads that bring a mix of thrill, mystery, horror, romance, and fantasy all in one. And omgosh, some parts of the story are hilarious and gave me a good chuckle. Also, there was great progression of emotional development and growth for both Ronin and Mireille throughout the book. Not to mention a slew of roller-coaster emotions for me! Plus, a couple of jaw-dropping twists (still reeling from the big one)!!! (Plus plus! Along with a slow burn leading up to a spicy sub-dom reward. Albeit slightly torturously drawn out and on the violent side, if that's your thing.)
I have the The Rebel and the Captive, but I need to go back and read book 1 & 2 before I read that one. For some reason, I thought this one was the min to read like a prequel to the newest book, but somehow got it mixed up, I guess! 🤔
4.75 stars
June 25, 2024
The tension! These two are just… chef’s kiss. I adored the dynamic of these characters, and their interactions and story were perfect. I liked Ronin in book 2, but learning his backstory made me fall in love with him. I really hope he gets his happily ever after, cuz our boy deserves it! And Mireille? I can’t wait to see her in book 3! The evolution of her character was written so well and I’m excited to see what role she plays in the next book. And I will RIOT if they don’t end up together. 😂 I didn’t expect to love this book and these characters so much and I NEED them to be happy together!
June 28, 2024
Well if you know me you know I’m obsessed with The Memory Puller series and if you’re into romantasy I’ve already recommended you read them (literally mentioned in my profile)… I had the absolute pleasure of receiving the ARC for this book which is the 2.5 in the series. I’ve never been so exited to receive an ARC and let me tell you!!!!… my girl Kris did NOT disappoint. AGAIN im stuck in the impending feelings of doom while I impatiently wait for the next book. I swear she’s trying to kill me sometimes 🤣 the cliffhangers, the suspense, the mystery. It’s like when a streaming service releases one episode a day of a series instead of the entire season so you can binge the fuck out of it..only these books come far less often so all you can do is dream up scenarios of what the next book is going to be like 😭😭😭 torture I tell you lol
Idk what she puts in these books but I’m HOOKED. I love her writing style. I love the way she describes things. The imagination she must have to create this world and all its amazing details is just 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻. I’ll never get over this fucking series. The slow tense burn between the butcher and the ballerina was building and building until BAM the spice was spicing. It was worth the wait. I won’t say too much about it because I’ll end up spoiling things for people who haven’t read it, but all you need to know is these books are 5 fucking stars. I literally am obsessed with this series and love it so much.
Kris, thank you so much for sending me the ARC 🖤 I CANNOT wait for the next book in this series.
Some of my favorite quotes without trying to include spoilers ofc…
“But despite all the shit she was carrying herself, she still wanted to help carry his” 🥺🥺🖤
“The Butcher and the Ballerina. Look out, Kheimos.”
“Let me help you piece it back together.” 🖤🖤😭😭ughhh my heart is sooo full.
“Those broken pieces of her heart fused back together and a single tear stole down her cheek” 🥳🤌🏻🖤
“I’ll give you a head start, little she-wolf. Run fast before I catch you. 😏😏🤌🏻💋
Idk what she puts in these books but I’m HOOKED. I love her writing style. I love the way she describes things. The imagination she must have to create this world and all its amazing details is just 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻. I’ll never get over this fucking series. The slow tense burn between the butcher and the ballerina was building and building until BAM the spice was spicing. It was worth the wait. I won’t say too much about it because I’ll end up spoiling things for people who haven’t read it, but all you need to know is these books are 5 fucking stars. I literally am obsessed with this series and love it so much.
Kris, thank you so much for sending me the ARC 🖤 I CANNOT wait for the next book in this series.
Some of my favorite quotes without trying to include spoilers ofc…
“But despite all the shit she was carrying herself, she still wanted to help carry his” 🥺🥺🖤
“The Butcher and the Ballerina. Look out, Kheimos.”
“Let me help you piece it back together.” 🖤🖤😭😭ughhh my heart is sooo full.
“Those broken pieces of her heart fused back together and a single tear stole down her cheek” 🥳🤌🏻🖤
“I’ll give you a head start, little she-wolf. Run fast before I catch you. 😏😏🤌🏻💋
July 19, 2024
This book takes place a few centuries before the event of The Memory Puller. I highly suggest reading the first two books before jumping into this one!
The plot is fascinating to follow of discovering Mireille’s past and also telling Ronin’s background story. It was very well written without too many info-dumping along the way.
Then there’s our main characters – Ronin and Mireille.
At first, they seem to be the polar opposites to one another but they’re actually have more things in common than they imagined.
I love seeing their bantering which leads to some delightful spicy scenes.
Oh and also a shout out to Ronin and Mireille’s wolves for their snarky comments which really liven up the story even more!
Overall, this is a great addition to the series. I’m so glad Ronin’s story is not just a short novella.
The last few chapters are quite tense with some shocking twists thrown there and the epilogue really had me looking forward to see Mireille and Ronin join the gang in book 3!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: strong language, sexual content, violence, gore, colonial oppression, sexual assault (not the main couple), parental death and substance abuse.
The plot is fascinating to follow of discovering Mireille’s past and also telling Ronin’s background story. It was very well written without too many info-dumping along the way.
Then there’s our main characters – Ronin and Mireille.
At first, they seem to be the polar opposites to one another but they’re actually have more things in common than they imagined.
I love seeing their bantering which leads to some delightful spicy scenes.
Oh and also a shout out to Ronin and Mireille’s wolves for their snarky comments which really liven up the story even more!
Overall, this is a great addition to the series. I’m so glad Ronin’s story is not just a short novella.
The last few chapters are quite tense with some shocking twists thrown there and the epilogue really had me looking forward to see Mireille and Ronin join the gang in book 3!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: strong language, sexual content, violence, gore, colonial oppression, sexual assault (not the main couple), parental death and substance abuse.
July 24, 2024
I love this series impossibly more with every book!
The Butcher & the Ballerina is a full length Memory Puller novel, and it is definitely meant to be read after book 2, but technically is a prequel of sorts for some of the characters we met in book two and will continue to spend time with in book 3. I’ve been obsessed with every couple in this series so far, and this installment gave me a whole new duo to fall in love with!
Ronin & Mireille are an incredibly unlikely duo: she is the much beloved prima-ballerina at the ballet, but also a spy/assassin for the government. Ronin is an old-time war hero who has forcibly fallen from grace after his government sold him out for actions they ordered him to complete. They both have something wildly important at stake for completing this job, and will put themselves in all manner of danger to pull it off.
Enter: fake-dating. These two couldn’t possibly clash more upon first meeting, but their tension is SO palpable right away. Their banter is hilarious, & it’s also so satisfying to follow them learning that their initial impressions of one another weren’t quite right. They’re stuck in a sprawling mountain estate that is full of secrets & danger, & truly this entire plot took me by surprise. I adore the way this collides with the main Memory Puller timeline, and how it gave more context for the way this world functions. I fell totally in love with this couple, and am SO INVESTED in what happens to them next (especially after THAT ENDING oh my god it left me feeling so gutted 😭)
All this to say, The Memory Puller remains one of my absolute favorite series to date, & this story only solidified this further. If you love: off the charts sexual tension with one hell of a payoff 🌶️🌶️🌶️, urban fantasy worlds, snow covered mansions, secrets & lore, high-stakes fake-dating antics, breaking free from a corrupt government, action & adventure, and romance that will stick with you forever, you must pick this series up!
Thank you so very much to Kris K. Haines for the early copy of this 💕
The Butcher & the Ballerina is a full length Memory Puller novel, and it is definitely meant to be read after book 2, but technically is a prequel of sorts for some of the characters we met in book two and will continue to spend time with in book 3. I’ve been obsessed with every couple in this series so far, and this installment gave me a whole new duo to fall in love with!
Ronin & Mireille are an incredibly unlikely duo: she is the much beloved prima-ballerina at the ballet, but also a spy/assassin for the government. Ronin is an old-time war hero who has forcibly fallen from grace after his government sold him out for actions they ordered him to complete. They both have something wildly important at stake for completing this job, and will put themselves in all manner of danger to pull it off.
Enter: fake-dating. These two couldn’t possibly clash more upon first meeting, but their tension is SO palpable right away. Their banter is hilarious, & it’s also so satisfying to follow them learning that their initial impressions of one another weren’t quite right. They’re stuck in a sprawling mountain estate that is full of secrets & danger, & truly this entire plot took me by surprise. I adore the way this collides with the main Memory Puller timeline, and how it gave more context for the way this world functions. I fell totally in love with this couple, and am SO INVESTED in what happens to them next (especially after THAT ENDING oh my god it left me feeling so gutted 😭)
All this to say, The Memory Puller remains one of my absolute favorite series to date, & this story only solidified this further. If you love: off the charts sexual tension with one hell of a payoff 🌶️🌶️🌶️, urban fantasy worlds, snow covered mansions, secrets & lore, high-stakes fake-dating antics, breaking free from a corrupt government, action & adventure, and romance that will stick with you forever, you must pick this series up!
Thank you so very much to Kris K. Haines for the early copy of this 💕
July 18, 2024
Is Ronin my new favorite?? Quite possibly.
This book was ✨everything✨ It had a different vibe than The Memory Puller and I loved it! The plot and pacing were done perfectly. I flew through the second half, never wanting to put it down. It was so much fun getting to see a fae city on the continent instead of the human colonies.
The slow burn and banter!!! I didn’t think she could top Cassandra and Tristan but I was wrong. I freaking love Ronin and Mireille. They compliment each other so well.
The ending actually hurt my soul. It doesn’t end on a massive cliffhanger but you do find out a lot of crazy things that are setting up to make book 3 (4?😅) amazing. After the epilogue I’m DYING to get my hands on the next one.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
This book was ✨everything✨ It had a different vibe than The Memory Puller and I loved it! The plot and pacing were done perfectly. I flew through the second half, never wanting to put it down. It was so much fun getting to see a fae city on the continent instead of the human colonies.
The slow burn and banter!!! I didn’t think she could top Cassandra and Tristan but I was wrong. I freaking love Ronin and Mireille. They compliment each other so well.
The ending actually hurt my soul. It doesn’t end on a massive cliffhanger but you do find out a lot of crazy things that are setting up to make book 3 (4?😅) amazing. After the epilogue I’m DYING to get my hands on the next one.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
July 16, 2024
The Butcher and the Ballerina 🥩🩰 4.5 ⭐️
I loved this book, it’s a perfect addition to the Memory Puller series. The only reason it’s not 5 star is because I just loved The Memory Puller so much, nothing beats it!
It’s a great little diversion from the main storyline, remaining in the Memory Puller world following the back story of Ronin and Mireille. The plot is interesting, the relationship building is amazing, the banter is written into it effortlessly and the spice isn’t forced, nor is there too much of it.
I love Ronin and Mireille as much as I love Cassandra and Tristan, Xenia and Cael and I’m so excited to see what happens next in the Memory Puller series!!!
I loved this book, it’s a perfect addition to the Memory Puller series. The only reason it’s not 5 star is because I just loved The Memory Puller so much, nothing beats it!
It’s a great little diversion from the main storyline, remaining in the Memory Puller world following the back story of Ronin and Mireille. The plot is interesting, the relationship building is amazing, the banter is written into it effortlessly and the spice isn’t forced, nor is there too much of it.
I love Ronin and Mireille as much as I love Cassandra and Tristan, Xenia and Cael and I’m so excited to see what happens next in the Memory Puller series!!!
February 2, 2025
Book 2.5 in the series...
Now I have to wait until Mar h for book 3. But, that's okay. I enjoyed this off shoot story from the first two books. It brings to life two supporting charters, and the ending leaves you wanting book 3 NOW!!! I'd say this book was a plot twist to the storyline line, but this book actually takes place prior to books one and two. (I know confusion, right!) I have a feeling this storyline needed to be told for the plot twist coming in book 3.
Now I have to wait until Mar h for book 3. But, that's okay. I enjoyed this off shoot story from the first two books. It brings to life two supporting charters, and the ending leaves you wanting book 3 NOW!!! I'd say this book was a plot twist to the storyline line, but this book actually takes place prior to books one and two. (I know confusion, right!) I have a feeling this storyline needed to be told for the plot twist coming in book 3.
November 25, 2025
Ah, to be back in this world is like coming home.
Kris can write plot. Period.
Mireille and Ronin were not a favourite, however . It's still Daddy Tristan for me until the end.
I didn't care for the playboy/fuckboy act and the fact that there's on page sex betwween MCs and randos, I didn't like that. But the rest was good, so I'm on board, but they are at 3rd place behind cuties Cael and Xenia.
Kris can write plot. Period.
Mireille and Ronin were not a favourite, however . It's still Daddy Tristan for me until the end.
I didn't care for the playboy/fuckboy act and the fact that there's on page sex betwween MCs and randos, I didn't like that. But the rest was good, so I'm on board, but they are at 3rd place behind cuties Cael and Xenia.
July 27, 2024
4.5 🌟
Ronin Matakos is a SNACK. I’ll take 15
Ronin Matakos is a SNACK. I’ll take 15
July 24, 2024
I devoured this book!
This is literally my favorite series. If you’ve asked for a recommendation from me or in general this series was more than likely my answer.
So thankful and blessed I stumbled upon her after finding books/reading again.
Ronin/Mireille is my favorite couple from this series (🫣 don’t tell Tristan!).
I ended book two not wanting to wait to see what happens with Tristan and Cassandra.
But I ended book 2.5(tBatB) impatiently wanting to know what happens between Ronin and Mireille.
Obviously this is a 5 star read. I’d give it more if I could without a doubt.
This series is probably my IT series. Like how most people have every single version of the fourth wing books or how Harry Potter was loved during my childhood.
I literally mention it to my friends waiting for them to read it so we can talk about it. I don’t shut up about it at all!
This is literally my favorite series. If you’ve asked for a recommendation from me or in general this series was more than likely my answer.
So thankful and blessed I stumbled upon her after finding books/reading again.
Ronin/Mireille is my favorite couple from this series (🫣 don’t tell Tristan!).
I ended book two not wanting to wait to see what happens with Tristan and Cassandra.
But I ended book 2.5(tBatB) impatiently wanting to know what happens between Ronin and Mireille.
Obviously this is a 5 star read. I’d give it more if I could without a doubt.
This series is probably my IT series. Like how most people have every single version of the fourth wing books or how Harry Potter was loved during my childhood.
I literally mention it to my friends waiting for them to read it so we can talk about it. I don’t shut up about it at all!
August 28, 2024
If there’s one thing I can count on, it’s that I’m going to enjoy a Kris K. Haines book.
February 2, 2025
Um, this is fantastic. This is required reading for The Memory Puller series. Ronin and Mireille are put together on a mission by the Empire to take down an eccentric billionaire and their fake relationship starts to turn into real feelings. While on their mission, we get a better background on the events currently happening in The Memory Puller series and it sets up both these characters to collide with our MCs in the third MP book "The Rebel and the Captive." It's got spice ("crawl to me"), enemies to lovers, fake relationship, badass FMC, and lots of world building for the series. 100% recommend.
July 23, 2024
Thank you Kris K. Haines for sending me this E-ARC.
The Pregame:
This is the section where I put everything that happened before I started reading the book.
Hi *waves* I’m Lily and I’m going to be reading a Digital Advanced Reader Copy of The Butcher and the Ballerina by Kris K. Haines.
Now I’m kind of new to this whole ARC reading gig so please be gentle with me and my review. I’m only going to be talking about my initial thoughts and feelings while reading the book. I would love to be one of those reviewers that gives you, the reader, a beautiful and well written out review…that’s definitely not going to be me.
Also, I can’t really relay any information regarding the book considering how many spoilers surround it. But if you, dear reader, are interested in reading this series from start…to now, I’ll leave a reading order list down below.
Reading Order:
Book 1: The Memory Puller
Book 2: The Exile and the Savior
Book 2.5: The Butcher and the Ballerina (You are here)
The Physical Book’s Details:
Pages: Undetermined
Floppiness of physical book: Undetermined
Overall thickness: Undetermined
The Digital Book’s Details:
5415 Pages [ARC Edition]
Now, I won’t be relaying any facts, details, and or spoilers in my initial thoughts section of my review but my thoughts are pretty incoherent and if that upsets you, annoys you, and or ruins your overall day…please take a look at some of the other reviewers who have reviewed this book because I’m just here for a good time.
Okay, that’s all. See you later, peace!
Initial Thoughts:
Okay, right out the gate…after the title, dedication, and content pages you in encounter the author’s note.
The Author’s Note:
The author’s note briefly states what triggering elements are going to be included in the book; which are strong language, graphic sexual content, violence and gore, colonial oppression, sexual assault (not the main couple), parental death, and substance abuse.
The author also explains if you, the reader, are uncomfortable with any of these subjects to please visit her website and contact her via the form that is on there.
Pronunciation Guide:
I rarely look at the guides in general so I don’t have much to say when it comes to it.
Species and Territories Logbook:
This section gives a brief explanation of what species you, the reader, have and or hopeful will encounter in the series. Each book is limited to one big territory with the exception of our characters (main and side) going to these smaller territories to have their adventures and or to cause chaos.
The Recap:
The recap is extensive, informative, and detailed. Everything and I mean everything that happens in Book 1 and 2 is completely laid out in the first couple of pages. Granted you miss the dialogue, the interactions, and the spicy scenes but besides that…it’s basically all there.
Tropes and or Key Words Mentioned:
*Both Morally Gray Fae
*Fake Dating
*Forced Proximity
*Rituals and Forbidden Magic
*Espionage
First Check In
Thoughts so far:
Stopped at the beginning of chapter six. I really like how the author is connecting one set of characters to the other and it’s especially nice because I, the reader, get to see, even if it’s a glimpse, characters and events I already know about.
Also, I really love how Kris K. Haines writes her heroes and heroines, my only complaint and please take this complaint with a grain of salt but…I would absolutely love to have chapter headings where we can see whose point of view we are reading from. I get so confused whenever I start and stop reading but personally that’s just me. Also, the fact that the heroine absolutely loathes the hero… *chef’s kiss* I love that shit. Stopping at the beginning of chapter 23 while my kindle charges.
|Intermission music starts to play while my kindle charges.|
Second Check In
Thoughts so far:
So…it’s the next day *uses hand to rub the back of my head* and I unintentionally fell asleep after my kindle finished charging. Anyways, let’s get back to our regular schedule programing. Starting at the beginning of chapter 23.
Third Check In
Thoughts so far:
So, I finished it. Um…yeah…I’m not sure what happened besides me getting really invested in the story and therefore ignoring everything else until I finished the book. I took a day to settle my thoughts and or feelings because I honestly didn’t know myself what I was feeling. And to be quite honest with you, I still don’t know what I’m feeling right now but I’m trying to somehow work through that in order to properly wrap up my review.
The Action:
In my opinion, I felt like the action was great. I love action scenes, I love visualizing each swing of a sword, each block from a shield, each hum of an arrow as it slides against a bow. I love it all. This book had a few action scenes but I’m from the camp that always wants more so I definitely could have had more actions scenes.
The Pace:
In my opinion, I felt like this book could be read quickly. And what I mean by that is once you start getting use to the new characters and after you finished piecing all the previous puzzle pieces together; I feel like this book just takes off. The pacing was fast, like the events in the book just went by so quickly. One moment one thing is happening and in the next moment, another thing is beginning to happen. I swear, the amount of things that happened in this book was kind of crazy. But, on that other side of that token, there was a lot of steady moments that did slow the book down. Those moments were mostly consisted of the two characters spending time with one another, going on fake dates, and being snarky with one another as they investigate their case.
The Characters:
I enjoyed the characters in the beginning, however, as we got to the middle and unfortunately the end of the book, my enjoyment of the characters had begun to lessen. I liked their banter in the beginning but anything else after that…I didn’t enjoy as much. I’m honestly not sure what happened, I liked the previous characters in the two other books in this series but these characters, not so much. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a character driven story, I love complexity, I love seeing the characters grow and mature, I love seeing how an author is going to craft these beings into characters I could potentially become obsessed with. Now, with that said, I just didn’t like these two.
The Plot:
I actually enjoyed the plot. I liked the overarching mystery. I liked the twist and turns that were included throughout the whole book. I liked the reveals and I had a good time.
In Conclusion:
This book was a nice addition to the series. It was fun, it wasn’t too complicated, and it even had some easter eggs from the first book in it and overall, I had an okay time.
Do I recommend this book?
I do in a way; I recommend it for the people who are ravenous for this world and want more of it. This book will definitely quench whatever thirst you may have but at the same time do what you want, it’s your life. ALSO, I suspect that this couple is definitely going to be a part of the group that is slowly becoming our ragtag team of beloved misfits but that remains neither here nor there.
The Pregame:
This is the section where I put everything that happened before I started reading the book.
Hi *waves* I’m Lily and I’m going to be reading a Digital Advanced Reader Copy of The Butcher and the Ballerina by Kris K. Haines.
Now I’m kind of new to this whole ARC reading gig so please be gentle with me and my review. I’m only going to be talking about my initial thoughts and feelings while reading the book. I would love to be one of those reviewers that gives you, the reader, a beautiful and well written out review…that’s definitely not going to be me.
Also, I can’t really relay any information regarding the book considering how many spoilers surround it. But if you, dear reader, are interested in reading this series from start…to now, I’ll leave a reading order list down below.
Reading Order:
Book 1: The Memory Puller
Book 2: The Exile and the Savior
Book 2.5: The Butcher and the Ballerina (You are here)
The Physical Book’s Details:
Pages: Undetermined
Floppiness of physical book: Undetermined
Overall thickness: Undetermined
The Digital Book’s Details:
5415 Pages [ARC Edition]
Now, I won’t be relaying any facts, details, and or spoilers in my initial thoughts section of my review but my thoughts are pretty incoherent and if that upsets you, annoys you, and or ruins your overall day…please take a look at some of the other reviewers who have reviewed this book because I’m just here for a good time.
Okay, that’s all. See you later, peace!
Initial Thoughts:
Okay, right out the gate…after the title, dedication, and content pages you in encounter the author’s note.
The Author’s Note:
The author’s note briefly states what triggering elements are going to be included in the book; which are strong language, graphic sexual content, violence and gore, colonial oppression, sexual assault (not the main couple), parental death, and substance abuse.
The author also explains if you, the reader, are uncomfortable with any of these subjects to please visit her website and contact her via the form that is on there.
Pronunciation Guide:
I rarely look at the guides in general so I don’t have much to say when it comes to it.
Species and Territories Logbook:
This section gives a brief explanation of what species you, the reader, have and or hopeful will encounter in the series. Each book is limited to one big territory with the exception of our characters (main and side) going to these smaller territories to have their adventures and or to cause chaos.
The Recap:
The recap is extensive, informative, and detailed. Everything and I mean everything that happens in Book 1 and 2 is completely laid out in the first couple of pages. Granted you miss the dialogue, the interactions, and the spicy scenes but besides that…it’s basically all there.
Tropes and or Key Words Mentioned:
*Both Morally Gray Fae
*Fake Dating
*Forced Proximity
*Rituals and Forbidden Magic
*Espionage
First Check In
Thoughts so far:
Stopped at the beginning of chapter six. I really like how the author is connecting one set of characters to the other and it’s especially nice because I, the reader, get to see, even if it’s a glimpse, characters and events I already know about.
Also, I really love how Kris K. Haines writes her heroes and heroines, my only complaint and please take this complaint with a grain of salt but…I would absolutely love to have chapter headings where we can see whose point of view we are reading from. I get so confused whenever I start and stop reading but personally that’s just me. Also, the fact that the heroine absolutely loathes the hero… *chef’s kiss* I love that shit. Stopping at the beginning of chapter 23 while my kindle charges.
|Intermission music starts to play while my kindle charges.|
Second Check In
Thoughts so far:
So…it’s the next day *uses hand to rub the back of my head* and I unintentionally fell asleep after my kindle finished charging. Anyways, let’s get back to our regular schedule programing. Starting at the beginning of chapter 23.
Third Check In
Thoughts so far:
So, I finished it. Um…yeah…I’m not sure what happened besides me getting really invested in the story and therefore ignoring everything else until I finished the book. I took a day to settle my thoughts and or feelings because I honestly didn’t know myself what I was feeling. And to be quite honest with you, I still don’t know what I’m feeling right now but I’m trying to somehow work through that in order to properly wrap up my review.
The Action:
In my opinion, I felt like the action was great. I love action scenes, I love visualizing each swing of a sword, each block from a shield, each hum of an arrow as it slides against a bow. I love it all. This book had a few action scenes but I’m from the camp that always wants more so I definitely could have had more actions scenes.
The Pace:
In my opinion, I felt like this book could be read quickly. And what I mean by that is once you start getting use to the new characters and after you finished piecing all the previous puzzle pieces together; I feel like this book just takes off. The pacing was fast, like the events in the book just went by so quickly. One moment one thing is happening and in the next moment, another thing is beginning to happen. I swear, the amount of things that happened in this book was kind of crazy. But, on that other side of that token, there was a lot of steady moments that did slow the book down. Those moments were mostly consisted of the two characters spending time with one another, going on fake dates, and being snarky with one another as they investigate their case.
The Characters:
I enjoyed the characters in the beginning, however, as we got to the middle and unfortunately the end of the book, my enjoyment of the characters had begun to lessen. I liked their banter in the beginning but anything else after that…I didn’t enjoy as much. I’m honestly not sure what happened, I liked the previous characters in the two other books in this series but these characters, not so much. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a character driven story, I love complexity, I love seeing the characters grow and mature, I love seeing how an author is going to craft these beings into characters I could potentially become obsessed with. Now, with that said, I just didn’t like these two.
The Plot:
I actually enjoyed the plot. I liked the overarching mystery. I liked the twist and turns that were included throughout the whole book. I liked the reveals and I had a good time.
In Conclusion:
This book was a nice addition to the series. It was fun, it wasn’t too complicated, and it even had some easter eggs from the first book in it and overall, I had an okay time.
Do I recommend this book?
I do in a way; I recommend it for the people who are ravenous for this world and want more of it. This book will definitely quench whatever thirst you may have but at the same time do what you want, it’s your life. ALSO, I suspect that this couple is definitely going to be a part of the group that is slowly becoming our ragtag team of beloved misfits but that remains neither here nor there.
April 15, 2025
4,5 stars
February 18, 2025
READ
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 3.5/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖥𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 4/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 4/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3.5/𝟻 ⏱
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 4/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1.5/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🐺 𝖲𝗁𝗂𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌
🕵️ 𝖲𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍 𝖨𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒
💍 𝖥𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝖣𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 ��𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
I liked the installment. The characters were well-developed and the story interesting.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························���✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•···��························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
The Memory Puller Series
𝟏. The Memory Puller: 4⭐
𝟐. The Exile and the Savior: 5⭐
𝟐.𝟓. The Butcher and the Ballerina: 3.5⭐
𝟑. The Rebel and the Captive: TBR
𝟒. Untitled: TBR
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 3.5/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖥𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🔴
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 4/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 3/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 4/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 4/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3.5/𝟻 ⏱
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 4/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1.5/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🐺 𝖲𝗁𝗂𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌
🕵️ 𝖲𝖾𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍 𝖨𝖽𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗒
💍 𝖥𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝖣𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 ��𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
I liked the installment. The characters were well-developed and the story interesting.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························���✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•···��························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
The Memory Puller Series
𝟏. The Memory Puller: 4⭐
𝟐. The Exile and the Savior: 5⭐
𝟐.𝟓. The Butcher and the Ballerina: 3.5⭐
𝟑. The Rebel and the Captive: TBR
𝟒. Untitled: TBR
July 16, 2024
Many thanks to Kris K. Haines for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review. All comments and observations are my own
The Butcher and the Ballerina (TBATB) is essentially a side quest to the journey that is known as The Memory Puller series. Ronin Matakos, "The Butcher of Aethalia" was introduced to us in The Exile and the Savior and while he initially came off as your typical, almost predictable side character that you just know is going to be *super* important later on, I was still pretty skeptical that he even needed his own book...because he didn't leap out of the pages for me, he wasn't as magnetic as Tristan or Cael. With that said, I did find Ronin's story just as compelling as the previous two in the series.
It bears emphasizing that this is not a standalone, you will need to read the previous two books to get what's going; this story works as both an exposition of the past as well as a build-up to the eventual next two(?) three (?) books in the series.
Without going into great spoilery detail, I will just share just a few overall character observations with Butcher and Ballerina, our two morally gray characters (I argue that they are but maybe on the lower end in that scale.) After deeming that Ronin/his wolf's wartime skills proved too dangerous outside of that scope, the Empire bound his wolf and so Ronin became a social pariah. And so of course, he becomes your a-typical wartime hero/disgrace that goes toward the clichéd route of fighting and fucking to pass the time. I liked Ronin but he still didn't give off that aura of badassery that romantasy MMC's are known to have. I didn't get a sense that he was incredibly intimidating although it has been repeated quite extensively that he's a big dude with a big wolf (M.I.A) with a nice six-pack; if anything it's his softer side that really stood out to me.
Mireille Vallette on the other hand is the ballerina in this title (just making that clear) and I honestly could not feel anything for her. Perhaps she was too cold, perhaps she was just so one-dimensional, perhaps there was a lack of action that showed why she was a *really* good spy. If sleeping around to get intel is your only modus operandi as a spy, I think you need a bit more training because, you know, it is possible to get intel without sleeping with every one of your marks. I will give this character some grace, however, because it was in the last fourth of the book that Mireille finally came out of her shell and she was a more dynamic character.
TBATB provided events that added to the discontent brewing within the Empire but because of that it actually did a disservice to the first two books of the series. If centuries have passed between this and Book 1, you cannot convince me that anti-Empire sentiment didn't gain more traction; if anything it felt like everything remained in stasis until Books 1 & 2 came along. I won't go into more details concerning the main players but I will say that if this was building for centuries I would surmise that more people would know about it, there would be more grumblings amongst the citizens.
Overall TBATB was an entertaining read that will tide series' fans over for the next installment. I appreciated the Epilogue, it definitely made me look forward to Book 3.
The Butcher and the Ballerina (TBATB) is essentially a side quest to the journey that is known as The Memory Puller series. Ronin Matakos, "The Butcher of Aethalia" was introduced to us in The Exile and the Savior and while he initially came off as your typical, almost predictable side character that you just know is going to be *super* important later on, I was still pretty skeptical that he even needed his own book...because he didn't leap out of the pages for me, he wasn't as magnetic as Tristan or Cael. With that said, I did find Ronin's story just as compelling as the previous two in the series.
It bears emphasizing that this is not a standalone, you will need to read the previous two books to get what's going; this story works as both an exposition of the past as well as a build-up to the eventual next two(?) three (?) books in the series.
Without going into great spoilery detail, I will just share just a few overall character observations with Butcher and Ballerina, our two morally gray characters (I argue that they are but maybe on the lower end in that scale.) After deeming that Ronin/his wolf's wartime skills proved too dangerous outside of that scope, the Empire bound his wolf and so Ronin became a social pariah. And so of course, he becomes your a-typical wartime hero/disgrace that goes toward the clichéd route of fighting and fucking to pass the time. I liked Ronin but he still didn't give off that aura of badassery that romantasy MMC's are known to have. I didn't get a sense that he was incredibly intimidating although it has been repeated quite extensively that he's a big dude with a big wolf (M.I.A) with a nice six-pack; if anything it's his softer side that really stood out to me.
Mireille Vallette on the other hand is the ballerina in this title (just making that clear) and I honestly could not feel anything for her. Perhaps she was too cold, perhaps she was just so one-dimensional, perhaps there was a lack of action that showed why she was a *really* good spy. If sleeping around to get intel is your only modus operandi as a spy, I think you need a bit more training because, you know, it is possible to get intel without sleeping with every one of your marks. I will give this character some grace, however, because it was in the last fourth of the book that Mireille finally came out of her shell and she was a more dynamic character.
TBATB provided events that added to the discontent brewing within the Empire but because of that it actually did a disservice to the first two books of the series. If centuries have passed between this and Book 1, you cannot convince me that anti-Empire sentiment didn't gain more traction; if anything it felt like everything remained in stasis until Books 1 & 2 came along. I won't go into more details concerning the main players but I will say that if this was building for centuries I would surmise that more people would know about it, there would be more grumblings amongst the citizens.
Overall TBATB was an entertaining read that will tide series' fans over for the next installment. I appreciated the Epilogue, it definitely made me look forward to Book 3.
July 21, 2024
4 -⭐⭐⭐⭐
“You can’t just blind everyone who looks at your female”
“So you are admitting she is our female? Finally.”
The Butcher and the Ballerina is novel 2.5 in the adult fantasy romance series, The Memory Puller. It takes place after the events of book two and follows a separate couple. You should read the first two books before diving into this one as the events of this book will be important for book three. In this novel we follow Ronin and Mireille.
Ronin is a caged wolf desperate to break free. Known as the Butcher of Aethalia for his work in the war, his wolf was locked in his body as punishment for doing what he was told by the empire he defended. Yet the empire is back with another offer...they will free his wolf IF he agrees to an assignment to help one of their spies to infiltrate an eccentric Fae billionaire's home. He just has to play as her lover.
Mireille plays a ballerina by day and an assassin by night. She is used to being a lone wolf and chafes as being forced to take on a partner but when she's offered a chance to unlock a piece of her past she will do whatever it takes. Yet as she and Ronin navigate the dark mountain estate and the rather strange rituals and ongoings the fake dating lines begin to blur...their pasts are coming back to haunt them. Can they survive the week or will their performance end in tragedy?
Ronin is my kind of MMC. He is powerful, struggling, and has a lot of nuance to him. I liked his honesty and his ability to think on his feet. He isn't afraid to be real and boy does he have his demons.
Mireille has A LOT of baggage and she carries it with poise. She is fierce and knows what she's doing but she does like to hold things back. I felt at the end we got to see her flesh out a bit more but for the most part she's this cold character just simmering with more. She has had a quick trigger and can do things without really thinking.
I also want to give a shout out to Ronin and Mireille's inner wolves. Their sass and snark really helped build up the characters in a way that had me laughing and snickering at times.
This book does contain spice. I would say 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. This is a SLOW burn romance so don't expect spice between the two main characters until the 80% mark. That said these characters do engage in spice in the earlier chapters with other characters but it is not explicit. I appreciated how open these characters are about spice and I felt it added a dynamic to their relationship that was freeing.
“Do you know what I’ve tangled with enough of to last a lifetime?....Little she-wolves who think they can order me around. Though I do love how delicious they taste when they’re scared…My favourite [effing] prey.”
In terms of the story I enjoyed the investigation plot here! I found the way Ronin's background was unpacked and how Mireille's mysterious history was sprinked had me so invested in their journeys - especially with how well they entwined. The mountain estate helped enhance the mysterious and spooky atmosphere and the lore we get in this book really opens up this world. Now, I did wish the romance had more time. I felt it was extremely slow and then we only get a brief moment with it before things happen in the finale. The ending has a kind of cliffhanger but teases something for book three that has me sooo excited!
Overall this marks a very interesting addition to The Memory Puller world and I am so curious to see how all things fall together!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
“You can’t just blind everyone who looks at your female”
“So you are admitting she is our female? Finally.”
The Butcher and the Ballerina is novel 2.5 in the adult fantasy romance series, The Memory Puller. It takes place after the events of book two and follows a separate couple. You should read the first two books before diving into this one as the events of this book will be important for book three. In this novel we follow Ronin and Mireille.
Ronin is a caged wolf desperate to break free. Known as the Butcher of Aethalia for his work in the war, his wolf was locked in his body as punishment for doing what he was told by the empire he defended. Yet the empire is back with another offer...they will free his wolf IF he agrees to an assignment to help one of their spies to infiltrate an eccentric Fae billionaire's home. He just has to play as her lover.
Mireille plays a ballerina by day and an assassin by night. She is used to being a lone wolf and chafes as being forced to take on a partner but when she's offered a chance to unlock a piece of her past she will do whatever it takes. Yet as she and Ronin navigate the dark mountain estate and the rather strange rituals and ongoings the fake dating lines begin to blur...their pasts are coming back to haunt them. Can they survive the week or will their performance end in tragedy?
Ronin is my kind of MMC. He is powerful, struggling, and has a lot of nuance to him. I liked his honesty and his ability to think on his feet. He isn't afraid to be real and boy does he have his demons.
Mireille has A LOT of baggage and she carries it with poise. She is fierce and knows what she's doing but she does like to hold things back. I felt at the end we got to see her flesh out a bit more but for the most part she's this cold character just simmering with more. She has had a quick trigger and can do things without really thinking.
I also want to give a shout out to Ronin and Mireille's inner wolves. Their sass and snark really helped build up the characters in a way that had me laughing and snickering at times.
This book does contain spice. I would say 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. This is a SLOW burn romance so don't expect spice between the two main characters until the 80% mark. That said these characters do engage in spice in the earlier chapters with other characters but it is not explicit. I appreciated how open these characters are about spice and I felt it added a dynamic to their relationship that was freeing.
“Do you know what I’ve tangled with enough of to last a lifetime?....Little she-wolves who think they can order me around. Though I do love how delicious they taste when they’re scared…My favourite [effing] prey.”
In terms of the story I enjoyed the investigation plot here! I found the way Ronin's background was unpacked and how Mireille's mysterious history was sprinked had me so invested in their journeys - especially with how well they entwined. The mountain estate helped enhance the mysterious and spooky atmosphere and the lore we get in this book really opens up this world. Now, I did wish the romance had more time. I felt it was extremely slow and then we only get a brief moment with it before things happen in the finale. The ending has a kind of cliffhanger but teases something for book three that has me sooo excited!
Overall this marks a very interesting addition to The Memory Puller world and I am so curious to see how all things fall together!
Thank you to the author for this arc!
March 30, 2025
4.25⭐️/ 3🌶️
*Check TW before reading
As much as you might think you don’t need to read this book, I would HIGHLY URGE you to read this book nonetheless! Ronin and Mireille were thrusted into a partnership neither of them wanted to be part of, but when the situation called for Ronin to play the part of Mireille’s boyfriend in order to get close to a mark, it gave a new meaning to the fake dating trope! This fantasy story had, fake dating, action, assassins, spies, she’s a ballerina but also cunning, quick, and able to fight, and he was a ruthless fighter. In addition, the two main characters were WOLF SHIFTERS! So if you love wolf shifters, this definitely had that! Ronin and Mireille’s story held a lot of answers that at first glance may not seem important, but when reading you see just how much of an impact it plays into the overall narrative.
This story was one that I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the way Kris K. Haines wrote it, she may it better with each chapter. I have never read a fantasy storyline that had fake dating, but they were both spies working undercover on a case they were tasked with! Ronin and Mireille were somewhat different in the way they worked, but gradually the two of them stopped butting heads, and formed a great partnership together, as well as a steamy, passionate, undeniable romance. I will say, the beginning took a bit for me to really get into, but once I got further into the story, I refused to put it down because I wanted to see what else would happen! Ronin and Mireille’s story was entertaining which surprised me because, I imagined it would have focused more on other aspects of the plot, but there was a couple of banter filled moments that made me laugh and really like the dynamic Ronin and Mireille formed.
Little by little, this story developed into something that caught me off guard and genuinely had me gasping out loud in the way I found out some vital information! I won’t spoil it, but all I will say is, this story does actually play a bigger role in the next book so PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! Also, quick side note, don’t read this book if you haven’t read the first two book because it has spoilers about the other books! Anyways, back to what I was saying, towards the very ending of this book there was some plot twists that shocked me and made me question, “WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?!” Definitely wasn’t expecting those plot twists toward the end, but Kris wasn’t playing around haha.
Ok so, main takeaways from this book were, it was entertaining, some action, plot twists, fake dating but their both spies working undercover, magic, variety of different creatures, Fae, and a bigger connection to the overall series! The way this book ended off especially in the epilogue has me so PUMPED UP FOR THE NEXT BOOK! OMG I CANNOT WAIT! I genuinely feel excited and I can only imagine the way things are going to go down! Ronin and Mireille’s story isn’t over by any means, as I have a good feeling that they’ll play an integral role in helping Cassandra, Tristan, and everyone else in BRINGING DOWN THE EMPIRE! WOOO!
*Check TW before reading
As much as you might think you don’t need to read this book, I would HIGHLY URGE you to read this book nonetheless! Ronin and Mireille were thrusted into a partnership neither of them wanted to be part of, but when the situation called for Ronin to play the part of Mireille’s boyfriend in order to get close to a mark, it gave a new meaning to the fake dating trope! This fantasy story had, fake dating, action, assassins, spies, she’s a ballerina but also cunning, quick, and able to fight, and he was a ruthless fighter. In addition, the two main characters were WOLF SHIFTERS! So if you love wolf shifters, this definitely had that! Ronin and Mireille’s story held a lot of answers that at first glance may not seem important, but when reading you see just how much of an impact it plays into the overall narrative.
This story was one that I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the way Kris K. Haines wrote it, she may it better with each chapter. I have never read a fantasy storyline that had fake dating, but they were both spies working undercover on a case they were tasked with! Ronin and Mireille were somewhat different in the way they worked, but gradually the two of them stopped butting heads, and formed a great partnership together, as well as a steamy, passionate, undeniable romance. I will say, the beginning took a bit for me to really get into, but once I got further into the story, I refused to put it down because I wanted to see what else would happen! Ronin and Mireille’s story was entertaining which surprised me because, I imagined it would have focused more on other aspects of the plot, but there was a couple of banter filled moments that made me laugh and really like the dynamic Ronin and Mireille formed.
Little by little, this story developed into something that caught me off guard and genuinely had me gasping out loud in the way I found out some vital information! I won’t spoil it, but all I will say is, this story does actually play a bigger role in the next book so PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! Also, quick side note, don’t read this book if you haven’t read the first two book because it has spoilers about the other books! Anyways, back to what I was saying, towards the very ending of this book there was some plot twists that shocked me and made me question, “WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?!” Definitely wasn’t expecting those plot twists toward the end, but Kris wasn’t playing around haha.
Ok so, main takeaways from this book were, it was entertaining, some action, plot twists, fake dating but their both spies working undercover, magic, variety of different creatures, Fae, and a bigger connection to the overall series! The way this book ended off especially in the epilogue has me so PUMPED UP FOR THE NEXT BOOK! OMG I CANNOT WAIT! I genuinely feel excited and I can only imagine the way things are going to go down! Ronin and Mireille’s story isn’t over by any means, as I have a good feeling that they’ll play an integral role in helping Cassandra, Tristan, and everyone else in BRINGING DOWN THE EMPIRE! WOOO!
July 3, 2024
*arc reader!*
-
My apologies, Tristan Saros, you’ve been dethroned.
-
This book was everything to me. A perfectly timed segue into the history of The Butcher of Aethalia and his perfectly poised prima ballerina. I am constantly in awe of the world that Kris K. Haines has created.
The plot was enthralling and had me finishing this book in one sitting. There was laughter and sadness and moments that made me feel like my heart was in my throat. The whole time, I could not stop reading. Everything was perfectly executed.
Our female lead is Mireille Valette, an emotionally detached prima ballerina with who hunts down relics as a side hustle. She’s feisty, standoffish and expertly self-sufficient, she’s lived the majority of life on her own and that’s the way she likes it… or at least that’s what she tells herself. Mireille’s personal journey throughout the book was super satisfying to read. To see her go from a character that actively kept everyone at a distance to someone who willingly let another person in, better yet, trusting said person. It was rewarding to witness.
Then there’s our male lead. Ronin Matakos, the man that you are. This guy is a notorious ladies man with one hell of an infamous reputation, not to mention he’s effortlessly funny and charming to a fault. Did I mention he’s drop dead gorgeous? Cause he is, and he knows it. Ronin is another one who prefers to keep people at arms length, even his sister has felt the brunt of that ever since The Punishment™️. Ronin’s character arc feels more subtle, because it happens in smaller, more frequent doses. It’s blatantly obvious to anyone with a brain how quickly he becomes fond of his new friend.
These two, man. I loved them. I loved their banter, and their arguments, and their sexually charged tension. Especially the moments where Ronin and Mireille are being uncharacteristically vulnerable with one another. The way they grew from reluctant associates to tentative allies to friends to ✨lovers✨ felt effortless and I really enjoyed the way their partnership evolved through the chapters.
The final third of the book had me perpetually slack jawed, and the ending pre-epilogue left me reeling. Kris if you’re reading this, I’m not okay. The epilogue was perfectly executed, too, bringing us full circle to present day and giving us a peek at what’s to come for our main gang, with the addition of The Butcher and The Ballerina.
-
My apologies, Tristan Saros, you’ve been dethroned.
-
This book was everything to me. A perfectly timed segue into the history of The Butcher of Aethalia and his perfectly poised prima ballerina. I am constantly in awe of the world that Kris K. Haines has created.
The plot was enthralling and had me finishing this book in one sitting. There was laughter and sadness and moments that made me feel like my heart was in my throat. The whole time, I could not stop reading. Everything was perfectly executed.
Our female lead is Mireille Valette, an emotionally detached prima ballerina with who hunts down relics as a side hustle. She’s feisty, standoffish and expertly self-sufficient, she’s lived the majority of life on her own and that’s the way she likes it… or at least that’s what she tells herself. Mireille’s personal journey throughout the book was super satisfying to read. To see her go from a character that actively kept everyone at a distance to someone who willingly let another person in, better yet, trusting said person. It was rewarding to witness.
Then there’s our male lead. Ronin Matakos, the man that you are. This guy is a notorious ladies man with one hell of an infamous reputation, not to mention he’s effortlessly funny and charming to a fault. Did I mention he’s drop dead gorgeous? Cause he is, and he knows it. Ronin is another one who prefers to keep people at arms length, even his sister has felt the brunt of that ever since The Punishment™️. Ronin’s character arc feels more subtle, because it happens in smaller, more frequent doses. It’s blatantly obvious to anyone with a brain how quickly he becomes fond of his new friend.
These two, man. I loved them. I loved their banter, and their arguments, and their sexually charged tension. Especially the moments where Ronin and Mireille are being uncharacteristically vulnerable with one another. The way they grew from reluctant associates to tentative allies to friends to ✨lovers✨ felt effortless and I really enjoyed the way their partnership evolved through the chapters.
The final third of the book had me perpetually slack jawed, and the ending pre-epilogue left me reeling. Kris if you’re reading this, I’m not okay. The epilogue was perfectly executed, too, bringing us full circle to present day and giving us a peek at what’s to come for our main gang, with the addition of The Butcher and The Ballerina.
July 28, 2024
Kris has done it again. I didn't think I needed to know Ronin's backsory, but I was wrong. I loved finding out more about his character and who he was before he joined the Teles Chrysos and how he joined them in the first place.
We are introduced to Ronin and we are told about his punishment after the war and what he is doing now to get by. We are then introduced to Mireille in the next chapter and quickly discover that she is a Spy for the Empire. The two end up being sent on a mission together to uncover a secret weapon. Neither of them are happy about having to be in a fake relationship, but we all know how this goes, and we love it.
Watching Ronin's rough and cocky exterior slowly fade away as he began to open up to Mireille and heal after everything that happened during the war was so heartwarming. We all knew he was a secret softy, he just needed the right person to bring it out of him. Mireille is a bad ass who has mastered being both a top class assassin and a famous ballerina. The contrast made her even more stunning and deadly. Mireille has questions about her past that she needs answered, and Ronin slowly becomes someone that she can rely on as she finally opens up about her past.
The banter and the back and forth between them both was great, but I personally loved the banter between the MC's and their wolves. They said what we all knew Ronin and Mireille were actually thinking and I was loving it! They said it as it is, put them both in their place and made them see sense. They were so close to being my favourite characters in the book.
Let me tell you about the spice. It was a slow burn between the two MC's. The good kind where it didn't drag out over multiple books, but long enough to have us giggling and wondering if this will be the moment they finally give in. I mean the lipstick scene was just so freaking good. There was only one spice scene between them, but it was worth the wait.
At first I felt that this book could be read before The Exile and The Saviour, giving you insight to Ronin and some insider knowledge, but as we neared the end of the book I realised that the last couple of chapters would only really make sense if you'd read The Exile and The Saviour and then the Epilogue happened. The Epilogue brings you back to the present day and takes place after The Exile and The Saviour. I have missed Cassandra and the team so much and that Epilogue has me so hyped for book 3!
In this book you'll find..
- Slow Burn
- Ballerina Assassin FMC
- Tattooed Wolf MMC
- Spies
- enemies to lovers
- Fake Dating
- Shifter Fae
If you love the tropes mentioned above read this damn book! The universe and the characters that Kris has created in this series has quickly become one of my favourites and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next.
We are introduced to Ronin and we are told about his punishment after the war and what he is doing now to get by. We are then introduced to Mireille in the next chapter and quickly discover that she is a Spy for the Empire. The two end up being sent on a mission together to uncover a secret weapon. Neither of them are happy about having to be in a fake relationship, but we all know how this goes, and we love it.
Watching Ronin's rough and cocky exterior slowly fade away as he began to open up to Mireille and heal after everything that happened during the war was so heartwarming. We all knew he was a secret softy, he just needed the right person to bring it out of him. Mireille is a bad ass who has mastered being both a top class assassin and a famous ballerina. The contrast made her even more stunning and deadly. Mireille has questions about her past that she needs answered, and Ronin slowly becomes someone that she can rely on as she finally opens up about her past.
The banter and the back and forth between them both was great, but I personally loved the banter between the MC's and their wolves. They said what we all knew Ronin and Mireille were actually thinking and I was loving it! They said it as it is, put them both in their place and made them see sense. They were so close to being my favourite characters in the book.
Let me tell you about the spice. It was a slow burn between the two MC's. The good kind where it didn't drag out over multiple books, but long enough to have us giggling and wondering if this will be the moment they finally give in. I mean the lipstick scene was just so freaking good. There was only one spice scene between them, but it was worth the wait.
At first I felt that this book could be read before The Exile and The Saviour, giving you insight to Ronin and some insider knowledge, but as we neared the end of the book I realised that the last couple of chapters would only really make sense if you'd read The Exile and The Saviour and then the Epilogue happened. The Epilogue brings you back to the present day and takes place after The Exile and The Saviour. I have missed Cassandra and the team so much and that Epilogue has me so hyped for book 3!
In this book you'll find..
- Slow Burn
- Ballerina Assassin FMC
- Tattooed Wolf MMC
- Spies
- enemies to lovers
- Fake Dating
- Shifter Fae
If you love the tropes mentioned above read this damn book! The universe and the characters that Kris has created in this series has quickly become one of my favourites and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next.
July 24, 2024
✨𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: The Butcher and the Ballerina (The Memory Puller, Book 2.5)
Okay, everyone STOP 🛑 and ADD ➕ this book (and series, if applicable) to your TBR immediately. I devoured the first 2 books in The Memory Puller series and The Butcher and the Ballerina was no exception!
In this installment, we journey back 200 years before the events of The Memory Puller. Ronin, our disgraced war hero and caged wolf is assigned to work with the stunning ballerina/assassin Mireille in a high-stakes investigation of a mysterious and eccentric Fae billionaire.
Tropes to expect:
🐺 Tattooed wolf shifter MMC
🩰 Ballerina/assassin FMC
🩶 Morally gray shifter Fae
🥂 Fake dating
🫂 Forced proximity
💫 Bizarre rituals & forbidden magic
🔥 Slow burn 🌶️ & k!nks
🗣️ Banter & bickering
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.”
“𝘖𝘩, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦-𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘧. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥.”
Kris masterfully portrays our brooding tortured hero MMC at odds with his caged wolf and our emotionally repressed perfectionist FMC. Both are lethal and cunning and refuse to show any weakness or vulnerability. Despite appearing vastly different on the surface, they slowly learn that they’re more alike than they care to admit.
The banter, tension, and tantalizing 🌶️ had me squealing and kicking my feet but it was the intimacy and trust that forms between them that became the pinnacle of this story for me.
Kris builds on this incredible world by deepening our understanding of the war and rebellion while introducing new characters who may play significant roles in subsequent books 👀
With an exceptional balance of humor and heart, The Butcher and the Ballerina is a deeply engaging story of two lost and broken souls and a rollicking good time!
Dear Kris, I thank the High Gods that you’ve gifted us with these incredible characters 🩵. Thank you so much for the ARC. This series is hereby elevated to new fave and I’m counting down to the release of Book 3 ✨🔥
This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: The Butcher and the Ballerina (The Memory Puller, Book 2.5)
Okay, everyone STOP 🛑 and ADD ➕ this book (and series, if applicable) to your TBR immediately. I devoured the first 2 books in The Memory Puller series and The Butcher and the Ballerina was no exception!
In this installment, we journey back 200 years before the events of The Memory Puller. Ronin, our disgraced war hero and caged wolf is assigned to work with the stunning ballerina/assassin Mireille in a high-stakes investigation of a mysterious and eccentric Fae billionaire.
Tropes to expect:
🐺 Tattooed wolf shifter MMC
🩰 Ballerina/assassin FMC
🩶 Morally gray shifter Fae
🥂 Fake dating
🫂 Forced proximity
💫 Bizarre rituals & forbidden magic
🔥 Slow burn 🌶️ & k!nks
🗣️ Banter & bickering
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.”
“𝘖𝘩, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦-𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘧. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥.”
Kris masterfully portrays our brooding tortured hero MMC at odds with his caged wolf and our emotionally repressed perfectionist FMC. Both are lethal and cunning and refuse to show any weakness or vulnerability. Despite appearing vastly different on the surface, they slowly learn that they’re more alike than they care to admit.
The banter, tension, and tantalizing 🌶️ had me squealing and kicking my feet but it was the intimacy and trust that forms between them that became the pinnacle of this story for me.
Kris builds on this incredible world by deepening our understanding of the war and rebellion while introducing new characters who may play significant roles in subsequent books 👀
With an exceptional balance of humor and heart, The Butcher and the Ballerina is a deeply engaging story of two lost and broken souls and a rollicking good time!
Dear Kris, I thank the High Gods that you’ve gifted us with these incredible characters 🩵. Thank you so much for the ARC. This series is hereby elevated to new fave and I’m counting down to the release of Book 3 ✨🔥
This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 24, 2024
Kris has absolutely SLAYED again. 5 BEAUTIFUL STARS.
The Butcher and the Ballerina (Memory Puller 2.5) is the third (and honestly, hardly a .5) in the Memory Puller series. This book is set a few centuries before The Memory Puller and focuses on a completely different couple. I would personally recommend reading The Memory Puller series first before starting this one! I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible!
We have Ronin, a disgruntled war hero and caged wolf, held captive by the empire. They offer him a deal: to earn his freedom, he must agree to their assignment. His task is to infiltrate a Fae's mansion while posing as his partner's lover.
Then there's Mireille, a ballerina by day and assassin by night. She usually works alone, but when given the chance to uncover information about her past, she decides to partner up with Ronin.
The further they get into uncovering the mysteries, they start forming something else. Between the banter, the sass, and the game of cat and mouse, will the survive?
Ronin and Mireille are such an unlikely duo, they couldn't possibly clash more, yet the SEXUAL TENSION was incomparable! I didn't think I would ditch Tristan, but I'm 100% a Ronin girly now.
There is little I love more than romantasy, with fake dating and close proximity, and this book takes the absolute CAKE. Plus, theres a ton of other fantastic tropes such as enemies to lovers, slow burn with insane payoff and more. I will always recommend this series, but this may be my favorite one yet! I am still reeling from the ending and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to Kris K Haines for the Arc & Goodies <3 As well as Book of Matches Media.
The Butcher and the Ballerina (Memory Puller 2.5) is the third (and honestly, hardly a .5) in the Memory Puller series. This book is set a few centuries before The Memory Puller and focuses on a completely different couple. I would personally recommend reading The Memory Puller series first before starting this one! I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible!
We have Ronin, a disgruntled war hero and caged wolf, held captive by the empire. They offer him a deal: to earn his freedom, he must agree to their assignment. His task is to infiltrate a Fae's mansion while posing as his partner's lover.
Then there's Mireille, a ballerina by day and assassin by night. She usually works alone, but when given the chance to uncover information about her past, she decides to partner up with Ronin.
The further they get into uncovering the mysteries, they start forming something else. Between the banter, the sass, and the game of cat and mouse, will the survive?
Ronin and Mireille are such an unlikely duo, they couldn't possibly clash more, yet the SEXUAL TENSION was incomparable! I didn't think I would ditch Tristan, but I'm 100% a Ronin girly now.
There is little I love more than romantasy, with fake dating and close proximity, and this book takes the absolute CAKE. Plus, theres a ton of other fantastic tropes such as enemies to lovers, slow burn with insane payoff and more. I will always recommend this series, but this may be my favorite one yet! I am still reeling from the ending and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to Kris K Haines for the Arc & Goodies <3 As well as Book of Matches Media.
July 6, 2024
It’s no secret that I absolutely adore The Memory Puller series. I have been shouting about this series for a while now. I had to jump this book up to the front of the line of my priority TBR because I was so anxious to get back into this world after the INSANE cliffhanger that book 2 ended on.
Ronin was flawless. I love his charterer so much because he isn’t your typical hero. I could not stop smiling at his wittiness. Mireille gives the most devastating Sydney Bristow/Natasha Romanoff vibes. These two are absolutely explosive together.
Small details that I loved:
🩵 Hilarious wolf banter
🩵 “Little she-wolf liked to be praised.” 🫠
🩵 Addiction recovery rep
🩵 Dangerous spy missions
🩵 Ronin. Freakin. Matakos. 🥵
🩵 Fake datinnggg. High Gods, I love fake dating.
🩵 Perfectionism recovery journey
🩵 Unique magic system
🩵 The PAYOFF for that slow burn 😳😳
In depth review:
The execution of this book was spectacular. I truly could not have asked for a more well-timed, perfectly paced addition to the current series. It flowed so smoothly with the events happening in the first two books, despite happening more than 200 years before. I loved all of the context that we got in this book about certain power players and groups in the rest of the series. I said this after The Memory Puller, but I love this world so much. It brings such a unique and fresh spin on what a Fae world can look like, and The Butcher & the Ballerina just added so much more depth! Kris is a phenomenal author and my highest praises are for her consistency and pacing. You automatically know going in to her books that you will not be disappointed.
Ronin was flawless. I love his charterer so much because he isn’t your typical hero. I could not stop smiling at his wittiness. Mireille gives the most devastating Sydney Bristow/Natasha Romanoff vibes. These two are absolutely explosive together.
Small details that I loved:
🩵 Hilarious wolf banter
🩵 “Little she-wolf liked to be praised.” 🫠
🩵 Addiction recovery rep
🩵 Dangerous spy missions
🩵 Ronin. Freakin. Matakos. 🥵
🩵 Fake datinnggg. High Gods, I love fake dating.
🩵 Perfectionism recovery journey
🩵 Unique magic system
🩵 The PAYOFF for that slow burn 😳😳
In depth review:
The execution of this book was spectacular. I truly could not have asked for a more well-timed, perfectly paced addition to the current series. It flowed so smoothly with the events happening in the first two books, despite happening more than 200 years before. I loved all of the context that we got in this book about certain power players and groups in the rest of the series. I said this after The Memory Puller, but I love this world so much. It brings such a unique and fresh spin on what a Fae world can look like, and The Butcher & the Ballerina just added so much more depth! Kris is a phenomenal author and my highest praises are for her consistency and pacing. You automatically know going in to her books that you will not be disappointed.
July 25, 2024
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. But I want to say I am obsessed with this series and so thankful to be on the arc team. (I even purchased the special edition hardback of the first one and am anxiously awaiting the release of the rest of the series in the same style). Thes books are crack, and this one was no different. If you like urban fantasy romance this is for you.
When I tell you these two hate each other from the start. You know that kind of hate that walks the line of sexual tension and anger...phew. This is such a fun story that fans of this series will love. A mystery to solve, fake dating, two very hot, very damaged individuals duking it out while trying to partner for the empire. Secrets to uncover, lots of "holy shit" moments. This was a romp from the second I opened the first page to the last! I love Ronin, I love Mirielle! And the set up for the third book in the main series is CHEFS KISS. Be prepared to have your heart just a little bit broken in the absolute best most "I must have the next one NOW" way.
I would call this medium spice. There is one full scene and it's not vanilla.
This technically is a standalone, I think it would make sense if you haven't read the others, but I don't think it would pack the same punch without the world building and the context of the previous books because you learn stuff in this that makes a lot of other things either fall into place or have you frothing at the mouth for the next book. It takes place several hundred years before the start of The Memory Puller.
Also, can we just praise Haines for her "previously on" in the beginning of the book. Why don't all series do that?
When I tell you these two hate each other from the start. You know that kind of hate that walks the line of sexual tension and anger...phew. This is such a fun story that fans of this series will love. A mystery to solve, fake dating, two very hot, very damaged individuals duking it out while trying to partner for the empire. Secrets to uncover, lots of "holy shit" moments. This was a romp from the second I opened the first page to the last! I love Ronin, I love Mirielle! And the set up for the third book in the main series is CHEFS KISS. Be prepared to have your heart just a little bit broken in the absolute best most "I must have the next one NOW" way.
I would call this medium spice. There is one full scene and it's not vanilla.
This technically is a standalone, I think it would make sense if you haven't read the others, but I don't think it would pack the same punch without the world building and the context of the previous books because you learn stuff in this that makes a lot of other things either fall into place or have you frothing at the mouth for the next book. It takes place several hundred years before the start of The Memory Puller.
Also, can we just praise Haines for her "previously on" in the beginning of the book. Why don't all series do that?
August 26, 2024
.
Mireille is a prima ballerina, and also a super spy for the Empire. She’s the best agent they have so it’s a no brainer that they choose her for a batshit mission to spy on an obsessive creep with big aspirations. World domination type aspirations.
However, she can’t go alone so they assign her a partner in the form of Ronin. AKA the butcher. An undefeated fighter who is notorious for his fall from grace - when he was punished by the Empire for something they had previously revered him for.
Of course they start out as enemies of a kind, but they find they have each judged the other too harshly. And isn’t that always the case?
Oh man I did not want this book to end!
I loved the genuine friendship that developed between Ronin and Mireille. Their wolves were on board for even more than mere friendship from the very first meeting, but it took their fae minds and hearts much longer to catch up.
They were both flawed and ruled by their emotions and preconceptions, but it made them wholly relatable from this POV.
The sexual tension…ugh! Nevermind cutting it with a knife, I was over here eating it with a damn spoon!
The bad guys were badding, Ronin’s abs were flexing, the anticipation was building, the wolves were mine-ing (not to be confused with mining), and the guests were…mostly gullible idiots but there we are.
The ending though!!! I mean I know it was set wayyyy before the events of the first two books but I still somehow didn’t see it coming because I was so immersed I completely disassociated it from the other timeline. Also, shit memory. Thank you Kris K Haines for the recap though! It should be law to include this in every series book.
Mireille is a prima ballerina, and also a super spy for the Empire. She’s the best agent they have so it’s a no brainer that they choose her for a batshit mission to spy on an obsessive creep with big aspirations. World domination type aspirations.
However, she can’t go alone so they assign her a partner in the form of Ronin. AKA the butcher. An undefeated fighter who is notorious for his fall from grace - when he was punished by the Empire for something they had previously revered him for.
Of course they start out as enemies of a kind, but they find they have each judged the other too harshly. And isn’t that always the case?
Oh man I did not want this book to end!
I loved the genuine friendship that developed between Ronin and Mireille. Their wolves were on board for even more than mere friendship from the very first meeting, but it took their fae minds and hearts much longer to catch up.
They were both flawed and ruled by their emotions and preconceptions, but it made them wholly relatable from this POV.
The sexual tension…ugh! Nevermind cutting it with a knife, I was over here eating it with a damn spoon!
The bad guys were badding, Ronin’s abs were flexing, the anticipation was building, the wolves were mine-ing (not to be confused with mining), and the guests were…mostly gullible idiots but there we are.
The ending though!!! I mean I know it was set wayyyy before the events of the first two books but I still somehow didn’t see it coming because I was so immersed I completely disassociated it from the other timeline. Also, shit memory. Thank you Kris K Haines for the recap though! It should be law to include this in every series book.
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