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The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy #1
Tourist Season
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2025), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Audiobook (2025)erfolgt. Verliebt. Verraten? Willkommen in Cape Carnage, dem wohl skurrilsten Küstenstädtchen der USA!
Cape Carnage: Touristen kommen wegen der malerischen Küste hierher – und verschwinden manchmal urplötzlich wegen Harper Starling. Die Gärtnerin mit dem messerscharfen Verstand beschützt ihr Heimatstädtchen. Selbst wenn das bedeutet, lästige Besucher unter ihren preisgekrönten Rosenbeeten zu verscharren. Als der geheimnisvolle Nolan Rhodes auftaucht, gerät ihr Leben ins Wanken. Denn Nolan ist nicht nur unwiderstehlich attraktiv, er sinnt auch auf Rache. Der letzte Name auf seiner Liste? Harpers. Doch was als Jagd beginnt, wird schnell zu einem Spiel aus Anziehung und dunklen Abgründen. Als ein True-Crime-Fan Cape Carnage ins Visier nimmt, bleibt Harper und Nolan nur eins: Sie formen eine fragile Allianz. Und je tiefer sie sich in ihren düsteren Geheimnissen verlieren, desto heller lodert eine Leidenschaft, der sie nicht entkommen können …
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um eine Dark RomCom mit einer Leseempfehlung ab 18 Jahren. Im Buch sind Triggerwarnungen enthalten.
Enthaltene Tropes: Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Small Town, Touch Her and Die, Morally grey
Spice-Level: 3 von 5
Cape Carnage: Touristen kommen wegen der malerischen Küste hierher – und verschwinden manchmal urplötzlich wegen Harper Starling. Die Gärtnerin mit dem messerscharfen Verstand beschützt ihr Heimatstädtchen. Selbst wenn das bedeutet, lästige Besucher unter ihren preisgekrönten Rosenbeeten zu verscharren. Als der geheimnisvolle Nolan Rhodes auftaucht, gerät ihr Leben ins Wanken. Denn Nolan ist nicht nur unwiderstehlich attraktiv, er sinnt auch auf Rache. Der letzte Name auf seiner Liste? Harpers. Doch was als Jagd beginnt, wird schnell zu einem Spiel aus Anziehung und dunklen Abgründen. Als ein True-Crime-Fan Cape Carnage ins Visier nimmt, bleibt Harper und Nolan nur eins: Sie formen eine fragile Allianz. Und je tiefer sie sich in ihren düsteren Geheimnissen verlieren, desto heller lodert eine Leidenschaft, der sie nicht entkommen können …
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um eine Dark RomCom mit einer Leseempfehlung ab 18 Jahren. Im Buch sind Triggerwarnungen enthalten.
Enthaltene Tropes: Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Small Town, Touch Her and Die, Morally grey
Spice-Level: 3 von 5
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2025
About the author
Brynne Weaver
29 books30.3k followersBrynne Weaver is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and international sensation with over 4 million copies sold in over twenty-five countries to date. She has traveled the world, taken in more stray animals than her husband would probably prefer, and nurtured her love for dark comedies, horror, and romance in both literature and film. During all her adventures, the constant thread in Brynne’s life has been writing. With thirteen published works and counting, Brynne has made her mark in the literary world by blending irreverent dark comedy, swoon-worthy romance, and riveting suspense to create genre-breaking, addictive stories for readers to escape into. Known as the “Queen of Dark Romcom,” Brynne Weaver aspires to write female-focused stories about resilient characters navigating the darker edges of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,351 reviews
June 13, 2026
ARGGHHHH!!! I’m screaming until my vocal cords shred! Why didn’t I check first?! This is NOT a standalone—it’s the first book in a trilogy, and now I’m left pacing like a maniac, spiraling after that explosive cliffhanger ending! I yelled so loud, my neighbors probably thought I was mid–slasher movie marathon. This book was a total blast, and now I’m obsessed, addicted, emotionally wrecked, and already desperate for book two. And what do you mean I have to wait a whole year for it?!
Let me just say it: this is hands-down one of the most creative, outrageous, twisty, gory, hilarious, and steamy books I’ve read all year. It’s even better than the “Ruinous Love Trilogy,” which I loved—especially Butcher & The Blackbird. And if you’re a fan of that story, trust me, you’ll notice some familiar threads woven into this one. (I won’t spoil anything, but trust your gut and read that one first if you haven’t already!) Honestly, anyone picking up The Seasons of Carnage probably has already inhaled the author’s other brilliant books, right?
At first, I had a little trouble settling into the story—the cast is colorful, and the setup takes a few pages to hit full throttle—but then Nolan enters the picture with his dark, tragic revenge arc, and everything clicks. Once he meets Harper, the book hits an entirely new gear and does not let up.
The town of Cape Carnage is one of the most bizarre and deliciously twisted settings I’ve come across. Think Twin Peaks meets Sunnydale meets Silent Hill but make it coastal Halloween-core. The townspeople have odd jobs, eccentric habits, and a very suspicious tolerance for bloodshed. Tourists pour in unaware they’re walking into a murder-happy bubble where vigilantes and former serial killers quietly coexist under the radar.
Harper Starling, our fierce and fabulous protagonist, is Carnage’s unlikely protector. On the surface, she’s a gifted gardener who wins awards for her blooms—but in reality, she’s also a full-blown vigilante, using her woodchipper (affectionately named “Cookie Monster”) and her army of creepy birds to take out the town’s worst villains. She’s also the caretaker for Arthur Lancaster, a retired (or maybe not-so-retired) serial killer suffering from dementia. He’s mysterious, charming, potentially dangerous, and absolutely unforgettable.
Enter Nolan Rhodes, a dangerously hot, vengeance-driven man with dimples sharp enough to kill. He’s in town with a mission—to find the driver responsible for his brother’s death. He’s already killed the others involved in the hit-and-run, and he believes Harper is next on his list. What he doesn’t know is... well, a lot. Their first few encounters are pure cat-and-mouse magic, sizzling with tension, suspicion, and magnetic chemistry. Harper’s quick thinking—and a little blackmail—forces them into an uneasy alliance, especially when a nosy amateur detective starts poking around, threatening to expose Arthur’s dark past.
And so begins their wild ride: two would-be enemies forced to team up, fake-cooperate, tiptoe around their own secrets and grudges, and try not to fall into bed with each other... which, spoiler, they eventually do—with explosive results. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is sharp, hilarious, sexy, and packed with emotional undertones. Nolan may want to hate Harper, but the more he sees her strength, vulnerability, and strange sense of justice, the more he can’t help falling for her. And Harper? She’s a guarded, sarcastic, tough-as-nails woman with a soft core, trying to keep it all together in a town that doesn’t make it easy.
Their chemistry is electric. Their banter? Addictive. The plot? Full of sharp turns, bloody surprises, and moments that had me both laughing and gasping. I loved the dark comedy, the unhinged creativity, the morally grey characters, and the absolutely bonkers logic of the town’s justice system. And through it all, the emotional beats still land—with themes of trauma, grief, identity, and found family.
This book is an unpredictable mashup of horror, romance, thriller, and dark comedy—and it’s executed with style, sass, and heart. I was entertained, unsettled, moved, and totally seduced by this twisted little gem. It’s the kind of story you fly through in a day, then immediately regret finishing because now the wait begins. And I need more Carnage in my life.
So yes—run, don’t walk, to grab this book. But brace yourself. You’re in for a wild, bloody, hilarious, scorching ride with characters you’ll die for and a story you won’t stop thinking about.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Zando/Slowburn for the digital review copy of this wickedly delightful book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m beyond grateful—and already counting down the days until book two drops. This trilogy is destined to be iconic.
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Let me just say it: this is hands-down one of the most creative, outrageous, twisty, gory, hilarious, and steamy books I’ve read all year. It’s even better than the “Ruinous Love Trilogy,” which I loved—especially Butcher & The Blackbird. And if you’re a fan of that story, trust me, you’ll notice some familiar threads woven into this one. (I won’t spoil anything, but trust your gut and read that one first if you haven’t already!) Honestly, anyone picking up The Seasons of Carnage probably has already inhaled the author’s other brilliant books, right?
At first, I had a little trouble settling into the story—the cast is colorful, and the setup takes a few pages to hit full throttle—but then Nolan enters the picture with his dark, tragic revenge arc, and everything clicks. Once he meets Harper, the book hits an entirely new gear and does not let up.
The town of Cape Carnage is one of the most bizarre and deliciously twisted settings I’ve come across. Think Twin Peaks meets Sunnydale meets Silent Hill but make it coastal Halloween-core. The townspeople have odd jobs, eccentric habits, and a very suspicious tolerance for bloodshed. Tourists pour in unaware they’re walking into a murder-happy bubble where vigilantes and former serial killers quietly coexist under the radar.
Harper Starling, our fierce and fabulous protagonist, is Carnage’s unlikely protector. On the surface, she’s a gifted gardener who wins awards for her blooms—but in reality, she’s also a full-blown vigilante, using her woodchipper (affectionately named “Cookie Monster”) and her army of creepy birds to take out the town’s worst villains. She’s also the caretaker for Arthur Lancaster, a retired (or maybe not-so-retired) serial killer suffering from dementia. He’s mysterious, charming, potentially dangerous, and absolutely unforgettable.
Enter Nolan Rhodes, a dangerously hot, vengeance-driven man with dimples sharp enough to kill. He’s in town with a mission—to find the driver responsible for his brother’s death. He’s already killed the others involved in the hit-and-run, and he believes Harper is next on his list. What he doesn’t know is... well, a lot. Their first few encounters are pure cat-and-mouse magic, sizzling with tension, suspicion, and magnetic chemistry. Harper’s quick thinking—and a little blackmail—forces them into an uneasy alliance, especially when a nosy amateur detective starts poking around, threatening to expose Arthur’s dark past.
And so begins their wild ride: two would-be enemies forced to team up, fake-cooperate, tiptoe around their own secrets and grudges, and try not to fall into bed with each other... which, spoiler, they eventually do—with explosive results. Their enemies-to-lovers arc is sharp, hilarious, sexy, and packed with emotional undertones. Nolan may want to hate Harper, but the more he sees her strength, vulnerability, and strange sense of justice, the more he can’t help falling for her. And Harper? She’s a guarded, sarcastic, tough-as-nails woman with a soft core, trying to keep it all together in a town that doesn’t make it easy.
Their chemistry is electric. Their banter? Addictive. The plot? Full of sharp turns, bloody surprises, and moments that had me both laughing and gasping. I loved the dark comedy, the unhinged creativity, the morally grey characters, and the absolutely bonkers logic of the town’s justice system. And through it all, the emotional beats still land—with themes of trauma, grief, identity, and found family.
This book is an unpredictable mashup of horror, romance, thriller, and dark comedy—and it’s executed with style, sass, and heart. I was entertained, unsettled, moved, and totally seduced by this twisted little gem. It’s the kind of story you fly through in a day, then immediately regret finishing because now the wait begins. And I need more Carnage in my life.
So yes—run, don’t walk, to grab this book. But brace yourself. You’re in for a wild, bloody, hilarious, scorching ride with characters you’ll die for and a story you won’t stop thinking about.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Zando/Slowburn for the digital review copy of this wickedly delightful book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m beyond grateful—and already counting down the days until book two drops. This trilogy is destined to be iconic.
medium blog
October 24, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I'm so happy that it absolutely delivered! I loved the Ruinous Love trilogy, but I think I love this one even more. It was everything I wanted it to be.
Harper will do anything to keep Cape Carnage, her town, safe. Especially for her mentor, who's slowly losing a battle with his memory. And that means getting her hands and her woodchipper dirty. Nolan comes to her town to exact his revenge, to make sure that the last person responsible for the death of his brother pays. But Harper isn't acting the way he thought she would and nothing goes his way. Add to that a true crime investigator, doing a documentary about a forgotten serial killer, and things become complicated for both of them. Thrown in an unexpected partnership, will their hatred grow or transform? Two serial killer planning to kill each other, working together... What could go wrong?
I had so much fun reading this!
The tension, the banter, their hatred towards each other even do a lingering connection was always there, the distrust, murder and mayhem.. I loved it so much!
Harper is such an impressive character. She went trough hell and carved her place there. She was ready to do anything to protect her town and Arthur, her mentor, even when he was the one causing chaos. His battle with a disease that's so disheartening made me a little emotional.
Nolan's protective side was so fun to watch. All the little things he did for Harper while hating her and his absolute obsession, it was so endearing. The way he saw beneath the surface..
Their slow descent into trust was perfect. There's darkness within both of them, one they can only conquer together.. They are perfect for each other!!
I enjoyed the pace of the story and I loved the small town setting and its occupants. A town that hides its secrets in the dark..
There was a miscommunication that was driving the story and while I don't usually like that, it worked here. It brought even more tension, and there's nothing I love more.
I have to say, her naming her woodchipper Cookie Monster, absolutely iconic. And let's not forget the pretty murder bird, even if that one scene is going to haunt me.
The ending though, I wasn't expecting this to end on a cliffhanger. I know this doesn't even come out until September, but I need book two immediately!!
That epilogue was a little bit shocking. I knew there was more to that person, I just knew, but I wasn't prepared for that particular information.
Book two is going to be so good, I already know it. How am I to wait until June of next year, I need it to come sooner!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Zando Projects for providing me with an ARC.*
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
OMG I can't believe I got an ARC!!!
I'm sooooo excited!!
Harper will do anything to keep Cape Carnage, her town, safe. Especially for her mentor, who's slowly losing a battle with his memory. And that means getting her hands and her woodchipper dirty. Nolan comes to her town to exact his revenge, to make sure that the last person responsible for the death of his brother pays. But Harper isn't acting the way he thought she would and nothing goes his way. Add to that a true crime investigator, doing a documentary about a forgotten serial killer, and things become complicated for both of them. Thrown in an unexpected partnership, will their hatred grow or transform? Two serial killer planning to kill each other, working together... What could go wrong?
I had so much fun reading this!
The tension, the banter, their hatred towards each other even do a lingering connection was always there, the distrust, murder and mayhem.. I loved it so much!
Harper is such an impressive character. She went trough hell and carved her place there. She was ready to do anything to protect her town and Arthur, her mentor, even when he was the one causing chaos. His battle with a disease that's so disheartening made me a little emotional.
Nolan's protective side was so fun to watch. All the little things he did for Harper while hating her and his absolute obsession, it was so endearing. The way he saw beneath the surface..
Their slow descent into trust was perfect. There's darkness within both of them, one they can only conquer together.. They are perfect for each other!!
I enjoyed the pace of the story and I loved the small town setting and its occupants. A town that hides its secrets in the dark..
There was a miscommunication that was driving the story and while I don't usually like that, it worked here. It brought even more tension, and there's nothing I love more.
I have to say, her naming her woodchipper Cookie Monster, absolutely iconic. And let's not forget the pretty murder bird, even if that one scene is going to haunt me.
The ending though, I wasn't expecting this to end on a cliffhanger. I know this doesn't even come out until September, but I need book two immediately!!
That epilogue was a little bit shocking. I knew there was more to that person, I just knew, but I wasn't prepared for that particular information.
Book two is going to be so good, I already know it. How am I to wait until June of next year, I need it to come sooner!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Zando Projects for providing me with an ARC.*
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
OMG I can't believe I got an ARC!!!
I'm sooooo excited!!
June 11, 2026
"Fuck you and your skinbook and your murder dimples and your stupidly beautiful eyes. I won't be swayed by a hot psychopath."Harper Starling appreciates Cape Carnage for what it is - beautiful, idyllic, pristine. Unspoiled nature set against a charming small town atmosphere.
She works hard to keep it that way - donating her services as a gardener and serial killer to ensure that no tourist is allowed to roam the town and mess with her people.
Nolan Rhodes, one of the many tourists, has arrived to Cape Carnage for a reason that only he knows. Years ago, he was maimed and permanently injured in a car crash and every year he stalks (and kills) one of the participants.
"Did you name your woodchipper after the beloved Sesame Street character Cookie Monster and then teach a raven to beg for human snacks made from the people you murdered?"
This year, he's set his sites on Harper. He's ready to kill her and finally leave this whole thing behind him. Probably.
They say two wrongs don't make a right, but maybe two serial killers make a love story?
"She’s obviously a terrible person and completely unhinged. And I one hundred percent do not find her in any way adorable. Absolutely not."
But before they can bat their eyelashes at each other, there's a new person in town - who's planning on exposing it all.
I was pretty torn on this one - one the one hand, I was very interested in the whole "two-serial-killers-find-love" concept but I just never really sunk into this story. I kept finding myself drifting away from this story before forcibly pulling myself back.
The main love interests were...fine. Both characters felt a bit generic (if you don't consider their "hobbies") but overall, okay.
Their sizzling heart-stopping attraction to each other was...a bit much and caused much eye-rolling on my part. Seriously, what drug(s) were they on to have such heart-palpitating reactions constantly towards each other?
Also, the lack of awareness of DNA testing in a world full of cell phones and modern technology was...anxiety inducing at best.
Maybe the plan was to get DNA on everyone and everything so tracing the initial outbreak would be impossible? But seriously. How have these two not been caught? They're touching literally everything with their bare hands?
The actual killings were...kinda bad? Like, I do love a good murder mystery or revenge story (a la Kill Bill) but there's a certain level of justification I need to have in the murder in order to be on the killer's "side".
And I just wasn't seeing that with the victims showcased.
For example, one of the victims was - it just didn't seem "bad" enough to warrant a killing.
So, the book ended up feeling not great for a lot of it for me.
November 5, 2025
I’ll never be able to look at hamburgers the same way again 😃😃 Thank you so much, Miss Author even though I knew it would happen. But hey, not as traumatic as Cookies & Cream ice cream 💀
‼️ PLZ READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE STARTING THIS BOOK ‼️
I went in hoping for something spooky, but honestly? Didn’t really get any spookiness. All I got was gore, which is totally fine 🙂↕️ because I love this author for that. Also, that small mention of Sloane Sutherland and Rowan Kane?? 🥹🫶 My favorite couple from The Ruinous Love Trilogy 🥹
Harper is a good FMC. Not exactly lovable, imo, but still likable. 🥹🫶 I loved how she cared about Arthur, so sweet!!! I was living for their moments 🤭🤭 Needed more of those, tbh. And the teasing between them? Adorable.
Nolan 👀 Another good MMC. Again, not super lovable 😭 but likable enough. Honestly, I didn’t get attached to these main characters the way I did with The Ruinous Love Trilogy. I loved how he secretly cared for Harper 🤭
It was a fun, light read, not amazing or the kind that leaves you hollow, but still refreshing.
The mystery was pretty predictable tho 😭 I saw everything coming, and when it finally happened, I wasn’t surprised. I was hoping for something shocking, but nope. Still, I’ll definitely continue this trilogy — it was a good read overall!
Tbh, I’ve got nothing else to say. Guess my expectations were a bit too high 😭 Let’s hope the next books deliver 🤞
Would I recommend it???
👉 If you’re looking for a refreshing read, yes.
👉 If you just want something fun, also yes.
That’s it, guys! Love y’all 🫶🎃
——————————————————
𖦹˖°.🎃 ̟࿔*:⋆ pre-read 𖦹˖°.🎃 ̟࿔*:⋆
I was supposed to read this in October, but got busy with my other reads. Time to read it now 🤭🎃 So excited and let’s see if Miss Author traumatizes me again 😌 I still remember the Cookies & Cream Ice-cream scene 😭💀
‼️ PLZ READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE STARTING THIS BOOK ‼️
I went in hoping for something spooky, but honestly? Didn’t really get any spookiness. All I got was gore, which is totally fine 🙂↕️ because I love this author for that. Also, that small mention of Sloane Sutherland and Rowan Kane?? 🥹🫶 My favorite couple from The Ruinous Love Trilogy 🥹
Harper is a good FMC. Not exactly lovable, imo, but still likable. 🥹🫶 I loved how she cared about Arthur, so sweet!!! I was living for their moments 🤭🤭 Needed more of those, tbh. And the teasing between them? Adorable.
Nolan 👀 Another good MMC. Again, not super lovable 😭 but likable enough. Honestly, I didn’t get attached to these main characters the way I did with The Ruinous Love Trilogy. I loved how he secretly cared for Harper 🤭
It was a fun, light read, not amazing or the kind that leaves you hollow, but still refreshing.
The mystery was pretty predictable tho 😭 I saw everything coming, and when it finally happened, I wasn’t surprised. I was hoping for something shocking, but nope. Still, I’ll definitely continue this trilogy — it was a good read overall!
Tbh, I’ve got nothing else to say. Guess my expectations were a bit too high 😭 Let’s hope the next books deliver 🤞
Would I recommend it???
👉 If you’re looking for a refreshing read, yes.
👉 If you just want something fun, also yes.
That’s it, guys! Love y’all 🫶🎃
——————————————————
𖦹˖°.🎃 ̟࿔*:⋆ pre-read 𖦹˖°.🎃 ̟࿔*:⋆
I was supposed to read this in October, but got busy with my other reads. Time to read it now 🤭🎃 So excited and let’s see if Miss Author traumatizes me again 😌 I still remember the Cookies & Cream Ice-cream scene 😭💀
August 10, 2025
This was SUCH a good time!!
I’ve only ever read 2 books by Brynne Weaver (butcher and blackbird and leather and lark) and I loved one and hated the other, so I wasn’t sure how this one was going to go but it was so much fun!
This was SO unhinged! It was very similar to the books in the ruinous love trilogy and it had all of the usual bits of darkness mixed with humor and trill. The small town cape setting was so perfect for summer too! I loved it so much!
It was easily a 5 star read until about halfway through when it slowed down just a bit. I think the story dragged on a little longer than necessary, but it was still so much fun and I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy!
(also, want to mention to make sure you read the trigger warnings for this one! There is some very dark topics (obvi), and some things that might be very triggering for some. So just make sure to check them out!)
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝒵𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑜/𝒮𝓁𝑜𝓌𝒷𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝒹𝓋𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓅𝓎! <3
I’ve only ever read 2 books by Brynne Weaver (butcher and blackbird and leather and lark) and I loved one and hated the other, so I wasn’t sure how this one was going to go but it was so much fun!
This was SO unhinged! It was very similar to the books in the ruinous love trilogy and it had all of the usual bits of darkness mixed with humor and trill. The small town cape setting was so perfect for summer too! I loved it so much!
It was easily a 5 star read until about halfway through when it slowed down just a bit. I think the story dragged on a little longer than necessary, but it was still so much fun and I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy!
(also, want to mention to make sure you read the trigger warnings for this one! There is some very dark topics (obvi), and some things that might be very triggering for some. So just make sure to check them out!)
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓉𝑜 𝒵𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑜/𝒮𝓁𝑜𝓌𝒷𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝒹𝓋𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓅𝓎! <3
June 8, 2026
☆☆☆☆☆
June 2026:
Fantastic news, this is still a 5-star read for me.
September 2025:
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver is such a great read! The characters are so interesting, and the plot kept me hooked from the start with its twists and turns.
First off, Harper and Nolan are such a dynamic pair, both individually and together. I loved how they each had their own depth, with their unique backgrounds and personalities, but also how they complemented one another. Harper’s strong, independent spirit and Nolan’s more confident, thoughtful nature made them a fascinating match. Their chemistry felt so real and grounded, and I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple.
One thing that really stood out to me was the audiobook experience. I was so impressed by the fact that Brynne Weaver herself took the time to read out the trigger warnings before starting the story. It’s such a thoughtful touch that I haven’t encountered in other audiobooks, and I appreciated her care in making sure listeners felt prepared for some of the more intense themes.
I also loved the way Nolan’s love language is gift-giving, it really resonated with me! There’s something so tender and meaningful about how he expresses his affection through thoughtful presents, and it gave me all the warm, fuzzy feels. I could relate so much to his way of showing love, and it added such a beautiful layer to his character.
The twist about a quarter of the way into the book totally blindsided me. I could have seen it coming, but I didn’t, and the reveal hit me hard in the best way. It’s a testament to Weaver’s writing that she managed to surprise me so thoroughly.
On the flip side, Sam was a character I absolutely loved to hate. I’m pretty sure that was the point, and let me tell you, I did not disappoint in that department. His actions, his attitude, everything about him made me want to reach into the book and shake him. But I think that’s a sign of strong writing when a character can evoke such a reaction.
Don’t even get me started on the epilogue. It was so unexpected and left me itching for the next book in the trilogy. The direction this series is headed in has me seriously excited, and I can’t wait to see how everything unravels.
Overall, Tourist Season is an absolute must-read (or must-listen, if you’re like me and love audiobooks). Brynne Weaver’s storytelling is sharp, emotional, and full of surprises. Highly recommend!
June 2026:
Fantastic news, this is still a 5-star read for me.
September 2025:
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver is such a great read! The characters are so interesting, and the plot kept me hooked from the start with its twists and turns.
First off, Harper and Nolan are such a dynamic pair, both individually and together. I loved how they each had their own depth, with their unique backgrounds and personalities, but also how they complemented one another. Harper’s strong, independent spirit and Nolan’s more confident, thoughtful nature made them a fascinating match. Their chemistry felt so real and grounded, and I found myself rooting for them both as individuals and as a couple.
One thing that really stood out to me was the audiobook experience. I was so impressed by the fact that Brynne Weaver herself took the time to read out the trigger warnings before starting the story. It’s such a thoughtful touch that I haven’t encountered in other audiobooks, and I appreciated her care in making sure listeners felt prepared for some of the more intense themes.
I also loved the way Nolan’s love language is gift-giving, it really resonated with me! There’s something so tender and meaningful about how he expresses his affection through thoughtful presents, and it gave me all the warm, fuzzy feels. I could relate so much to his way of showing love, and it added such a beautiful layer to his character.
The twist about a quarter of the way into the book totally blindsided me. I could have seen it coming, but I didn’t, and the reveal hit me hard in the best way. It’s a testament to Weaver’s writing that she managed to surprise me so thoroughly.
On the flip side, Sam was a character I absolutely loved to hate. I’m pretty sure that was the point, and let me tell you, I did not disappoint in that department. His actions, his attitude, everything about him made me want to reach into the book and shake him. But I think that’s a sign of strong writing when a character can evoke such a reaction.
Don’t even get me started on the epilogue. It was so unexpected and left me itching for the next book in the trilogy. The direction this series is headed in has me seriously excited, and I can’t wait to see how everything unravels.
Overall, Tourist Season is an absolute must-read (or must-listen, if you’re like me and love audiobooks). Brynne Weaver’s storytelling is sharp, emotional, and full of surprises. Highly recommend!
September 25, 2025
—— 2.25 ✰ stars. 🎃🐦⬛
I went in expecting gory murder mayhem, but instead I was....bored. I read and loved The Ruinous Love trilogy, but I did notice that with every book, the gore and craziness meter went
|
|
|
↓
womp womp womp
This book didn't have the same manic laugh out loud energy. The chaos was nonexistent and so was the gore. I come for the gore but instead there was hardly any murder. Well certainly not up to my murdery standards.
The murdery scrapbook wasn't even glittery!!!! There were no human teeth or hair it was lowkey just a plain scrapbook. It was a big letdown. THIS NEEDED MORE GORE AND MORE MURDER!!!! Maybe even some friendly cannibalism!
Anyway, huge letdown. Made me super sad.
I went in expecting gory murder mayhem, but instead I was....bored. I read and loved The Ruinous Love trilogy, but I did notice that with every book, the gore and craziness meter went
|
|
|
↓
womp womp womp
This book didn't have the same manic laugh out loud energy. The chaos was nonexistent and so was the gore. I come for the gore but instead there was hardly any murder. Well certainly not up to my murdery standards.
The murdery scrapbook wasn't even glittery!!!! There were no human teeth or hair it was lowkey just a plain scrapbook. It was a big letdown. THIS NEEDED MORE GORE AND MORE MURDER!!!! Maybe even some friendly cannibalism!
Anyway, huge letdown. Made me super sad.
![Profile Image for Matea ☽ [ia].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1770562207i/166923233._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
March 3, 2026
HOLY MOTHERF—
WHAT. WAS. THAT. ENDING?!?!?!
Is everyone in this town a SERIAL KILLER?!
Because at this point, I’m not ruling anything out.
I started this book fully convinced it was going to be interconnected standalones, just like the previous trilogy… OH BOY. WAS I WRONG. I NEED ANSWERS. I NEED THE SECOND BOOK YESTERDAY. Like—what have I done to myself by starting this?!
Honestly, I don’t know what Brynne Weaver puts in her books, but I inhale every single one of them. DEVOUR. No crumbs. Every book? A 5-star read. No exceptions.
And listen—yes, she did kind of ruin hamburgers, but somehow I’m still more traumatized by ice cream from previous books, so I didn’t even flinch this time 🤣🤣🤣
I am unwell. I am obsessed. I will be thinking about this ending at 3 a.m. until the sequel comes out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHAT. WAS. THAT. ENDING?!?!?!
Is everyone in this town a SERIAL KILLER?!
Because at this point, I’m not ruling anything out.
I started this book fully convinced it was going to be interconnected standalones, just like the previous trilogy… OH BOY. WAS I WRONG. I NEED ANSWERS. I NEED THE SECOND BOOK YESTERDAY. Like—what have I done to myself by starting this?!
Honestly, I don’t know what Brynne Weaver puts in her books, but I inhale every single one of them. DEVOUR. No crumbs. Every book? A 5-star read. No exceptions.
And listen—yes, she did kind of ruin hamburgers, but somehow I’m still more traumatized by ice cream from previous books, so I didn’t even flinch this time 🤣🤣🤣
I am unwell. I am obsessed. I will be thinking about this ending at 3 a.m. until the sequel comes out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
![Profile Image for edie-may ౨ৎ [exams hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1773465478i/155866964._UY200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 21, 2025
── 3.50 stars .ᐟ ⋆｡ ๋࣭ ⋆𖦹
❝ The most dangerous monster is the
one right next to me. When he’s there,
I’m not afraid of the dark. ❞
⌗ started: oct 19, 2025 ⌝
⌞ finished: oct 21, 2025 ✦
⤿ age rating: 18+
⤿ spice level: 4/5
⤿ content warnings:
⋆ dementia
⋆ sexual content (5x explicit scenes)
⋆ strong language
⋆ violence, gore & murder
review may contain mild spoilers!
⚝ tl;dr: it was fast, fun, and unhinged, …plus a couple spontaneous nipple piercings for some reason? harper is a menace, and nolan is southern!! (cue hair twirl and finger bite. for both of them.)
⋅⊰∙∘ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ∘∙⊱⋅
blue - madison beer
00:42 ━━●─────── 03:49
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
⋅⊰∙∘ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ∘∙⊱⋅
👀┆ main tropes:
➯ banter
➯ dual pov
➯ enemies to lovers
➯ grumpy x grumpy
➯ insta-love/lust
➯ morally (dark) grey characters
➯ serial killer x serial killer
➯ small town
➯ support women’s wrongs™
➯ ‘touch her/him and die’
─〝 and i was seein’ us in a silent movie, 〞
🐦⬛┆ review:
this was really fun. i’ve never read a Brynne Weaver book before but i understand why the Butcher & Blackbird trilogy is so popular now. i was unaware that this particular trilogy was one continuous story, but oh well.
would i consider this insta-love? yes, absolutely. they were attracted to each other immediately after their first meeting, and the book’s timeline spans approximately three weeks, if i’m not mistaken. it was definitely entertaining though, so i’ll let it slide.
the smut took up about 8% of the book, and i cannot tell if i liked it or not. overall, i guess i’m indifferent to it, but i know i despised the use of the word ‘channel’ to describe her freaking vaginal canal??? i can say that i didn’t expect her to get her nips pierced while bouncing on it crazy style but like… whatever.
─〝 takin’ off our gloves like a violent crime scene, 〞
🪓┆ characters:
➯ harper starling
i strive to be as unbothered as she is. she was so funny, i loved her relationship with arthur, and cookie monster was an icon.
➯ nolan rhodes
he has a southern accent. need i say more? i will but like, come on now?? this man was less deranged than harper, who had triple his body count, but as predicted, he still managed to absolutely match her freak.
─〝 diamonds in the cut always know how to fool me. 〞
┆ ⤿ 🔪 ⌗ pre-read:
⋆ prediction: 3.75★ ✗
⤿ serial killer x serial killer is such a peak trope, i���m so ready for this. can’t wait for them to match each other’s freak.
જ⁀➴ ₊˚⊹ ⚝
❝ The most dangerous monster is the
one right next to me. When he’s there,
I’m not afraid of the dark. ❞
⌗ started: oct 19, 2025 ⌝
⌞ finished: oct 21, 2025 ✦
⤿ age rating: 18+
⤿ spice level: 4/5
⤿ content warnings:
⋆ dementia
⋆ sexual content (5x explicit scenes)
⋆ strong language
⋆ violence, gore & murder
review may contain mild spoilers!
⚝ tl;dr: it was fast, fun, and unhinged, …plus a couple spontaneous nipple piercings for some reason? harper is a menace, and nolan is southern!! (cue hair twirl and finger bite. for both of them.)
⋅⊰∙∘ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ∘∙⊱⋅
blue - madison beer
00:42 ━━●─────── 03:49
⇆ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻
⋅⊰∙∘ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ∘∙⊱⋅
👀┆ main tropes:
➯ banter
➯ dual pov
➯ enemies to lovers
➯ grumpy x grumpy
➯ insta-love/lust
➯ morally (dark) grey characters
➯ serial killer x serial killer
➯ small town
➯ support women’s wrongs™
➯ ‘touch her/him and die’
─〝 and i was seein’ us in a silent movie, 〞
🐦⬛┆ review:
this was really fun. i’ve never read a Brynne Weaver book before but i understand why the Butcher & Blackbird trilogy is so popular now. i was unaware that this particular trilogy was one continuous story, but oh well.
would i consider this insta-love? yes, absolutely. they were attracted to each other immediately after their first meeting, and the book’s timeline spans approximately three weeks, if i’m not mistaken. it was definitely entertaining though, so i’ll let it slide.
the smut took up about 8% of the book, and i cannot tell if i liked it or not. overall, i guess i’m indifferent to it, but i know i despised the use of the word ‘channel’ to describe her freaking vaginal canal??? i can say that i didn’t expect her to get her nips pierced while bouncing on it crazy style but like… whatever.
─〝 takin’ off our gloves like a violent crime scene, 〞
🪓┆ characters:
➯ harper starling
i strive to be as unbothered as she is. she was so funny, i loved her relationship with arthur, and cookie monster was an icon.
➯ nolan rhodes
he has a southern accent. need i say more? i will but like, come on now?? this man was less deranged than harper, who had triple his body count, but as predicted, he still managed to absolutely match her freak.
─〝 diamonds in the cut always know how to fool me. 〞
┆ ⤿ 🔪 ⌗ pre-read:
⋆ prediction: 3.75★ ✗
⤿ serial killer x serial killer is such a peak trope, i���m so ready for this. can’t wait for them to match each other’s freak.
જ⁀➴ ₊˚⊹ ⚝
October 9, 2025
an absolute fking masterpiece. 10/10 no notes. dare I say SIX STARS????
I just finished this book and I already want to go back to page one and read it again.
this is so wild. long story short: dark romance/bit of comedy. serial killer comes to a small town to kill a woman who killed his brother.
obviously not a book for everyone, heavy adult themes, spicy scenes, many trigger warnings. please weigh up if this book is for you before reading.
okay so let’s start with everything I loved:
firstly, the storyline in general is really intriguing. the concept is cool, it feels fresh, it feels current, it feels unique.
from the get go, the story is set up WONDERFULLY. by the 4th chapter, I knew exactly who the characters were, I knew exactly what the town looked like, I knew exactly what the story was, I knew exactly what I was getting into. this is incredible. chefs kiss. maybe it was spelled out too easily for me but I actually appreciate how straight forward those first few chapters were and I wasn’t trying to figure out what was going on.
so by this point, I’m hooked.
THEN, I realise that the writing in this book is BEAUTIFUL. like I’m reading about serial killers and people being thrown into wood chippers… but if you actually dissect the descriptive language being used, it’s amazing. I first noticed this when Nolan went into the river. I realised that this is why I was able to understand and picture the story so clearly because there’s so many intricate details but it doesn’t feel overwhelming or over the top.
THEN, we continue the story which only gets better. the pacing doesn’t really get any faster it’s kind of a good steady pace throughout. but there’s enough going on that you don’t know what’s going to happen next.
THEN, we get to the final few chapters, to be fair I think it could have been dragged out a little further, it was over too quickly!!! I wanted more, but maybe I’m greedy.
AND THEN the book ends and I am on THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR BOOK TWO.
BUT FINALLY…. The epilogue. As soon as I started the epilogue I knew where it was going but it was still a delicious little plot twist that had me SCREAMING!!! DIDN’T EVEN CROSS MY MIND THAT COULD BE A POSSIBILITY LOLLLLLLLL.
And now for everything I hated:
………… oh wait nothing!
Far out darl, if you love a dark romance make this your next read!! It’s 5 stars but honestly I would rate it 6. BRYNNE GIVE ME THAT NEXT BOOK NOW OR ILL FEED YA TO MORPHEUS XX
I just finished this book and I already want to go back to page one and read it again.
this is so wild. long story short: dark romance/bit of comedy. serial killer comes to a small town to kill a woman who killed his brother.
obviously not a book for everyone, heavy adult themes, spicy scenes, many trigger warnings. please weigh up if this book is for you before reading.
okay so let’s start with everything I loved:
firstly, the storyline in general is really intriguing. the concept is cool, it feels fresh, it feels current, it feels unique.
from the get go, the story is set up WONDERFULLY. by the 4th chapter, I knew exactly who the characters were, I knew exactly what the town looked like, I knew exactly what the story was, I knew exactly what I was getting into. this is incredible. chefs kiss. maybe it was spelled out too easily for me but I actually appreciate how straight forward those first few chapters were and I wasn’t trying to figure out what was going on.
so by this point, I’m hooked.
THEN, I realise that the writing in this book is BEAUTIFUL. like I’m reading about serial killers and people being thrown into wood chippers… but if you actually dissect the descriptive language being used, it’s amazing. I first noticed this when Nolan went into the river. I realised that this is why I was able to understand and picture the story so clearly because there’s so many intricate details but it doesn’t feel overwhelming or over the top.
THEN, we continue the story which only gets better. the pacing doesn’t really get any faster it’s kind of a good steady pace throughout. but there’s enough going on that you don’t know what’s going to happen next.
THEN, we get to the final few chapters, to be fair I think it could have been dragged out a little further, it was over too quickly!!! I wanted more, but maybe I’m greedy.
AND THEN the book ends and I am on THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR BOOK TWO.
BUT FINALLY…. The epilogue. As soon as I started the epilogue I knew where it was going but it was still a delicious little plot twist that had me SCREAMING!!! DIDN’T EVEN CROSS MY MIND THAT COULD BE A POSSIBILITY LOLLLLLLLL.
And now for everything I hated:
………… oh wait nothing!
Far out darl, if you love a dark romance make this your next read!! It’s 5 stars but honestly I would rate it 6. BRYNNE GIVE ME THAT NEXT BOOK NOW OR ILL FEED YA TO MORPHEUS XX
September 30, 2025
3.75 stars!
audio: 5 stars!
This was fun! It was a light and easy read with a decent enough plot.. nothing mind-blowing, but it seems like the plot will continue with the other books.
This might be the post Alchemised slump talking.. but I didn't connect to the characters... they were likable but I was just... blah.. you know?😅 Their romance was kinda quick for my liking but the spice was hot ig 🔥
I would categorize these kinds of books as entertaining reads that I will probably forget about in a few weeks time😅 That isn't a bad thing though because I wanted this book to entertain me and it did so.. a win is a win!
Wow this review is all over the place but ig what I'm trying to say is this was fun but nothing lifechanging 😅 definitely a palate cleanser book!
P.S. the Raven and Arthur the old dude were the real mvps of this book 🫶
audio: 5 stars!
This was fun! It was a light and easy read with a decent enough plot.. nothing mind-blowing, but it seems like the plot will continue with the other books.
This might be the post Alchemised slump talking.. but I didn't connect to the characters... they were likable but I was just... blah.. you know?😅 Their romance was kinda quick for my liking but the spice was hot ig 🔥
I would categorize these kinds of books as entertaining reads that I will probably forget about in a few weeks time😅 That isn't a bad thing though because I wanted this book to entertain me and it did so.. a win is a win!
Wow this review is all over the place but ig what I'm trying to say is this was fun but nothing lifechanging 😅 definitely a palate cleanser book!
P.S. the Raven and Arthur the old dude were the real mvps of this book 🫶
February 15, 2026
I am speechless. It feels wrong to like this 👀 I have been changed for...good?
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
Updates while reading ༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
Bloody hell. WHY was this on my Valentine’s reading list? WHAT GENRE EVEN IS THIS? What level of dark romance are we on here? So many questions…my interest is so piqued
💘 Valentine’s reading list 💘
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
𑣲 Tourist Season
𑣲 A Portrait of a Scotsman
𑣲 An Academic Affair
𑣲 This Book Made Me Think of You
𑣲 Bull Moon Rising
𑣲 Gloves Off
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
Updates while reading ༄˖°.☕️.ೃ࿔📚*:･
Bloody hell. WHY was this on my Valentine’s reading list? WHAT GENRE EVEN IS THIS? What level of dark romance are we on here? So many questions…my interest is so piqued
💘 Valentine’s reading list 💘
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
𑣲 Tourist Season
𑣲 A Portrait of a Scotsman
𑣲 An Academic Affair
𑣲 This Book Made Me Think of You
𑣲 Bull Moon Rising
𑣲 Gloves Off
June 16, 2026
For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Brynne Weaver book I didn’t love, and Tourist Season just confirmed it.
In a small coastal town where tourists don’t exactly get a warm welcome, we follow Harper and Nolan—two people with messy pasts and even worse instincts when it comes to each other.
It’s funny, violent, chaotic, and somehow still swoony. The tension? Incredible. The chemistry? Unhinged in the best way.
It has that guilty pleasure vibe, but the writing is genuinely solid. I flew through it and immediately wanted more.
Check out my review on Butcher & Blackbird
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Brynne Weaver book I didn’t love, and Tourist Season just confirmed it.
In a small coastal town where tourists don’t exactly get a warm welcome, we follow Harper and Nolan—two people with messy pasts and even worse instincts when it comes to each other.
It’s funny, violent, chaotic, and somehow still swoony. The tension? Incredible. The chemistry? Unhinged in the best way.
It has that guilty pleasure vibe, but the writing is genuinely solid. I flew through it and immediately wanted more.
Check out my review on Butcher & Blackbird
December 10, 2025
i dunno man... the romance was actually decent. the connection? palpable.
but i just do not care about the blood and guts. i'm not a true crime gal, i don't find the murder stuff all that fun.
this is about the same quality level as Butcher & Blackbird though which is nice. the other 2 in that series were... not my cup of tea. but this again, at least has a decent romance at the center. more thoughts in my annual goodreads choice award video.
but i just do not care about the blood and guts. i'm not a true crime gal, i don't find the murder stuff all that fun.
this is about the same quality level as Butcher & Blackbird though which is nice. the other 2 in that series were... not my cup of tea. but this again, at least has a decent romance at the center. more thoughts in my annual goodreads choice award video.
October 6, 2025
The characters were insufferable, the plot was forgettable and I wanted sexy witty fun chaos and got white stale bread.
May 21, 2026
a favorite read of 2025🩵
i’m really pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed this new series from brynne weaver, after feeling the third novel in the ruinous love trilogy was very weak.
while this was not as disgustingly gorey as the first trilogy (i’m not mad about it though!), i felt that there was a much stronger plot, although there were still a few plot holes i was annoyed with. but overall, i was throughly engaged and really enjoyed the banter between harper and nolan!!
the spicy?? very spicy.
i need book two immediately, especially considering that cliffhanger, and it will follow the same two characters!!
as always, i love a duet narration and the narrators did a phenomenal job!
——
i don’t know why i keep coming back to this author after what food items she’s ruined for me, but let’s see what i can’t eat again after reading this book!!! lol
i’m really pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed this new series from brynne weaver, after feeling the third novel in the ruinous love trilogy was very weak.
while this was not as disgustingly gorey as the first trilogy (i’m not mad about it though!), i felt that there was a much stronger plot, although there were still a few plot holes i was annoyed with. but overall, i was throughly engaged and really enjoyed the banter between harper and nolan!!
the spicy?? very spicy.
i need book two immediately, especially considering that cliffhanger, and it will follow the same two characters!!
as always, i love a duet narration and the narrators did a phenomenal job!
——
i don’t know why i keep coming back to this author after what food items she’s ruined for me, but let’s see what i can’t eat again after reading this book!!! lol
![Profile Image for kimberly ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡. [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1768626133i/167301477._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
December 31, 2025
❝ she's obviously a terrible person and completely unhinged. and i, one hundred percent, do not find her in any way adorable. absolutely not. ❞
my first review in a couple of months, which is perfect because it's finally spooky season. i'm a cackling motherfucker.
₊˚꒰ 𖧷 ꒱ ⊹ i. plot and characters. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
welcome to cape carnage, where a true crime content gremlin breezes into town to monetize tragedy with a ring light and ethics lower than my expectations of real-life men. harper starling, trims hedges and prunes roses during the day, but at night, she basically becomes a part of cape carnage's unofficial neighborhood watch committee, deterring menace by throwing the world's biggest assholes through her handy dandy wood chipper.
nolan rhodes, an out-of-towner who arrives in a henley full of revenge to do sneaky investigations, has the selective hearing of a man who immediately develops FEELINGS™, because of course, who wouldn't fall in love with a girl who sniffs dead bodies.
together, they hammer out a truce that serves grumpy/grumpy, enemies-to-co-conspirators, and "we're definitely not a team" teamwork. she's all "please stop filming our town like it's your own fucking murder vlog," but the true-crime gremlin, sam porter, keeps poking the bear with his tripod camera setup. at the same time, nolan conducts totally normal surveillance that suspiciously looks like gluing his eyeballs to harper's lips while forgetting his own revenge monologue.
─〝 i'm sure nobody goes on vacation expecting to be dismembered and put through a woodchipper, but some tourists are just assholes and deserve their fate. 〞
₊˚꒰ 𖧷 ꒱ ⊹ ii. romance and conclusion. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
he falls first like a majestic sack of bricks. one minute, nolan's practicing his broody revenge speech; the next, he's staring at harper across suspicious, human-shaped holes in the ground. his internal settings ping-pong between [vengeance.exe] to [heart-eyes.gif]. for enemies to lovers, did it feel fast? absolutely. faster than getting my packages through amazon prime shipping.
so why not five stars? i'm kinda fucking petty, and there's a smidge of "we could have solved this entire thing with one honest conversation," but then we'd have fewer pages of feral yearning, and i might not be ready to make that sacrifice.
also, kinda disappointed that no food crimes occurred? (unless it completely flew over my head and i forgot about it). i was under the assumption that after reading this book, i'd no longer order big macs for my big back through the mcdonald's drive-thru anymore. brynne weaver is not brynne weaver if she's preserving culinary innocence.
— 3.5 stars. ⋆˚☆˖°.ᐟ
.° ༘🎧ྀི⋆ favourite quotes 🖇₊˚ෆ
“fuck you and your skinbook and your murder dimples and your stupidly beautiful eyes. i won't be swayed by a hot psychopath.”
“he's just a guy. a completely psycho serial killer guy with a decent skin suit and muscles for days and some cute dimples.”
“it means i promised i would hunt you until the end of time. and what i get at the end of that hunt might change, but one thing remains the same. you're mine, harper. i’ll never let anyone take you from me.”
“a bit. and now i’m helping a woman i want to kill to cover up murders committed by another serial killer. this is the most incestuous murder party i’ve ever heard of.”
“did you name your woodchipper after the beloved sesame street character cookie monster and then teach a raven to beg for human snacks made from the people you murdered?”
── ⟡ ˙ 🪻༘ ₊ main tropes.
⟢ small town romance
⟢ enemies-to-lovers
⟢ secret identity
⟢ grumpy x grumpy
⟢ forced proximity
⟢ he falls first
⟢ touch her/him and die
⌗ started: 10.01.25 ⌝
⌞ finished: 10.06.25 ✦
₊˚꒰ 𖧷 ꒱ ⊹ pre-review:
⤿ tf you mean i need to wait a whole ass year for the sequel??
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-read:
⤿ i'm prepared for gory descriptions of mutilated eyeballs and to become fully vegetarian by the end of this book 🫶✨
February 12, 2026
Welcome to Cape Carnage! 😈
Visit Once, Stay Forever.
This was such a fun vibe 🤩 I had an absolute BLAST reading this and am simultaneously distraught as I await the sequel after that MAJOR CLIFFHANGER 🤯
Tourist Season is an incredibly unique book. I’ve honestly never read anything so outrageously creative, hilarious, or gory. Despite its gruesome nature, the small-town vibes prevail in the seaside town of Cape Carnage. Full of quirky shops, colourful houses and ‘murderously adorable’ characters, this is a true enemies to lovers romance that is sure to win you over.
“That’s what’s so great about Carnage. It’s unapologetically weird.” 🤪
Cape Carnage is a tourist hot-spot, but with tourists comes trouble, and Harper (FMC) will do anything to protect her town. Just as her mentor, Arthur, taught her to do. On the surface, she is a skilled gardener, but she has killer instincts, using her woodchipper (also known as "Cookie Monster") to take down the town’s villains. Harper is also the caretaker for Arthur Lancaster, a retired serial killer suffering from dementia. He's mysterious, charming, and truly unforgettable.
Nolan comes to town but he isn’t your typical tourist…he is devilishly handsome, charming, and has come in the name of revenge for the driver responsible for his brother's death.
Problem? Harper isn't the monster he expected. But she won’t go down without a fight.
Add in a true crime investigator and things become more complicated than any of them expected. For now, they are forced into alliance with each other to protect every secret in Carnage - including their slow burning love ❤️🔥
The plot. The banter. The chemistry. Man, this was good stuff 🙌🏽 A plot full of unexpected twists, turns, and gory surprises. Hilariously unhinged banter. Electric slow-burning chemistry. I loved it all 😍
Harper, our FMC, was amazing! She had SUCH a strong, fierce, yet lovable personality. Seeing her as Arthur’s carer was so emotional. She knew exactly how to approach every situation and struggle that he went through. It was really very touching 🥰 I also absolutely loved the use of a dual POV in this book; Harper’s inner monologues were absolute comedy gold! I hope to see a lot more of her in book 2.
As for Nolan, it took me a while to warm up to him but when I saw how he treated Harper, took care of her, and was incredibly protective of her, a switch flipped and I couldn’t get enough of them. It was so funny to watch him go from determined to kill her to questioning why he loved her 😂 It honestly felt so genuine.
I loved their love to hate one another! The slow, simmering tension between these two was fantastically written. Furthermore, the pacing of the romance was absolutely spot on. However, the only criticism I have over the whole book (hence -0.5 🌟) was the moment of miscommunication. It was very brief but still annoyed me for a page or two. That being said, it absolutely didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
This book was truly an unpredictable masterpiece. There was everything from unsettling gory details to found family feels. Dark comedy, trauma, and grief. And through every moment of it, there was heart and soul. The vibes were high and I soaked up every bit of it.
“Did you name your woodchipper after the beloved Sesame Street character Cookie Monster and then teach a raven to beg for human snacks made from the people you murdered?” 🤣
Overall, an utterly fantastic read. I promise you this is a book like no other. This is my first time reading a book by Brynne, but I am most definitely going to read "Ruinous Love Trilogy" in the near future. Go grab it with both hands and get ready for a wild ride 🤪
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (rounded up)
Visit Once, Stay Forever.
This was such a fun vibe 🤩 I had an absolute BLAST reading this and am simultaneously distraught as I await the sequel after that MAJOR CLIFFHANGER 🤯
Tourist Season is an incredibly unique book. I’ve honestly never read anything so outrageously creative, hilarious, or gory. Despite its gruesome nature, the small-town vibes prevail in the seaside town of Cape Carnage. Full of quirky shops, colourful houses and ‘murderously adorable’ characters, this is a true enemies to lovers romance that is sure to win you over.
“That’s what’s so great about Carnage. It’s unapologetically weird.” 🤪
Cape Carnage is a tourist hot-spot, but with tourists comes trouble, and Harper (FMC) will do anything to protect her town. Just as her mentor, Arthur, taught her to do. On the surface, she is a skilled gardener, but she has killer instincts, using her woodchipper (also known as "Cookie Monster") to take down the town’s villains. Harper is also the caretaker for Arthur Lancaster, a retired serial killer suffering from dementia. He's mysterious, charming, and truly unforgettable.
Nolan comes to town but he isn’t your typical tourist…he is devilishly handsome, charming, and has come in the name of revenge for the driver responsible for his brother's death.
Problem? Harper isn't the monster he expected. But she won’t go down without a fight.
Add in a true crime investigator and things become more complicated than any of them expected. For now, they are forced into alliance with each other to protect every secret in Carnage - including their slow burning love ❤️🔥
The plot. The banter. The chemistry. Man, this was good stuff 🙌🏽 A plot full of unexpected twists, turns, and gory surprises. Hilariously unhinged banter. Electric slow-burning chemistry. I loved it all 😍
Harper, our FMC, was amazing! She had SUCH a strong, fierce, yet lovable personality. Seeing her as Arthur’s carer was so emotional. She knew exactly how to approach every situation and struggle that he went through. It was really very touching 🥰 I also absolutely loved the use of a dual POV in this book; Harper’s inner monologues were absolute comedy gold! I hope to see a lot more of her in book 2.
As for Nolan, it took me a while to warm up to him but when I saw how he treated Harper, took care of her, and was incredibly protective of her, a switch flipped and I couldn’t get enough of them. It was so funny to watch him go from determined to kill her to questioning why he loved her 😂 It honestly felt so genuine.
I loved their love to hate one another! The slow, simmering tension between these two was fantastically written. Furthermore, the pacing of the romance was absolutely spot on. However, the only criticism I have over the whole book (hence -0.5 🌟) was the moment of miscommunication. It was very brief but still annoyed me for a page or two. That being said, it absolutely didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
This book was truly an unpredictable masterpiece. There was everything from unsettling gory details to found family feels. Dark comedy, trauma, and grief. And through every moment of it, there was heart and soul. The vibes were high and I soaked up every bit of it.
“Did you name your woodchipper after the beloved Sesame Street character Cookie Monster and then teach a raven to beg for human snacks made from the people you murdered?” 🤣
Overall, an utterly fantastic read. I promise you this is a book like no other. This is my first time reading a book by Brynne, but I am most definitely going to read "Ruinous Love Trilogy" in the near future. Go grab it with both hands and get ready for a wild ride 🤪
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (rounded up)
September 26, 2025
my scrapbook has a special compartment for books that inspire pyromania and this one just secured its place. +1 ⭐️ for the audiobook.
October 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
Nolan Rhodes said he would walk through hell to drag me out if I ever tried to run.
But I don't hide in hell.
I bring it to life.
I'm sorry, is this the same author that wrote the series I absolutely hated? CAUSE I LOVED THIS SOOO MUCH!! I am genuinely so surprised and did not expect to be as obsessed with this as I was.
Harper and Nolan are my new babies; I am so smitten with them! This book gave them such lovable personalities and gave them enough depth both individually and combined to the point where you're so invested in their past and present lives. Both of them honestly gave me bi panic like can I have these guys for a 2 for 1 deal? 😭 Their love and hate and the chemistry just hit all the marks. You could FEEL the angst and tension; it was a true enemies to lovers but not in the way you'd expect.
One of the biggest things I loved about this book was the plot itself. You could not have paid me a million dollars to guess where the hell this book was going. It was twist and turn AFTER TWIST AND TURN! Ugh, once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down. The extensive history and backstory to Harper made for such an interesting and engaging plot, and to see how everything tied together at the end while also leaving you YEARNING for the next book? June cannot come fast enough BRYNNE WEAVER I AM BEGGING YOU!!
Overall, I am so grateful for the book bestie that recommended this to me and gave me her thoughts thinking I would like this and I really, truly did. This is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. This book is more than meets the eye, and if you weren't a fan of the Ruinous Love Trilogy like I wasn't, I would DEFINITELY try one more time with this. They're very similar but I think that this went above and beyond what the other series did.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 💀🔪💜
Brynne Weaver...I am giving you one. ONE more chance!
We all know how much I hated the Ruinous Love trilogy but one of my book besties recommended this so I am reading one more of her books to decide if they're really not for me
Nolan Rhodes said he would walk through hell to drag me out if I ever tried to run.
But I don't hide in hell.
I bring it to life.
I'm sorry, is this the same author that wrote the series I absolutely hated? CAUSE I LOVED THIS SOOO MUCH!! I am genuinely so surprised and did not expect to be as obsessed with this as I was.
Harper and Nolan are my new babies; I am so smitten with them! This book gave them such lovable personalities and gave them enough depth both individually and combined to the point where you're so invested in their past and present lives. Both of them honestly gave me bi panic like can I have these guys for a 2 for 1 deal? 😭 Their love and hate and the chemistry just hit all the marks. You could FEEL the angst and tension; it was a true enemies to lovers but not in the way you'd expect.
One of the biggest things I loved about this book was the plot itself. You could not have paid me a million dollars to guess where the hell this book was going. It was twist and turn AFTER TWIST AND TURN! Ugh, once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down. The extensive history and backstory to Harper made for such an interesting and engaging plot, and to see how everything tied together at the end while also leaving you YEARNING for the next book? June cannot come fast enough BRYNNE WEAVER I AM BEGGING YOU!!
Overall, I am so grateful for the book bestie that recommended this to me and gave me her thoughts thinking I would like this and I really, truly did. This is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. This book is more than meets the eye, and if you weren't a fan of the Ruinous Love Trilogy like I wasn't, I would DEFINITELY try one more time with this. They're very similar but I think that this went above and beyond what the other series did.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 💀🔪💜
Brynne Weaver...I am giving you one. ONE more chance!
We all know how much I hated the Ruinous Love trilogy but one of my book besties recommended this so I am reading one more of her books to decide if they're really not for me
September 25, 2025
If you’re familiar with The Ruinous Trilogy, then you know exactly what Brynne Weaver brings to the table. From hilariously dark rom-com, obsessive characters, a very good plot, destruction and adrenaline filled carnage, The Tourist Season was exactly what I expected it to be and much more. This book was unapologetically addictive with an unusually high body count, wink-wink. Troublesome tourists are a no match for the two combustible serial killers with undeniable chemistry that will have you walking on the edge of the blade.
“Take me now, Murder Daddy”
Full RTF!!!!
“Take me now, Murder Daddy”
Full RTF!!!!
September 24, 2025
Thoughts
When I tell you I BINGED this in under 24hrs!! I need book 2! Loved everything about this Brynne could literally do no wrong! I knew she would deliver but she gave me even more, the characters are everything! The banter and tension was absolute golden I had so much fun with this read, what I love even more about the way she writes her characters is that she'll always add a back story that hits in the feels. I'm gonna sound too biased saying this but I don't think I'll be able to love this trilogy more or less than the previous one! I can tell you from now that the obsession is equal!
Tropes/ What to expect
▪︎ Enemies > Partners > Lovers
▪︎ Small town
▪︎ Revenge plot
▪︎ Alzheimer rep
▪︎ Dark humour - Check content warnings
▪︎ Banter
Plot Summary
Cape Carnage may look like a postcard-perfect seaside town, but Harper Starling knows better. As the town’s devoted gardener, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her home—and that includes turning troublesome tourists into fertilizer for her beloved flowerbeds.
Nolan Rhodes isn’t just another visitor. Handsome, charming, and deadly, he kills each year on the anniversary of the accident that shattered his life—and Harper is meant to be his final victim. But when he discovers she’s not the monster he expected, the two strike a dangerous bargain: if Nolan helps Harper defend Carnage, she’ll keep his secret.
My Bookstagram
When I tell you I BINGED this in under 24hrs!! I need book 2! Loved everything about this Brynne could literally do no wrong! I knew she would deliver but she gave me even more, the characters are everything! The banter and tension was absolute golden I had so much fun with this read, what I love even more about the way she writes her characters is that she'll always add a back story that hits in the feels. I'm gonna sound too biased saying this but I don't think I'll be able to love this trilogy more or less than the previous one! I can tell you from now that the obsession is equal!
Tropes/ What to expect
▪︎ Enemies > Partners > Lovers
▪︎ Small town
▪︎ Revenge plot
▪︎ Alzheimer rep
▪︎ Dark humour - Check content warnings
▪︎ Banter
Plot Summary
Cape Carnage may look like a postcard-perfect seaside town, but Harper Starling knows better. As the town’s devoted gardener, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her home—and that includes turning troublesome tourists into fertilizer for her beloved flowerbeds.
Nolan Rhodes isn’t just another visitor. Handsome, charming, and deadly, he kills each year on the anniversary of the accident that shattered his life—and Harper is meant to be his final victim. But when he discovers she’s not the monster he expected, the two strike a dangerous bargain: if Nolan helps Harper defend Carnage, she’ll keep his secret.
My Bookstagram
October 13, 2025
⋆˚࿔ Review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
4⭐️
Brynn just does it for me every single time 🤭 and this book was no exception. It had everything I love sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension that keeps me grinning like a fool.
The way they hate each other but still can’t help stepping in for one another? That’s my kryptonite. Him constantly helping her even while acting annoyed had me kicking my feet 😭 It’s that “I can’t stand you but I’ll protect you with my life” energy, and I ate it up.
The dynamic between all the characters was just on point. Everyone played their role perfectly and contributed to the fun, fast-paced energy. The chemistry between the leads was exactly what I wanted snappy, fiery, and layered with those subtle soft moments that sneak up on you.
Honestly, my only regret is not waiting for the second book to come out first, because now I’m just sitting here in pain, waiting 😔 The way that ending set everything up… I need it now.
And lastly, the narrator. That woman does it for me every single time when it comes to this author’s books. Her voice just fits the tone so perfectly, and the way she brings the banter to life makes the experience ten times better.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ Pre Read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
At last starting this! Took me way too long to choose between audio or physical copy 🌚
4⭐️
Brynn just does it for me every single time 🤭 and this book was no exception. It had everything I love sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension that keeps me grinning like a fool.
The way they hate each other but still can’t help stepping in for one another? That’s my kryptonite. Him constantly helping her even while acting annoyed had me kicking my feet 😭 It’s that “I can’t stand you but I’ll protect you with my life” energy, and I ate it up.
The dynamic between all the characters was just on point. Everyone played their role perfectly and contributed to the fun, fast-paced energy. The chemistry between the leads was exactly what I wanted snappy, fiery, and layered with those subtle soft moments that sneak up on you.
Honestly, my only regret is not waiting for the second book to come out first, because now I’m just sitting here in pain, waiting 😔 The way that ending set everything up… I need it now.
And lastly, the narrator. That woman does it for me every single time when it comes to this author’s books. Her voice just fits the tone so perfectly, and the way she brings the banter to life makes the experience ten times better.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ Pre Read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
At last starting this! Took me way too long to choose between audio or physical copy 🌚
December 11, 2025
”If you run, I will find you. You can hide in the farthest reaches of the deepest hell, and I will still drag you out. Even the devil can’t save you from me.”
i had so much fun with this, Brynne Weaver just knows how to write these serial killer romances so easily. Nolan was seriously taking me out, the fact that he truly thought he stood a chance at sticking to his original goal of wanting to kill Harper? aw, we love delusion. Harper and him had so many cute moments throughout this book when they weren’t busy threatening each other. i was not expecting to grow fond of Arthur, but this old man was tugging at my heart even though he’s most definitely very unhinged himself. seeing the way Harper cared and looked after Arthur added so much humanity to her character, proving she was more than met the eye. the ending? wydm i have to wait for book 2 to know what that was all about?! I HAVE QUESTIONS!!
i had so much fun with this, Brynne Weaver just knows how to write these serial killer romances so easily. Nolan was seriously taking me out, the fact that he truly thought he stood a chance at sticking to his original goal of wanting to kill Harper? aw, we love delusion. Harper and him had so many cute moments throughout this book when they weren’t busy threatening each other. i was not expecting to grow fond of Arthur, but this old man was tugging at my heart even though he’s most definitely very unhinged himself. seeing the way Harper cared and looked after Arthur added so much humanity to her character, proving she was more than met the eye. the ending? wydm i have to wait for book 2 to know what that was all about?! I HAVE QUESTIONS!!
September 27, 2025
OMG I’m gonna say it this is my favorite Brynne Weaver book. (Leather & Lark, I still love you don’t worry)
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Like, chapter one and I already knew Harper was going to be my girl. Brynne writes some of the BEST female main characters, and Harper is no exception. She’s funny, quirky, caring, and she rides out hard for the people she loves. She also kills for them. Total babe. On the outside, she presents one version of herself, but inside she’s carrying layers of trauma, molded by some truly heinous shit, and I cannot wait to see the rest of her story unfold.
What makes Harper and Nolan’s relationship so addictive is how alike they are at their core. Nolan comes from the same darkness, the same pain and somehow, they both just strolled into being serial killers. It connects them in such a twisted, deep way that just works, and the pull that they have towards each other gave me lifeeee.
And Nolan… God, I don’t have enough time to tell you how much I love this man. The audacity of him to say he “hates” Harper, calling her his mortal enemy while fighting every single urge to take care of her. His inner monologues and constant battles with himself had me cracking up. Don’t let him fool you, this man is the biggest fucking simp, and I adored every second of it. I love when an MMC is exactly what the FMC needs, and Nolan shows up for Harper in a way that is EVERYTHING. Like, come on a couple that moves dead bodies together stays together.🥹🫶🏻
The angst. The tension. GOD. I could feel it pouring off the page and I was devouring it. And that first scene with the two of them? LAWDDDD. “Fuck me like you hate me”I quite literally couldn’t highlight that fast enough. Every single time they were on the page together, the chemistry was insaneeeee.
And the plot is so damn fun and stabby. The definition of a kick-your-feet good time, while still packing so much substance. There wasn’t a single dull moment. No filler. Just nonstop entertainment with emotions sneaking up and putting me in a chokehold while I was too busy laughing my ass off to even see it coming.
This book is hilarious, spicy, angsty, suspenseful with the perfect slow burn set in the quirkiest little town. Some of Brynne’s best work yet. And now…I fear I won’t know no peace until book two is in my hands😭😭😭
OH, if you want to take this experience up a notch, I highly recommend listening to the audio. I immersive read this and the experience was a 10/10
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Like, chapter one and I already knew Harper was going to be my girl. Brynne writes some of the BEST female main characters, and Harper is no exception. She’s funny, quirky, caring, and she rides out hard for the people she loves. She also kills for them. Total babe. On the outside, she presents one version of herself, but inside she’s carrying layers of trauma, molded by some truly heinous shit, and I cannot wait to see the rest of her story unfold.
What makes Harper and Nolan’s relationship so addictive is how alike they are at their core. Nolan comes from the same darkness, the same pain and somehow, they both just strolled into being serial killers. It connects them in such a twisted, deep way that just works, and the pull that they have towards each other gave me lifeeee.
And Nolan… God, I don’t have enough time to tell you how much I love this man. The audacity of him to say he “hates” Harper, calling her his mortal enemy while fighting every single urge to take care of her. His inner monologues and constant battles with himself had me cracking up. Don’t let him fool you, this man is the biggest fucking simp, and I adored every second of it. I love when an MMC is exactly what the FMC needs, and Nolan shows up for Harper in a way that is EVERYTHING. Like, come on a couple that moves dead bodies together stays together.🥹🫶🏻
The angst. The tension. GOD. I could feel it pouring off the page and I was devouring it. And that first scene with the two of them? LAWDDDD. “Fuck me like you hate me”I quite literally couldn’t highlight that fast enough. Every single time they were on the page together, the chemistry was insaneeeee.
And the plot is so damn fun and stabby. The definition of a kick-your-feet good time, while still packing so much substance. There wasn’t a single dull moment. No filler. Just nonstop entertainment with emotions sneaking up and putting me in a chokehold while I was too busy laughing my ass off to even see it coming.
This book is hilarious, spicy, angsty, suspenseful with the perfect slow burn set in the quirkiest little town. Some of Brynne’s best work yet. And now…I fear I won’t know no peace until book two is in my hands😭😭😭
OH, if you want to take this experience up a notch, I highly recommend listening to the audio. I immersive read this and the experience was a 10/10
October 22, 2025
all I’m saying for now is this book is exactly what I needed.
humor
Murder
Spice
Tension
Murder
More murder
Brynne weaver delivered the book of my dreams. This will be perfect for fall.spooky little small town with two serial killers who fall in love.
perfection
*advanced reader copy*
humor
Murder
Spice
Tension
Murder
More murder
Brynne weaver delivered the book of my dreams. This will be perfect for fall.spooky little small town with two serial killers who fall in love.
perfection
*advanced reader copy*
October 12, 2025
Snooze fest. You couldn’t pay me to care about anything that was happening in this book.
September 25, 2025
4 / 5 Stars
This was a really fun addition to the Weaver-verse (the WLU - Weaver Literary Universe, if you will). In a whole new trilogy, we meet Harper and she doesn’t like anyone fucking with her town and she’ll do anything to keep it and her mentor, Arthur, safe. Including murdering people, putting them through Cookie Monster, her woodchipper, and, feeding them to Morpheus, her human meat eating raven. Nolan has plans to change that. He’s in Cape Carnage for one reason: to get revenge by killing Harper. He believes that she is responsible for the hit and run that killed his brother and injured him. Except he meets Harper and she is nothing like what he expected. With a crazed documentarian who is dead set on exposing small town secrets, Harper and Nolan reluctantly team up to keep the town safe (and then they’ll kill each other). But two hot murderers can’t be in the same vicinity without hooking up in these books so sparks fly.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🤺 Enemies to lovers
🏡 Small-town romance
⛈️ Grumpy x grumpy
❤️🔥 He falls first
🔪 Touch her/him and die
This has the vibes of The Ruinous Trilogy and makes references to it but Brynne created a whole new world to explore. You get the things you love like the gore (maybe you loathe this), funny side characters, a zany animal companion, explorations of kinks, and food being used in gross ways (much less here but still), just all in a new setting. I think at the core, Brynne’s books are about two people who feel like they aren’t loveable because of their dark, undesirable bits and they end up finding someone who sees the darkness and appreciates it, craves it, and loves it. The book places it in extreme circumstances but at its core, these are very human real emotions. I love this quote and feel like it sums it up well: "It feels like I can take a risk and trust you with all the worst versions of myself without scaring you away."
The biggest difference between this series and the last is that this is not a stand-alone, interconnected series, it is a true trilogy. Things are wrapped up in a way that sets up the next books, not in a way that is neat, so be prepared to immediately want to read the next book.
As always check the content warnings, but there is a story line with Alzheimer’s which I think is handled with care. Brynne, overall, is an extremely competent writer and I love her metaphors and similes and writing style.
I loved that this was a true enemies to lovers, but there was just something missing for me in the logic of how we got to the lovers part. These two truly want to kill each other. Nolan believes Harper is responsible for his brother’s death and yet, they have a few small moments with a spark and some physical chemistry and he starts to question that? I think I needed to feel that the shift was a result of some sort of mental connection instead of a physical connection because it didn’t make sense for this man’s dick to outweigh his brother’s murder! Maybe it’s unrealistic but I wish they had a longer first interaction or saw something more personality wise in each other in that first interaction instead most of it being physical chemistry.
As a side note, I do not understand how this is the second book I have read within the past two weeks where the MMC pierces the FMC. If this is your microtrope, then I now have recommendations for you. What a weird coincidence.
Either way, I highly recommend this if you love Brynne’s other books.
_________________
Pre-Read: I am seeing our Queen, Brynne Weaver, in person for a book event for this book and I am beyond excited. 🥳😆🥳
This was a really fun addition to the Weaver-verse (the WLU - Weaver Literary Universe, if you will). In a whole new trilogy, we meet Harper and she doesn’t like anyone fucking with her town and she’ll do anything to keep it and her mentor, Arthur, safe. Including murdering people, putting them through Cookie Monster, her woodchipper, and, feeding them to Morpheus, her human meat eating raven. Nolan has plans to change that. He’s in Cape Carnage for one reason: to get revenge by killing Harper. He believes that she is responsible for the hit and run that killed his brother and injured him. Except he meets Harper and she is nothing like what he expected. With a crazed documentarian who is dead set on exposing small town secrets, Harper and Nolan reluctantly team up to keep the town safe (and then they’ll kill each other). But two hot murderers can’t be in the same vicinity without hooking up in these books so sparks fly.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🤺 Enemies to lovers
🏡 Small-town romance
⛈️ Grumpy x grumpy
❤️🔥 He falls first
🔪 Touch her/him and die
This has the vibes of The Ruinous Trilogy and makes references to it but Brynne created a whole new world to explore. You get the things you love like the gore (maybe you loathe this), funny side characters, a zany animal companion, explorations of kinks, and food being used in gross ways (much less here but still), just all in a new setting. I think at the core, Brynne’s books are about two people who feel like they aren’t loveable because of their dark, undesirable bits and they end up finding someone who sees the darkness and appreciates it, craves it, and loves it. The book places it in extreme circumstances but at its core, these are very human real emotions. I love this quote and feel like it sums it up well: "It feels like I can take a risk and trust you with all the worst versions of myself without scaring you away."
The biggest difference between this series and the last is that this is not a stand-alone, interconnected series, it is a true trilogy. Things are wrapped up in a way that sets up the next books, not in a way that is neat, so be prepared to immediately want to read the next book.
As always check the content warnings, but there is a story line with Alzheimer’s which I think is handled with care. Brynne, overall, is an extremely competent writer and I love her metaphors and similes and writing style.
I loved that this was a true enemies to lovers, but there was just something missing for me in the logic of how we got to the lovers part. These two truly want to kill each other. Nolan believes Harper is responsible for his brother’s death and yet, they have a few small moments with a spark and some physical chemistry and he starts to question that? I think I needed to feel that the shift was a result of some sort of mental connection instead of a physical connection because it didn’t make sense for this man’s dick to outweigh his brother’s murder! Maybe it’s unrealistic but I wish they had a longer first interaction or saw something more personality wise in each other in that first interaction instead most of it being physical chemistry.
As a side note, I do not understand how this is the second book I have read within the past two weeks where the MMC pierces the FMC. If this is your microtrope, then I now have recommendations for you. What a weird coincidence.
Either way, I highly recommend this if you love Brynne’s other books.
_________________
Pre-Read: I am seeing our Queen, Brynne Weaver, in person for a book event for this book and I am beyond excited. 🥳😆🥳
October 7, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book, it was hilarious, dark and tender at times. I loved Harper and Nolan's chemistry, their internal monologue were sooo funny. The side characters, especially Arthur were enjoyable. I was not expecting a cliffhanger, it definitely left me wanting and waiting for the next book.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Preread °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:
aaaaAAAHHHHHHHHHHH. Please don't let me down
October 14, 2025
She encounters a Murder Daddy that will likely kill her but…the sex is out worldly 🩸🔪✨ Serial killer INCEPTION in a small town with murder on their mind!
“If you hate me so much, you better fuck me like you mean it.”
✨ 🩸🔪🖤 🖤🔪🩸 ✨
Nolan is our resident Murder Daddy on a revenge vacation…to kill the girl that almost ran him over. When he leaves a severed head in her bird feeder (key word: COURTSHIP!) and she doesn’t freak…he is in LOVE 🖤✨ Harper is no weakling though and ends up roping Nolan into a secret mission to protect another serial killer. Serial killer inception that is senselessly gruesome but also romantic??
“The most dangerous monster is the one right next to me. When he’s there, I’m not afraid of the dark.”
Two hurting killers collide & seek solice in their murdery souls 🔪 Interesting dynamic between these two with silent obsession and convincing themselves they couldn’t possibly be in love. Very much “I love you but you might kill me” vibes.
My favorites:
🩸 cozy small town that’s obsessed with murder
🖤 they can finally reveal their true nature & be free with another person
🩸 hate fucking & pain play
🖤 deeply vulnerable moments intersected by staggering yet casual murder
🩸 he falls first & the understated DEVOTION is real!
Award for the most unrealistic but somehow vibes scene: when he DURING bondage sex *major ouch*
This was chaotically gruesome & I was worried it would be a copy/paste version of the previous books. However, I was very intrigued by the multiple intersecting mysteries (and the smut) that had me on my tippies. Serial killers, amateur internet investigators & a town full of suspiciously clueless people…
protective mmc
secretive fmc
mutual stalking
spanking
bondage
pain play
he falls first
mystery
found family
small town
HEA
“If you hate me so much, you better fuck me like you mean it.”
✨ 🩸🔪🖤 🖤🔪🩸 ✨
Nolan is our resident Murder Daddy on a revenge vacation…to kill the girl that almost ran him over. When he leaves a severed head in her bird feeder (key word: COURTSHIP!) and she doesn’t freak…he is in LOVE 🖤✨ Harper is no weakling though and ends up roping Nolan into a secret mission to protect another serial killer. Serial killer inception that is senselessly gruesome but also romantic??
“The most dangerous monster is the one right next to me. When he’s there, I’m not afraid of the dark.”
Two hurting killers collide & seek solice in their murdery souls 🔪 Interesting dynamic between these two with silent obsession and convincing themselves they couldn’t possibly be in love. Very much “I love you but you might kill me” vibes.
My favorites:
🩸 cozy small town that’s obsessed with murder
🖤 they can finally reveal their true nature & be free with another person
🩸 hate fucking & pain play
🖤 deeply vulnerable moments intersected by staggering yet casual murder
🩸 he falls first & the understated DEVOTION is real!
Award for the most unrealistic but somehow vibes scene: when he DURING bondage sex *major ouch*
This was chaotically gruesome & I was worried it would be a copy/paste version of the previous books. However, I was very intrigued by the multiple intersecting mysteries (and the smut) that had me on my tippies. Serial killers, amateur internet investigators & a town full of suspiciously clueless people…
protective mmc
secretive fmc
mutual stalking
spanking
bondage
pain play
he falls first
mystery
found family
small town
HEA
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