3.5 stars rounded up because why not.

Listen. Listen. I am so aware that no one is reading this for the plot, but you have to give me SOMETHING here. I am the queen of suspending my disbelief, but this was a bit much. I was onboard the marriage of convenience so that Lark’s family wouldn’t kill Lachlan, but not telling Sloane and Rowan the truth to protect them? Guys, these two are serial killers, I don’t think that someone trying to kill them is going to particularly shake up their day. Just tell them.

Anyway, this was wacky and wild and fun. (The epoxy coffee table? The maracas?The eyeball scene? Hilarious.) Not quite up to the level of ridiculous as Butcher and Blackbird’s serial killer competition, but still fun.

“My word is worth my life. I made a vow to Lark. I will protect my wife”

I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book, so curious about why there was animosity between Lachlan and Lark - especially once we learned this was a marriage of convenience story. And y’all, it totally delivered as an unputdownable ride of banter and high stakes. The tension between them gave me so much dopamine, the slowburn was like being edged in the best way possible, and the spice was an intense payoff that was hot and wild. On top of all that the story and character development kept me completely invested.

The reason for their animosity (and their first true meeting) surprised me but what surprised me more was how they got to be in a marriage of convenience. It makes sense for their characters and was admirable given their dislike of each other. They are both the type to put the people they love before themselves and seeing them start to focus that energy on each other was beautiful because they gave each other everything & the banter was flirty and fun!

Lachlan being obsessed was everything and where he really shone was in making up their first meeting (even if he didn’t realize what he was causing at the time). He was steadfast in proving himself to her and that her forgiveness should only happen when she was ready to give it, not by him asking for it.

I loved their relationship so much and how they supported each other was heartwarming. Craft glitter has never been so romantic. I also loved the cute moments we got of Rowan and Sloane living their best lives and the setup for Fionn and Rose - I’m dying for book 3 and can’t wait! In the meantime, I’m excited to get the audiobook so I can listen to Lachlan and Lark fall in love all over again!

I received an early copy from the publisher and chose to review voluntarily

5⭐️ 3🌶️
- MF
- Dark Romcom
- Enemies to Lovers
- Marriage of Inconvenience
- Slow Burn
- Creative Crafting

Brynne Weaver can do no wrong! I was laughing the moment I opened this book. The list of CW alone had me cracking up. This book was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Laugh out loud funny with two unhinged and loveable MCs, not to mention enough tension to choke an elephant.

Lark and Lachlan were made for each other. I loved their disastrous meet cute and the horror and revulsion of their second meeting. Lachlan being the more level headed of the two was an unexpected and delightful surprise.

This was a slow burn so it took a while to get to the spice. But it was well worth the wait. Lachlan had an absolutely filthy mouth and I was loving every second of it.

I already can’t wait for the next book. I’m dying for Rose and Fionn’s story

Leather & Lark- Brynne Weaver
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Eric Nolan

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration ♾️

This book was *everything*! I loved it so much. It was so so sweet in a dark romantic comedy type of way. Dare I say it’s better than Butcher and Blackbird? 🤔 I don’t know, but Lark and Lachlan had some some huge shoes to fill after Rowan and Sloane and they slayed…in more than one way. 😏 I absolutely love marriage of convenience tropes and Brynne crushed it. The chemistry between Lark and Lachlan from the beginning, even as Bargain Batman and Blunder Barbie, the banter was just top tier. It had me cracking up the whole time.

The audio for this was absolutely incredible. Samantha and Eric were *the perfect* Lark and Lachlan. I went into this thinking Eric’s natural accent was Irish then I heard his American accent and now I don’t even know. Samantha did such an amazing job bringing Lark to life. This is going to be a comfort listen for me because I loved it so much.

I really enjoyed this book! It's a real page-turner, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I really enjoyed the first novel in the series, so this was a really exciting read for me. I loved both Lark and Lachlan, and their backstory was very interesting. I LOVED Lachlan's character, especially later in the book (he watched Constantine!! 12 times!!), and Lark's backstory was heartbreaking, of course, but I loved hearing about her revenge. The scene with the snowglobe when Lachlan found out about her trophies... incredible. It was a fun, cute, gory read. Would definitely recommend.

Initial feelings: SO MANY EMOTIONS. I did a lot more crying than I expected. Fantastic!

Full thoughts, ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.

Lark Montague is fabulous, and her Aunt Ethel is my new role model.

This has a very different tone from B&B - Lark is very confident in who she is and what she does, and exerts all of herself in service to other people at the expense of herself. Lachlan cares deeply but hides it because he's concerned showing care will put people at risk. Because this begins as a marriage of convenience, neither feels like they need to put on a show for the other and they end up getting to know the most authentic version of each other, and falling in love with it.

On the up side, while patently disgusting, I don't think this one will ruin any food for you. However, this has a high level of gore, torture, and horror, so just because it doesn't involve food doesn't mean it won't make your stomach turn or your chest tighten. These two pull absolutely no punches. The good news, you're on their side for absolutely all of it, and there might even be some cheering and excitement.

L&L is another entry where he falls first, and Lachlan is just an absolute mess over Lark internally. But then he does all these measured, planned things on the outside that take care of her. That notice things that few others have. And even if they noticed, they didn't DO anything about it. Lachlan is a doer - he sees what Lark needs and he tries to make it happen, even when she tries to resist. For the most part, Lark sees reason, and it what makes her so lovable as a lead character.

The best part is when they finally, FINALLY, give in to their want. It's a seriously dynamic scene, and very public, and it's semi-slow burn because it takes a bit to get there. But the reason why is so damn good that it will make you love Lachlan even more. These two are absolutely filthy together, no holds barred, no shyness, no insecurities. They are primal together, and it's absolute delicious.

I did not expect to be so emotionally invested, and I teared up more than once. There was a particular emotional scene on page that had me crying and swearing, but also feeling oddly proud at the same time.

The side characters were also fantastic in this one. Lark's Aunt Ethel, founder of their muffin empire, is the feisty old lady I aspire to be, and meddling as all hell. I love her so much. And oddly, Lachlan's truly unhinged boss Leander Mayes is oddly endearing in moments. I'm scared of him, but I also had fun most of the time when he was on page.

Buckle up, this is a ride through the dark that'll make you scream, but you'll come out laughing on the other side.

Leather and Lark is by far one of my top reads this year. I loved Butcher and Blackbird so much but this one hit so much harder for me. The raw emotions, the humor, the plot, the characters, the banter, the pining, the GROVELING. And even though this is a slow burn, when the spicy parts hit, omfffgggg. There are literally so many scenes and bits that I want to mention but I don’t wanna spoil anything bc going in blind to this one is the reason this was the most fun.

From start to finish, Brynne created such an incredible second installment to The Ruinous Love Trilogy!!!! I already wanna reread and fall in love all over again. I cannot wait for book 3!!!!!

Leather & Lark perfectly exemplifies the addictive blend of marriage, mayhem, and murder.

Tropes: Dark romance | Unalivers aka Serial Deleters | Enemies to lovers | Marriage of convenience | Spicy | Dual POV | Grumpy x Sunshine | He falls first | Touch her / him & 💀

I've been waiting to read Leather & Lark ever since I finished Butcher & Blackbird and it's my most anticipated read of 2024!

In this book we explore Lark & Lachlan, two polar opposites that can't stand one another until Lark proposes a marriage of convenience: to find a killer and secure his freedom. And in the background there is a cunning phantom plotting for their destruction in blood.

As I was reading this book, I knew I couldn't stop until I reached the very end from how captivating the writing is and the dynamic characters that attached themselves to me. Also, the humor in this book is spot on and I was thoroughly entertained by the banter between the main characters that created a unique and scorching chemistry.

Brynne Weaver's creative nature by taking mundane objects and hobbies and deconstructing them around to fit the psycho/unhinged narrative. (So check the TWs thoroughly).

I almost forgot to mention the SPICE. Let me just say it did not disappoint and will leave a satisfying burning imprint on the mind.

Overall, this book consumed my soul and I will never be the same without it. I can't wait for the next Brynne Weaver release because I'll surely be counting down the days until I get my hands on it.

I’m just going to be straight up and say I did not enjoy this one nearly as much as I did Butcher & Blackbird. The conflict felt almost non existent to me and this was only proven further by it being solved within a few uneventful pages. I don’t think Lark and Lachlan had nearly as much chemistry as Sloane and Rowan. It felt like a copy and paste of B&B, but less engaging. The serial killer plot has lost its edge and Lark is just not compelling enough to be the main character in this one.I don’t know I just found myself pretty bored as they both just kind of brood by themselves and the book only really picks back up in the last few chapters. The sex scenes were still fun as always, but that’s not enough to keep me engaged unfortunately. I will still be reading the last one, but this one didn’t do it for me :/

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the eARC!

What an amazing follow-up to Butcher & Blackbird!
Here is a very small rundown of things you should know about this without spoiling too much: very drawn-out sexual tension, a marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, a strong female character, and a very hot man with an Irish accent who totally falls first.
I was hooked from the first couple of pages and finished this in a night, it was just that enthralling! Lark and Lachlan had me kicking my feet giddily in the air like a child and I loved their story so much. In many ways, it follows the formula of Butcher and Blackbird with an independent and strong female protagonist meeting someone who compliments her feistiness and challenges her. I already know that this series will end up as a comfort read, yes I realize the irony, but I love how Weaver writes about and works through the trauma her characters have experienced. In a twisted sort of way, it's cathartic to read and I appreciate it thoroughly. Also, so much food has been spoiled by this book, but I'll let you all experience that for yourselves.
I can’t wait to see how the next book in the series plays out, though I think I already have an idea! 
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Well the cover for book 2 is just as gorgeous and eye-catching as the first, even if this second installment didn't quite work for me as well as its predecessor. I did really love the characters, Lark and Lachlan, both of whom were introduced in Butcher & Blackbird. I just wasn't as riveted by the plot of this one, and some of the steamy scenes were a little cringe. It's still a solid piece of entertainment, and has a very unique hook. I'm definitely going to read the conclusion to the trilogy. Thank you to Netgalley and Zando/Slowburn Books for the review copy. 3 stars.

I love this psychotic bunch of family & friends so much. We got some cute moments between Rowan & Sloane, but honestly I was hooked on the banter and tension between Lachlan & Lark.

The development of their relationship from their disastrous first meeting, through the hatred and animosity, to their truly lovely and very real relationship by the end was so much fun to read. I am obsessed with how Lachlan worked to prove himself to Lark and earn her forgiveness on her own timeline.

This is a slow burn, but man oh man is the spice hot when it finally hits 🥵

Highlights:
- Romance: MF
- Dark romcom
- Hate-to-love
- Marriage of convenience
- Serial unaliver FMC
- Contract unaliver MMC
- He falls first
- Groveling but make it ~psycho~

Note: I received an advance copy from the author & publisher. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own.

Thank you to Brynne, Netgalley and Zando for the opportunity to read and review.

We continue on to book two of the Ruinous Love Trilogy and dive into the story of Budget Batman and Blunder Barbie... Badass Barbie... Lachlan and Lark. Two people tied by the ones they love, and ultimately, tied together to protect them, too. 

Being thrown into a murderous marriage of convenience to protect Rowan and Sloane, Lachlan and Lark take you on an adventure filled with so many things. We dive into Sloane and Lark's friendship, where they started from, and Lark's own secret path of revenge. We see more of Lachlan and his protection over his brothers, including being a professional (unaliver) as his debt for getting his brothers out of a situation when they were younger. Also, we follow Lark's crafty side, which is just... absolutely great. I felt like she was my best friend, and I wanted to be there for her, even if her methods were unconventional and included glitter… or fireworks. And Lachlan is delicious. The way he ends up stepping into 'husband mode', even when Lark had absolutely nothing to do with him will make your little psychotic heart swoon. This is a slow-burn, but when that burn hits...

I thought this was an excellent story, but I wouldn't go into it expecting that it's the exact same as Butcher & Blackbird. There are elements that are similar, and it was still definitely fun, murderous and banter-filled; but I feel like this was more of an emotional story. I love Lachlan & Lark in a different way than I love Rowan & Sloane. I can’t wait to dive into our last Kane Brother.

4.5 ⭐ 2 🌶

The long awaited sequel to Butcher and Blackbird and I absolutely loved it. Lachlan and Lark were absolutely everything. From their not so meet cute, to their reunion, to their forced marriage to their happily ever after they were so got dang perfect.

I laughed so much during this book. The banter was unreal and Ethel had me practically slapping my knees. I loved all of Lachlan's nicknames for Lark, especially catastrophe and the fact she stuck with Batman. These two were 100% made for each other amd it ended up being slow burn perfection.

My only holdback from five stars was that I didn't find the twist very twisty, and after the big reveal in B+B I expected just a little bit more... However, Lark's fervor for getting crafty was enough to keep me entertained for three more books. I not sure which piece I loved more, the coffee table or snow globe, but it was probably the maracas.

Our epilogue gives us a teensy glimpse into S+S and let me just say, Brynne better get to writing because what the heck was that cliffhanger about?! I need Rose and Fionn's story as soon as humanly possible. I can't wait.

“My feckin’ catastrophe. You fucking destroyed me. And now I can’t imagine being anything but the man that I am with you.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Book 2
Interconnected standalone
Dark romcom
Serial killers in love
Serial killer x Contract killer
Marriage of convenience
Slow burn (70%)
Murder mystery
He falls first
Dirty talk (praise and degradation)
Public play
Toy play
Backdoor action
Pegging
Impact play

Was this book perfect? No it was not. But did I have the time of my FECKIN’ life reading it?? 1000% yes. I absolutely loved Lark. What a strong, independent and smart woman. She really learned to depend on others in this book, partly because Lachlan really perfected the acts of service love language so she had no choice but to depend on him. Lachlan had the perfect redemption after he fucked everything up during that first meeting. Dear lord that man is amazing. The acts of service!!! I was melting. This story was once again SO funny. I will say I'm not the biggest slow burn fan and I suffered from blue ladyballs, but the spice made it worth it. The plot was a bit messy in some parts, especially the part about Lark's family was a bit confusing to me. The ending had me on the edge of my seat though. This book wasn't perfect, but I had such an amazing time reading it that it's worth the 5 star rating. I know everyone has high hopes after B&B and in my opinion, L&L delivers!

Second in the series the newest title from Byrne Weaver, Leather & Lark, finds Lachlan Kane and Lark Montague marrying each other in order to find a killer. The problem is that they hate each other. Lark has a dark side that she keeps hidden even from her best friend, Sloane. Lachlan is a dark and brooding contract killer and wants out of the business. Needless to say as the two work together they uncover truths and feelings that they cannot hide from each other for long. Unfortunately they may not get to act on those feelings if the killer has anything to say about it.

The second book in a series is always tough especially when the first one was so good. This series is part thriller part romance with the main characters having a dark side that needs to be sated. This story had a lot of promise and the characters had solid back stories but it just didn't work as well as the first. It was still a good read and I will probably read the next one but the story lacked cohesiveness. The relationship seemed to develop inexplicably and with little tension. The ending was there and gone in a flash. I was hoping for a little more this round and ended up with a little less.

3 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for providing the ARC.

I am so tickled by how delightfully unhinged this book series is. I was obsessed with Butcher & Blackbird, and Leather & Lark is the same obsession just in a different font.

There is a lot to love about Lachlan and Lark's story. These two are selfless in their own ways, if incredibly diabolical and twisted. I laughed so much every time Lark busted Lachlan's balls. Their banter is so good and the way they tear down their walls for each other make me melt.

If I had a complaint, I do think that the main conflict was a bit rushed and then reconciled just as quickly. But it was Lachlan and Lark's world and I was just living in it.

If you liked Butcher & Blackbird, you're probably going to love this one too. It has the same craziness of the first with a lot more heart I feel like. Absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this.

I loved Butcher & Blackbird and I was so excited to receive an ARC from Brynne for this book. This book was a solid 4.5 for me. The slow burn was so good and I really enjoyed the banter and enemies to lovers vibes. The finger in the jar?! Hilarious. Both of the main characters had some flaws but I really liked how they came together. The marriage of convenience trop is one of my favorites and Brynne did it so well.

First and foremost: READ ALL OF THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK!

But OMG I loved this book—I flew through it!!! Hard to believe it was 400 pages because it was so fast-paced.

I wasn’t sure how this one was going to live up to my love for Butcher & Blackbird, but I may like this even more?? Marriage of convenience may not be my favorite trope, but forced proximity among two very hot people is, sooooo 😏

Lark is so much more than the sneak peek we got in B&B, and Lachlan is a lot less brooding thanks to her. They’re so cute!! And spicy!! REALLY, REALLY SPICY. Two words: bonus. chapter.

Spice was 4-4.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Can’t wait for book three with Fionn and Rose!!!!🖤🖤

(Thank you, Zando Projects and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

thank you to netgalley for this arc!

I loved Lark in Butcher & Blackbird, so naturally I was extremely excited about this book! There was a great balance between romance and plot, and I really loved the banter between the MMC and the FMC. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I think it was a wonderful addition to this trilogy.
I think that this author has a very distinct voice in writing romance and moving forward I am excited to see how she grows as an author and as a romance author.