I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and exchangefor an honest review.

I loved this book! I liked Butcher and Blackbird, but in my opinion, this book was better. Which I find very disconcerting because usually the second book in a series is not better than the first. I like that Lachlan is a reluctant contract killer while Lark is an outwardly bubbly happy person, but secretly is a serial killer of pedophiles. What did it for me was the arts and crafts with bodies. I couldn’t help but laugh and smile when Lachlan brought her not only a victim, but glitter. Does that mean I’m messed up? …probably 🤷🏼‍♀️. These two are great together. I also adore the romance audiobook scene. Despite not being a serial killer, I very very strongly relate with Lark and that may be why I enjoyed this book a smidge more than book one. I feel like I’ve already been too spoiler-y in this review so I’m gonna end it now, but I 100% recommend this book.

I LOVED this book! I was surprised at Lark and her character and was intrigued by how this book started because, in Butcher and Blackbird, we see them meeting for the first time and think we will follow them from that point, but it’s not that at all—which I kind of love. I liked that Lark was a little bit crazy because Lachlan is a little bit crazy, so he needs an equal. I also really enjoyed seeing him completely fall for her. I liked how he wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and open up to Lark, and I thought we got a great insight into his protectiveness and loyalty. I absolutely loved how feral Lachlan was in the end for Lark and just how obsessed and in love he was with her and how in love Lark was with Lachlan: love them <3 They made such a good pair, and I’m obsessed with them.

REVIEW: Leather & Lark ⭐⭐⭐.5 (3.5)

“Tell the devil the Kanes send their regards.” - Brynne Weaver, Leather and Lark

I was so excited to start Leather & Lark since I just blew through Butcher & Blackbird and loved it. I was excited to be still in the same family and area but focusing on other characters that were only mentioned in the first one: Rowan’s brother Lachlan and Sloane’s best friend Lark. I really love series of books that are still connected but have different characters as the focus for each one.

I enjoyed Leather & Lark quite a bit. Brynne continues to do an amazing job of balancing comedy, romance, and darkness throughout the story. It is really something that draws me in. Tropes included in the book were enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, he falls first, and touch her/him and die. Lachlan and Lark were great characters. Their “meet-cute” story haunts them both and is a unique situation. Lachlan and Lark have such fun banter back and forth. Their spark is definitely a slow burn, but when it gets there, wow, they sure have chemistry together. Brynne shows another great healthy sex life by using safe words and consent throughout. You can just tell how much they care for one another based on their interactions.

I wasn’t as big of a fan of a few things in Leather & Lark. I honestly thought the slow burn of their relationship was a bit too slow for my taste. I also felt the villain's motives were not quite as believable, and the conflict seemed rushed. Leather & Lark didn’t seem like there was as much action, and the story was not quite as compelling as Butcher & Blackbird.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Butcher & Blackbird blew it out of the water for me, and Leather & Lark just couldn’t quite meet it. Now, I’m super excited for the third book!

Thank you, Netgalley and Zando | Slowburn, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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Thank you to the author and Zando for an eARC of this book.

Tropes: Marriage of Convience, Serial Unalivers, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn-like really slow...

CW: Gore, Murder, Dismemberment, Sexual Assault

This book is an interconnected standalone that follows Lark and Lachlan. They meet under some interesting circumstances... she needed a car fished out of the water, and he just happened to work for the company that has those services. Things go south when he gets frustrated and shoves her in a trunk not knowing about her past.

Lark has a secret that is tied to what happened to her when she was a teenager, but no one knows about her extra-curricular activities. When people close to her family start getting picked off, one by one, and they suspect her best friends new husband of being involved. To save him and his brother, Lachlan, they have to take drastic measures.

This book was good- it didn't pack quite the punch that Butcher and Blackbird did, but it was still a good read. I didn't get super grossed out by anything which was nice- except for the coffee table. You will know what I mean if you read it.

Lachlan and Lark slowly build up trust with one another and being building a real relationship. Lark's grandmother who runs the muffin buisness starts to be more invovled in solidifying their romance.

The slow burn was too slow for me- the vibrator scene was great- but I needed the burn to be like 20% faster.

I wanted a little more of Lark's backstory- I feel like some really deep and important aspects of her character, and Lachlans, were glossed over. So I wouldn't mind a little more about what made them who they are.

Overall a good read and I am excited to read Fionn's book.

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver is the thrilling second installment in The Ruinous Love Trilogy. This novel takes readers on a wild ride through the lives of contract killer Lachlan Kane and indie singer-songwriter Lark Montague. Both characters are trying to escape their pasts while navigating a dangerous and complex present.

Lachlan Kane, a brooding and scarred hitman, dreams of leaving his violent world behind to work in his leather studio. However, a botched job for his boss’s biggest client puts him in a precarious position. Enter Lark Montague, a vibrant and determined singer who proposes an unexpected deal: Lachlan must help her hunt down a killer, and in return, she’ll secure his freedom. The catch? They have to get married, and they can’t stand each other.

Lark, who shines brightly in every situation, hides her own secrets and struggles beneath her sunny exterior. Lachlan, the surly older brother of her best friend’s soulmate, sees her as a privileged princess, but their forced proximity and shared mission reveal deeper layers to both of them. As they work together, their fake marriage starts to feel real, and the line between pretense and genuine affection blurs.

The story masterfully blends elements of romance, suspense, and dark humor. Weaver excels in creating complex characters whose growth feels natural and earned. The chemistry between Lachlan and Lark is electric, with their banter and evolving relationship providing both tension and heartwarming moments. The narrative is enriched by a colorful cast of supporting characters and a vividly depicted underworld setting.

While the pacing occasionally feels rushed, particularly towards the climax, and some plot threads could use more development, the overall story is engaging and emotionally satisfying. The book's combination of intense action and tender romance will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Leather & Lark is a compelling read for fans of dark romance and thrillers, offering a perfect mix of danger, passion, and wit. Weaver's skillful storytelling ensures that this installment stands out, making it a must-read for those following the trilogy. Thank you to Zando and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Going from book one over to book two was a tough jump for me because Butcher & Blackbird was EVERYTHING. I absolutely love Brynne's writing style and truly fell in love with this trilogy after book one, it was just that easy to.

Leather and Lark was tougher to get into while reading it, but I still really loved the characters that I wanted to get to the end to enjoy it. It was so much fun and the spice was top tier! These kinds of books are once in a lifetime where no one else is doing what Brynne is doing and I love it so much for her.

This book was so so good that I couldn't put it down! Definitely one of my favourite Brynne books to date! Can't wait for more from this amazing trilogy!

Thank you NetGalley, Brynne & team for an early copy!

I enjoyed reading Leather & Lark, and found it to be a good continuation of this series. I did not enjoy it as much as Butcher & Blackbird, and the "bad guy" felt a little out of left field for me. I guess I get how it all tied together if I don't think about it too hard.

The romance in this one was pretty great, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Lark and Lachlan. The development of their relationship via marriage of convenience made the book for me.

Just as good as the first book, if not better!
Brynne really outdid herself with this one. Lark was incredibly funny and easy to like, but Lachlan. . . Lachlan was the real gem of this book. Lachlan and Lark's banter and back-and-forth was what kept me turning the pages of this book, and the side characters like Aunt Ethel were just as fun to read. Their dynamic was like watching explosions happen in real time and feeling the heat from the blast brush over your face, but in reality, it was me blushing at all the spice and flirting. The action was top-tier, though I have to say the ending felt a little rushed, even though it left me SCREAMING for the second book. I want it NOWWWW. The bonus scene was the cherry on top. . . ; )

Thank you to Zando, Brynne Weaver, and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!!

3.5 Stars

I have to say I think this is a case of being picked up by a publisher that I can only wonder if Brynn had to hold back on some things. The beginning was good, then the more I read my excitement started to change.

What happened in here with this installment with Lachlan and Lark didn’t have the same flare that I expected from Ronan and Sloane with B&B. The plot felt choppy and was a major slow burn. I didn’t see a huge connection between the couple & Lark started to get on my nerves a bit too. I did like Lark’s family business, which maybe could’ve shown more? Lachlan is supposed to be a hitman but to me, he almost seemed like a bodyguard instantly. Lark barely showed her musical talents but had a 1 night show to play. The villain in this one didn’t make sense to me and mostly popped out of no where and solved quickly. I missed the dark comedy. I’ll still be back for Finn & Rose’s story in Scythe & Sparrow because I have to know how this trilogy plays out.


I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zando and Ms. Weaver for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

I LOVED Butcher & Blackbird. I knew going in that it was gonna be hard to top. I don't think Ms. Weaver *quite* accomplished it but she came close. Lachlan and Lark are two terrific main characters, clearly drawn to and repelled by each other in equal measure. I never felt that Lark's attraction to Lachlan was quite as strong as his to her, but maybe that's because I never felt like he truly surpassed Keanu in her affections. LOL.
The snark was excellent and the energy between the characters was great. Sloane makes some terrific cameos (OK, primarily by text, but still) and is just as acerbic and razor sharp as ever. Ethel is AWESOME, the great aunt/troublemaker everybody needs in their life.

Where this book lacked a little in comparison to its big sister was in the antagonist. I don't want to spoil anything but I felt that the antagonist played a much reduced role in this book than they could have. Neither of our MCs even realized there was anything to worry about until practically 90% of the book. For a "multiple deleter" and a contract killer/cleaner, I would have expected a little bit more observational skills, I guess. Also, and probably it's just me, but coming off B&B I was expecting a little bit more grossness. I mean, the ice cream in B&B alone.... X_x

This is not to say I did not enjoy the book. I did. It was awesome. I'm in line tapping my feet for book #3, seriously. 4 SOLID stars. I have a feeling that our doily-crocheting doctor Fionn is going to provide some big surprises in book #3. Can't wait :)


PS: I LOVE YOU BENTLEY!!! GOOD BOY!!!!!!!!!

I mean, are we surprised I loved this book?!

First of all, Lark is everything I’ve wanted. She was funny, straight forward but didn’t take sh*t.

Lachlan = contract k*ller that wears glasses. Need I say more?

Once again Brynne filled this book with laughs, gore and love. And honestly I just don’t think there is anything better.

Love love love.

It feels different than BB. You’re getting a completely different vibe and story, but with the main components of why you loved BB in LL. You’ll fall in love with multiple deletes again but in a fresh way :)

5/5 stars











ARC READ - thank you Brynne and Netgalley

“My hands would look so good on her perfect skin.”

ARC Review: Lachlan, Rowan’s brother, is a contract killer who is ready to retire and focus on working in his leather studio. However, one Halloween night he screws up a huge client contract for his boss and now is even more in debt to his boss and retirement seems out of reach.

As an indie singer and Sloane’s best friend, Lark seems to be all glitter and rainbows on the outside but actually has secrets buried deep inside. Lark is put in a compromising position where she has to offer Lachlan a deal of an arranged marriage to save his family and to use his skills to track down the killer who is after her family.

“You’re brave as hell. But you’re my person, Lark. I can’t do this without you.”

Book Rating: 4/5
Steam/Spice: 2/5
Tropes:
- dark romance
- contract killer MMC
- serial killer FMC
- hate to love
- marriage of convenience
- he falls first
- slow burn (3rd act spice)
- grumpy / sunshine
- groveling, but make it psycho
- touch her/him and die

“I cannot bear to hear about the way some other guy f-cked my wife. Or the way she might have f-cked him. Please. Not right now.”

“You like that, don’t you? You want me filling your throat. You want to swallow every drop of cum like my good f-cking whore.”

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed the story of Lark and Lachlan and loved getting to see Rowan & Sloane several times throughout. It’s hard not to compare this book to Butcher & Blackbird (a top 5 ⭐read for me) so if you’ve read B&B then I’d suggest going into this one with an open mind and without the expectation that L&L will be similar. To me, L&L didn’t have the same oomf as B&B and I may have rated it lower due to my own thinking that L&L would be more similar to B&B given the two MCs are a serial killer and a contract killer. While I enjoyed the ending (that epilogue - a fav scene), I felt the closing scene (no spoilers) left me wanting a bit more there. Overall it’s a good book with amazing tropes and I love grumpy Lachlan and how he falls first and hard for Lark. I’d just recommend going into it without B&B in mind as I feel I did Brynne a disservice by doing so and will have to do a reread later this year.

I did not think it was possible for Brynne to outdo herself but BOY OH BOY did she.
Enemies to lovers trope but in the least unexpected way.
True to form with ruining food and stealing our hearts!
Brava, Brynne!
You've done it again

This book was absolutely perfect. These two had so much chemistry and the perfect enemies-to-lovers arc. They had some good laughs but I feel like they had a fantastic emotional connection. I can't wait for book 3 because this series is one of my all-time favorites.

This book was, okay. I don’t know what I was expecting but lowkey wasn’t that; I liked the characters but plot wasn’t the greatest and sometimes couldn’t follow what was happening. Hoping the next book is a little better.

A laugh-out-loud addition to the already beloved Ruinous Love Trilogy, "Leather & Lark" shows us just how far we will go for the ones we love...even if we sometimes hate them.

This author can write! I loved Butcher and Blackbird and was so excited to get this advanced copy! The story is great and keeps you hooked and wanting more!

Leather & Lark is a fiery, suspenseful, and spicy sequel. to Butcher & Blackbird. More serial killers in love? You bet, and this time it's personal. In a moment of fear, Sloane's best friend Lark decides in order to keep Sloane and Rowan safe from her own family, she must marry Lachlan Kane, Rowan's older brother. A marriage of convenience ensues, but as Lark and Lachlan fall together, someone is watching... waiting... for a moment to destroy all that happiness.

WHAT A SEQUEL. This book was as gruesome, delightful, and spicy as the first. With characters that grew and leapt off the page and a plot that keep me reading far past my bed time, this book was a delight.

This teeters between 3 and 4 stars for me. To be honest, the unfinished formatting of the eARC made this book a struggle to read - but I think if weird formatting issues weren't present, this would have been a much more solid 4 stars.

Fans of Butcher & Blackbird will enjoy this follow-up - I certainly did! But Leather & Lark's story lacked the punch of Butcher & Blackbird's. What I loved about B&B was how the two stars matched each other's crazy and leaned into it. Leather & Lark was a little too sweet for a romance about people who kill... a lot. That said I did like it, just not as much as B&B.

I really loved butcher and blackbird and was expecting the same for this sequel, let me tell you I wasn’t disappointed at all! This book has it all , is fun, spicy and entertaining!