Leather & Lark (Review) - Mild spoilers! ⚠️
I loved Butcher & Blackbird when I read it a couple of years ago, so I had high expectations for Leather & Lark, its direct sequel. And I wanna say, MOST of those high expectations were met.
One big draw to this is the chemistry between Lachlan and Lark. It’s pretty hot and heavy, then hot again; however it takes a long time for them both to get over themselves and give into their feelings. I know it’s a slow burn, but I wasn’t expecting to have to wait until 300+ pages. I will say, when the smut starts—oh, it’s pretty good. Was it worth the wait for me? Eh....
However, if you’re a fan of slow burns, this might be for you.
Now what are some things I really liked?
Honestly, Lark is so funny and interesting. She’s a serial killer who CRAFTS her victims. Diabolical and very satisfying, as she tends to target assholes. I guess you can argue that Sloane also does some crafting with her kills, but putting a man's finger in a snow globe? Love it. Lark is the source of a lot of humor and cathartic rage, along with a tinge of sadness. She’s got a complicated past and family. Any guy able to get through all her inner demons has to be someone special.
That being said, Lachlan is...okay. He isn’t as unhinged as Rowan. In fact, for a hitman—who also likes crafting, especially leather work—Lachlan is pretty normal. Well as normal one can be when your younger brother is a serial killer. He doesn’t feel a compulsion to kill certain people, if anything, he wants to get out of doing murder for hire. In that way, he does start off as less interesting. But! He’s fiercely loyal and protective. And ends up falling madly in love with Lark, despite their rough start. And all of those elements help him overcome the big conflict in the end. So he has that going for him.
Now the plot.
It had a good start. Lark starts realizing someone is picking off her family members. (Spoiler: It’s The Phantom.) But as the book goes on, it becomes so easy to forget that’s happening, until a body drops. Despite the foreshadowing in the previous epilogue, The Phantom really doesn’t have a presence throughout the story. In fact, by the time we all realize he’s making himself known, it all feels so rushed—especially the ending. I liked the twist that he showed up in Lachlan’s shop earlier in the book (I thought his Texan accent made him suspicious), but the end of his story was so anticlimactic.
Overall, I liked it but there are issues with pacing and building suspense. It took me four months to read this, whereas Butcher & Blackbird took a much shorter amount of time. And a big part of it was I’d get a little bored sometimes. But also, much of that is my own issue. Other readers might love this book a lot more.
I am interested in Rose & Fionn’s story. Seems like there’s a lot of angst and pining in there, and that’s usually a win with me. Also, I hear there’s a cute raccoon, and I love raccoons. So I’ll look forward to that. #BookReview #lemon8bookclub #booktok #fyp #darkromance
After diving into 'Leather & Lark,' I found myself thinking a lot about specific elements that truly stood out or left me wanting more. Let's dig a little deeper into some of the things that make this book, and 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy' as a whole, so intriguing! First off, can we talk about the *aesthetics*? The cover of 'Leather & Lark' by Brynne Weaver is absolutely stunning and really sets the mood for 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy.' I love how it features silhouettes of birds, musical instruments, and city buildings – it just screams dark romance with a touch of mystery. When I first saw it, it immediately drew me in and made me curious about Lark’s world. It's not just a pretty picture; it thoughtfully hints at the themes within, like the connection to music and the urban setting where these complicated characters operate. It makes you feel like you're holding a piece of art that perfectly encapsulates the story inside. Speaking of mystery, the query 'who is the phantom in leather and lark' is definitely one I pondered during my read! While the original review touched on the Phantom's plot feeling a bit rushed, I think it's worth exploring the potential impact this character could have had. For me, The Phantom represented a looming threat that could have amplified the tension between Lachlan and Lark. Imagine if his presence was more subtly woven throughout, creating a constant sense of dread rather than being a sudden revelation. I kept waiting for more interactions or clues that would heighten the stakes. Even though the execution felt a bit anticlimactic, the idea of a shadowy figure targeting Lark's family is a brilliant setup for a dark romance. It adds layers to her already complex past and gives Lachlan more reasons to be fiercely protective. It’s a classic dark romance trope that, when done right, can make the characters’ journey even more compelling. I think if I were to re-read, I'd keep a closer eye out for those early hints, like the Texan accent mentioned in the review, to see if I could piece it together earlier myself! Then there’s Lachlan. He’s definitely a character that warrants more discussion. In the original article, he's described as 'pretty normal' for a hitman, especially compared to Rowan from 'Butcher & Blackbird.' But what does that really mean for a dark romance hero? For me, Lachlan's strength lies in his grounded nature and unwavering loyalty. He might not be as overtly 'unhinged' as some dark romance leads, but his quiet determination and the way he slowly but surely falls for Lark is incredibly endearing. He crafts, he's protective, and he wants out of the murder-for-hire business – these traits make him surprisingly relatable, even within the morally gray world he inhabits. His internal conflict and growth, especially as he navigates his feelings for Lark and confronts the challenges of 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy,' make him a compelling male lead. I particularly loved watching him overcome his initial reluctance and embrace his love for Lark, proving that even a 'normal' hitman can have an epic, swoon-worthy romance. Finally, for anyone searching for 'Blake Blossom the trilogy' or similar queries, it’s good to clarify that 'Leather & Lark' is part of 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy' by Brynne Weaver. This series is shaping up to be a fascinating exploration of love in the darkest corners. Having read 'Butcher & Blackbird,' I can see how Weaver builds interconnected worlds with characters who are deeply flawed yet undeniably captivating. The mention of Rose & Fionn’s story in the next book really excites me because it promises more of that angsty, pining dynamic that I adore. It’s clear that each book aims to deliver intense chemistry and intricate plots, making 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy' a must-read for fans of dark romance who appreciate complex characters and interconnected narratives. It’s not just standalone stories; it’s a universe where consequences ripple through, and I'm totally here for it!