Is this supposed to be a romantic comedy/ murder?🤷♀️
⭐️Overall rating:3 /5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
OK, so when I first started reading this book, I was like there’s no way she actually thinks serial killers are hot. This has to be a romantic comedy. Then you get more into the reading and you just can’t assume anything. The trigger warnings are definitely there for a reason so be aware.
The story starts with lark, glitter, and crafts kind of girl who also gets her vengeance on those she deems have done wrong . (almost like Dexter.)
She drove somebody into the water and needs a cleanup crew to help her dispose of her “garbage”
This man is Rowan’s brother Lachlan who wants nothing more but to be done with this assassin/ clean up crew/ body disposer guy. He just wants to focus on making leather products.
You learn there is an issue that occurs and the only fix is a marriage between these two unlike individuals. Over the lengths of their fake marriage the two begin to fall for one another, but at the same time someone is after them, they just don’t realize it yet.
It was a good story and definitely kept me engaged but it was just kinda odd I honestly just don’t know how to feel about this book.
#psychological thriller #book recommendations #BookReview #murdermystery #romancebooks
My initial reaction after reading 'Leather & Lark' by Brynne Weaver was exactly what the original review captured: 'odd.' This book truly defies easy categorization, blending elements of dark romance, psychological thriller, and murder mystery in a way that’s both unsettling and utterly captivating. It’s not every day you pick up a book featuring a 'serial killer lovers' dynamic and a 'forced marriage' plotline, which, as the OCR highlights, are central to its appeal. One of the most compelling aspects for me was the exploration of the 'forced marriage' trope. While many romance novels use this for comedic or dramatic effect, 'Leather & Lark' elevates it to a whole new level of tension and moral ambiguity. You find yourself questioning the characters' motivations and the very nature of their developing relationship. The dynamic between Lark, the vengeful, sharp-edged protagonist, and Lachlan, who just wants to focus on his leather products, is a classic 'GrumpyX Sunshine' setup, but with a dark, dangerous twist. It’s far from a cozy romance; it’s a battle of wills, survival, and unexpected connection that kept me glued to the pages. Lark herself is a fascinating anti-heroine. For readers intrigued by complex female leads, perhaps those who seek out characters with hidden depths or even a 'phony' persona as suggested by some search queries, Lark delivers. She’s not just a 'glitter and crafts kind of girl'; she's a woman driven by a dark sense of justice, almost like a female Dexter. This moral grayness makes her character incredibly engaging and unpredictable. You're constantly trying to decipher her next move and understand the depths of her past traumas and desires for vengeance. This character complexity is what truly elevates the book beyond a simple romance. What truly makes 'Leather & Lark' stand out is how it navigates the intense themes. As part of 'The Ruinous Love Trilogy' (and specifically 'Book 2'), it’s clear that Brynne Weaver has crafted a sprawling, interconnected world where love blossoms in the most unlikely and dangerous circumstances. The psychological thriller and murdermystery elements are expertly woven in, keeping you on edge and constantly guessing who is after them. It’s a testament to the storytelling that despite the dark subject matter and the explicit trigger warnings mentioned in the original review, the narrative remains engaging and surprisingly emotional. If you're on the hunt for a book recommendation that pushes boundaries, challenges your perceptions of love and morality, and features a truly unique anti-heroine, then 'Leather & Lark' is definitely worth picking up. It's a gripping read for anyone who enjoys dark romance, intense psychological plots, and characters who live in the morally ambiguous shadows. Just be prepared for a wild ride that’s anything but conventional.
