Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

When Sunshine Meets Storm: A Match Made in Murderous Heaven

Holy mother of muffins, folks. Strap in, because Brynne Weaver’s “Leather & Lark” is one hell of a wild ride. Picture this: a grumpy assassin with a heart of gold (okay, maybe bronze) reluctantly marries the human embodiment of a glitter bomb. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, it absolutely is—and I mean that in the best possible way.

The Deadly and the Delightful: Our Not-So-Happy Couple

Let’s start with our leading man, Lachlan Kane. Imagine if John Wick had a grumpier, Irish cousin who moonlighted as a leather artisan. That’s our Lachlan. He’s broody, he’s deadly, and he’s about as cuddly as a cactus wrapped in barbed wire. But damn if he doesn’t make you want to risk a little pain for the chance to get close.

And then there’s Lark Montague. Oh, Lark. She’s like if a ray of sunshine decided to do a line of glitter and then pick up a hobby in vigilante justice. She’s bubbly, she’s fierce, and she’s got more secrets than a teenage diary. Together, they’re like oil and water—if oil was constantly fantasizing about ravishing water against the nearest flat surface.

A Plot Thicker than Ethel’s Muffin Batter

The story kicks off with Lachlan in a bit of a pickle. He’s screwed up a job for his boss’s biggest client, and now he’s stuck in the assassin’s version of customer service hell. Enter Lark, with an offer he can’t refuse: marry her, help her catch a killer, and she’ll set him free. It’s like “The Proposal” meets “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” but with way more sexual tension and creative uses for leather accessories.

As they navigate their fake marriage and very real attraction, Lachlan and Lark uncover a web of family secrets, betrayals, and a mysterious figure hell-bent on revenge. The plot twists come faster than Lark’s quips, keeping you on the edge of your seat and occasionally checking under it for hidden assassins.

Love, Lust, and Laughter in the Face of Death

What sets “Leather & Lark” apart is its ability to balance darkness and light. One minute you’re giggling at Lark’s latest attempt to annoy Lachlan, and the next you’re gripping the book white-knuckled as they face down genuine danger. It’s like emotional whiplash, but in the best possible way.

The chemistry between Lachlan and Lark is off the charts. Their banter crackles with wit and innuendo, building to some seriously steamy scenes that’ll have you fanning yourself and possibly eyeing that leather jacket in your closet with newfound interest. But it’s not just about the physical—watching these two broken souls slowly let down their guards and heal each other is genuinely touching.

Supporting Cast: A Lovable Bunch of Misfits

While Lachlan and Lark steal the show, the supporting characters are far from forgettable. We’ve got:

• Rowan and Sloane: The happily married couple who unwittingly set this whole disaster in motion. They’re relationship goals with a side of murder.
• Fionn: Lachlan’s youngest brother, a doctor with a penchant for crochet and terrible life choices.
• Rose: A badass circus performer who steals every scene she’s in (and possibly your heart).
• Ethel: Lark’s scheming great-aunt who could give Machiavelli a run for his money.

Each character feels fully realized, with their own quirks and backstories that leave you wanting more. (Seriously, Brynne, when are we getting that Rose spin-off?)

Weaver’s Web: Crafting a Masterpiece of Mayhem

Brynne Weaver’s writing style is a force to be reckoned with. She seamlessly blends humor, heat, and heart-pounding suspense, creating a story that’s impossible to put down. Her dialogue sparkles with wit, her action scenes are tightly choreographed, and her emotional moments pack a serious punch.

What really impressed me was Weaver’s ability to handle heavy themes with a deft touch. The book deals with trauma, family expectations, and the weight of past mistakes, but never feels bogged down or preachy. Instead, these elements add depth to the characters and raise the stakes of their journey.

A Few Nitpicks (Because Nobody’s Perfect, Not Even Lachlan’s Abs)

Look, I loved this Leather & Lark. But in the interest of a balanced review, here are a couple of tiny gripes:

1. The pacing in the middle section could be a smidge tighter. There’s a lot of plot to juggle, and occasionally it feels like we’re treading water between big revelations.
2. Some readers might find the level of violence a bit much. While it’s never gratuitous, this isn’t a book for the faint of heart.
3. You might develop an unhealthy obsession with muffins. Seriously, I’ve gained five pounds since reading this book.

The Verdict: A Glittering Triumph in the Dark Romance Genre

“Leather & Lark” is a rollercoaster of emotions, wrapped in leather, and sprinkled with star-shaped confetti. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s thrilling, and it’s got heart for days. If you’re a fan of dark romance with a hefty dose of humor, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR pile.

Brynne Weaver has crafted a world you’ll want to lose yourself in, populated by characters you’ll wish were real (even if you’d be terrified to meet them in a dark alley). It’s a strong second book, following Butcher & Blackbird, to the Ruinous Love trilogy, leaving you eager for the next installment while still delivering a satisfying standalone story.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance with extra spice
• Anyone who likes their thrillers with a side of snark
• Readers who enjoy complex family dynamics and deep-rooted secrets
• People who appreciate a good leather pun (there are several)
• Those who like their happily-ever-afters hard-won and deeply satisfying

Who Should Maybe Skip It?

• Readers who prefer their romance sweet and conflict-free
• Those who are squeamish about violence or dark themes
• People who are allergic to glitter (you’ve been warned)

Final Thoughts: A Star-Studded Success

“Leather & Lark” is the literary equivalent of a perfectly crafted cocktail—smooth, with just the right amount of kick, and dangerously easy to consume. Brynne Weaver has established herself as a formidable voice in the dark romance genre, blending humor and heat with genuine emotional depth.

While this is just the second book of Weaver in the Ruinous Love trilogy, it reads like the work of a seasoned pro. Fans of authors like Katee Robert or Sarah J. Maas will find a lot to love here, but Weaver’s voice is distinctly her own.

So, grab a muffin (or maybe the whole batch), settle in, and prepare to fall in love with the delightfully dysfunctional world of Lachlan and Lark. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself eyeing that cute leather jacket and wondering if it could double as a weapon holster. Remember, kids: leave the assassinations to the professionals.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go preorder the next book and possibly invest in some leather-working tools. You know, just in case.