Leather & Lark

Book 2 focuses on Rowan's brother Lachlan and his need to get out of criminal clean ups and Lark, Sloane's best friend. Lachlan is called in to clean up a mess Lark has made. Trouble is, they take an instant dislike to each other and he throws her in the trunk which she escapes from. This causes issues from his boss but when people in Lark's family start to die and they think it's Lachlan.. She makes the decision to marry Lachlan to protect him, Sloane and her new husband. They have to fool her family to save them all.

This one was even better than the first installment. Watching Lachlan and Lark find common ground as eventual friends and then falling for each other is adorable. All the smut is at the back end of the book. They spend their time trying to figure out who is killing off Lark's family and the ending of the book was AMAZING!!

The writing is phenomenal and I listened to the audio. The narrators were excellent. Lachlan so far, is my fav brother but we still have another brother to goooo....

5 stars

Another Great Read

I'm lucky that the last couple of books I've read have been so good. Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver continues this trend, as I am completely addicted to this series! If I could give it six stars, I totally would. In fact, I enjoyed this installment even more than the first.

Leather & Lark is a riveting continuation of Weaver's masterful storytelling, filled with the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and character development. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Weaver has a knack for creating complex, relatable characters who grow and evolve in ways that feel authentic and satisfying.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the way Weaver seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines, keeping the reader engaged without ever feeling overwhelmed. The world-building is top-notch, immersing the reader in a richly detailed setting that enhances the overall narrative.

The pacing of the story is just right, with a perfect balance of action and quieter, character-driven moments. Weaver's writing is both vivid and evocative, making it easy to visualize scenes and empathize with the characters' emotions. The romantic tension is palpable, and the resolution is both heartwarming and satisfying.

As a fan of the series, I was thrilled to see how Leather & Lark deepened the overarching plot while also delivering a compelling standalone story. It’s rare to find a sequel that surpasses its predecessor, but Weaver has managed to do just that with this book.

UGH, I HATE WAITING, BUT I know it will be worth it. Leather & Lark comes out right before Valentine’s Day, hint hint to all the boyfriends/husbands of fellow bookworms. Don't miss out on this addictive and enchanting read!

“Leather & Lark” is a solid continuation of the series but suffers from second book syndrome. While it's a great book in its own right, it doesn't quite reach the heights of “Butcher & Blackbird.” The chemistry and banter that made the first book so captivating feel somewhat muted here, with less spice and fewer memorable exchanges between characters.

The primary issue lies in the first 30% of the book, which heavily relies on knowledge from the previous book and its bonus chapters, making it less accessible for new readers. This installment shifts towards a murder-mystery, enemies-to-lovers mafia romance, a genre blend that offers a fresh angle but sometimes feels disjointed.

Despite these shortcomings, “Leather & Lark” delivers a compelling plot with twists and turns that will keep readers engaged. Fans of the series will appreciate the deeper dive into the underworld, even if it lacks the spark of its predecessor. Overall, it's a worthy read but doesn't quite capture the magic of “Butcher & Blackbird.”