Name: Leather and Lark
Rating: 3.77 (100 reviews)
ISBN: 9780349441580

Brynne Weaver

Leather and Lark

Contract killer Lachlan Kane wants a quiet life working in his leather studio and forgetting all about his traumatic past. But when he botches a job for his boss's biggest client, Lachlan knows he'll never claw his way out of the underworld. At least, not until songbird Lark Montague offers him a deal: use his skills to hunt down a killer and she'll find a way to secure his freedom. The catch? He has to marry her first. And they can't stand each other. Indie singer-songwriter Lark is the sunshine and glitter that burns through every cloud and clings to every crevice that Lachlan Kane tries to hide inside. The surly older brother of her best friend's soulmate, Lachlan thinks she's just a privileged princess, but Lark has plenty of secrets hiding in the shadows of her bright light. With her formidable family in a tailspin and her best friend's happiness on the line, she's willing to make a vow to the man she's determined to hate, no matter how tempting the broody assassin might be. As Lachlan and Lark navigate the dark world that binds them together, it becomes impossible to discern their fake marriage from a real one. But it's not just familiar dangers that haunt them. There's another phantom lurking on their doorstep. And this one has come for blood

Leather & Lark

Yulez

The Ruinous Love Trilogy

i don’t like sloane that much as an mc it seems.

also the smut scenes were unbearable i fully skipped them i just couldn’t.

The plot felt rather flat compared to the first book and just felt less interesting overall.

hate my life wtf
the first book outdid.
i don’t like sloane that much as an mc it seems.
also the smut scenes were unbearable i fully skipped them i just couldn’t.
The plot felt rather flat compared to the first book and just felt less interesting overall.

Contract killer Lachlan Kane wants a quiet life working in his leather studio and forgetting all about his traumatic past. But when he botches a job for his boss’s biggest client, Lachlan knows he’ll never claw his way out of the underworld. At least, not until songbird Lark Montague offers him a deal: use his skills to hunt down a killer and she’ll find a way to secure his freedom. The catch? He has to marry her first. 
 
And they can’t stand each other. 
 
Indie singer-songwriter Lark is the sunshine and glitter that burns through every cloud and clings to every crevice that Lachlan Kane tries to hide inside. The surly older brother of her best friend’s soulmate, Lachlan thinks she’s just a privileged princess, but Lark has plenty of secrets hiding in the shadows of her bright light. With her formidable family in a tailspin and her best friend’s happiness on the line, she’s willing to make a vow to the man she’s determined to hate, no matter how tempting the broody assassin might be. 

As Lachlan and Lark navigate the dark world that binds them together, it becomes impossible to discern their fake marriage from a real one. But it’s not just familiar dangers that haunt them. 
There’s another phantom lurking on their doorstep. 

And this one has come for blood.

The Ruinous Love Trilogy #2

After saying I’m not gonna read this book, 1h later I was already 10% in and I loved every second of it. 

At first I was totally shook when I read the Lark is a multiple deleted. But the two of them hat the sweetest relationship. 

The most devestating thing about the whole book was the fact that Lark was willing to sacrifice herself and her happiness, not once but twice in the whole book.

Ester Waclavova

After saying I’m not gonna read this book, 1h later I was already 10% in and I loved every second of it. 

At first I was totally shook when I read the Lark is a multiple deleted. But the two of them hat the sweetest relationship. 

The most devestating thing about the whole book was the fact that Lark was willing to sacrifice herself and her happiness, not once but twice in the whole book.

“I am choosing love. Just not mine.”

This is just as good as the first book! Lachlan is amazing. A gruff puppy. Love him so very much. Lark is fun after she calms down. I still prefer Sloane but that's just a preference. Just read it y'all.

Alex Landau

Well, I read this in a single day and I’d be mad if I had wasted more time on it than that. This is the second book in the Ruinous Love Series, the follow-up to Butcher & Blackbird which I found to be lacking in various parts already but somehow had hoped that this might be successful where the predecessor had failed. Let’s cut to the chase: It failed even worse.

We are supposed to meet Lachlan, killer for hire at night and leather-worker at daytime, the grump of the Kane brothers, who finds his match in Lark, sunshine-y, badass who does something for work, that I don’t even remember. (I read this book yesterday. Yesterday.)

The whole point behind this book and the marriage of convenience trope is so incredibly far-fetched that I entirely forgot why they were in this situation at all. The first mention of Lachlan doing his actual job, not just “my boss needs me” was either past the 85% mark or non-existent. Even the daytime job of a leather worker had so much more potential for this book, I mean, come on, there just needs to be scene with restraints handmade by the loving husband, huh? But no, if I started collecting all the things I’d have included in the book, we’d still be here tomorrow and as I said, I am happy not to have wasted more than a day on this.

Balancewise, it was completely off: Plot, character development and the growth process of their relationship were the three main points and if you cut out two of those almost completely, shouldn’t there be enough pages to fill at least one of the others? It lacked in all areas. The plot was lackluster, character development is hard to achieve if your characters have no personality to begin with and even the process of them engaging in their relationship felt like I had missed several chapters over and over again. How do you fill 400+ pages, with nothing?

There was so much potential for this book and it felt like the author just saw that and said nope, I’m not gonna do that, here, have mediocrity instead with a bit of banter sprinkled on top. I just have to say it’s not enough, even if you write the most pining, grovelling, perfect man – if he doesn’t have anything beyond “husband” as a characteristic, he’s boring. He’s as bland as unwashed rice. Not to mention the FMC, whose profession I still haven’t grasped because is she in musical therapy? Is she a full-time musician? Is she just rich? I’ll never know and still manage to forget.

Reading this book felt like watching someone cook chicken in hot water, purposely avoid any spices and pull it out, drenched, half-raw. Please, please give your characters more depth, these guys had as much as a kid’s pool sans water. And make the switch from “enemies” to horny motherfuckers a little more believable.

I’m going to call it a day here, the book did not meet any of my expectations. It’s not the worst I’ve read this year but if the author doesn’t step up from here, I’m not going to pick up another of these books if their biggest accomplishment is being mediocre.  

Leonie

Well, I read this in a single day and I’d be mad if I had wasted more time on it than that. This is the second book in the Ruinous Love Series, the follow-up to Butcher & Blackbird which I found to be lacking in various parts already but somehow had hoped that this might be successful where the predecessor had failed. Let’s cut to the chase: It failed even worse.

We are supposed to meet Lachlan, killer for hire at night and leather-worker at daytime, the grump of the Kane brothers, who finds his match in Lark, sunshine-y, badass who does something for work, that I don’t even remember. (I read this book yesterday. Yesterday.)

The whole point behind this book and the marriage of convenience trope is so incredibly far-fetched that I entirely forgot why they were in this situation at all. The first mention of Lachlan doing his actual job, not just “my boss needs me” was either past the 85% mark or non-existent. Even the daytime job of a leather worker had so much more potential for this book, I mean, come on, there just needs to be scene with restraints handmade by the loving husband, huh? But no, if I started collecting all the things I’d have included in the book, we’d still be here tomorrow and as I said, I am happy not to have wasted more than a day on this.

Balancewise, it was completely off: Plot, character development and the growth process of their relationship were the three main points and if you cut out two of those almost completely, shouldn’t there be enough pages to fill at least one of the others? It lacked in all areas. The plot was lackluster, character development is hard to achieve if your characters have no personality to begin with and even the process of them engaging in their relationship felt like I had missed several chapters over and over again. How do you fill 400+ pages, with nothing?

There was so much potential for this book and it felt like the author just saw that and said nope, I’m not gonna do that, here, have mediocrity instead with a bit of banter sprinkled on top. I just have to say it’s not enough, even if you write the most pining, grovelling, perfect man – if he doesn’t have anything beyond “husband” as a characteristic, he’s boring. He’s as bland as unwashed rice. Not to mention the FMC, whose profession I still haven’t grasped because is she in musical therapy? Is she a full-time musician? Is she just rich? I’ll never know and still manage to forget.

Reading this book felt like watching someone cook chicken in hot water, purposely avoid any spices and pull it out, drenched, half-raw. Please, please give your characters more depth, these guys had as much as a kid’s pool sans water. And make the switch from “enemies” to horny motherfuckers a little more believable.

 

I’m going to call it a day here, the book did not meet any of my expectations. It’s not the worst I’ve read this year but if the author doesn’t step up from here, I’m not going to pick up another of these books if their biggest accomplishment is being mediocre.  

Here for the groveling of Lachlan and it was cute 😌

maderinn⟢

There's just something about the older brother that gets me, now couple that with marriage of convenience and I'm sold fr

Nala

Carmen Malca

Love, love, LOVE this series! The chemistry and tension is undeniably hot. My only complaint is that the villain seemed anti-climactic, but it didn’t ruin the rest of the story and went right back to redeem itself. Must read!

Amanda 

Rebecca Hurd

Love, love, love!! This series so far is sooooo good!! All the characters, all the killing, all the love!! Girl just doesn’t miss!! Can’t wait to read the last book!!

I had so much hope for Lark and Lachlan but was very underwhelmed. 

Lark turns serial killer just like her bestie Sloane but doesn’t bother sharing this dark secret with her. Perhaps the only person who would understand Lark and be supportive. 🤦‍♀️ It also didn’t really seem like her style from B&B. I was really looking forward to her character growth but she is basically a carbon copy of Sloane with less piercings. More glitter. 🤷‍♀️

Lachlan is being hunted by a phantom serial killer seeking revenge for his brother that Lachlan arranged for Rowan and Sloane’s game in book one. This phantom killer had more personality than budget Batman. I mean this dude was genuinely terrifying. 😬 Somehow Lark’s parents run what seem to be legit businesses but often need a cleaner for whatever reasons and this is the tie in for Lark & Lachlan. The phantom killer starts picking off business associates of Lark’s family aiming to make it look like it was Lachlan and this is why they have to get married. 

Eventually the two turn the sham marriage into something real and halfway through the book is when the spice starts spicing. It was a little too 🌶️ for my liking because I truly thought these two would have a more intimate bedroom life but I guess they like to get just as filthy as Rowan and Sloane. 

My favorite character was Ethel because she had the most personality and I love a fiery grandma.

Christa Bell

I had so much hope for Lark and Lachlan but was very underwhelmed. 

Spoiler alert 🚨 

Lark turns serial killer just like her bestie Sloane but doesn’t bother sharing this dark secret with her. Perhaps the only person who would understand Lark and be supportive. 🤦‍♀️ It also didn’t really seem like her style from B&B. I was really looking forward to her character growth but she is basically a carbon copy of Sloane with less piercings. More glitter. 🤷‍♀️

Lachlan is being hunted by a phantom serial killer seeking revenge for his brother that Lachlan arranged for Rowan and Sloane’s game in book one. This phantom killer had more personality than budget Batman. I mean this dude was genuinely terrifying. 😬 Somehow Lark’s parents run what seem to be legit businesses but often need a cleaner for whatever reasons and this is the tie in for Lark & Lachlan. The phantom killer starts picking off business associates of Lark’s family aiming to make it look like it was Lachlan and this is why they have to get married. 

Eventually the two turn the sham marriage into something real and halfway through the book is when the spice starts spicing. It was a little too 🌶️ for my liking because I truly thought these two would have a more intimate bedroom life but I guess they like to get just as filthy as Rowan and Sloane. 

My favorite character was Ethel because she had the most personality and I love a fiery grandma.

Sophia

Dare I say I liked this one more than the first one?? 

Lachlan and Lark are the perfect mix of pining followed by fire!!! This was a slow slow burn but worth it in the end.

I cannot wait for the last book of this series!! 

Brittany Peterson

Dare I say I liked this one more than the first one?? 

Lachlan and Lark are the perfect mix of pining followed by fire!!! This was a slow slow burn but worth it in the end.

I cannot wait for the last book of this series!! 

This was just a amazing experience. Definitely recommend. BUT in general, Lachlan's character really got my heart strings. ESPECIALLY at the end 😭❤️🥹

Susan

I absolutely enjoyed the plot of this book! with enemies to lovers + marriage of convenience I WAS SEATED

lark my girl she’s such a complex character! she’s been through so much yet manages to remain so strong and loves her people so much.

lachian said it best about sloane - “you’re brave. you’re afraid you’ll lose someone? you dive headfirst into a crazy plan to marry a broody asshat you hate just to save them. you’re afraid of my crazy boss? you give him drugged muffins and make him fall at your feet, wanting to be your friend. you’re afraid of the dark elevator? you sit in it for an hour so your dog won’t be alone.”

lachian giving brutey grump that will KILL anyone who even touches him wife! Like I love how protective is of lark and the way he understands her especially when she gets all quiet

lark and lachian were cute and sxc like their tension was INSANE (esp the rooftop!!)

overall, I enjoyed this book but idk it was lowkey missing something that i can’t put my finger on hence why its not completely five stars.

i also loved that we got to see more of sloane and rowan in this one too! I’m so excited for the third book with rose and fionn especially with what happened between them in the end !!!!!

I absolutely enjoyed the plot of this book! with enemies to lovers + marriage of convenience I WAS SEATED

lark my girl she’s such a complex character! she’s been through so much yet manages to remain so strong and loves her people so much.

lachian said it best about sloane - “you’re brave. you’re afraid you’ll lose someone? you dive headfirst into a crazy plan to marry a broody asshat you hate just to save them. you’re afraid of my crazy boss? you give him drugged muffins and make him fall at your feet, wanting to be your friend. you’re afraid of the dark elevator? you sit in it for an hour so your dog won’t be alone.”

lachian giving brutey grump that will KILL anyone who even touches him wife! Like I love how protective is of lark and the way he understands her especially when she gets all quiet

lark and lachian were cute and sxc like their tension was INSANE (esp the rooftop!!)

overall, I enjoyed this book but idk it was lowkey missing something that i can’t put my finger on hence why its not completely five stars.

i also loved that we got to see more of sloane and rowan in this one too! I’m so excited for the third book with rose and fionn especially with what happened between them in the end !!!!!

also ethel, lark’s grandma is a gem!

Leather and Lark

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