Leather and Lark

 

If you’re anything like me and adored the first book, B&B, then you're in for a treat with Brynne's second installment, Leather and Lark. It’s a refreshing blend of humor, chaos, and just the right amount of gore that keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Leather and Lark doesn't just follow in the footsteps of B&B; it sprints off in its own wacky direction while keeping the essence we fell in love with. Brynne has perfected the art of making you question whether to laugh or cringe, with less gore this time but just as many moments that make you go, “Wait, did that really just happen?” The absurdity is dialed up to eleven, and it works brilliantly.

Let’s talk chemistry. The sparks between the main characters are so intense, you could roast marshmallows. The slow burn romance is exquisitely torturous, building up tension until you’re practically begging for a resolution. Sure, their initial deal felt a bit rushed, but once the plot thickens, it smooths out into a deliciously complex relationship. You’ll be hooked.

The supporting cast is nothing short of stellar. Enter Leander and Ethel (and of course Rose), who waltz into the story and instantly steal scenes with their antics. Just when you think the main couple might be hitting a snag, these characters swoop in with their wit and charm, keeping the momentum going and ensuring that the fun never stops.

I’ll admit, I was worried about liking Lark at first. But she quickly grew on me with her endearing quirks. And the grumpy brother? Pure gold. His gruff demeanor hides a heart of gold, and watching his character unfold is one of the book's many pleasures.

Brynne knows how to play with tropes like a maestro. Here we have killers of very different calibers: one a weary contract killer longing for retirement, the other a glitter-bombing ‘fekin’ catastrophe who kills with style. Add in a marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers, and the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, and you’ve got a recipe for literary magic. It’s like a trope buffet, and you’ll want to sample everything.

Leather and Lark delivers on all fronts. It’s a wild, hilarious, unhinged and occasionally dark ride that keeps you entertained from start to finish. If you also loved B&B, this sequel is giving you another shot of adrenaline—fast, funny, smokin’ and unpredictable. Brynne has crafted a world where the bizarre feels normal, and you’ll love every second of it.