Romance/Dark/ Open

Format: Audiobook

Book Soundtrack: Bad for You – Chappell Roan

Okay, I feckin’ loved this book! The second in the Ruinous Love Trilogy, Leather & Lark, expands on the already familiar world of brothers Lachlan, Rowan, and Fionn and their love interests Lark, Sloane, and Rose. The previous emotional investment only added to my enjoyment of this delicious novel. I appreciated that this book differed from Butcher& Blackbird , while the overlapping timelines inflated my reader’s bliss.  Sidenote: These interconnected books should be read in order!

The duet narration is incredible. Samantha Brentmoor & Eric Nolan are true masters of their craft, and the production quality left me literally screaming. The intimacy and range of both their voices perfectly illustrate this twisted book in your head; it gave me chills and made me gag, laugh, and blush. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was a duet: from the giggles to the breathier moments. The creative expression is unmatched, and Nolan’s & Brentmoor’s chemistry is sparkling, rivaling that of Lachlan and Lark.  If you have never listened to an audiobook, this series will ruin all others! 

While less shockingly gory than B&B, L&L made up for it with the romance. The way Lachlan quietly pursues Lark while their slow-burn tension builds is the perfect fuel for this dynamite book. In defiance of his bad-boy exterior, his actions are tender and had me swooning the entire time. He sees Lark unfiltered, and instead of trying to fix her, he just loves her… can a romance reader ask for anything more? 

Weaver’s ability to create a similarly tension-filled book with a unique plot is impressive. I enjoyed that Lachlan and Lark interacted with Rowan and Sloane while having their intimate secrets.  I would have loved to explore Lark’s family more, but I felt we got enough dynamics. Weaver built on the story of the Cain brothers, highlighting Lachlan’s natural caregiver tendency. These brothers are FERAL for  their women, and I am here for it!

The spice was SPICY (not vanilla territory), and Weaver builds so much tension that the climax (-es IKYK) is delectable! I am a sucker for a  “my wife,” and this delivered and delivered and delivered.

I was so enamored with this book I am excited to read about Fionn next!