3.5⭐️?? Maybe?

I’ve been hoping for Rose’s POV of Sloane and Rowan showing up at Fionn’s house ever since B&B first came out in 2023 and I’m so glad it finally happened 😂 however, the rest of this was just kinda meh. This felt overly drawn out, I expected way more angst between Fionn and Rose, and the time jumps just felt off. Especially given how book 2 ended?? Idk, maybe it was me, maybe it was the book, but this was a struggle at times.

Butcher & Blackbird will forever be one of my faves, but unfortunately books 2 & 3 were meh. I still overall love Brynne’s books so I’m looking forward to what she writes next.

Highlights:
- Romance: MF
- Doctor x serial killer
- Friends with benefits
- Forced proximity
- Hurt/comfort

Note: I received an advance copy. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own.

4.5 stars! Scythe and Sparrow was INFINITELY better than the other two in the series and did not disappoint. I was debating whether or not I should continue with the series after not loving Leather and Lark, but I'm so glad I read the final installment.

Both Fionn and Rose were excellent lead characters. I liked that Fionn was a bit more subdued than his brothers, and he complemented Rose perfectly. Scythe and Sparrow nailed the hurt/comfort trope. I loved how Fionn and Rose slowly opened up to each other as they grew closer. The build-up of their chemistry was fantastic. And the pacing of this book was excellent. I was pretty much hooked the entire time, and the traveling circus added a fun subplot.

The spice was good, though the cotton candy scene was not for me lol. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the time jumps. They felt a bit abrupt and out of place, though in a way, they did have to occur to keep consistent with the timeline of the other books.

Thank you so much to Zando Slowburn for sending me an ARC of Scythe and Sparrow. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

3.5⭐️

I’m not sure how much of it was me and the book slump I’m in and how much of it was the book itself but I struggled to finish this one. I found myself not as invested in the characters as I wanted to be and a little bored.

The beginning definitely set up an interesting premise and conflict but the things actually keeping our MCs apart were a little lacking for me. I anticipated more angst than we really got so when they got together (both physically and later emotionally) it didn’t feel very climactic.
And with the way the timeline jumped around the resolution to the plot seemed a bit out of nowhere. I also have a lot of questions about why Fionn made the call he did and how easily that all wrapped up given what happened in book two, but maybe I missed something.

I will say I enjoyed the cameos from the other characters in the series and Rose’s friendship with the girls.

Plus the spice was definitely spicing and it gets an extra half star for the cotton candy scene alone. And it had some of my favorite things to see in a romance like a ‘no kissing’ rule.

At the end of the day, I can see some people loving this, it just wasn’t a favorite for me.

4.5⭐️

I really thought this one was a great way to wrap up the series. I wasn’t ready for it to end. Although Rose annoyed me at times, I’m so glad I got to see the healing and growth these characters went through. Barbara was most definitely my favorite character 🤭😍

"Not everyone is strong enough or lives long enough to fight back.”

I never had any doubt that I was going to love Rose and Fionn, even though I wasn't sure what to expect. These two are not experienced killers nor are they immune to feeling grossed out by it. That was an approach I wasn't expecting in this series and I found it really delightful to see them have to find their footing with it.

Rose is definitely the one more intent on learning though - as she travels with the circus she works for, she encounters many women in abusive relationships. Previously she was inspired by Giulia Tofana's "Aqua Tofana" (a historical figure that is worth looking up) to give them the means to get rid of their abusers once and for all. But after seeing many women who can't take that step, she decides to take matters into her own hands sometimes.

Since she's new, she gets hurt and it's Fionn who finds her and helps her recover. He is not so inclined towards being murder-y, focused on living up to the expectations he thinks his brothers have for him - but he gladly helps Rose and when it comes to protecting her, all bets are off 🤭

Rose needles Fionn endlessly with her bawdy humor and extroverted cheerfulness while he remains reserved and broody (though being in a crochet club softens him quite a bit). They complement each other perfectly, and getting to see the other characters again was extremely gratifying (I adore the relationship between the brothers they're so precious 😭).

This book was an excellent end to a fabulous series and I can't wait to see what Brynne writes next!

Read If You Like:
- Dark romantic comedies with a twist
- Friends-with-benefits evolving into deeper connections
- Small-town settings juxtaposed with unconventional characters
- Stories featuring circus performers and medical professionals
- Novels blending romance with elements of suspense and humor

In the final installment of the Ruinous Love Trilogy, Brynne Weaver delivers a darkly comedic romance that intertwines murder, mayhem, and unexpected passion.

Dr. Fionn Kane, seeking solace from a shattered heart and a derailed surgical career, retreats to a quiet life in small-town Nebraska, determined to avoid romantic entanglements. His plans are upended when Rose Evans, a motorcycle performer with the Silveria Circus and a penchant for vigilante justice, lands on his doorstep with a broken leg after a botched kill.

As Rose recuperates under Fionn's care, their forced proximity ignites a complex relationship that challenges their personal demons and past traumas. Weaver masterfully balances dark humor with heartfelt emotion, crafting a narrative that explores the healing power of love amidst chaos.

This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy romances that defy conventions and delve into the complexities of human connection.

5⭐️S

Thank you so much slowburn for giving me an ARC of this book!

I was screaming crying throwing this was the a perfect book to end an amazing trilogy! What a journey!

Fionn and Rose were everything i wanted. I love love their characters so much and how chaotic they both were (plus barbara).

This trilogy will forever have a place in my heart. There might be a few food ruined for me but oh well (i still havent touched cookies and cream ice cream to this day) i have no regrets!

I love the characters so much and reading this last book got me in so much feels. The epilogues got me and i lowkey teared up. I miss them sm already.

⁝⁝ ARC BOOK REVIEW ⁝⁝

❝Because in killing, there can be living. There can be rebirth.❞

❝It’s okay to love your darkness and still love yourself. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a whole one.❞

❝ I love you. I’m not letting you go. I never will.❞

✦ MY THOUGHTS

⚜ Type of book: Series / Trilogy / Third installment in the Ruinous Love Series.

I put off this book for as long as I could, afraid I wouldn’t be in the right mood to read it—just like what happened with the previous book. But luckily, I ended up loving it so much. After B&B, this is my favorite book in the series. And, honestly, it was the perfect ending!

As you might’ve guessed, I love Fionn so, so much. And Rose? Absolutely adorable. They were both so relatable and human, and watching them slowly peel away their layers of trauma and hurt to let the other in was deeply moving. This is, at its core, a story of healing—just as Brynne described—and it truly shows. You can feel how much love and care she poured into these characters, allowing them to take their own journey at their own pace.

On another note, I seriously didn't expect Fionn to be sexy, scary, and also the most romantic of them all. But those letters? They made me MELT. And Rose—she made me want to wrap her in a hug and never let go. She’s such a fun character to follow, so full of life, with a sweetness and vulnerability that made me want to protect her at all costs.

Sidenote here: I have to point out—Adam had me cracking up. That’s all I’m gonna say.

I truly enjoyed this conclusion, though I can’t help but crave more. I want to know more about Oleander, what the Kane boys and the girls are up to next, and all those little details that left the door open for future installments.

All in all, I highly recommend this fun, romantic, and utterly insane book. You won’t regret picking it up!

✦ DETAILS

🔞 18+ read due to explicit content. Trigger warnings can be found at the beginning of the book.

Dark Romance Comedy / Dark RomCom
◈ Friends with Benefits
◈ Slow Burn-ish
◈ Small Town Romance
◈ Forced Proximity
◈ Morally Grey MCs
◈ Broody, Protective, Handsome MMC
◈ Fun-Loving FMC
◈ Grumpy / Sunshine
◈ Fish Out Of Water
◈ Touch Her & Die
◈ One Bed
◈ Hurt/Care
◈ Who Did This To You?
◈ Primal Play
◈ Anâl Sêx
◈ Dual POV
◈ Mild Praise Kïnk
◈ “Good Girl”
◈ “I’m Not Done With You Yet”
◈ “Eyes On Me”
◈ Love Letters

✦ SCORES

Plot development: 4/5
Characters development: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.25/5
Spicy content: 3/5
Spicy quality: 5/5
Overall Score: 4.5/5

Thank you to the author, Zando and Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved this series so much and Scythe and Sparrow did not disappoint. I was dying to know more about Rose and Fionn and they did not disappoint. This book may have been my most favorite of the whole ruinous love trilogy.

Officially my favorite of the trilogy!!!!

Absolutely obsessed with Rose and Fionn and will love them most forever!! I think that’s because, although fictional, they were the most realistic of the three couples.

And I love that Fionn is a good boy gone bad. And Rose is just a natural badass. Spice for this was through the roof!! Probably at least a 4.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The wrap-up (and potential opener for more) at the end was very satisfying. Can’t wait to see what comes next!!

(Thank you, Zando | Slowburn and NetGalley, for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.)

Five stars isn't enough! This entire series has me in chokehold. Fionn and Rose are perfect and I will take no feedback ;-)

Thank you for this early copy!

Y’ALL. This book. This SERIES. I am feral. Scythe and Sparrow was everything I wanted and more, and now I’m emotionally unwell knowing the Ruinous Love Trilogy is over.

First of all, Fionn and Rose?? Peak idiots in love energy. Fionn, our soft, morally-grey doctor, and Rose, the badass circus performer/vigilante, have a friendship-to-lovers arc that felt so organic and real. Their whole friends-with-benefits setup (complete with rules that obviously just made things messier) had me screaming because the tension? IMMACULATE. The yearning, the banter, the angst—literal chef’s kiss.

Also, I am personally obsessed with how unhinged the women are in this series. Like, morally grey doesn’t even begin to cover it, and I love that Rose is just as (if not more) chaotic than Fionn. There’s something so satisfying about seeing both leads be absolutely reckless and still ride-or-die for each other.

And let’s TALK about my fave micro-trope—guy gets a tattoo for girl. 🫠 The way I MELTED. It’s the little things that send me over the edge, and this?? Perfection.

Overall, Scythe and Sparrow was way more romantic than I was expecting, and I was LIVING for it. The ending had me gripping my Kindle, and now I need Brynne Weaver to write 14 more books exactly like this because I am not ready to say goodbye.

I remember audibly gasping when I received this notification in my inbox that I got this book. This ws honestly everything I hoped for in the wrap up for this series. Rose and Fionn were honestly just perfect. There connection seemed so pure and so hot that I was constantly just giddy kicking my feet. I especially loved the character growth between these twos. Starting out as friend turned lovers was truly done so well and it felt organic and not rushed. As per any Brynne Weaver book this was funny, sweet, and spicy all wrapped up in one little murderous bow. I loved every second of this and was so sad for it to be over!

Truly a love story to healing. I can't even begin to explain the depth of this story. Fionn and Rose are spectacular.
The suture sisters are spitfires. Barbara is everything.

Fionn and Rose have quite the story that's been unfolded here. Neither one can commit to fully opening up themselves to each other until it's too late. But let me just say those letters were the best! I loved every part of them. Especially when Rose decided to write her own and when they read them together 🥹

Again, this one didn't necessarily give off the same feel as B&B did, as it was more focused on their relationship rather than the dark and gory parts. Now there are a few sprinkled in, and I loved them, obviously lol.

I think that I loved the relationship that Sloan, Lark, and Rose built the best! These bad@$$ women all being as close as they are, what more could you ask for?

Ooooh and Barbara! Love you, girlfriend. Haha.

What an ending to the Ruinous Love Trilogy 🧡

Whilst this was not as dark or gruesome as the previous two books, it was as equally as depraved & fun! Rose is as endearing, as she is twisted & it was interesting to see Fionn accept parts of himself he kept hidden. Rose is such a refreshingly fun & sassy character & I love how Fionn complements that.

I loved how the stories crossed over with one another & we got cameos from the other two couples.

I do not say this lightly when I say check your TWs! BUT if you like a book with a shopping list of TWs then this is for you! 💀

Ah! The more I think about this book, the more I love it! And after that epilogue, I CANNOT wait to see what Brynne brings us next! 🖤

I've been so excited for this book and wanted to savor it and simultaneously gobble it up as quick as possible! fionn and rose were the perfect pair to wrap up the trilogy. they were such a slow burn and so heart wrenching at times, but we still got a lot of those hilarious moments we've come to expect from brynne. I loooooved that their story also overlapped the other two books, and we got to see glimpses of all our other favorites and more details of scenes we've already seen! if you haven't gotten on the hype train for these yet, nows the perfect time! I can't recommend this whole series enough!!

SO GOOD!!!

I went into this book not really remembering anything tangible about Fionn & Rose so I was a little worried. The timeline for their story goes back farther than I expected so it was cool to see their POV of events that took place during B&B and L&L.

Rapid fire thoughts:
1. Rose girly you’re insane!!! (Affectionate)
2. The boxing match scene will be imprinted on my mind forever.
3. I would’ve been putty in Fionn’s hands.

Love this series SO much. Thank you so much to the publisher for giving me a chance to read this book ahead of release day <3

🌟 4.75/5

🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!

‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 3 of the Ruinous Love series.

ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
When I first ARC read the indie version of B&B, I knew in my heart that this book and series would take off. Never did I imagine that Brynne would get the beautiful opportunity to share with an even larger crowd. I received the S&S ARC months ago, and let me just tell y'all, Fionn and Rose left me in such a rut. I had a hard time even writing this review because I knew I couldn't even begin to accurately rave about how wonderful this book is!

For those who've read this series, we've all met Fionn and Rose. Their story has been at the front of my brain since the very beginning, and I loved finally watching it play out! Fionn is our trusty doctor who is practicing in Nebraska, and Rose is a part of a traveling circus. Crazy circumstances cause the two to meet, and I guess you could say that rest is history.

Brynne has a way of infusing her books with laughs for days. Her books are the 1st I've really read of comedic dark romance, and they're definitely one of a kind. S&S was no different. To the trigger warnings, to the crocheting, and even our dear ole Barbara, I laughed hysterically! Rose kept our Fionn on his toes!🤣

Bravo, Brynne! I'm so incredibly proud of you. This series was a life changer for me, and I know for plenty of others as well! I hope this release exceeds everything you can imagine because you DESERVE IT!❤️

First and foremost, Fionn is by far my favorite brother. He is a but awkward and has a dark side that he tries hard to fight against, even I begged him to let go. He and Rose are absolutely perfect for each other and she makes him realize that even his darkness can be loved by the right person, if he will just learn to love and accept it himself. Their connection is so powerful from the very beginning of their meeting and the slow burn absolutely frustrated me, but when it hit, wow! Loved getting to see the other characters, like Lark and Lachlan, Rowan and Slone. The friendship between the three girls made my heart happy. I cried so hard in the last couple of chapters. The love story was amazingly written. I am sad to see this series end, but that ending has me excited for what is coming next.