Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver (Feb 11, 2025) With Scythe & Sparrow, one of the most wildly entertaining trilogies comes to a bloody, unhinged, and deeply satisfying end – leaving behind a massive body count, a permanent aversion to cookies and cream ice cream, and my Google search history in shambles.
Dr. Fionn Kane was once on track for a picture-perfect life: a thriving surgical career in Boston and a fiancée to match. But fate had other plans, and now he’s an unmarried small-town doctor in Nebraska, keeping a safe distance from his brothers’ violent lifestyles. Then the circus rolls into town, and everything changes. Rose Evans is a motorcycle stunt performer with a penchant for chaos – and the occasional well-deserved murder. When one of her extracurricular activities goes sideways, she ends up needing Fionn’s medical expertise. That also means an unplanned houseguest during her recovery. Their attraction is undeniable, but while Rose thrives on the restless freedom of the circus, Fionn is determined to leave bloodshed behind. Can they find a middle ground – or will they die trying?
There’s a lot to unpack here. Rather than feeling like a standalone story, this book fits into place like the final piece of a puzzle, completing the overarching timeline of B&B and L&L and recontextualizing every previous Rose-and-Fionn moment. In some ways, I loved this one even more than the first two. Their romance, built on a foundation of friendship, more intimate, and less murdery – though still very murdery. There is also more conflict about the death part (you know, Hippocratic oath and all).
That said, the plot takes a backseat at times, leaning into an extended farewell as we revisit past characters. But it’s still brimming with Brynne Weaver’s signature blend of gore and dark humor. With this book, she’s forever altered my associations with cotton candy, staples, cocktail toothpicks, crochet, carnivals, and clowns. And, of course, there’s a meddling raccoon named Barbara. Barbara.
This series won’t be for everyone, and this book is definitely not a standalone, but for those who’ve been along for the ride, it’s a violent, spicy, and wildly inappropriate send-off in the best possible way.
🎧 About the Audiobook 🎧 Like Leather & Lark, this installment features an absolutely stellar duet narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Eric Nolan. They capture the chaotic gore and offbeat rom-com humor to perfection. I highly recommend experiencing this series in audio format! (11h 36m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 