by Brynne Weaver

A (Dark) Romance, 2024 by Zando, 390 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• This can’t really be called enemies to lovers. They’re not actual ENEMIES. That’s hard to do right, I suppose. These two don’t understand each other. They may not LIKE each other right away, but they’re not enemies. Anyway, end of rant. 
• I didn’t like Lark much as a main character. Something about her didn’t feel relatable. She’s a fake kind of quirky and she definitely isn’t as funny as she thinks she is.
• Compared to the first book, this one lacked the pizazz I was looking for. It was a lot slower burn than expected, it didn’t feel as dangerous, and the main couple lacked chemistry. 

What I Did Like:

• The banter between characters, as always for this author, is well done. They’re funny, for the most part. The dialogue definitely is what sets her books apart. 
• The content warning, again, is some of her best work. It always gives me a good laugh as well as prepares me for what is coming. I never skip a Brynne Weaver content warning. 
• I really liked the little bit of Rose and Fionn we got in this one, which gives me high hopes for the third and final installment. 
• I explained this one to someone like this: if you really like romcoms and their quirky ridiculous moments but you want something SPICY and dark, this is that book. It doesn’t seem like it should work but the ridiculous quirky moments definitely have romcom vibes. 

Who Should Read This One:

• Fans of the first one who like a fake dating trope and wanted a sort of slow burn. 

My Rating: 3 Stars

• While not awful, this lacked a lot of what made the opening book great. If this had been the first book, I don’t think it would’ve taken off like it did. So, disappointing and average but only because you set the bar too high with the first one.