Scythe & Sparrow By Brynne Weaver Book Review
A shy doctor and a chaotic motorcycle circus performer, both hiding dark secrets, somehow end up falling in love, sound wild? That’s exactly what you get in Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver, the final book in her Ruinous Love Trilogy.
This dark romantic comedy mixes humor, romance, and a twisted serial killer vibe, told from the dual first-person perspectives of Rose and Fionn. Rose performs motorcycle cage acts with the Silveria Circus and has a not-so-secret vigilante streak, trying to protect abused women, though she’s hilariously bad at murder. Fionn is a small-town doctor in Nebraska, running from his own dark past. When Rose injures her leg during a botched kill and ends up at Fionn’s doorstep, their worlds collide in the most chaotic, sweet, and stabby way you can imagine.
What really makes this book pop is the mix of absurdity and heart. Rose’s fearless, impulsive attitude clashes perfectly with Fionn’s awkward, nerdy charm, he crochets, watches reality TV, and despite his calm exterior, hides some intense inner struggles. The banter between them is sharp and often hilarious, thanks to Weaver’s talent for dark humor. Plus, quirky side characters like the Suture Sisters crochet group and Rose’s circus family add plenty of warmth and fun. The audiobook gets rave reviews, especially for how naturally the narrators bring the characters to life, complete with an authentic Irish accent that adds extra flavor.
Reader reactions have been pretty mixed. Lots of fans loved the humor, the chemistry between Rose and Fionn, and how the story tied up the trilogy by revisiting other couples and closing loose ends. The sweet romance and emotional growth, especially through letters and small everyday moments, really hit home for many. On the other hand, some readers felt the plot dragged in places and didn’t feel as gripping or original as the first book, Butcher & Blackbird. The insta-love vibe and fast romance didn’t work for everyone, and some found the characters less developed, with the story feeling repetitive because of the time jumps and filler sections. The gore and shock factor were definitely toned down here, which some saw as a plus and others as a loss of the trilogy’s signature edge.
From my perspective, Scythe & Sparrow is like the comforting finale you didn’t expect, it’s less about wild plotting and more about the messy, chaotic, and sometimes tender journey of two flawed people finding each other. If you loved the first book’s mix of gruesome and goofy, you’ll appreciate the humor and heart here, even if it’s a little lighter on the murder creativity. Fans of dark rom-coms with a bit of suspense, quirky characters, and plenty of sass will probably enjoy it most. But if you’re after a tightly plotted thriller or a slow-burn romance with deep character arcs, this one might leave you wanting more.
Overall, Scythe & Sparrow feels like a farewell party for the Ruinous Love Trilogy, full of laughs, stabbing, and swoons. It’s a little messy, definitely silly, and totally entertaining. If you’re up for a darkly funny romance with a badass heroine who’s terrible at killing, and a lovable, brooding doctor who crochets his way through troubled waters, this one’s for you.
If that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And if you’ve already read it, let me know what you thought!