This was my least favorite of the three books. I was hoping that I would’ve enjoyed this more and while I still did, it was just “okay” to me and had a lot of problems. 

Scythe & Sparrow felt like it was lacking the spark that the other two books had. While it did have the same elements as the other two books (to some extent) it just felt more, watered down.

The chemistry between Rose and Fionn didn’t feel as strong to me as with the other two couples and I honestly felt like their characters weren’t as developed as those in the prior two either. The story wasn’t as strong or enticing. A lot of this story revolved around Rose needing to take it easy because of her leg injury so it felt as though there was less murder (sigh) and when there was a murder, Rose seemed so inexperienced and that’s because she was.

Rose states in the book that she only just recently started to take a hands-on approach whereas previously she was playing the role of Giulia Tofana (whom I highly recommend you look up if you didn’t know her history before this).

I can appreciate the fact that maybe the author decided to write a character that had less experience because let’s be honest.. what are the odds that all three brothers turn out to be serial killers with serial killer wives/girlfriends? But I missed the well established signature kills that the other two books had. I wanted more finesse and murder!

I also struggled with how Fionn was constantly saving Rose during her murderous escapades. She felt like a weaker FMC to me because of this. Not only that, but the pacing was crazy fast. Rose meets Fionn and

Fionn is immediately down to harbor a murderer in his house, help cover a murder, and join in?

I suppose it could happen given his history, but it took me out of the moment because it felt unrealistic. Not that these books are striving for realism, but I hope you get what I mean.

I’m also so sad to say that I didn’t really enjoy their sex scenes either. I thought (again) that the other two books had spicier and more exciting sex scenes. 

Their story just ultimately was not my favorite out of the three books. Butcher & Blackbird will forever be my favorite and Leather & Lark was a close second.

What I did <b>love</b> though was the humor, as always. And Barbara! I <b>NEEDED</b> more Barbara in my life. I thought the circus was interesting as well and I honestly wish that we had more detailed scenes involving the circus. It would’ve been awesome to get a scene showcasing Rose in the motorcycle cage or see more of her as a tarot reader. I always get excited too when the previous characters get page-time in the new books. I was so happy to see Sloane and Lark again and I love how all of the women interact together. The crocheting was a surprise that I found I enjoyed as well. I loved the Suture Sisters scene.

I don’t know if the author plans to write more books like this or not, but I would love to see more murderous romances like this. I’ll 100% continue to read this author even if this last book hit the mark for me. Problems aside, I did still really enjoy reading this and almost read it completely in one sitting.