What do you think?
Rate this book
Death and the Devil #3
When Death Frees the Devil
Ethan is finally free. He’s left the Cabal behind and embraced a civilian life with Jack, the man he loves. The only problem is that the Cabal isn’t willing to let him go. A call in the middle of the night and a threat to Jack’s family, and Ethan is back in the game. The only way out is to take on the organization that spent years warping his life.
Jack’s boyfriend has a way of vanishing on him, but this time Ethan’s disappearance is more frightening than ever. A trail of mysterious clues, a hit against his family, and the handprint of the Cabal on everything means the greatest test of love and determination Jack has ever endured.
Torn apart by forces greater than they are, Jack and Ethan must fight harrowing battles to get back to each other. The Cabal is the greatest foe either of them has had to face. Ethan is willing to throw away everything to bring an end to the Cabal’s evil. And Jack is willing to do the same to make sure Ethan comes out the other side alive.
CW - teen suicide, suicidal thoughts, child abuse, graphic violence.
Jack’s boyfriend has a way of vanishing on him, but this time Ethan’s disappearance is more frightening than ever. A trail of mysterious clues, a hit against his family, and the handprint of the Cabal on everything means the greatest test of love and determination Jack has ever endured.
Torn apart by forces greater than they are, Jack and Ethan must fight harrowing battles to get back to each other. The Cabal is the greatest foe either of them has had to face. Ethan is willing to throw away everything to bring an end to the Cabal’s evil. And Jack is willing to do the same to make sure Ethan comes out the other side alive.
CW - teen suicide, suicidal thoughts, child abuse, graphic violence.
337 pages, ebook
First published January 17, 2020
57 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Hayward
21 books612 followersL.J. Hayward has been telling stories for most of her life, a good deal of them of the tall variety. She loves reading but doesn’t seem to have enough time between wanting to be a more disciplined writer, being the actual erratic writer she is, and working for dollars in a dungeon laboratory. She also lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, but rarely sees a beach and can’t surf, though she thinks living on a houseboat might be fun. At least then she’d have an excuse to get a cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 23, 2019
U.N.P.U.T.D.O.W.N.A.B.L.E.
It's official now: Jack Reardon's birthdays are cursed. He seriously needs to have a heart-to-heart with his wayward renegade assassinating boyfriend about his definition of "back soon"... What was supposed to be a lazy day preferably in bed with his lover, ended up in a deserted bedside, a non-convincing note and a wild chase halfway across the world to not only save the love of his life by bringing down the most ruthless of organisations in order to stop them from hunting down his lover's backside. but also to face down some demons of his own past. Sooo, to say it in Jack's words: Birthdays. Fuck 'em.
Speaking of demons... Ethan Blade has them in spades. And he is tired. Tired of his past having something against his retirement. Tired of that past being a threat to the man he loves. Tired of said past being a threat to their future. There is only one way out. Even if that way might cost him everything.
He should have known that his boyfriend is too stubborn to let him go. Too perceptive when it comes to seeing through his facade. Too savvy to say the right things at the right time...
... and of course too much in love to let him deal with this mess alone.
HOLY NINJA!!! If you listen carefully I bet you can still hear me wheezing. And here I thought the first one has been a wild ride... First page and this book already had me frantically searching for my blood pressure meds. There was not one - not ONE - dull moment in this book, even the tender moments gave me heart palpitations.
Jack and Ethan will always be pretty high at the top of my list of favorite couples and Ethan Blade is my all-time favorite assassin ever. The character- and relationship development is simply top-notch. I love how far they have come in accepting each other with heart and soul, but also themselves and their past. In this book they bared their souls to each other and them showing their vulnerability was equally painful and heart-melting to read.
I would bet that you are dying to know that the layout was different this time. No alternating chapters between now and then, past and present. Did I just hear some deep sighs of relief from the far end of the ranks? ;-) Yep, even if this constituted a big part of the charme of this series for me, I admit that this getup was a bit easier to follow and it all unfolded like a movie in my mind's eye. The story is divided into three parts with changing POV's of Ethan, Jack and Ethan & Jack, with basically more or less one big flashback working its way toward the present and I'm still in awe of the oh-so-clever and well-conceived storyline here. The author tried to set me on the wrong track quite a few times and almost succeeded. It was sooo close... ;-)
Everyone who follows my reviews knows that I loved every single book in this series, but as for me, this has been the highlight and the coda at the end was everything! Especially because of a certain pesky someone making a reappearance here. ;-) I'm bananas enough about these guys to do a reread right away - slower this time to savor all the bits and pieces, mind you! - and I hope from the bottom of my heart that L.J. Hayward decides to continue this series someday. Highly recommended!
God. This was karma all over again, back to bite him in the arse.
It's official now: Jack Reardon's birthdays are cursed. He seriously needs to have a heart-to-heart with his wayward renegade assassinating boyfriend about his definition of "back soon"... What was supposed to be a lazy day preferably in bed with his lover, ended up in a deserted bedside, a non-convincing note and a wild chase halfway across the world to not only save the love of his life by bringing down the most ruthless of organisations in order to stop them from hunting down his lover's backside. but also to face down some demons of his own past. Sooo, to say it in Jack's words: Birthdays. Fuck 'em.
Speaking of demons... Ethan Blade has them in spades. And he is tired. Tired of his past having something against his retirement. Tired of that past being a threat to the man he loves. Tired of said past being a threat to their future. There is only one way out. Even if that way might cost him everything.
He should have known that his boyfriend is too stubborn to let him go. Too perceptive when it comes to seeing through his facade. Too savvy to say the right things at the right time...
"There is so much more to you than you think there is. They may have turned you into a killer, but you made yourself into a car nut, an animal lover, and a reader with questionable tastes." Before Ethan could protest that one again, Jack added, " And you're someone I want in my life so fucking much it hurts me when you're not around."
"Jack," Ethan whispered, then kissed him.
... and of course too much in love to let him deal with this mess alone.
HOLY NINJA!!! If you listen carefully I bet you can still hear me wheezing. And here I thought the first one has been a wild ride... First page and this book already had me frantically searching for my blood pressure meds. There was not one - not ONE - dull moment in this book, even the tender moments gave me heart palpitations.
Jack and Ethan will always be pretty high at the top of my list of favorite couples and Ethan Blade is my all-time favorite assassin ever. The character- and relationship development is simply top-notch. I love how far they have come in accepting each other with heart and soul, but also themselves and their past. In this book they bared their souls to each other and them showing their vulnerability was equally painful and heart-melting to read.
I would bet that you are dying to know that the layout was different this time. No alternating chapters between now and then, past and present. Did I just hear some deep sighs of relief from the far end of the ranks? ;-) Yep, even if this constituted a big part of the charme of this series for me, I admit that this getup was a bit easier to follow and it all unfolded like a movie in my mind's eye. The story is divided into three parts with changing POV's of Ethan, Jack and Ethan & Jack, with basically more or less one big flashback working its way toward the present and I'm still in awe of the oh-so-clever and well-conceived storyline here. The author tried to set me on the wrong track quite a few times and almost succeeded. It was sooo close... ;-)
Everyone who follows my reviews knows that I loved every single book in this series, but as for me, this has been the highlight and the coda at the end was everything! Especially because of a certain pesky someone making a reappearance here. ;-) I'm bananas enough about these guys to do a reread right away - slower this time to savor all the bits and pieces, mind you! - and I hope from the bottom of my heart that L.J. Hayward decides to continue this series someday. Highly recommended!
***ARC generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***
June 10, 2024
L.J. Hayward, I thank you for your service.
Not only did you bring me immense joy with this series, but you brought me so much closer to the girls in my book club, you opened conversations to me with random people on the internet, you wrote a series that I could tell my friends about and hoped they enjoyed as much as I did, you wrote something that allowed me and my book besties to talk about over months, you wrote two infuriatingly loveable characters and mixed it with the most intense action movie moments that you could ever read on paper.
And on top of that, you gave Jack and Ethan THE ENDING THE DESERVED. 👏👏👏
EVERY GUN FIGHT.
EVERY INJURY.
EVERY BETRAYAL.
EVERY TRAITOR.
EVERY MENTION OF SHIELA.
EVERY MYSTERY.
EVERY UNSPOKEN WORD THAT MADE ME INSANE.
EVERY HAND TO HAND COMBAT.
EVERY ACTION SCENE.
EVERY STRESS.
EVERY CRUMB OF INFORMATION THAT WAS ETHAN-RELATED.
EVERY CONFUSION OVER THE BOOKS TIME LINES.
EVERY MINUTE I WANTED TO PUNCH JACK IN THE FACE FROM MID BOOK 1.6 UNTIL ABOUT 90% OF BOOK 3.
WAS WORTH IT....
ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!
That last 10% of book 3, could not have ended this series in ANY OTHER WAY... IT WAS JACK AND ETHAN. FULL STOP. PERIOD.
I feel sad that it's over, but may Jack and Ethan be domestic, and kiss eachother. No more fucking action please.
LIVE, LAUGH, ETHAN 💗💗💗
Not only did you bring me immense joy with this series, but you brought me so much closer to the girls in my book club, you opened conversations to me with random people on the internet, you wrote a series that I could tell my friends about and hoped they enjoyed as much as I did, you wrote something that allowed me and my book besties to talk about over months, you wrote two infuriatingly loveable characters and mixed it with the most intense action movie moments that you could ever read on paper.
And on top of that, you gave Jack and Ethan THE ENDING THE DESERVED. 👏👏👏
EVERY GUN FIGHT.
EVERY INJURY.
EVERY BETRAYAL.
EVERY TRAITOR.
EVERY MENTION OF SHIELA.
EVERY MYSTERY.
EVERY UNSPOKEN WORD THAT MADE ME INSANE.
EVERY HAND TO HAND COMBAT.
EVERY ACTION SCENE.
EVERY STRESS.
EVERY CRUMB OF INFORMATION THAT WAS ETHAN-RELATED.
EVERY CONFUSION OVER THE BOOKS TIME LINES.
EVERY MINUTE I WANTED TO PUNCH JACK IN THE FACE FROM MID BOOK 1.6 UNTIL ABOUT 90% OF BOOK 3.
WAS WORTH IT....
ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!
That last 10% of book 3, could not have ended this series in ANY OTHER WAY... IT WAS JACK AND ETHAN. FULL STOP. PERIOD.
I feel sad that it's over, but may Jack and Ethan be domestic, and kiss eachother. No more fucking action please.
LIVE, LAUGH, ETHAN 💗💗💗
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 4, 2022
"Hello, Jack."
"Hello, crazy bastard."
"Half right, Jack."
it's always a bittersweet feeling having to say "goodbye" to characters whom you've followed their journey in a span of a couple books (especially if you binged it back to back—which happened in my case). despite the second book being the outlier as it didn't catch my attention as much as the other books in the series, i truly did adore Ethan and Jack together. their banters, how they met and everything they had to endure in between (even in this final book, they had to fight like hell for their hea, but i didn't mind it bc there was no third party involved, unlike book two lmao) was a rollercoaster of feels and i loved seeing them grow and learn to trust and love one another.
my bb Ethan, this man captured my heart since the very first page and never gave it back (not that i'm complaining) and, although i'm on and off with Jack, i can't deny that, as a couple, they were simply right for each other. i'm honestly happy Ethan was able to find love, in which that love is returned, in a way that he deserves. 🤍
also, um. was it just me who was hoping .
"Hello, crazy bastard."
"Half right, Jack."
it's always a bittersweet feeling having to say "goodbye" to characters whom you've followed their journey in a span of a couple books (especially if you binged it back to back—which happened in my case). despite the second book being the outlier as it didn't catch my attention as much as the other books in the series, i truly did adore Ethan and Jack together. their banters, how they met and everything they had to endure in between (even in this final book, they had to fight like hell for their hea, but i didn't mind it bc there was no third party involved, unlike book two lmao) was a rollercoaster of feels and i loved seeing them grow and learn to trust and love one another.
my bb Ethan, this man captured my heart since the very first page and never gave it back (not that i'm complaining) and, although i'm on and off with Jack, i can't deny that, as a couple, they were simply right for each other. i'm honestly happy Ethan was able to find love, in which that love is returned, in a way that he deserves. 🤍
also, um. was it just me who was hoping .
March 18, 2024
Now what? Where am I going to find another book series like this? What will I do with my life?
It goes without even thinking, that the finale is so damn glorious. I tried to take my time reading, because THERE’S NO MORE JACK & ETHAN AFTER THIS!!! But the suspense was pulling me back, I had to know what happens next, AND OH BOY DID A LOT HAPPEN!
The action sequences are amazing, the clues they left each other, the full backstory, the assassinations, the sexy parts….. basically the plot is SUPERIOR.
The organization that raised/trained/tortured Ethan will give me nightmares indefinitely. I wanted everyone dead, I was channeling George R. R. Martin vibes and Ethan was my messenger of death✨✨. TW: emotional manipulation. I seriously had to stop for a few hours after every encounter with The Doctor UGHHH! I need River Song & the Ponds after this!
And can I just say how much I love Lewis? He should be more appreciated by us, obsessed feral rats (🤮sorry…rats🤮dammit Chelsea) he’s HILARIOUS, loyal and hella smart and like Sarah said, he should have his own book!!!!!
For the con’s column (for me!), would be the time lines, It was a bit messy in this one, though it worked nonetheless. AND NO FINAL SHEILA CAMEO 🐪. is what I wrote before I read the end. Spoiler? sorry not sorry.
It goes without even thinking, that the finale is so damn glorious. I tried to take my time reading, because THERE’S NO MORE JACK & ETHAN AFTER THIS!!! But the suspense was pulling me back, I had to know what happens next, AND OH BOY DID A LOT HAPPEN!
The action sequences are amazing, the clues they left each other, the full backstory, the assassinations, the sexy parts….. basically the plot is SUPERIOR.
The organization that raised/trained/tortured Ethan will give me nightmares indefinitely. I wanted everyone dead, I was channeling George R. R. Martin vibes and Ethan was my messenger of death✨✨. TW: emotional manipulation. I seriously had to stop for a few hours after every encounter with The Doctor UGHHH! I need River Song & the Ponds after this!
And can I just say how much I love Lewis? He should be more appreciated by us, obsessed feral rats (🤮sorry…rats🤮dammit Chelsea) he’s HILARIOUS, loyal and hella smart and like Sarah said, he should have his own book!!!!!
For the con’s column (for me!), would be the time lines, It was a bit messy in this one, though it worked nonetheless. AND NO FINAL SHEILA CAMEO 🐪. is what I wrote before I read the end. Spoiler? sorry not sorry.
January 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
Action packed. Nerve wracking. Perfect HEA for one of my favorite couples. I love Jack and Ethan!!!
Action packed. Nerve wracking. Perfect HEA for one of my favorite couples. I love Jack and Ethan!!!
September 28, 2023
4**** stars
I somehow had a very hard time getting into this last part of Ethan’s and Jack’s journey but I loved nonetheless seeing them make it out there, not only alive but also happy as can be. ♡
Overall it was a fantastic series I can absolutely recommend, although it was sometimes hard to keep up with what was happening. *lol
**************
Death and the Devil Series:
Book 1 - Where Death Meets the Devil - 4.5 stars
Novella Collection - Death and the Devil - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Why the Devil Stalks Death - 4.5 stars
Book 2.5 - Dealing in Death - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - When Death Frees the Devil - 4.0 stars
I somehow had a very hard time getting into this last part of Ethan’s and Jack’s journey but I loved nonetheless seeing them make it out there, not only alive but also happy as can be. ♡
Jack clinked their bottles together. “Cheers, Ethan Paul Sinclair.”
“Cheers.” […] “It is a good name. For now.”
Jack gaped at him. “For now? What the fuck does ‘for now’ mean?”
Ethan smiled, leaned over, kissed him, and said, “Just that perhaps one day, maybe soon, you might want it to be Ethan Paul Reardon.”
Overall it was a fantastic series I can absolutely recommend, although it was sometimes hard to keep up with what was happening. *lol
**************
Death and the Devil Series:
Book 1 - Where Death Meets the Devil - 4.5 stars
Novella Collection - Death and the Devil - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Why the Devil Stalks Death - 4.5 stars
Book 2.5 - Dealing in Death - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - When Death Frees the Devil - 4.0 stars
January 26, 2025
It’s done, I can’t believe it’s over, I’m gonna miss Ethan and Jack so much 😭😭😭
Wow, how am I feeling after THAT intense, action packed, emotional, brutal, glorious, heart-stopping, satisfying, twisting rollercoaster of a grand finale you might ask yourself?
That about sums it up.
I now need a novella where Jack and Ethan do nothing but kiss on the mouth, eat fudge and butter chicken, go on walks holding hands, get a dog and every other animal Ethan wants, travel the world without any car chases and assault rifles, flip fuck from dusk till dawn, take Victoria out on a joyride, have Sunday pancakes with their friends and family, go to a couples tai chi retreat, tend to the lavender growing in their garden, wash each others hair and just. be. HAPPY AND IN LOVE FOREVER. PLEASE 😩
Honestly, what a great series.
Ethan, you have my heart forever; Jack, we had our issues but I love you nonetheless; Lewis, you’re the friend we all deserve and want to be; Sheila, welcome home 🐫
Wow, how am I feeling after THAT intense, action packed, emotional, brutal, glorious, heart-stopping, satisfying, twisting rollercoaster of a grand finale you might ask yourself?
That about sums it up.
I now need a novella where Jack and Ethan do nothing but kiss on the mouth, eat fudge and butter chicken, go on walks holding hands, get a dog and every other animal Ethan wants, travel the world without any car chases and assault rifles, flip fuck from dusk till dawn, take Victoria out on a joyride, have Sunday pancakes with their friends and family, go to a couples tai chi retreat, tend to the lavender growing in their garden, wash each others hair and just. be. HAPPY AND IN LOVE FOREVER. PLEASE 😩
Honestly, what a great series.
Ethan, you have my heart forever; Jack, we had our issues but I love you nonetheless; Lewis, you’re the friend we all deserve and want to be; Sheila, welcome home 🐫
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars
I have to say I was less thrilled with this one than the previous books. I liked it, just not as much as I expected. There was a lot of action and fighting scenes and the storyline didn't grab me the way I hoped it would. I love Jack and Ethan, but I didn't care about the other characters enough to be invested in what happens to them.
That being said, I absolutely loved the ending. It was perfect. I wouldn't mind reading more about Jack and Ethan in the future. Just the two of them.
I have to say I was less thrilled with this one than the previous books. I liked it, just not as much as I expected. There was a lot of action and fighting scenes and the storyline didn't grab me the way I hoped it would. I love Jack and Ethan, but I didn't care about the other characters enough to be invested in what happens to them.
That being said, I absolutely loved the ending. It was perfect. I wouldn't mind reading more about Jack and Ethan in the future. Just the two of them.
February 26, 2025
Look, I know they’re not the best of people, but morally grey is my favorite flavor, so 🫶
I can’t believe it’s over… I have nothing truly constructive to say—I just absolutely loved this. Everything. This was the most exciting book I’ve ever read. The action, the suspense, just wow. It’s so intense and immersive you can feel the heat of the explosions, hear the gunfire, smell the burned rubber, taste the blood, and see the ebony and ivory 🖤🤍
And then there’s them… My baby Ethan (don’t you dare look at him funny, okay?) and Jack—who, despite me spending most of the series plotting his murder and beating (in that exact order), somehow still got to me. I will never forget this. I lost sleep, brain cells, tears, and I swear my heart stopped a few times. I was angry, devastated, pissed AF—but I was also in heaven. Their love broke me but put me back together so good. I’m so happy they’re both free 😩😩😩😩😩
These two idiots fucked up so many times, but they still gave us that epic ending. Perfect. I have nothing more to add. They’re in me (cringe, but true) forever. Sheila ❤️
P.S. Ethan with his Desert Eagles and Jack flying that damn Kamov Ka-52 will give me wet dreams till I die!
After a moment, Ethan’s dry lips turned up in a smile. “Hello, Jack.”
“Hello, crazy bastard.”
“Half right, Jack.”
I can’t believe it’s over… I have nothing truly constructive to say—I just absolutely loved this. Everything. This was the most exciting book I’ve ever read. The action, the suspense, just wow. It’s so intense and immersive you can feel the heat of the explosions, hear the gunfire, smell the burned rubber, taste the blood, and see the ebony and ivory 🖤🤍
And then there’s them… My baby Ethan (don’t you dare look at him funny, okay?) and Jack—who, despite me spending most of the series plotting his murder and beating (in that exact order), somehow still got to me. I will never forget this. I lost sleep, brain cells, tears, and I swear my heart stopped a few times. I was angry, devastated, pissed AF—but I was also in heaven. Their love broke me but put me back together so good. I’m so happy they’re both free 😩😩😩😩😩
These two idiots fucked up so many times, but they still gave us that epic ending. Perfect. I have nothing more to add. They’re in me (cringe, but true) forever. Sheila ❤️
P.S. Ethan with his Desert Eagles and Jack flying that damn Kamov Ka-52 will give me wet dreams till I die!
After a moment, Ethan’s dry lips turned up in a smile. “Hello, Jack.”
“Hello, crazy bastard.”
“Half right, Jack.”
February 25, 2020
WOOOOW Jack and Ethan's story is incredible! Book 1 was my favorite book of the year when it came out and I've been holding my breath for each new release in the series.
This one is book 3, seemingly the final book and, without a doubt, this series ended with as big a bang as it began.
I can SO EASILY picture this on the big screen. I'd love to see the movies. 🤩
I hope these are rereleased as a compilation of all those novellas in between the books with MUCH better editing. That's been my biggest complaint throughout the series. It's like reading draft manuscripts with as many word errors there are throughout.
But there's no denying the talent that put this story together. IT IS AMZINGLY GOOD!
This one is book 3, seemingly the final book and, without a doubt, this series ended with as big a bang as it began.
I can SO EASILY picture this on the big screen. I'd love to see the movies. 🤩
I hope these are rereleased as a compilation of all those novellas in between the books with MUCH better editing. That's been my biggest complaint throughout the series. It's like reading draft manuscripts with as many word errors there are throughout.
But there's no denying the talent that put this story together. IT IS AMZINGLY GOOD!
January 18, 2020
I don’t follow the author on social media and this is also not a very popular series, so as usual I didn’t even know until a month ago that the final book in this beloved series of mine was coming out in the new year. I was so so excited and immediately preordered it because there was no way I was gonna wait to read it. And wow am I happy that I did on release day itself.
One of the signature writing style of the author has been the then/now multiple timeline alternate chapters, with almost every chapter ending on a cliffhanger making my blood pressure high and just at the edge of my seat right from page 1. Thankfully, the author takes a bit of a step back from that - mind you, we still have multiple timelines and many cliffhangers but it’s a tad bit less anxiety inducing this time around and I actually enjoyed it. We also get both Ethan and Jack’s POVs in the same book and that was a riveting experience. As a finale, I would have expected this book to be more action packed and exciting, and while it had its fair share of thrills, this was a very introspective book in some ways and I thought that was a brilliant choice. But that never affects the pacing of the book, with something unexpected happening all the time and me left wondering who is gonna survive and who is the traitor. If I had to nitpick, my only complaint would be that quite a few things happened outside of the pages and we are told after the fact, and I thought I would have enjoyed reading about them while they happened.
But the best part for me was finally seeing a good portion of the story take place in India and watching Jack navigate this side of his heritage. I also particularly loved the chases through the streets of Mumbai, the descriptions of Dharavi, the road trip to Goa and the nostalgia inducing overnight train ride to Kerala. Though the author decided not to include the actual words, even knowing that Jack was communicating in both Hindi and Malayalam delighted me a lot.
As I mentioned before, we get both POVs here and it was awesome. Just reading about Jack and Ethan being vulnerable towards each other, fighting through their intense traumatic pasts (particularly horrifying in Ethan’s case) and just doing whatever they can to protect each other - it was beautiful to watch. They have changed so much over the course of three books, becoming more trusting, open and loving, and Ethan particularly trying his best to live a normal healthy life is such great character development and kudos to the author for making us care for them so much. And just like their first kiss, the first time the “three magic words” are said between them was a special moment and made me all kinds of emotional.
We got to know many side characters more personally in this book and I thoroughly loved that. Getting to finally see Jack with his family, Ethan becoming friendlier with their neighbors and also Jack’s best friend and family, and even exploring his unique but frustrating dynamic with his remaining siblings and the Doctor was fascinating to read about.
To conclude, this book was everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s full of action packed thrills, car chases and helicopter crashes, great character development and lots of love. If you’ve already read the previous books in the series, then what are you waiting for....??? And if you’ve never read this series but love spy thrillers with an epic romance which will make your heart race and terrify you with cliffhangers, then this series is perfect for you. I was actually hedging on giving this book a 4 or 4.5 star but then the author gave me that amazing epilogue with a killer last line and I just had to make it a 5. I’m just sad thinking this is the end, and hoping that maybe the author will gift us with a short story in the future. I’m gonna miss you Jack and Ethan.
One of the signature writing style of the author has been the then/now multiple timeline alternate chapters, with almost every chapter ending on a cliffhanger making my blood pressure high and just at the edge of my seat right from page 1. Thankfully, the author takes a bit of a step back from that - mind you, we still have multiple timelines and many cliffhangers but it’s a tad bit less anxiety inducing this time around and I actually enjoyed it. We also get both Ethan and Jack’s POVs in the same book and that was a riveting experience. As a finale, I would have expected this book to be more action packed and exciting, and while it had its fair share of thrills, this was a very introspective book in some ways and I thought that was a brilliant choice. But that never affects the pacing of the book, with something unexpected happening all the time and me left wondering who is gonna survive and who is the traitor. If I had to nitpick, my only complaint would be that quite a few things happened outside of the pages and we are told after the fact, and I thought I would have enjoyed reading about them while they happened.
But the best part for me was finally seeing a good portion of the story take place in India and watching Jack navigate this side of his heritage. I also particularly loved the chases through the streets of Mumbai, the descriptions of Dharavi, the road trip to Goa and the nostalgia inducing overnight train ride to Kerala. Though the author decided not to include the actual words, even knowing that Jack was communicating in both Hindi and Malayalam delighted me a lot.
As I mentioned before, we get both POVs here and it was awesome. Just reading about Jack and Ethan being vulnerable towards each other, fighting through their intense traumatic pasts (particularly horrifying in Ethan’s case) and just doing whatever they can to protect each other - it was beautiful to watch. They have changed so much over the course of three books, becoming more trusting, open and loving, and Ethan particularly trying his best to live a normal healthy life is such great character development and kudos to the author for making us care for them so much. And just like their first kiss, the first time the “three magic words” are said between them was a special moment and made me all kinds of emotional.
We got to know many side characters more personally in this book and I thoroughly loved that. Getting to finally see Jack with his family, Ethan becoming friendlier with their neighbors and also Jack’s best friend and family, and even exploring his unique but frustrating dynamic with his remaining siblings and the Doctor was fascinating to read about.
To conclude, this book was everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s full of action packed thrills, car chases and helicopter crashes, great character development and lots of love. If you’ve already read the previous books in the series, then what are you waiting for....??? And if you’ve never read this series but love spy thrillers with an epic romance which will make your heart race and terrify you with cliffhangers, then this series is perfect for you. I was actually hedging on giving this book a 4 or 4.5 star but then the author gave me that amazing epilogue with a killer last line and I just had to make it a 5. I’m just sad thinking this is the end, and hoping that maybe the author will gift us with a short story in the future. I’m gonna miss you Jack and Ethan.
June 29, 2025
I'm not even sure what to do with myself now that Jack and Ethan's story is over 😭 I wanted it to go on forever even though I knew it was time for it to end. It's just hard letting go, you know?
While I wouldn't say this was my favorite installment of the series, I still loved it because how could you not love Ethan and Jack getting their HEA? 🥹 It was hard won though, and I, for one, never want to read another word about precious baby Ethan getting hurt ever again 🫠
Despite all the frustration and tears along the way, Jack and Ethan have become one of my favorite couples ever, and Ethan Blade will forever have my heart 💙
While I wouldn't say this was my favorite installment of the series, I still loved it because how could you not love Ethan and Jack getting their HEA? 🥹 It was hard won though, and I, for one, never want to read another word about precious baby Ethan getting hurt ever again 🫠
Despite all the frustration and tears along the way, Jack and Ethan have become one of my favorite couples ever, and Ethan Blade will forever have my heart 💙
November 22, 2021
I'm gonna write my reviews today, before I'm drowned with grow up stuff! Ugh, adulting.
Well, When Death Frees the Devil is the last book from this series, and I actually wish there were more, their time together without all that shit going on, was so short. 🥲
But this installment was really epic, action packed, intriguing and full of hurt and moments that almost gave me a heart attack. Kudos to the author for the style, the going back and forth really gives this a level of suspense that it should be illegal, but it was perfect really.
Everything worked! I was hurt for the loses but I'm glad the author wasn't scared to take them. I loved everything, specially the end.
This series wasn't perfect, nor was the most believable thing that I've read, but it was so well done that I didn't care, it had heart, brains and warmth, so I totally recommend it.
Love you Ethan, always! 🥲🥲❤
Well, When Death Frees the Devil is the last book from this series, and I actually wish there were more, their time together without all that shit going on, was so short. 🥲
But this installment was really epic, action packed, intriguing and full of hurt and moments that almost gave me a heart attack. Kudos to the author for the style, the going back and forth really gives this a level of suspense that it should be illegal, but it was perfect really.
Everything worked! I was hurt for the loses but I'm glad the author wasn't scared to take them. I loved everything, specially the end.
This series wasn't perfect, nor was the most believable thing that I've read, but it was so well done that I didn't care, it had heart, brains and warmth, so I totally recommend it.
Love you Ethan, always! 🥲🥲❤
February 23, 2023
I loved this series and am sad it is over!
The series had more action scenes than I am used to reading, for some reason I have such a hard time visualizing huge action sequences so I would occasionally have to re read paragraphs. But, I still absolutely loved the series!
Loved Ethan & Jack- they may have had one of the hardest fought most well earned HEAs. Wish we got a bit more of an epilogue. The book just ended and I kept trying to turn the page for more.
Overall love everything, five stars for the book & the series.
Thank you Sarah for buddy reading with me, it was fun!
The series had more action scenes than I am used to reading, for some reason I have such a hard time visualizing huge action sequences so I would occasionally have to re read paragraphs. But, I still absolutely loved the series!
Loved Ethan & Jack- they may have had one of the hardest fought most well earned HEAs. Wish we got a bit more of an epilogue. The book just ended and I kept trying to turn the page for more.
Overall love everything, five stars for the book & the series.
Thank you Sarah for buddy reading with me, it was fun!
June 4, 2025
SHEILA!!!!!!!!!
I could just say that and nothing more and it’d be enough. Though I do have questions as to how she survived till...this. But who cares. SHEILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the extra star on my rating. Girl, snuffle up and drool all over your man. You rock.
Ahem.
I read this slowly between other books because I didn’t want the series to end. It went about as expected. Amazing action, infuriating betrayals and twists, deep love for Ethan and wanting the world for him, and continual conflict over Jack. A lot of people adore him in this book, but, I realize that I could not get over his lack of commitment and emotional cheating in the novellas and book 2. It hurt too much, and I still don’t trust him. “And I’ll forget you, but I’ll...never forgive...” IYKYK.
That was brought home to me several times in this read when a moment should have been Awwwww 🥰 but instead left me more 🧐 “you say that now...” than fully buying it. But nothing cemented it like the final line of this book, which so very, VERY clearly shows that Ethan is still, perhaps always and ever, the one who is thinking of the future and taking all the emotional risks in this relationship. It would have hurt less had I not FINALLY been certain that Jack was going to be the one to suggest it. To be the one to be thinking that way. I was literally holding my breath, during that final conversation, waiting for Jack to suggest it. I truly thought it was a setup for Jack to make that leap.
But no.
No. It was not.
Jack failed me for the final time. He fell at the final fence. It was Ethan who stepped up. Ethan once again putting his heart out there. And I’m just sad. Like for serious, teary sad.
So, I guess you could say these books are so powerful they impacted me quite a lot. And I highly recommend the roller coaster ride of action and emotion that is this series. I just...know that if Ethan died? Jack would be devastated, he would grieve, but...he would eventually be okay and move on and meet someone new. That was shown by Ethan having to ask for exclusivity, and Jack legit being torn between Ethan and a former f-buddy, and Jack choosing to stay with Ethan. Yes, Jack indeed chose Ethan. But it's the fact that he did have a choice, and legit was tempted and spent all that "what if; that could've been something" time in book 2, that shows he'd likely be okay later on again with someone else. (which, IRL? Yay, healthy, great, life goes on. Here? NO.)
Ethan...would not. Jack truly is it for him. Once he connected with Jack, no one else would do, which by far wasn't the case for Jack. And the imbalance just wrecked my heart.
I appreciated how things wound up with certain people from Ethan’s chaotic life, and I’m hoping the missing supervillain who got away means we’ll see more of this world in the future.
I disliked Jack’s sister even more than Jack, which is saying something. She even made me sympathetic toward Jack. She was awful and never redeemed herself for me, pushing on my every petty-bitch button hard and consistently. Jack’s niece was far better. And his uncle Raja had potential...what happened to him in the end? Where was he?
Some losses here were sad and honestly seemed a waste of good characters. Some results of ongoing relationships also seemed sad. I spent time struggling to figure out why I just could not get past book 2 and fully embrace this relationship. (That’ll be a self-therapy session for the future LOL).
Bottom line, Ethan Blade wound up being one of my favorite characters ever, but I’m not sure I’d ever read this series again because Jack wound up being one of my least favorite heroes. His wishy washiness went on for far too long for me to get past it. And while he gave Ethan two of the best, most thoughtful gifts in the history of ever, it couldn’t make up for the conditions he put on and kept on their relationship and the doubts he had toward Ethan for nearly the entire series.
OH. And, NFN but WTF was up with that opening sequence? Why couldn’t Ethan tell Jack, who was RIGHT THERE WITH HIM, what was happening rather than the cryptic note and convoluted questionable puzzle? Was it because of his implant/people would know/see/overhear? That really needed to be clarified, because it seemed ridiculous.
HEA. A series about an assassin and a spy falling in lust then love. Final boss battle, many secrets exposed. Great twists and turns and secrets and lies and amazing storytelling. Highly recommended, but for any of you who have my issues with OM drama, go in forewarned. Most people got past it no problem and love where things go in this book.
SHEILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥰
I could just say that and nothing more and it’d be enough. Though I do have questions as to how she survived till...this. But who cares. SHEILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the extra star on my rating. Girl, snuffle up and drool all over your man. You rock.
Ahem.
I read this slowly between other books because I didn’t want the series to end. It went about as expected. Amazing action, infuriating betrayals and twists, deep love for Ethan and wanting the world for him, and continual conflict over Jack. A lot of people adore him in this book, but, I realize that I could not get over his lack of commitment and emotional cheating in the novellas and book 2. It hurt too much, and I still don’t trust him. “And I’ll forget you, but I’ll...never forgive...” IYKYK.
That was brought home to me several times in this read when a moment should have been Awwwww 🥰 but instead left me more 🧐 “you say that now...” than fully buying it. But nothing cemented it like the final line of this book, which so very, VERY clearly shows that Ethan is still, perhaps always and ever, the one who is thinking of the future and taking all the emotional risks in this relationship. It would have hurt less had I not FINALLY been certain that Jack was going to be the one to suggest it. To be the one to be thinking that way. I was literally holding my breath, during that final conversation, waiting for Jack to suggest it. I truly thought it was a setup for Jack to make that leap.
But no.
No. It was not.
Jack failed me for the final time. He fell at the final fence. It was Ethan who stepped up. Ethan once again putting his heart out there. And I’m just sad. Like for serious, teary sad.
So, I guess you could say these books are so powerful they impacted me quite a lot. And I highly recommend the roller coaster ride of action and emotion that is this series. I just...know that if Ethan died? Jack would be devastated, he would grieve, but...he would eventually be okay and move on and meet someone new. That was shown by Ethan having to ask for exclusivity, and Jack legit being torn between Ethan and a former f-buddy, and Jack choosing to stay with Ethan. Yes, Jack indeed chose Ethan. But it's the fact that he did have a choice, and legit was tempted and spent all that "what if; that could've been something" time in book 2, that shows he'd likely be okay later on again with someone else. (which, IRL? Yay, healthy, great, life goes on. Here? NO.)
Ethan...would not. Jack truly is it for him. Once he connected with Jack, no one else would do, which by far wasn't the case for Jack. And the imbalance just wrecked my heart.
I appreciated how things wound up with certain people from Ethan’s chaotic life, and I’m hoping the missing supervillain who got away means we’ll see more of this world in the future.
I disliked Jack’s sister even more than Jack, which is saying something. She even made me sympathetic toward Jack. She was awful and never redeemed herself for me, pushing on my every petty-bitch button hard and consistently. Jack’s niece was far better. And his uncle Raja had potential...what happened to him in the end? Where was he?
Some losses here were sad and honestly seemed a waste of good characters. Some results of ongoing relationships also seemed sad. I spent time struggling to figure out why I just could not get past book 2 and fully embrace this relationship. (That’ll be a self-therapy session for the future LOL).
Bottom line, Ethan Blade wound up being one of my favorite characters ever, but I’m not sure I’d ever read this series again because Jack wound up being one of my least favorite heroes. His wishy washiness went on for far too long for me to get past it. And while he gave Ethan two of the best, most thoughtful gifts in the history of ever, it couldn’t make up for the conditions he put on and kept on their relationship and the doubts he had toward Ethan for nearly the entire series.
OH. And, NFN but WTF was up with that opening sequence? Why couldn’t Ethan tell Jack, who was RIGHT THERE WITH HIM, what was happening rather than the cryptic note and convoluted questionable puzzle? Was it because of his implant/people would know/see/overhear? That really needed to be clarified, because it seemed ridiculous.
HEA. A series about an assassin and a spy falling in lust then love. Final boss battle, many secrets exposed. Great twists and turns and secrets and lies and amazing storytelling. Highly recommended, but for any of you who have my issues with OM drama, go in forewarned. Most people got past it no problem and love where things go in this book.
SHEILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥰
March 29, 2021
Best MM “back-to-back power-couple” ever.
When the Cabal call Ethan in and threaten Jack's family to make it happen, the gloves come off, and Ethan goes into full bad-ass assassin mode, determined to expose the "bosses" and bring the Cabal down for their crimes/sins.
Unfortunately, Ethan's abrupt departure leaves Jack playing catch-up, tracking his man down, not to stop him - so he can help go on a murdering spree with him.
Like, seriously though. These two. You know you've found The One when you can rely on your lover to back you up on your vengeful campaign of murder. God, these two are insanely perfect together. Ethan's vulnerability, Jack's strength and stubborness. Once they strap their guns on and get to work, they're so frikkin adorable it should be outlawed.
It's rare that a series of books grabs a hold of me by the scruff of the neck, ties me to a chair and tortures me so deliciously from beginning to end. Full of action, dry humor, and delicious MM romance, I'm really going so miss this pair and can't thank L.J. Hayward enough for bringing Jack and Ethan to life.
Brilliant series. Go read it. Now I'm off to pester the author into writing more MM action thrillers ;)
When the Cabal call Ethan in and threaten Jack's family to make it happen, the gloves come off, and Ethan goes into full bad-ass assassin mode, determined to expose the "bosses" and bring the Cabal down for their crimes/sins.
Unfortunately, Ethan's abrupt departure leaves Jack playing catch-up, tracking his man down, not to stop him - so he can help go on a murdering spree with him.
Like, seriously though. These two. You know you've found The One when you can rely on your lover to back you up on your vengeful campaign of murder. God, these two are insanely perfect together. Ethan's vulnerability, Jack's strength and stubborness. Once they strap their guns on and get to work, they're so frikkin adorable it should be outlawed.
It's rare that a series of books grabs a hold of me by the scruff of the neck, ties me to a chair and tortures me so deliciously from beginning to end. Full of action, dry humor, and delicious MM romance, I'm really going so miss this pair and can't thank L.J. Hayward enough for bringing Jack and Ethan to life.
Brilliant series. Go read it. Now I'm off to pester the author into writing more MM action thrillers ;)
January 21, 2020
Real life really butted into my reading time for this one and it drove me crazy! But it was worth everything in the end, though there was much heartfail to be had til it got there.
I'm over the moon at where *literally and figuratively* Jack and Ethan ended up. They so deserve their happy and I know L.J. Hayward loves her readers, because that ending was every, single little thing I could have wanted for them. *swoon*
This is one of my all-time favorite spy/crime-thriller series ever, with characters I'll never forget *maybe a coda every once in while? Pleeease?* and will definitely reread. I can't wait for whatever the author writes next! <3
I'm over the moon at where *literally and figuratively* Jack and Ethan ended up. They so deserve their happy and I know L.J. Hayward loves her readers, because that ending was every, single little thing I could have wanted for them. *swoon*
This is one of my all-time favorite spy/crime-thriller series ever, with characters I'll never forget *maybe a coda every once in while? Pleeease?* and will definitely reread. I can't wait for whatever the author writes next! <3
July 13, 2020
Gah! I'm going to miss Jack and his Crazy Bastard. (Even if that's only half right!)
Another fabulous rollercoaster ride of a story, as Jack and Ethan are forced to fight for the future they so desperately want, while plans are hatched and strings are pulled on both sides which only complicate things even more.
The plots in these books are tight and really well-executed, but the central relationship between Jack and Ethan - two men who are like sides of the same coin in many ways - is at the heart of the series, and the author develops and explores it brilliantly.
I'm trying hard to think of another character quite like Ethan - deadly, ruthless and yet ridiculously endearing - and am coming up with nothing. He's unique :)
A great finish to what's been a fantastic series - if this is the last we see of Jack and Ethan (and how I hope it isn't!) then the author has done them proud.
Another fabulous rollercoaster ride of a story, as Jack and Ethan are forced to fight for the future they so desperately want, while plans are hatched and strings are pulled on both sides which only complicate things even more.
The plots in these books are tight and really well-executed, but the central relationship between Jack and Ethan - two men who are like sides of the same coin in many ways - is at the heart of the series, and the author develops and explores it brilliantly.
I'm trying hard to think of another character quite like Ethan - deadly, ruthless and yet ridiculously endearing - and am coming up with nothing. He's unique :)
A great finish to what's been a fantastic series - if this is the last we see of Jack and Ethan (and how I hope it isn't!) then the author has done them proud.
January 19, 2020
4.5 stars
I'm so sad. It's the end of this amazing series. It's the end of getting to read about Jack and Ethan together. They do get their happy ending, but it's hard fought for and I just want to always read about these two together. Their love is <3.
This kicks off three months later and also literally right after the end of the second book. This is different in how it doesn't go "then" and "now" like before and instead goes between Ethan and Jack's POV and then it's them together. But doesn't change how they basically spend almost half the book apart (at least with the then and now's we got to read them together in the then as we had to read them apart in the now).
It definitely made it more painful and frustrating this way for me. Because like of course these two just get to a good place and barely get a moment of that happiness before things blow up and shit.
I do get, ultimately, the journey Ethan had to go on in this book, how he had to try to get his revenge - like Jack did in his past - with no one trying to stop him before he would realize what truly mattered most *cough*Jack*cough*
But even as these two apart, I was riveted to this book - big part because I just wanted these two back together, but also reading what was happening and what they were doing kept me riveted partly as well.
In this final book, it truly is about "freeing the devil" or freeing Ethan (but Jack as well) from not only the Cabal but his own demons that he still hasn't quite worked all the way through.
I took .5 off for this amazing book mainly because there were typos here and there throughout, and also because I wish we had got to linger with Jack and Ethan a little more at times, to get a little more with them. When we did get scenes with these two that focused on their romance they were great, I loved them. But I just wanted a little more before something else came along that stopped their moments together and made them have to push things aside for later or going into action mode and I just wanted a little more.
We go almost half the book with them apart so that already cut down on their time together, and then when they do come back together, I wanted just a little more time where they talked, where they connected again after three months apart. As the last book, I just think it wasn't quite fair all the times they were interrupted or they didn't finish a convo or even one of their sex scenes being more drawn out as they have been in the past. (They were there, but it just felt like the start would be there but then they were glossed over a little bit near the end.)
Overall these things didn't bother me too much because what we did get with these two I absolutely loved and I loved where they end up and seeing them finally get to be happy and together for good, and the romance was definitely there even if the sex scenes weren't all written out in their entirety.
At the end of the day, these two are deeply in love and I love it and I love this series. I'm going to miss it so much (and I mean....I wouldn't be bothered with a short story here or there or little scenes here or there released showing our two lovebirds happy and in love together. Just saying ;)).
What an end to an outstanding series. I really can't wait for more from this author <3
I'm so sad. It's the end of this amazing series. It's the end of getting to read about Jack and Ethan together. They do get their happy ending, but it's hard fought for and I just want to always read about these two together. Their love is <3.
This kicks off three months later and also literally right after the end of the second book. This is different in how it doesn't go "then" and "now" like before and instead goes between Ethan and Jack's POV and then it's them together. But doesn't change how they basically spend almost half the book apart (at least with the then and now's we got to read them together in the then as we had to read them apart in the now).
It definitely made it more painful and frustrating this way for me. Because like of course these two just get to a good place and barely get a moment of that happiness before things blow up and shit.
I do get, ultimately, the journey Ethan had to go on in this book, how he had to try to get his revenge - like Jack did in his past - with no one trying to stop him before he would realize what truly mattered most *cough*Jack*cough*
But even as these two apart, I was riveted to this book - big part because I just wanted these two back together, but also reading what was happening and what they were doing kept me riveted partly as well.
In this final book, it truly is about "freeing the devil" or freeing Ethan (but Jack as well) from not only the Cabal but his own demons that he still hasn't quite worked all the way through.
I took .5 off for this amazing book mainly because there were typos here and there throughout, and also because I wish we had got to linger with Jack and Ethan a little more at times, to get a little more with them. When we did get scenes with these two that focused on their romance they were great, I loved them. But I just wanted a little more before something else came along that stopped their moments together and made them have to push things aside for later or going into action mode and I just wanted a little more.
We go almost half the book with them apart so that already cut down on their time together, and then when they do come back together, I wanted just a little more time where they talked, where they connected again after three months apart. As the last book, I just think it wasn't quite fair all the times they were interrupted or they didn't finish a convo or even one of their sex scenes being more drawn out as they have been in the past. (They were there, but it just felt like the start would be there but then they were glossed over a little bit near the end.)
Overall these things didn't bother me too much because what we did get with these two I absolutely loved and I loved where they end up and seeing them finally get to be happy and together for good, and the romance was definitely there even if the sex scenes weren't all written out in their entirety.
At the end of the day, these two are deeply in love and I love it and I love this series. I'm going to miss it so much (and I mean....I wouldn't be bothered with a short story here or there or little scenes here or there released showing our two lovebirds happy and in love together. Just saying ;)).
What an end to an outstanding series. I really can't wait for more from this author <3
January 19, 2020
Good GOD what can I say !!!! I loved every minute of this book. Brilliantly written, created and plotted. No spoilers from me, other than, this is a fabulous series that deserves all the readers ❤️ fast paced crime, twists and developments that have you wondering WTF next ! Loved, loved, loved it
December 31, 2024
These books feel like you’re reading James Bond plots on steroids 😬
It’s so good. So intense, and it gives you whiplash with all the twist and turns, plot twists, time jumps and high speed car (and bike) chases. Thank god the only thing I knew about this book was that it WILL have a HEA, even though it seems almost unattainable at times, otherwise I might not have made it through 😂
It’s one of the books where it’s imperative to keep all plot spoilers from your review, that’s why I’ll keep it short. It can’t be read on its own anyway, so you’ll have to work your way through the entire series so see Jack and Ethan finally take down the Cabal.
As mentioned, the time jumps made my head spin, and some of the things that happen are very bloody. Tbh I’m not sure if I’d be able to watch these books as films, because my imagination thankfully decides to stay vague when it comes to gory details 😅 so I really was able to enjoy it despite shying away from stuff like that.
There were some minor logical issues I had with the ending though (sorry if I’m nitpicking, but if a book is so rich on hints and clues and gets the reader involved in figuring out things, you can’t just mess up the ending 🤷♀️): why have someone jump in front of Jack to save him from a bullet, if that person should have known he wears a body armour? And why make a point in saying that Ethan will get a new identity and a new name, but have him work in the same “job” as before, and with Jack and his family still around and using the same identities as before?
Still - not enough to rate it down from the 4.5 stars I’ll give it. A worthy finale to this series ❤️
…or is it?
It’s so good. So intense, and it gives you whiplash with all the twist and turns, plot twists, time jumps and high speed car (and bike) chases. Thank god the only thing I knew about this book was that it WILL have a HEA, even though it seems almost unattainable at times, otherwise I might not have made it through 😂
It’s one of the books where it’s imperative to keep all plot spoilers from your review, that’s why I’ll keep it short. It can’t be read on its own anyway, so you’ll have to work your way through the entire series so see Jack and Ethan finally take down the Cabal.
As mentioned, the time jumps made my head spin, and some of the things that happen are very bloody. Tbh I’m not sure if I’d be able to watch these books as films, because my imagination thankfully decides to stay vague when it comes to gory details 😅 so I really was able to enjoy it despite shying away from stuff like that.
There were some minor logical issues I had with the ending though (sorry if I’m nitpicking, but if a book is so rich on hints and clues and gets the reader involved in figuring out things, you can’t just mess up the ending 🤷♀️): why have someone jump in front of Jack to save him from a bullet, if that person should have known he wears a body armour? And why make a point in saying that Ethan will get a new identity and a new name, but have him work in the same “job” as before, and with Jack and his family still around and using the same identities as before?
Still - not enough to rate it down from the 4.5 stars I’ll give it. A worthy finale to this series ❤️
…or is it?
August 7, 2020
All right. For this final book, I will have to give 4.5 stars rounded up for the lovely bit at the end with Sheila.
What can I say--there's action (it's like Jason Bourne the movie + some MM sexiness), there's suspense, there's betrayals and guessing and all kinds of ppl dying. This author is def not afraid to kill off ppl.
There's torture and subterfuge and second guessing. Fast cars and sexy bikes. (Mercy the bikes in particular!)
And there's a fully dedicated Jack and Ethan. No more waffling about what they feel for each other. This is real, and it's forever.
The end.
What can I say--there's action (it's like Jason Bourne the movie + some MM sexiness), there's suspense, there's betrayals and guessing and all kinds of ppl dying. This author is def not afraid to kill off ppl.
There's torture and subterfuge and second guessing. Fast cars and sexy bikes. (Mercy the bikes in particular!)
And there's a fully dedicated Jack and Ethan. No more waffling about what they feel for each other. This is real, and it's forever.
The end.
June 5, 2025
The end of an amazing series! I will miss you, Jack and Ethan! RTC
🐪🗡🛠🏎🏍😎🥘
🐪🗡🛠🏎🏍😎🥘
June 11, 2024
Just here quietly crying because I won’t have more Jack and Ethan in my life 😭
January 5, 2023
Oh my word... My boys finally have their hapoy ending 😭
This series is truly FANTASTIC. I absolutely loved both characters, though Ethan is certainly my fave.
These two couldn't catch a break in this book 😐
The author sure dod put them through the ringer.
The narrator... sigh. This narrator is truly fantastic. The way he makes Ethan say Jack is 🤌🏻🔥❤️
This series is truly FANTASTIC. I absolutely loved both characters, though Ethan is certainly my fave.
These two couldn't catch a break in this book 😐
The author sure dod put them through the ringer.
The narrator... sigh. This narrator is truly fantastic. The way he makes Ethan say Jack is 🤌🏻🔥❤️
January 22, 2020
Q: So how do you take down one of the most evil and secret organisations in the world?
A: Take one ‘crazy bastard’ who is determined as hell.
And a desperate agent who is hell-bent on not losing his boyfriend all over again.
What a breath-taking finale!
It starts with a bang that’ll sucker-punch you, and then the action-driven plot full of plot twists never lets go until the very last minute.
As expected, the Cabal isn’t prepared to let Ethan go yet, and they are more than happy to do pretty anything to get him back. And that includes threatening innocent people. People like Jack’s family. You can imagine how that goes down with Ethan. And Jack.
So plenty of action and few feels?
Nope. Totally wrong.
Although Ethan and Jack are apart for the first half of the book, there is plenty of emotion around. For me, finding out what Ethan and his ‘brothers and sisters’ went through in the hands of the Doctor and the Cabal was purely horrifying and heart-breaking. It reminded me of Hitler’s Dr. Mengele and his experiments.
Ethan’s final step away from his past comes in a totally different way from what I expected. And what happens is so much better and so much more gratifying. I loved, loved, loved what the author did here!
When Jack and Ethan are together it’s pure magic and absolutely beautiful. They are, without any doubt, one of my top-three favourite couples ever!
And that epilogue is simply swoon-worthy, although there’s one little thing that bothered me.
LJ Hayward does fabulous stuff with the timeline and the POVs here, yet again. I’m not a fan of backflashes and jumping around in time, but she executes it with such expertise and always in a way that adds extra tension and depth to the plot.
This is one of my all-time favourite series, with Jack and Ethan two of the most epic characters.
If you haven’t read this series and like crime/thriller romance, just go for it! (and please don’t miss any of the novellas!)
Looking forward to a re-read already!
A: Take one ‘crazy bastard’ who is determined as hell.
And a desperate agent who is hell-bent on not losing his boyfriend all over again.
What a breath-taking finale!
It starts with a bang that’ll sucker-punch you, and then the action-driven plot full of plot twists never lets go until the very last minute.
As expected, the Cabal isn’t prepared to let Ethan go yet, and they are more than happy to do pretty anything to get him back. And that includes threatening innocent people. People like Jack’s family. You can imagine how that goes down with Ethan. And Jack.
So plenty of action and few feels?
Nope. Totally wrong.
Although Ethan and Jack are apart for the first half of the book, there is plenty of emotion around. For me, finding out what Ethan and his ‘brothers and sisters’ went through in the hands of the Doctor and the Cabal was purely horrifying and heart-breaking. It reminded me of Hitler’s Dr. Mengele and his experiments.
Ethan’s final step away from his past comes in a totally different way from what I expected. And what happens is so much better and so much more gratifying. I loved, loved, loved what the author did here!
When Jack and Ethan are together it’s pure magic and absolutely beautiful. They are, without any doubt, one of my top-three favourite couples ever!
And that epilogue is simply swoon-worthy, although there’s one little thing that bothered me.
LJ Hayward does fabulous stuff with the timeline and the POVs here, yet again. I’m not a fan of backflashes and jumping around in time, but she executes it with such expertise and always in a way that adds extra tension and depth to the plot.
This is one of my all-time favourite series, with Jack and Ethan two of the most epic characters.
If you haven’t read this series and like crime/thriller romance, just go for it! (and please don’t miss any of the novellas!)
Looking forward to a re-read already!
February 23, 2020
*5 well-deserving stars*
Third and last (?) book for this amazing series and it was every bit as good as what we're used to getting from this author!
Jack and Ethan are back and they're in trouble once more. Ethan is trying to bring down the people who have harmed so many young lives in the name of an experiment and in an effort to gain money and power. It's not an easy feat but Ethan has always been the odd one out so if anyone can do it, it should be him. Plus, now he has something to lose...
The story once again has the characteristic back and forth that L.J. Hayward is known for and once more it took me a few chapters to get used to it. I was kind of confused about the timeline because in addition to the back and forth here there were also two sets of voices - yes, we have Ethan as a narrator again! - who each told his part in the story. But, the thing is that, for a big part of the book, Jack and Ethan didn't have any common scenes so it was even more challenging than usual to figure out the order of the events.
However, everything worked great with the way the book was set up, as it always does. The exact same story wouldn't have the same effect if it was told differently. The suspense, the wondering, the excitement. Everything was hightened by the back and forth.
I could have done with a little less page time for the fighting scenes but that's minor considering how explosive the story was. The series truly ended with a bang and the waiting for it was well worth it. I wish there will be some more scenes in the future about Jack and Ethan and maybe for once we can see them relaxing together and doing everyday "couple" stuff.
The ending was simply perfect. I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that someone from a previous book is appearing again and is making Ethan very very happy!
I can't wait to see what this author will up with in the future!
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Third and last (?) book for this amazing series and it was every bit as good as what we're used to getting from this author!
Jack and Ethan are back and they're in trouble once more. Ethan is trying to bring down the people who have harmed so many young lives in the name of an experiment and in an effort to gain money and power. It's not an easy feat but Ethan has always been the odd one out so if anyone can do it, it should be him. Plus, now he has something to lose...
The story once again has the characteristic back and forth that L.J. Hayward is known for and once more it took me a few chapters to get used to it. I was kind of confused about the timeline because in addition to the back and forth here there were also two sets of voices - yes, we have Ethan as a narrator again! - who each told his part in the story. But, the thing is that, for a big part of the book, Jack and Ethan didn't have any common scenes so it was even more challenging than usual to figure out the order of the events.
However, everything worked great with the way the book was set up, as it always does. The exact same story wouldn't have the same effect if it was told differently. The suspense, the wondering, the excitement. Everything was hightened by the back and forth.
I could have done with a little less page time for the fighting scenes but that's minor considering how explosive the story was. The series truly ended with a bang and the waiting for it was well worth it. I wish there will be some more scenes in the future about Jack and Ethan and maybe for once we can see them relaxing together and doing everyday "couple" stuff.
The ending was simply perfect. I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that someone from a previous book is appearing again and is making Ethan very very happy!
I can't wait to see what this author will up with in the future!
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2020
4.5 stars
August 12, 2023
4.5 stars
“Kissing was intimate. More so than fucking. For Jack, kissing was an expression of his heart and mind and soul. He showed himself, his thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, in his words, from his lips and tongue. They were the conduit through which he gave himself to others, and to the person he loved, he gave them everything through kisses.”
This was a great series finale! It’s a thrilling ride with jam-packed action from beginning to end. Ethan finally get his well-deserved HEA with Jack after going after the Cabal who forced him into becoming an assassin. Of course he tries to do this on his own to protect Jack, but Jack is always just a step behind him to catch him when he falls. And in the end, Ethan also helps Jack heal the rift with his family.
“Kissing was intimate. More so than fucking. For Jack, kissing was an expression of his heart and mind and soul. He showed himself, his thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, in his words, from his lips and tongue. They were the conduit through which he gave himself to others, and to the person he loved, he gave them everything through kisses.”
This was a great series finale! It’s a thrilling ride with jam-packed action from beginning to end. Ethan finally get his well-deserved HEA with Jack after going after the Cabal who forced him into becoming an assassin. Of course he tries to do this on his own to protect Jack, but Jack is always just a step behind him to catch him when he falls. And in the end, Ethan also helps Jack heal the rift with his family.
January 23, 2020
What a ride!
At the end of book 2, Jack and Ethan thought that they were finally on their way to a quieter life. But that’s never lasts long with these two!
The Cabal just won’t allow it.
And when Jack’s family is threatened, Ethan takes matters into his own hand. He goes after the Cabal once and for all, even if what he and Jack have is destroyed in the process.
I freely admit that I have a probably-not-so-healthy crush on Ethan. I’m willing to overlook his many morally-ambiguous qualities. And book 3 really explains why!
It’s his loyalty, his drive to protect someone once he finally considers them his own - and it’s because he’s a creature of his circumstances.
Readers finally get a clear picture of what Ethan’s past was like, and why he is the way he is. My heart hurt for the scared little boy who was forced to become a killing machine.
But he’s not alone anymore. Jack has Ethan’s back all the way, no matter the consequences.
Though events force them apart once again, these two men have an all-consuming love for each other. And they end up stronger for this final wringer that they’re put through.
Without revealing too many details, I’ll say that the grand finale delivered on all the staples from this series - twists and turns, explosions, car chases, one life or death situation after another.
Consider me highly entertained, and on the edge of my seat!
This book wraps everything up very nicely, and gives Ethan and Jack the happy ever after that they deserve.
I highly recommend the Death and the Devil series if you’re looking for spies, spooks, and two complex men falling for each other despite the odds!
At the end of book 2, Jack and Ethan thought that they were finally on their way to a quieter life. But that’s never lasts long with these two!
The Cabal just won’t allow it.
And when Jack’s family is threatened, Ethan takes matters into his own hand. He goes after the Cabal once and for all, even if what he and Jack have is destroyed in the process.
I freely admit that I have a probably-not-so-healthy crush on Ethan. I’m willing to overlook his many morally-ambiguous qualities. And book 3 really explains why!
It’s his loyalty, his drive to protect someone once he finally considers them his own - and it’s because he’s a creature of his circumstances.
Readers finally get a clear picture of what Ethan’s past was like, and why he is the way he is. My heart hurt for the scared little boy who was forced to become a killing machine.
But he’s not alone anymore. Jack has Ethan’s back all the way, no matter the consequences.
Though events force them apart once again, these two men have an all-consuming love for each other. And they end up stronger for this final wringer that they’re put through.
Without revealing too many details, I’ll say that the grand finale delivered on all the staples from this series - twists and turns, explosions, car chases, one life or death situation after another.
Consider me highly entertained, and on the edge of my seat!
This book wraps everything up very nicely, and gives Ethan and Jack the happy ever after that they deserve.
I highly recommend the Death and the Devil series if you’re looking for spies, spooks, and two complex men falling for each other despite the odds!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews