Title: When Death Frees the Devil

Series: Death and the Devil

Author: L.J. Hayward

Genre: Suspense

Length: Novel (337pgs)

ISBN: 9780648446064

Publisher: L.J. Hayward (17th January 2020)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Maya

Blurb: 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.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | Smashwords | B&N

Review: Jack and Ethan are back!

It’s as much a treat for me as the previous books have been, even though I was feeling like yo-yo during much of the book – dangling on a string.

It’s not just the plot– which is very good, it’s the way the narrative unfolds– we get only pieces of information, layers upon layers forming what’s attention grabbing, hair rising and heart melting story.

It was outstanding!

This time we get introduced to big evil just hinted at in previous book – namely Cabal, which is trying to regain their control of Ethan. Jack is standing in their way, determined to help his lover. The story is jumping from point to point in time, each piece giving different view of situation, underscoring just how desperate Jack and Ethan’s position is. I kept reminding myself there is a happy end and my fingers itched to jump pages. I couldn’t tear myself from the story. It was brimming with twists and turns causing adrenaline rush. It’s ultimate thrill ride!

Despite unrelenting action, there is emotional component to the story. Cabal is part of Ethan’s past and the story doesn’t stint on his reaction to shadowy manipulations that ruined so much of his life, we do find out more about Jack. It seems like all the ghosts from his pasts aren’t buried and they started popping up. While Ethan and Jack are separated through good part of the book their relationship only grows stronger as they risk everything for each other. The ending was really, really sweet and I hope we see what author teased in following books (notice I’m hoping for plural).

The plot ends are all tied up nicely (and boy, does Hayward have a devious mind – surprises abound!) but the ending allows plenty of opportunity for Jack and Ethan to get into more trouble.

Fingers crossed the new book is soon!