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Death and the Devil #1.6

When the Devil Drives

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Work-life balance for a spy may be an oxymoron, but Jack Reardon likes a good challenge. And he’s almost bested this one. He’s settled into his Meta-State promotion as a field leader and into his new team with a second he can trust. Shop in order, he can take a day or two off when Ethan blows into town, their bargain finally starting to paying off.

Assassin Ethan Blade has few pleasures in his life—a decent cup of tea, a job well done, racing his fleet of supercars, and Jack. With plans to combine the last two into one thrilling weekend, Ethan’s attempt at having a normal, happy life may deliver everything he’s ever desired—or backfire spectacularly.

Jack and Ethan made a bargain, but the deal is thrown into jeopardy when the expectations and identities of the dealmakers shift—stoking the fires of doubt and jealously. Not to mention a contract killer out for revenge and an illness that threatens to reveal closely guarded secrets. Rewards are on the table for both men, maybe bigger than they even realize, if only they can renegotiate—and survive.

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First published August 31, 2018

15 people are currently reading
362 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Hayward

21 books612 followers
L.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.

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5 stars
511 (38%)
4 stars
579 (43%)
3 stars
220 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus.
1,120 reviews1,053 followers
November 16, 2018
4.25 Roy stars

It will be 5 stars the day i get the KISS.

-Fast Cars

-Pink Lambo

-Hot Sex

-Caring Ethan, Sick mumbling Jack... We LOVE THEM.

I am still a goner. Blaming it all on Simone.😘😘

Onto the next🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️
Profile Image for ☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣.
2,526 reviews19.2k followers
January 1, 2019
The only thingy going for it is that it's a fairy M/M tale. And it's really short.

Q:
Jack hid a grin in Ethan’s belly. (c) Ahem, considering that the 2 of them are supposed to be an assassin and a military boy, color me alarmed.
Profile Image for Simone - on indefinite hiatus  -.
751 reviews41 followers
August 27, 2018
***4.5 adrenaline-filled stars***

tumblr_inline_mjddxymMAH1qz4rgp.gif (320×128)

Two of my weaknesses in one single book. Fast cars and one of my favorite couples. What more could a heart desire?

Yeah well, about them being a couple... It's still more of a relationship thing (Jack's words, not mine). With their arrangement still firmly in place, Ethan finds himself wanting more, wanting some kind of normalcy and a trip to the Gold Coast with Jack while doing some car racing sounds like something to indulge in two of his most favorite things in the world. Umm, if there wouldn't get something unexpected in the way. Feelings. Out of the blue and unwelcome feelings. Like jealousy. On both ends. Seeing the other interact with other people elicits some serious doubts. Doubts in Ethan about their chance of turning their bargain into something more. Doubts in Jack about how many freaking layers there are to this man. But it also leads to some new revelations about said relationship and Jack realizes that his emotional attachment to this guy might already go deeper than he thought.
Between the threads of doubt and confusion there was still that intangible magnetism, drawing Jack to Ethan. An allure of not just physical attraction, but a need to know the truth, to find the man beneath the assassin... The man whose unabashed smile could make Jack think dangerous thoughts.

Feelings are not the only distraction, though, when some trigger happy assassin on the loose won't let them be and tries to ruin their well-deserved vacation. Forever.

Gahhhh, I just can't get enough of these two!!!!! This novella consists of two short stories in which I got my adrenaline-fix through the racing element and a car chase that left me feeling breathless and they also prove once more my soft spot for Ethan with his dangerous and mysterious aura and his vulnerable core. This time we get a few more glimpses into their past which only adds to me wanting to get the full story. And goddammit Ms. Hayward, you are a tease! Keeping me waiting - no, longing - for that bloody kiss is a sure bet to make me crave for any other book in this series, but I'm confident, when it happens it will blow my socks off.

Once again my only complaint is that it was too short (yeah, I'm greedy like that) and that the ending this time was a bit abrupt. I was frantically wiping at my Kindle just to realize that that was it. It's not a real cliffhanger, just... sort of? A rather open ending that made me crave for more. The end of October can't come soon enough for the next novella to be released. Another highly recommended read for fans of this series!
***ARC generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,652 reviews567 followers
October 2, 2021
4 Stars

Sadly, it’s been way too long since I last read Bargaining with the Devil, and I was under the vague recollection that Jack and Ethan were a lot closer than what this next installment portrays.

Ethan asks Jack to accompany him at a high stakes charity car race and though it should be a fun getaway, Jack is hit with revelation after revelation that stirs up all sorts of uncomfortable feelings. Seeing glimpses of the real Ethan puts him in a tailspin, alternating between wanting more of the mysterious assassin and balking at the idea of further intimacy.

Again, Jack and Ethan are far from being official, but the cracks in their resolve (mainly Jack’s) are getting bigger and bigger. Regardless, I still felt this was quite romantic despite very little relationship progression. This had some small wins with a nice dose of action, and I’m glad I'm back on track and hope to finish this series this year!
Profile Image for Shin Mon Thway.
663 reviews1,701 followers
September 12, 2018
Only L.J. Hayward can make reading about driving a super car sounds so dirty and erotic. 😏🔥 Loved it. 💙 But Jack, get your head out of your arse and get a grip man. I’m getting miffed by how fickle you are. 🙄 One minute you swear never to let go Ethan and the next you think it’s for the best if it’s over. Stop being a wuss and chase that assassin’s arse, LITERALLY! 😁 Anyhow, enjoyable, fun and super thrilling. Can’t freaking wait for the next installment! 😍


4.25 Jack and Ethan kissed under the tree la~la~la~la stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Profile Image for Chelsea.
469 reviews621 followers
March 17, 2024

Need I say more ❤️
Profile Image for Optimist ♰King's Wench♰.
1,813 reviews3,974 followers
November 19, 2018
I have to hand it to L.J. Hayward, she really knows how to keep the intrigue going between these two.

I enjoyed the first part of this novella the most. I wouldn't consider myself a gearhead or anything but I do enjoy cars and an Aston Martin?

YES, PLEASE!!!!!!!


The most painful cinematic moment in my life to date was the car chase scene in Casino Royale.



WHY GOD, WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!! #crushed

Anyhoo, I also think it's cute that Ethan is so besotted with his cars. When he gets animated about them... it's adorable especially since he's normally so stoic. Also, quick side note, the action sequence was LOADS of fun! Nothing like a good car chase as long as the Aston Martin doesn't get taco'd.

Ethan has entered a race on the Gold Coast under an alter ego, Roy Carter. Roy is charming and outgoing and HAS FRIENDS!



You heard me. A shocking development for all involved, and by "all involved", I mean myself and Jack.

He asks Jack to tag along under the auspices of spending some quality sexy times together which morphs into some interesting relationship development. For an arrangement that's supposedly in the 'super casual' category both of them sure do struggle with the specter of the green-eyed monster.

There were some somewhat comical moments, the party scene being my favorite. No spoiling but I snickered a little.

The second half I was less enamored with due mostly to them not spending much time together. But the ending is somewhat cliffish thereby ensuring that I will dive into the next one to get ready for book two.

Word of caution to those who've not started this series, since Ethan and Jack have agreed to a casual relationship neither are expected to remain celibate when they're apart, so not precisely cheating but I know many have a hard limit when it comes to sex outside of the main relationship. None of it is on page, though, just referenced.

What I keep struggling with and coming back to is the suspense plotline. I guess I had it in my head that there would be a sort of overarching case that needed solving which would ultimately require Jack and Ethan to work together, but so far that hasn't come to fruition. I find that a bit disappointing because they make a formidable team but also because I feel like I'm left with loose ends. I don't know if there's going to be closure at some point or if I'm going to be left with a ball of strings.

Nevertheless, I would recommend this series to readers who enjoy protagonists who have questionable morals or those who enjoy romantic suspense.

description

A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,663 reviews92 followers
August 27, 2019
Reread August 2019

“Neither of them had asked for exclusivity, so it was entirely reasonable Ethan was seeing other people. Jack hadn’t turned down every offer of sex outside of Ethan’s visits, either.”

And that is where the whole problems lies - these two seriously need to TALK!
But I admit seeing both men jealous was pretty delicious!

Best of all though without a doubt is how we see in both men’s actions that they care for each other. Not only during their increasingly tender moments during sex, but things like Ethan looking after Jack when he is ill (grumpy, delirious Jack is priceless!) and Jack being more and more aware of his feelings for Ethan.

An absolute joy!

Original review:

These novellas between books one and two are just getting better and better.

I adore how they are all about Ethan and Jack and how their arrangement is slowly starting to change into something ‚more‘. Not that either would ever discuss it!

Jack has his revelation, but can he talk about it? His past track record suggests ‚no‘.
As for Ethan ... taking Jack to a place very personal to him speaks volumes. Not even talking about him looking after Jack when he is ill. That was unbearably swoon-worthy and yet, it goes so wrong.

I can’t help being glued to the pages when it comes to these two. Both are such complex and deeply vulnerable characters, and they’re really badass tough guys at the same time. They need each other, but the road to admitting it is stony and very uphill.

Loved finding out more about Jack‘s past, chuckled about the smouldering jealousy on both sides and was totally torn to pieces by all the feels!

Absolutely amazing writing!
And yet again I have the feeling that I’ve read a full-sized book!

LJ Hayward .... you rock!
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
December 29, 2018
Yep, still sooooooo good. The enjoyment is not fading, nope, not one bit.

I can’t get enough of these guys and their bumpy road towards their HEA (because they both don’t want to admit it aloud, but it’s their destination, I’m just not afraid to say it aloud !!) and their not so smooth driving (but where would be the fun if it were !?!).
For sure, they are on fever…at least, Jack is 😅…as I virtually am, because, damned, it’s hot !!

See what I've done here, hehehe.....

PS : Thank you so much, Naughty Nutcracker, for this amazing gift. I'm twirling !! 😘
Profile Image for Rosabel.
723 reviews259 followers
November 11, 2021
Ethan can I ride your polo stick? *bats eyelashes*

Did I mention that Ethan has a fascination and hobby with cars? He gets really cool ones and names them, so much so, that by the stage I'm in (about to read the last one), every time Victoria appears I get so happy, like the car is an entity, like a puppy... What have you done to me L.J. Hayward?!!! (Nothing that I haven't willingly allowed but still).

Anyways, this one had a lot of jealousy, a lot of self analysis and love. So of course I love it!! 🥰❤

Did their dicks get a break? Hell nah, but I'm used to it, I understand that's how they communicate so I just read between lines and truly, for Ethan to have this... Jesus, *holds her tears* 😢 so Jack CAN FUCK HIM FOUR TIMES A DAY, I DON'T CARE, I JIST WANT MY BABY TO BE LOVED!

*MIC DROP* 😎
Profile Image for Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications.
1,037 reviews149 followers
December 6, 2018
I can't get enough of Jack & Ethan. But I'm not sure I like all these little novellas in between books. Novellas are usually too short and unsatisfying for me. I'm enjoying these because they continue the unorthodox romance between our two heroes and we get to know them a little better each time, however, I'm always happier when I'm reading a full length novel.
Profile Image for Adam.
611 reviews372 followers
September 7, 2018
Me right now:

description

It's official: it's more than just sex for Jack and Ethan. Feelings are involved now. *gasp*

If they'd both get their heads out of their asses, they'd be so happy.

I just want Ethan and Jack to get their happy ever after.

And to kick ass together.

And to kiss. Please.

Book #2 can't come soon enough!
Profile Image for Mirian.
159 reviews26 followers
March 18, 2024
I really do enjoy a good jealousy trope. These novellas are paramount if one wants to understand jack and Ethan’s relationship.
There was a specific reason I knocked down a star but I can’t remember right now, when I do I’ll come back and add it.
Profile Image for Pauline.
374 reviews166 followers
January 12, 2025
“I don’t have fun anymore. Not with anyone but you. Meant to tell you that last time, dream boy.”


Need I say more? I think not. 🫠
Profile Image for Reem.
346 reviews
March 11, 2024
We are going to learn the reason for the SWOON WORTHY ASSASSIN’S ‘aversion to bare feet’ soon, yes?
Not in this one 😩.
Profile Image for Mariam,.
670 reviews570 followers
January 6, 2023
This book just ended tits up and I don't know how I feel about it.

Poor Ethan Blade. DAMNIT JACK!!!!

3.5-STARS ⭐✨✨

All the doubts of the past minutes fled and Jack laughed. This was why he was here. This sense of connection and shared moments. The idea that laughter
could be born from one of the most harrowing events in Jack’s life all because of the man standing beside him. The man whose unabashed smile could make Jack
think dangerous thoughts.
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
908 reviews169 followers
November 22, 2024
Fast paced, fast cars and with a new assassin.

This time, Jack accompanies Ethan aka Rory to a charity car race. Loved that Jack ever so slowly realises that there’s more to their relationship than casual sex, and the jealousy and possessiveness on both sides? Chef’s kiss 👌

As for the new assassin (“Porsche”) who entered the picture:, I’m really curious if we get to see her again and hear about her background, I’m a bit confused 😅

“At death’s door” (without a counterpart in goodreads):

Loved how Ethan looked after Jack while he had the flu. And I loved Jack’s delirious train of thoughts. I’m DO looking forward to the moment where he FINALLY tells Ethan that he wants more.

What annoyed me a bit: this implant-thing isn’t really well developed. He can record everything he sees on it? Ok. He can analyse the data he collected and make some kind of report when he’s in a trance-like state? Ok, maybe. But WHY can he make (and take) phone calls when he wants to (like in the previous novella), but he’s unable to reach Ethan and talk to him during other times? I mean… I really don’t need stuff like that to be realistic, but please make it consistent 🙄

Nevertheless: I had fun. Onwards to the next adventure, hopefully FINALLY with the kiss we’re all waiting for.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
September 2, 2019
Driving me crazy!

Ethan and Jack are still taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back in their relationship. Going with Ethan to race his Victoria brings out jealousy and protectiveness in Jack he barely realizes he’s feeling. As always, nothing goes very smoothly and Jack is forced to chase down a threat at the race track. The two men never do talk about the emotions swirling around them, sinceJack is still in denial and Ethan, I think, is waiting for Jack to speak first.

Then Jack gets sick and Ethan is there to care for him for a while. Fevered dreams might have revealed more to Ethan than Jack intended but there’s no telling yet if that’s a good or bad thing. Still no blasted kissing! I enjoy these vignettes building up their complicated relationship but I’m chomping at the bit for the next novel and getting secrets out in the open. I’m sure they’re going to be shocking.
Profile Image for Gaby.
1,254 reviews141 followers
March 14, 2024
This was over before I was ready for it and it left me feeling sad, Jack is finally accepting his feelings and then what?!!!!

Profile Image for Alex.
342 reviews30 followers
September 7, 2018
PERFECT!!
I am a sucker for these novellas... These 2 MCs are just awesome.
We have some jealousy here and the end is not a cliffhanger but damn! I WANT MORE!!!

description
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,950 followers
November 20, 2018
4

I am so happy I found this series (thanks again Elsbeth) ... Who knew fast cars could be so sexy ;) It just keeps getting better and better.

https://www.google.com/search?q=aston martin gif

Seems like these two are getting closer and closer...so much so that we even get to witness some delicious jealousy https://www.google.com/search?q=emoticons

We also get to see out favorite assassin in "care mode"... when a sick and delirious Jack makes a come back. Things get a bit confusing and "feelings" might be hurt a bit...

The sexytimes were are HOT as ever...and it is clear to see that what they have together goes way beyond just sex... 

Now if we can just get that KISS !!!!!!

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor kiss quotes gif

This novella was a bit longer and I can't wait to read the next one which is almost 200 pages !!! 

I highly recommend this series !!!

This review has been posted on Wendy's Wycked Words

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Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,509 reviews637 followers
September 3, 2018
4.5 stars!

So happy to get more Jack and Ethan and for the most part, this didn't disappoint. The second story was just lacking a little compared to the first short story, because Jack was sick the whole time and we weren't sure until the end that Ethan was even there and that any of it was actually happening. I would have been super disappointed if he hadn't been.

But we did get a little more insight into Jack's character and I did love that Ethan took care of Jack through his illness. Ending was abrupt though - something this author seems to do, frustratingly!

I loved the first short story more, I loved seeing Jack and Ethan deepen their relationship even more and get close to something - as Jack things to himself, a relationship thing. I had fun with the jealously on both sides and the sexytimes ;)

It also did a good job of showing how there is still so much more for Jack and Ethan to learn about each other. Can't wait for me, especially the second full novel because I sooo want more (and that first kiss! Please!)
Profile Image for patrícia.
668 reviews92 followers
February 19, 2025
I live and breathe for Ethan Blade doing literally anything!

Also loved Jack’s mad jealousy and possessiveness, but he should be controlling his dick, quitting the damn flirting, ditching the phone numbers, admitting to his fucking feelings, and KISSING ETHAN FUCKING BLADE. At this point, with their feelings practically out in the open, clinging to that rule is ridiculous. It was fun in the beginning—now it’s just frustrating.

Because look at this:

Afterwards,Jack settled down with his head on Ethan’s belly. Screw the dinner. He was going to spend the rest of the night right here, mesmerised by the contrast between his brown hand stroking across pale skin. Ethan, too, seemed happy with the situation, twining his fingers through Jack’s hair, rubbing his cotton-clad foot along his leg.

Or this, even with a high fever:

“It wasn’t for fun. It was for work.” Jack’s nose brushed Ethan’s cheek. He breathed in deep of the familiar scent, making things stir. “I don’t have fun anymore. Not with anyone but you. Meant to tell you that last time, dream boy.”
Profile Image for Moraa.
856 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2024
ok so I'm almost done with the novellas and I'm not ready to go back to the main books because from what I hear there's not as much Jack & Ethan action😩
273 reviews54 followers
July 20, 2024
There is never a boring minute when I spend my time with Jack and Ethan ❤️❤️
Profile Image for alyssa.
1,005 reviews214 followers
September 2, 2021
i love seeing the green eyed monster within come out almost instinctively from both of them when they see each other acting chummy with other folks, but i honestly couldn’t care less about cars/racing (sorry Ethan, pls don’t kill me 😅) and i know we won’t be seeing any significant developments until book 2 so this is like watching filler episodes for me—enough to pass the time but also kinda unfulfilling 🥲

“Or maybe, Nishant, you just need to talk to him about how you’re feeling”


☝🏼 FACTS
Profile Image for Layla .
1,468 reviews68 followers
December 21, 2022
These men are STILL STUPID!
GAH... Just please COMMUNICATE.

The ending was so frustrating. I just wanted Jack to SPEAK. Poor Ethan 😪

Ethan is just a poor baby and he needs HUGS and KISSES DAMMIT JACK.

I'm angry ok??? BUT I WANT TO READ MORE SO I'M READING THE NEXT ONE IT BETTER BE GOOD.

PS... Ethan driving and being a "NORMAL" person was so freaking good.
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