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Death and the Devil #1.4
Bargaining with the Devil
Meta-State spy Jack Reardon believes it’s all been taken care of. He has his verbal agreement with his boss to “keep Blade happy,� and Jack is more than willing to do his best in that regard. He also has his bargain with Ethan, to keep seeing each other. Small victories, interspersed with exploding bombs, smashed cars and miffed co-workers, all while consorting with an international assassin.
Contract killer Ethan Blade values his security, and Jack’s the first time he’s found that with another person. Wiring a warehouse or outback shelter for safety, no problem. Keeping safe a prickly ex-soldier-turned-spy who’s a magnet for trouble, not so easy. Instead of faceless, nameless jobs, he’s poking his fingers into Jack’s cases—a car bomb gone awry, a Hen party gone wild—much to Jack’s mounting dismay.
They have a deal; neither one of them can seem to stick to it. It’s Jack versus Ethan as the two men learn to navigate their ever-evolving not-a-relationship without losing the benefit of the bargain.
Contract killer Ethan Blade values his security, and Jack’s the first time he’s found that with another person. Wiring a warehouse or outback shelter for safety, no problem. Keeping safe a prickly ex-soldier-turned-spy who’s a magnet for trouble, not so easy. Instead of faceless, nameless jobs, he’s poking his fingers into Jack’s cases—a car bomb gone awry, a Hen party gone wild—much to Jack’s mounting dismay.
They have a deal; neither one of them can seem to stick to it. It’s Jack versus Ethan as the two men learn to navigate their ever-evolving not-a-relationship without losing the benefit of the bargain.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2018
19 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Hayward
21books607followersL.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
June 25, 2018
"It's just sex."
That's the arrangement Jack and Ethan made after . And it is, right? Casual. Convenient. No strings attached.
All signs indicate that everything else would never work.A relationship between a super secret government agent and an assassin? Unthinkable. But with each and every encounter the solid boundary set between them gets another crack.
Ethan finds himself feeling more and more comfortable in their not-quite-yet-relationship - a bit too comfortable, actually - which scares the living daylights out of him and sends every innate defense mechanism into overdrive, but giving up on Jack is not really an option either. Jack on the other hand gets increasingly fascinated by the living contradiction that is Ethan Blade, even if all his instincts scream to run for the hills to protect his heart instead of a certain assassin. Whatever it is between them, to make it work somehow they only have to find a way to trick life and all circumstances pointing against them...
I was on the brink of hyperventilating when I saw a tweet by the author about this novella and when I learned that this is the first of three novellas to help establishing the relationship between Jack and Ethan before comes out towards the end of the year, I almost needed an oxygen tent. And if this novella here is anything to go by, I'll mark my calender for each and every one of them and cancel all other appointments. I never thought it possible, but this short story consisting of three chapters in the life of Jack and Ethan, made me love these guys even more than I already did. The quiet times between these guys were cute and tender, only to create some tension in the blink of an eye to show us with whom we are dealing with here. The hot and smexy times were hot and smexy and the stories within this story funny and engaging.
This was an amazing teaserfor what's coming up next and although not a standalone, a highly recommended read from me for fans of the first book.
That's the arrangement Jack and Ethan made after . And it is, right? Casual. Convenient. No strings attached.
Ethan began to move. Slow, steady rolls of his hips that gently drove Jack insane. To watch and feel without touching him, or cursing in overpowering hunger, or telling him, showing him, how fucking good it was, how beautiful and amazing he was, was maddening. Frustrating. Painful.
Glorious.
All signs indicate that everything else would never work.A relationship between a super secret government agent and an assassin? Unthinkable. But with each and every encounter the solid boundary set between them gets another crack.
Ethan finds himself feeling more and more comfortable in their not-quite-yet-relationship - a bit too comfortable, actually - which scares the living daylights out of him and sends every innate defense mechanism into overdrive, but giving up on Jack is not really an option either. Jack on the other hand gets increasingly fascinated by the living contradiction that is Ethan Blade, even if all his instincts scream to run for the hills to protect his heart instead of a certain assassin. Whatever it is between them, to make it work somehow they only have to find a way to trick life and all circumstances pointing against them...
I was on the brink of hyperventilating when I saw a tweet by the author about this novella and when I learned that this is the first of three novellas to help establishing the relationship between Jack and Ethan before comes out towards the end of the year, I almost needed an oxygen tent. And if this novella here is anything to go by, I'll mark my calender for each and every one of them and cancel all other appointments. I never thought it possible, but this short story consisting of three chapters in the life of Jack and Ethan, made me love these guys even more than I already did. The quiet times between these guys were cute and tender, only to create some tension in the blink of an eye to show us with whom we are dealing with here. The hot and smexy times were hot and smexy and the stories within this story funny and engaging.
This was an amazing teaserfor what's coming up next and although not a standalone, a highly recommended read from me for fans of the first book.
***ARC generously provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***
November 15, 2018
Jack, who is Harry?
Yeah Ethan! tell me again that it is just SEX.
In this case Assassins, Ethan is no Saint.
What's not to love! we have:
- HOT! HOT! Sex, No Kiss.........
-Jealous, blushing Assassins... huh! but we be good.
- Spy covered in Glitter, wearing lipstick , red briefs and boots. Yaap! consider me a goner.
Yeah Ethan! tell me again that it is just SEX.
In this case Assassins, Ethan is no Saint.
What's not to love! we have:
- HOT! HOT! Sex, No Kiss.........
-Jealous, blushing Assassins... huh! but we be good.
- Spy covered in Glitter, wearing lipstick , red briefs and boots. Yaap! consider me a goner.
September 24, 2019
4 Stars
3 short stories showing how Jack and Ethan are navigating their new relationship parameters. It’s full of missteps, misunderstandings, but also hope and tentative feels and an obvious preference for the other though nothing has been officially said.
Swoony in the little things, these two have a lot ahead of them in regards to relationship progression but it’s the small wins that make this so satisfying!
3 short stories showing how Jack and Ethan are navigating their new relationship parameters. It’s full of missteps, misunderstandings, but also hope and tentative feels and an obvious preference for the other though nothing has been officially said.
Swoony in the little things, these two have a lot ahead of them in regards to relationship progression but it’s the small wins that make this so satisfying!
November 19, 2018
Another wonderful novella, following my two favorite badasses Jack and Ethan. We are all on pins and needles waiting for the second book to come out, but these awesome novellas are keeping me at least (don't know about you all) satisfied.
This one is a bit bigger than the previous one....and even though great things come in small packages... I still like em the bigger the better :P
I had a great time seeing these two getting closer and closer... It had a sweetness to it ;) It was also extremely HOT...but just like many many other I am still waiting for one thing : A Kiss !!!!!
I can't wait for the second book to come out, but in the meantime, I will keep myself entertained with these great novellas... I am normally not a fan of short stories, but these little and not so little gems are blowing me away !!
Highly recommended ;)
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September 5, 2018
Seriously, what’s not to like? 😏 Blushing international assassins and undercover spies in skimpy red briefs and devil suits, Ooooooo, Shin so likey! 😁😍 Let’s face the facts. We love Jack and Ethan, both can’t be claimed as saints, particularly and crazy bastard Ethan but we adore them. 😉 We also adore that dry and uniquely witty and amusing humor of and that just enough and still-wanting-more chemistry and sizzling smut between these two. 🔥 It was nice to see the relationship between these poles apart yet similar in so many ways guys blossoming into beautiful love. I was right for waiting until the next novella in this series came out to read this one because now I’m dying for more. 😁 Oh well, onto the next appointment with my current favorite devil. 💙 Ethan you crazy bastard, here I come! 😉
4.5 shut up and shag me hard Jack stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 shut up and shag me hard Jack stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 15, 2024
One day, I may grow to regret everything I write online, and hate myself... Today is not that day.
There is nothing hotter than when the MC cums untouched. 💦
I said what I said. 👏👏👏
I cut a star off because Jack pissed me off the whole novella and only redeemed himself on the literal last page. FUCK.
🫶
There is nothing hotter than when the MC cums untouched. 💦
I said what I said. 👏👏👏
I cut a star off because Jack pissed me off the whole novella and only redeemed himself on the literal last page. FUCK.
🫶
August 26, 2019
Reread August 2019
How much more starry-eyed can I possible get over Jack and Ethan????
From the first admissions of feelings �
“Jack brought one hand around his chest, splayed his fingers over Ethan’s heart and let the intoxicating mix of dark and light sweep him away. The pounding of his heart was drowned out by the grenade under his ribs, heat washing thorough him, into toes and fingers, but burning right in the centre of his chest.�
“I didn’t fall asleep last time,� Ethan snapped. “I didn’t feel so comfortable then, or like I belonged here. Or so happy to simply lie there with you that nothing else mattered.�
…to the simply sweet and cute (and yes we ARE talking about an assassin and a hardass agent here!)
“Are you blushing?� (Jack)
“No,� Ethan snapped.
“Yeah, you are,� Jack laughed.
And then there are all those tender moments, so wonderfully packed into beautiful language!
BUT: where is that elusive kiss that means so much for Jack? It is too soon, I know. *SIGH*
Absolutely swoon-worthy and brilliant in every word!
Original review:
I think this may be only the second time I have given a novella five stars.
And why did I do that?
Because it is incredible how much the author fits into a few scenes between Jack and Ethan.
I love how Ethan remains a 'mystery', something Jack needs to unravel, a man who he finds totally intriguing and attractive. I mean the guy is a deadly killer, and yet so innocent in many ways. Working him until he loses control ... has certain rewards for Jack!
Let me tell you, these two are more than a deadly combination!
Despite the shortness of the book, we can see Jack and Ethan's relationship move on. Ethan's protectiveness made me smile, and Jack just knows deep down he has fallen heads over, not that he would willingly admit it!
I will be counting the hours until book 2 arrives!
And I am still willing to bet that this is going to be one of my all time most favourite series!
How much more starry-eyed can I possible get over Jack and Ethan????
From the first admissions of feelings �
“Jack brought one hand around his chest, splayed his fingers over Ethan’s heart and let the intoxicating mix of dark and light sweep him away. The pounding of his heart was drowned out by the grenade under his ribs, heat washing thorough him, into toes and fingers, but burning right in the centre of his chest.�
“I didn’t fall asleep last time,� Ethan snapped. “I didn’t feel so comfortable then, or like I belonged here. Or so happy to simply lie there with you that nothing else mattered.�
…to the simply sweet and cute (and yes we ARE talking about an assassin and a hardass agent here!)
“Are you blushing?� (Jack)
“No,� Ethan snapped.
“Yeah, you are,� Jack laughed.
And then there are all those tender moments, so wonderfully packed into beautiful language!
BUT: where is that elusive kiss that means so much for Jack? It is too soon, I know. *SIGH*
Absolutely swoon-worthy and brilliant in every word!
Original review:
I think this may be only the second time I have given a novella five stars.
And why did I do that?
Because it is incredible how much the author fits into a few scenes between Jack and Ethan.
I love how Ethan remains a 'mystery', something Jack needs to unravel, a man who he finds totally intriguing and attractive. I mean the guy is a deadly killer, and yet so innocent in many ways. Working him until he loses control ... has certain rewards for Jack!
Let me tell you, these two are more than a deadly combination!
Despite the shortness of the book, we can see Jack and Ethan's relationship move on. Ethan's protectiveness made me smile, and Jack just knows deep down he has fallen heads over, not that he would willingly admit it!
I will be counting the hours until book 2 arrives!
And I am still willing to bet that this is going to be one of my all time most favourite series!
March 11, 2024
This needs to be made into a TV series, please! Or at least a movie for this novella 😈🔥🔥.
January 12, 2025
No, y’all don’t even understand my visceral NEED for the kiss to happen 😩
Another awesome novella with a HIGH swoon factor and also responsible for my intense desire to kick Jack in the shins - repeatedly. Stop fucking around (literally) and go kiss your man goddammit!!!
Another awesome novella with a HIGH swoon factor and also responsible for my intense desire to kick Jack in the shins - repeatedly. Stop fucking around (literally) and go kiss your man goddammit!!!
Jack, who is Harry? 😩😮�
July 28, 2018
4.5 Stars
I need book 2 so so now!!!
I need book 2 so so now!!!
November 21, 2024
”Jack, who is Harry?�
Those of you who already listened to the audios will hear this question with the voice of Rowan Scott, who became THE voice of Jack and Ethan for me. Especially Ethan’s voice fits his character perfectly: carefully modulated, sometimes with a hard, distant edge to it.
The novella with its cases is fun, each case taking place one month after the other, but the focus is on Jack and Ethan and the thing they have going on, both of them skirting around the fact that their situationship is quickly moving from hookup to relationship.
It’s frustrating, because neither of them is good at communicating, even though I feel like Ethan is a bit more consistent in it. I wanted to shake Jack at times, but - situationship wise - he redeemed himself on the last page by saying the only words acceptable to Ethan’s question:
“He wasn’t� He just� wasn’t.�
“He just wasn’t you, okay?�
(Sorry if the quote isn’t exact, I’m just paraphrasing it from the audio).
Looking forward to more, I’m hooked and want them to finally accept the fact that they’re perfect for each other 😬
Those of you who already listened to the audios will hear this question with the voice of Rowan Scott, who became THE voice of Jack and Ethan for me. Especially Ethan’s voice fits his character perfectly: carefully modulated, sometimes with a hard, distant edge to it.
The novella with its cases is fun, each case taking place one month after the other, but the focus is on Jack and Ethan and the thing they have going on, both of them skirting around the fact that their situationship is quickly moving from hookup to relationship.
It’s frustrating, because neither of them is good at communicating, even though I feel like Ethan is a bit more consistent in it. I wanted to shake Jack at times, but - situationship wise - he redeemed himself on the last page by saying the only words acceptable to Ethan’s question:
“He wasn’t� He just� wasn’t.�
“He just wasn’t you, okay?�
(Sorry if the quote isn’t exact, I’m just paraphrasing it from the audio).
Looking forward to more, I’m hooked and want them to finally accept the fact that they’re perfect for each other 😬
February 19, 2025
It’s not just sex, open your fucking eyes, okay? Just kiss the man, you stupid asswipe.
In the quiet, still moment that followed, Jack reached up and ran his thumb over Ethan’s bottom lip. "You have glitter on your mouth."
Ethan pressed a kiss to the pad of his thumb, then guided it to Jack’s lips, rubbing it across them. "Now you do as well."
Hello? Earth to Jack??? Sugar baby just keeps on giving:
- Ethan and the ribbon 😍
- Ethan totally not saving Jack on his missions 😍
- Ethan refusing to swear and saying shagging instead of fucking😍
- Ethan securing Jack’s house for “his own safety� 😍
- Ethan befriending Jack’s neighbor’s dog 😍
- Ethan being jealous 😍
So? Sooooo??? Are you blind? Grrrrr� and he only gets a clue on the last page? 🤦🏻♀�
Also really Jack? Control your testosterone!
In the quiet, still moment that followed, Jack reached up and ran his thumb over Ethan’s bottom lip. "You have glitter on your mouth."
Ethan pressed a kiss to the pad of his thumb, then guided it to Jack’s lips, rubbing it across them. "Now you do as well."
Hello? Earth to Jack??? Sugar baby just keeps on giving:
- Ethan and the ribbon 😍
- Ethan totally not saving Jack on his missions 😍
- Ethan refusing to swear and saying shagging instead of fucking😍
- Ethan securing Jack’s house for “his own safety� 😍
- Ethan befriending Jack’s neighbor’s dog 😍
- Ethan being jealous 😍
So? Sooooo??? Are you blind? Grrrrr� and he only gets a clue on the last page? 🤦🏻♀�
Also really Jack? Control your testosterone!
June 6, 2021
This novella consists of three chapters, or three short stories, depending on how you choose to define it. The chapters/stories play out chronologically after the preceding entries in the series, (novel), and the freebie (short story). There would be no point in reading this book until you've read those.
The problem I've had with the series to-date continues here: While Jack comes vividly to life on the page, Ethan never quite seems real to me. (And he reminds me so strongly of Jeremy from 's Shadow of the Templar series that I've gotten the two of them inextricably mixed up in my head.)
But here's what I loved, and what will keep me going with the series -- both from the third story, Death of the Party:
1.
2. Jack still has random flashbacks to Ethan's manipulations of him in Book One.
You can accept an apology and make the conscious choice to forgive someone. You can intend to move on with life. But you can't make yourself forget, and you can't force your subconscious mind to let go until it's damn good and ready.
I thought this was handled brilliantly, and, once again, realistically. So despite my ongoing dissatisfaction with Ethan's characterization, I'm still onboard with this series and will be preordering the next book.
The problem I've had with the series to-date continues here: While Jack comes vividly to life on the page, Ethan never quite seems real to me. (And he reminds me so strongly of Jeremy from 's Shadow of the Templar series that I've gotten the two of them inextricably mixed up in my head.)
But here's what I loved, and what will keep me going with the series -- both from the third story, Death of the Party:
1.
2. Jack still has random flashbacks to Ethan's manipulations of him in Book One.
Wish you were here? The unexpected return of that little issue jerked Jack out of the moment. It had been several months since the memory of the desert, and everything Ethan had done to mess him up had reared its ugly head.
You can accept an apology and make the conscious choice to forgive someone. You can intend to move on with life. But you can't make yourself forget, and you can't force your subconscious mind to let go until it's damn good and ready.
The only safe option here was retreat. Back off, way off, until he knew he wouldn’t completely mess things up by reacting to something Ethan had already apologised for.
I thought this was handled brilliantly, and, once again, realistically. So despite my ongoing dissatisfaction with Ethan's characterization, I'm still onboard with this series and will be preordering the next book.
December 27, 2018
Follow up from - not a standalone !
After the unique encounter of Jack, an Australian government agent, and Ethan, a highly professional assassin, a story that I furiously devored, the author gives us a snippet of the evolution of this improbable relationship.
God, how I thoroughly enjoy the dance between these unique characters, the way they slowly get comfortable together, the way they stubbornly refuse to admit this is it for them.
OK, Jack and Ethan, let’s ignored the amazing chemistry between the 2 of you and pretend it’s just SEX, because seriously, I won’t complain with the hot sex nor with the jealous sex due to skimpy red briefs.
I’m addicted to this series on so many levels and I just LOVE Ethan with his dry humor.
PS : Thank you so much, Jewel, for this great gift. What a blast !! <3
After the unique encounter of Jack, an Australian government agent, and Ethan, a highly professional assassin, a story that I furiously devored, the author gives us a snippet of the evolution of this improbable relationship.
God, how I thoroughly enjoy the dance between these unique characters, the way they slowly get comfortable together, the way they stubbornly refuse to admit this is it for them.
OK, Jack and Ethan, let’s ignored the amazing chemistry between the 2 of you and pretend it’s just SEX, because seriously, I won’t complain with the hot sex nor with the jealous sex due to skimpy red briefs.
I’m addicted to this series on so many levels and I just LOVE Ethan with his dry humor.
PS : Thank you so much, Jewel, for this great gift. What a blast !! <3
November 11, 2021
We got to know more about their way of thinking and personalities and... their male power, I seriously don't know how their dick's don't fall off, I know they don't see each other in long periods of time but... Yeah, it's probably that... Or not.
Still loving this, still adoring the characters and want to smack them in the head so they communicate, a smack full of love btw. 🥰🥰
Still loving this, still adoring the characters and want to smack them in the head so they communicate, a smack full of love btw. 🥰🥰
July 1, 2018
A great short story to further along Jack and Ethan's relationship. I still feel like they have a long way to go until they get to love (Jack still won't kiss Ethan on the mouth and it's only about 3 months after "coda" when they made their "lets fuck sometimes" arrangement, and Ethan is off doing his assassin thing and Jack is doing this job thing for so long sometimes that they saw each other like...once a month in those three months. They aren't exclusive, and .
But their growing relationship is so interesting and fun to read. Also, these boys need to learn to communicate and not deal in absolutes. Ethan almost
These two men are both very stunted, very damaged men but seeing them - hopefully - get to falling in love is an amazing journey already. I mean Jack already knows it's more than just sex with Ethan, but that more...he hasn't defined yet.
Can't wait to read more! Love these little stories :D
But their growing relationship is so interesting and fun to read. Also, these boys need to learn to communicate and not deal in absolutes. Ethan almost
These two men are both very stunted, very damaged men but seeing them - hopefully - get to falling in love is an amazing journey already. I mean Jack already knows it's more than just sex with Ethan, but that more...he hasn't defined yet.
Can't wait to read more! Love these little stories :D
March 14, 2024
Love these novellas and all that they add to the series.
July 2, 2018
I'm really not surprised at all that I ended up absolutely loving this trio of short stories. Jack and Ethan are exactly as I remembered them: frustrating and awesome at the same time. Each short story takes place a month after the previous one and shows us how the arrangement they settled on in is going so far.
They are still very cautious with each other, they keep some things close to the chest and are afraid to show too much to the other. Still, it's apparent that, even with only the little time they manage to steal and be together, they are getting to know the other better and inderstand each other more and in a deeper level.
If this is what we get from a mere few short stories I can't imagine what we'll get when the next full length novel is out! If you are a fan of this series, you don't want to miss this, and if you have no idea who Jack and Ethan are, well, what are you waiting for???
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
They are still very cautious with each other, they keep some things close to the chest and are afraid to show too much to the other. Still, it's apparent that, even with only the little time they manage to steal and be together, they are getting to know the other better and inderstand each other more and in a deeper level.
If this is what we get from a mere few short stories I can't imagine what we'll get when the next full length novel is out! If you are a fan of this series, you don't want to miss this, and if you have no idea who Jack and Ethan are, well, what are you waiting for???
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. *
February 17, 2025
You know that meme that's like NOW KISS? That's where I am with these two for real! 😤 I don't know how much longer it's going to be before it happens, but it better knock MY socks off when it does because I'm suffering more than Ethan at this point 🤣🤣🤣
January 8, 2019
I really enjoyed these 3 short stories; each one of them added another layer to Jack and Ethan's blossoming relationship. Now, could we finally start talking about exclusivity? Please?
July 7, 2018
I am so infatuated with Ethan & Jack!
I read that we will have 2 more novellas before the second book at the end of this year and I am so excited about that because I could read these novellas about how their feelings are growing over and over again!
Everything about this is PERFECT!
I read that we will have 2 more novellas before the second book at the end of this year and I am so excited about that because I could read these novellas about how their feelings are growing over and over again!
Everything about this is PERFECT!
March 10, 2024
You MUST read the novellas, they give a wonderful every day slice-of-life view of the MCs. These are not just quick check-ins, the novellas are full on stories that are super important to character development, relationship progression and overall plot. This story falls between book one and book two and shows the progression of their personal lives. Book one focused mainly on an intriguing spy plot and their work lives. These novellas give us a slightly softer side of these guys and a glimpse of how they are outside of work. If you like a couple that has a hard time navigating feelings, then Ethan and Jack are for you. Two dangerous men with no clue what they want from each other and no clue how to ask for it.
I read 1.2 to 1.8 in one compilation and it’s 350 pages, that’s an entire novel between novels.
Sweet, spicy, m/m, assassin, federal agent, Australia, series, novella, HFN. Reviewed as a series, rated as a whole. The story, all together, is a solid 5-star read.
I read 1.2 to 1.8 in one compilation and it’s 350 pages, that’s an entire novel between novels.
Sweet, spicy, m/m, assassin, federal agent, Australia, series, novella, HFN. Reviewed as a series, rated as a whole. The story, all together, is a solid 5-star read.
November 1, 2018
**4.75 stars**
The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I should re-rate book 1. I love Ethan and Jack as a couple even if they are still insecure about each other and their bargain is 'just sex'. Yeah, I am absolutely not buying that :P
When Ethan fell asleep in Jacks apartment - like really asleep - it obviously scared the hell out of him. But I loved that development of trust. It's point on my favorite trope and so very well done. Ethan is sweet when he tries to help Jack because he cares so much. And Jack on the other hand is also kind of cute. I get to like him a little bit slower but the things he is willing to do for Ethan made me warm up to him.
The only thing I had my issues with was.... that they aren't exclusive yet. And there go Jack's sympathy points. But even I had to admit - okay, you can't give 4 stars because of two goddamn sentences if the rest was perfect.
The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I should re-rate book 1. I love Ethan and Jack as a couple even if they are still insecure about each other and their bargain is 'just sex'. Yeah, I am absolutely not buying that :P
When Ethan fell asleep in Jacks apartment - like really asleep - it obviously scared the hell out of him. But I loved that development of trust. It's point on my favorite trope and so very well done. Ethan is sweet when he tries to help Jack because he cares so much. And Jack on the other hand is also kind of cute. I get to like him a little bit slower but the things he is willing to do for Ethan made me warm up to him.
The only thing I had my issues with was.... that they aren't exclusive yet. And there go Jack's sympathy points. But even I had to admit - okay, you can't give 4 stars because of two goddamn sentences if the rest was perfect.
January 5, 2023
Loved it cus Ethan was so understanding and patient and soothed and calmed and LISTENED and did shit for Ethan because Jack wanted E to stay, it MADE ME FUCKIN HEART MELT!!!
I only have one bone to pick with this book.
WHY!!!! FUCKIN WHY!!!!?????!!! WHY!!!!????! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
But Jack still fearing Ethan is gonna kill him is � ENTERTAINMENT �
I only have one bone to pick with this book.
Neither of them had promised exclusivity, though, so Jack hadn’t been entirely celibate since then.
WHY!!!! FUCKIN WHY!!!!?????!!! WHY!!!!????! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
But Jack still fearing Ethan is gonna kill him is � ENTERTAINMENT �
June 23, 2018
I just love these extra glimpses into Ethan and Jack’s still-evolving relationship after the end of Where Death Meets the Devil. “It’s complicated� is an understatement in this instance, when an agent of the government is dating an assassin. The emotional distance they both try to maintain is slowly breaking down, although we don’t see it fall in this short trio of vignettes. It’s so sexy and romantic to see the expressions of emotion, portrayed in their own unique way. Lots of fun and scorching hot! And d@mmit, still no kiss. Let’s hope the full sequel we’re waiting for has that highly anticipated moment. Read this one to help tide you over!
June 24, 2018
I love Jack and Ethan
August 26, 2019
RE-READ: I'm not sure I'd rate as high, while I love the characters I'm not a fan of these 'extras' that aren't really extras. While the pace is different to the novels and focus more on the tentative relationship than spy-action they do advance the overall plot so are necessary reading. The first story feels a lot of summarising rather than showing.
Definitely left me with the feel of M.Chandlers Templar series, the assasin (thief in those) suddenly involved in every case.
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Well that was a nice smutty extra with added vulnerability and some complexities. I'm happy it's a out-take as it would change the pace of a novel but time with these two is always interesting and Blade a study of contradictions. Sexy, sweet but deadly. Looking forward to more.
Curious about Ethan's vulnerability with Jack and to be honest hoping to see him being more twisty in the sequel. But I do like seeing these two adjust and redefine their relationship.
Definitely left me with the feel of M.Chandlers Templar series, the assasin (thief in those) suddenly involved in every case.
-- --
Mailing list for a sample ;)
Well that was a nice smutty extra with added vulnerability and some complexities. I'm happy it's a out-take as it would change the pace of a novel but time with these two is always interesting and Blade a study of contradictions. Sexy, sweet but deadly. Looking forward to more.
Curious about Ethan's vulnerability with Jack and to be honest hoping to see him being more twisty in the sequel. But I do like seeing these two adjust and redefine their relationship.
July 4, 2018
Another good installment in this series. I'm so glad the author decided to not stop after the first book. Can't wait till these two admit they're in love with each other. AND KISS FINALLY!
May 23, 2020
A few short scenes with Ethan turning up at Jack's home at random times, Ethan trying to secure Jack's home like Fort Knox. Ethan interfering with Jack's assignment. Plenty of sexy times and the whole no kissing thing is driving me crazy!
March 18, 2023
The relationship is deepening but not enough for me and very very slowly. They are negociating it but there is lack of/miscommunication (it's getting better) and we are still lacking a strong enough foundation for the whole thing. . The fact that Jack is still having sex with other people rubs me the wrong way and is not about to be resolved I'm afraid...
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