Review: Devil in the Details (Death and the Devil #1.8) by L.J. Hayward

If there’s one thing assassin Ethan Blade knows, it’s how to plan a job. How to study a target, find the weak spot, and strike. He keeps his guns clean, his knives sharp, and his heart sealed away behind more locks than his precious cars. Alone but safe. Until Jack Reardon burrowed his way into Ethan’s life, his car, and his heart. This may just be the deadliest mess he can’t plan his way out of.

Jack wasn’t sure he’d see Ethan again—not after the less-than-stellar ends to their previous hookups. Even finding the assassin skulking about his apartment isn’t as reassuring as it should be, especially when he works out Ethan’s motive for being there might not be personal. That said, Jack will take any chance he can to salvage their relationship, assuming he survives whatever plan Ethan is cooking up.

Ethan and Jack had a bargain, but the parameters changed and neither are certain how to move forward—together or apart. But before they can start to renegotiate, lives, trust, and hearts are endangered by ghosts from the past. Even if they dodge their enemies’ bullets, there’s a risk of friendly fire, and when you let someone get too close, even small knives can cut deep.

After reading this all I want to say to Ethan Blade is...

That whole blushing, shy thing coupled with how fastidious he is makes him hard to resist. I think how unexpected all of that nestled next to someone that could kill you before you even noticed is what makes him that much more intriguing to me.

Anywaaaaay, enough about my crush. "Devil in the Details" I found more enjoyable than the previous novella mostly due to the action sequences. These mini-stories are vital to the overall story arc as well as the development of Jack and Ethan's relationship. So skipping them isn't wise. Also, I've started Why the Devil Stalks Death and the events of this novella are referenced frequently so... Plus, why would you want to deprive yourself of all this action packed fun?

These two by all rights should be enemies. However, regardless of Jack being law enforcement and Ethan being a notorious assassin, they work well together and with each successive story their trust in one another is growing right before our eyes.

On the other hand, their romantic relationship is evolving through their improving communication but it's still a work in progress.

Now you may be asking...

To which I would say how about some bonafide nature sex??? #switcharoo #mindtrick

Bonus points for Tom, his anxiety attack inducing driving and his random movie references.

If you enjoy action/espionage, romantic suspense and/or imperfect characters this series is one you should enjoy.

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.