Review: Why the Devil Stalks Death (Death and the Devil #2) by L.J. Hayward

Jack Reardon uncovers secrets for a living, and the Meta-State spy is pretty good at it. Or rather he thought so until he met Ethan Blade—assassin, warrior, enigma. The unlikely pair have decided to give living together a shot, but Jack’s not entirely certain what he’s gotten himself into—or exactly who he’s in it with.

Jack’s worries are compounded when he’s assigned to a police strike force hunting a serial killer. With each new puzzle piece, Jack considers the true nature of a serial killer—and how similar it is to an assassin. To one particular assassin who’s having trouble adjusting to retirement. Jack’s unsure how to help Ethan—or if he even can.

When the killer strikes close to home, Jack must race against the clock to stop another murder, despite the price someone has put on his head. Could the matters be connected? Is a certain assassin at the centre of both? Surrounded by killers, the only one Jack wants near disappears, leaving Jack drowning in secrets. He’ll have to do what he does best—unravel the secrets, including Ethan’s—to stop the killer and save the life he and Ethan have only just begun to build.

**Content Warning** Child abuse and child sexual abuse in a character’s history and not depicted directly on the page.

These books really are so much fun to read. 

Suspense + L.J. Hayward = thriller heaven. 

She keeps me on the edge of my seat better than most.

This case in particular I thought benefited by the "before" and "after" gambit maybe moreso than the first book. Admittedly I missed Ethan's perspective but I understand why it works better coming from Jack's perspective. But I will warn you, the end of every chapter will likely leave you somewhere in this neighborhood...

Each and every chapter made me want to find out what happened next, chomping at the bit to see these two parallel storylines merge.

I think this is the first story I've ever read about a serial killer wherein I cared so little about finding out who the killer was in favor of finding out more about Ethan, though I think everyone who's been following this story has been patiently waiting to find out more about him. That time has come, my friends. 

His past is both heartbreaking and rage inducing so mind the content warning. As disturbing as his backstory is it also comes with a surprising and unforeseen twist that I found absorbing and am hopeful more details will be forthcoming about... it in future installments.

Not to give too much away but Ethan's past is the source of friction between he and Jack, causing some setbacks that coupled with a charismatic and exceedingly flirty secondary character from Jack's past combined forces to turn the tension up to DEFCON 2 levels.

It was a close call a couple of times. I was worried they may not make it but I underestimated them. However, all those close calls led to some gloriously romantic moments and a wealth of sexy times.

The only quibble I have is a few things seem to be being overused but none of them were enough to significantly hinder my enjoyment nor will they prevent me from pouncing on the next one in this series.

Once again, if you've not started this series and you enjoy imperfect characters who are giving their relationship their all or romantic suspense then this series is a must read.

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