Reviews

Where Death Meets the Devil by L.J. Hayward

gillianw's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 stars

Lots and lots and lots of fun, with some twists turns and a camel named Sheila. What more could you want? Well, I need more book and some goddamn kissing (read the book), but all in all I thought this was a really great read.

Recommend.

kylek's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book managed to balance both timelines perfectly somehow. I was invested in both so every time it switched I still wanted to read the new one instead of getting annoyed. Criminal and law enforcer pairings just really do it for me. Plus gays. I'll definitely be picking up the sequels at some point.

paper_aphid's review

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I only got about 3 chapters in before I couldn't handle the constant change between past and present every chapter. it was too much for my tiny brain 

a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition

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4.0

4 Hearts!

Now that’s what a spy espionage mercenary story should be, and it’s no surprise at the multitude of readers already singing this book’s praises!

Know that Jack is a government man, ex military, and strongly patriotic. When his deep undercover assignment investigating a shady businessman is ruined by top ranking assassin Ethan Blade, he’s not sure what to think when the mysterious and oh so deadly man saves his ass instead of kills it.

Ensue alternating chapters of “then” and “now”, as one slowly sees what happens a year ago when Jack and Ethan meet, clash, fight and slowly, but quickly, develop a tenuous trust that’s tested when they reunite again. Though my impatient self was chomping at the bit wanting to know all the details, the process of what evolves is cleverly revealed. This was a very effective way to tell the story, keeping me on edge with constant guessing at the fast paced progression.

Narrated by Rowan Scott, I thought he did a great job, especially with the various accents. For those that need to know, there’s not huge differences in character distinction, but due to the well written story and Scott’s nuanced emotions, this was a very consistent entertaining listen.

This obviously kept my interest as it alternates between time, peppered with plenty of action, conflicting feels, and a complex mystery as Ethan and Jack unfold a top level conspiracy and a traitor who only these two working together can bring down.

Fast, intense, sexy. I look forward to reading (and/or listening) to the rest of this impressive series!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review<

fyarae's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sylvia221's review against another edition

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5.0

It is absolutely the best thriller I've ever read. It was mesmerizing and I savored every word. The beginning was confusing and it took me atleast 50 pages to get into the scene. Then I forgot everything happening around me. It pulled me inside and I loved it.

Ethan Freaking Blade is, hands down, the best character in this book. I know he was a cold-blooded killer but I loved him. My heart skipped a beat when he was attacked by Dingo and when Jack saw the whip marks. Whoever hurt my Ethan should rot in hell.

Jack talking to an assassin about food and car in the middle of nowhere is so far my favorite moment in the book. The way Ethan's face transformed while describing cars was awesome. That was the second I categorized Ethan as a human who kills for money and not a psychotic killer.

The fight scenes were absolutely mind blowing. In most of the books I can't connect with the fight scenes so I would mostly skip them but this one made me read everything and crave for more. I especially loved every scenes involving Ethan with Gun.

Another Remarkable moment is when Ethan introduces Jack to Sheila, his pet camel. The way he took care of Jack when he was sick and the secret code language he taught him made me overwhelmed with joy. I am heartsick for them.

When Valadian kissed Ethan in front of Jack, I wanted to kill valadian with my bare hands. I can't accept it, even imagining about it makes me want to vomit, probably on valadian. I seriously was on the verge of crying when Ethan kissed him back.

mdee's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

makedde's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

3.25

tinkcourtney's review against another edition

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5.0

Gripping

I could barely put this book down and ended up reading it in one morning. The alternating chapters between “then” and “now” are very effective at gradually revealing key information and keeping the action/suspense going. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!

*edited to add that I've now listened to the audio and it's fantastic! The narrator has a lovely accent and does a great job.*

jennifox's review against another edition

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I think there's probably an interesting story (or two) in here, but I just can't with the alternating timelines.