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A review by mcintmac
When Death Frees the Devil by L.J. Hayward
5.0
I have been reading MM romance for years and I’ve covered all the biggies. I absolutely cannot believe this isn’t a cult classic with thousands upon thousands of reddit threads proclaiming its genius. Jake and Ethan deserve rightful spots alongside our beloved classic couples like Whyborne & Griffin or Adrien English & Jake Riordan.
In fact, I’d argue this series is even closer to perfection than comparable MM series out there. The characters are diverse (our MC is a POC!), there is no subtle misogyny, and the violence feels necessary and not excessive. I cried and laughed freely. I hardly ever guessed the plot. And am so darn happy that Ethan’s abusive backstory was complex and relevant, and not trauma porn.
GOD this series is phenomenal. There isn’t a single page I regret reading.
Also, L.J. Hayward has achieved the impossible: I not only read the novellas, but might love them more than any of the full length books. Normally novellas are so pesky!
In fact, I’d argue this series is even closer to perfection than comparable MM series out there. The characters are diverse (our MC is a POC!), there is no subtle misogyny, and the violence feels necessary and not excessive. I cried and laughed freely. I hardly ever guessed the plot. And am so darn happy that Ethan’s abusive backstory was complex and relevant, and not trauma porn.
GOD this series is phenomenal. There isn’t a single page I regret reading.
Also, L.J. Hayward has achieved the impossible: I not only read the novellas, but might love them more than any of the full length books. Normally novellas are so pesky!