Book Review: The Road to Hell by Jackie Kessler

The Road to Hell by Jackie Kessler

Hell on Earth series #2

Jesse, the ex-succubus turned mortal stripper, is back.  Now settling into mortal existence, complete with her shiny new soul, and enjoying the delights of love with her sweetie, Paul, Jesse thought that hell has forgotten all about her. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Though human, somehow she can still malefic entities as they, under Hell's new management directives, now actively abet mankind to commit sin and destruction.  Furthermore, she has a missing Fury bestfriend to find, and a persistent former fuck-buddy incubus to fend, Jesse problems just got bigger and bigger.  To top the list, former queen of Lust Lilith steals Paul's soul, and Jesse was force to journey back to Hell. 

This time our intrepid heroine will battle for her choices, for her love for Paul, for her belief in who she is, for her friendships, even up to a confrontation with the new Boss of Hell.

I picked up The Road to Hell, even though I was planning to read another book instead, because I cannot resist  it  after finishing Hell's Belles.  Once again, I was able to finish this book in a short time, flying through the pages.  Now, used to Kessler's witty, hip prose, I still find myself giggling at some of her expressions, although once in a while, frowning at some repetitions.

I still like Jesse, and I was rooting for her all the way.  There are plenty of interesting endearing characters, including an beautiful, dim-witted angel trying to learn how to be a Seducer.  But the one who steals the show for me, is Daunuan.  This incubus, with his seductive wiles, just leaps off the page and commands attention.  Just because of him, I'm eager to read the third book, Hotter than Hell, because it is his book.

I have to admit, I'm not a deep philosophical reader, but I know that there is some profound message in this book underneath the fluffy storyline.  You can't help it but feel the undercurrent of something more.  The Road to Hell, Kessler's follow up to her delightful Hell's Belles is a story of love and friendship, of making a choice and being true to who you are.   I give this book 5 stars over 5 for the amount of fun I had reading it.