HOTTER THAN HELL - Jackie Kessler
Hell On Earth, Book 3
Kensington (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 0-8217-8104-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8217-8104-3
August 2008
Paranormal Romance

Washington, New York, California, and a few other places - Present Day, 1906, the 1700’s, and a very long time ago

Daunuan, a level one demon (an incubus, to be exact) is Pan, the King of Lust’s, first choice to be the new Prince of Lust, First of Principles (one of the elite in the Abyss). Unfortunately, Daun doesn’t really want to be the new Prince. Being among the elite seems so unnecessary; he likes his job just fine the way it is. Seducing beautiful (and hey, they’re all beautiful, at least in Daun’s eyes), evil women, killing them, and bringing their souls back to burn for all eternity as they deserve. What’s not to like? Sex and plenty of it. In fact, the only dim spot on Daun’s horizon recently is his best friend Jezebel’s decision to become human and find love with a flesh puppet (common demon term for humans). But Pan won’t be denied. If he wants Daun to be Prince, then Prince he’ll be. However, Daun will have to pass one small test first. Seduce an innocent destined for Heaven. Failing isn’t an option of course, I mean really, Pan couldn’t possibly afford to have it getting around that Daun, his choice of Prince, couldn’t manage such a task.

Enter Virginia Reed, Pan’s choice of innocent and Jezebel’s look-alike. Caring, sweet, and somehow impervious to Daun’s charms, she could be the death of him. It’s going to take something Daun has never used before to get this lady into bed, honest emotion. Hmm…too bad feelings aren’t something Daun has in abundance. Or does he?

What’s HOTTER THAN HELL? Why Daunuan of course. And yes, the old human tale of Don Juan/Don Giovanni is based on him; a few things just got twisted in the telling. A true lover of women, Daun’s job gives him the ability to enjoy all of their charms without working for it. In fact, the poor thing is rather stymied when Virginia puts up such resistance; actually, she has more in common with Jezebel (former succubus turned stripper) than he first thought. Both women manage to put Daun in his place, they also touch something he wasn’t aware he possessed, a heart. It just might be that the famous Daunuan is about to be brought low by the very creatures he so enjoys. Then again, it could be all of the demons who have sprouted from the woodwork with the apparent desire to see him dead that brings Daun to an end. Regardless, readers of the Hell on Earth series are bound to see him in a whole new light after the events that transpire in this book. Virginia is a woman who spends her time going through the motions of living. A widow, nothing touches her frozen heart, or stimulates her to take an active part in her own life, until Daun. Who knew a demon could be a good influence? Regardless, she’s a truly good woman, and readers will find her an endearing character who balances out some of Daun’s darker characteristics.

Secondary characters abound in this novel, most of them members of Hell’s elite. Daun and his boss have a long history together, chasing nymphs and otherwise enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. It seems like a nice gesture to consider him for Prince. Then again, demons aren’t known for nice gestures. Uvall, a Duke of Hell; Belzebul, King of Gluttony; Callistus (another incubus, ticked off not to be chosen as Prince) and Eris, Princess of Envy, all do their parts to entertain, even as they attempt to kill, seduce, or otherwise complicate Daun’s life.

Jezebel (the star of the previous Hell on Earth books) also makes an appearance or two. Still able to tempt Daun, even as he tries to convince her to put aside thoughts of Paul (her lover, a human cop).

Demons have never been as interesting as they are in Jackie Kessler’s books. Hot, complicated, and way to realistic to be mere figments of anyone’s imagination, Daun and his peers are just like you and me (minus the horns, hooves, powers and long lives). Okay, they’re really not, but hey, Daun and his ilk will make you pant, laugh, and cry as you read their stories. Who could ask for more? If you haven't read the previous books in the series, buy them (find a complete listing on the author’s website: www.jackiekessler.com). After all, don’t you want to know all about Jezebel and Daun’s shared history? You should; it’s an enticing one. What are you waiting for? Get your copy of HOTTER THAN HELL today.

Lori Ann