Book Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Mercedes Thompson Book 1

Welcome to the world of Mercy, ace mechanic and coyote shifter. I picked up Moon Called at the library because I’ve heard of Patricia Brigg’s name bandied around a lot in most of the paranormal groups that I hang around.

Although I leaned more towards PNR, with emphasis on the R for romance, I don’t mind dabbling once in a while with some Urban Fantasy books where Moon Called righteously belongs.

Mercedes Thompson’s world is full of strange creatures. Her next door neighbor is the alpha of the local werewolf pack. Her former boss is a fae creature. She tinkers with a van that belongs to a vampire. But then, she is no ordinary girl herself. She is a walker, a being that has the ability to shift into a coyote.

Mercy’s world was about to get stranger, when she befriends a teenage runaway werewolf who brings trouble to her life and death to her doorstep. Adam, her werewolf neighbor, ends up getting attacked and his daughter, Jesse, kidnapped. Now Mercy, has to pull all her resources, including digging up personal connections in her past if she wants to help keep both father and daughter alive.

Moon Called is a fast-paced novel that quickly sucked you in. I feel that the action was pretty non-stop, moving the plot along, as I get introduced to the many characters that is part of Mercy’s world. Mercy is another strong female character that is fast becoming ubiquitous in the Urban Fantasy genre. I finished the book in a matter of two days, and knew that I will be continuing with this series. The Mercedes Thompson first book is something that will whet your appetite for more, if you like a well-written plot, with likable characters and plenty of paranormal elements.

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 see malefic entities as they, under Hell’s new management directives, now actively abet mankind to commit sin and destruction, instead of just waiting for humans to give in to temptation. Furthermore, she has a missing Fury bestfriend to find,a persistent former fuck-buddy incubus to fend, and a vindictive queen to avoid. Jesse's problems just got bigger and bigger. To top the list, former queen of Lust Lilith steals Paul’s soul, and Jesse is forced to journey back to Hell to retrieve it.

This time our intrepid heroine will battle for her choices, her love for Paul, her belief in who she is, her friendships, even to the point of 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, I frowned at her repetitive phrasings.

I still like Jesse, and I was rooting for her all the way. There are plenty of interesting endearing characters, including a beautiful, dim-witted angel trying to learn how to be a Seducer. But the one who stole the show for me is Daunuan. This incubus, with his seductive wiles, just leaped off the page and commanded attention. Because of my fascination with this character, I can't wait to read the third book, Hotter than Hell, because it is the sexy incubus' 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.

After a few moments of pondering, I came to the conclusion that The Road to Hell, Kessler’s follow up to her delightful Hell’s Belles, is a story of love and friendship, of making choices and being true to who you are. I give this book 5 stars over 5 for the amount of fun I had reading it.

Hell's Belles
by Jackie Kessler
Hell on Earth series #1

Book Review

rating: 4 of 5 stars


“A former succubus on the run from hell, turned mortal stripper in The Big Apple”. Jackie Kessler’s premise for her new book, Hell’s Belles, caught my attention and totally perked my interest.

Reading the book in just one day, first of the new year at that, it tells the tale of Jesse, former sex demon whose job was to seduce men and take their souls, who is now, due to some major management changes in Hell, AWOL from the fiery depths. Turning to a witch for help, she gets herself changed to a mortal, and with nothing but desperation and her inherent skill sets, ventureds towards the Big Apple. On the train she meets Paul, a hunky mortal who makes her want to get back into the seducing business. So what does a former succubus do in the big city? Becomes a stripper., of course.

Now, plagued with mortal problems like financial issues and love dilemmas, Jesse also has to hide from bounty hunters from hell, an irate demon queen, and an incubus friend who has the “hots” for her. Jesse’s earthly adventure couldn’t be more filled with humor and danger.


Told through Jesse’s point of view, I got totally sucked into this book, and couldn’t put it down. Written in a light, humorous manner, complete with silly clichéd expression that somehow added to its charm, I found myself rooting for the main character, as she navigates her escape from hell and her hiding out in Earth.

Kessler’s vivid description of Hell is ingenious and picturesque. I also like her use of “corporate business” terms as her metaphor for its management issues. Her demoness with a heart was an endearing heroine, and the plot was fast-paced enough to keep my attention. And that incubus Daun intrigued me so much, that I can't wait to read his book, which is the third in the series. The ending is a little pat for my taste, although it did reveal more on why Jesse did run away.


If you like paranormal books that are funny and a little bit raunchy, pick up Hell’s Belles for a fun ride in hell.