Praise for Hell’s Belles
“Kessler’s debut novel will captivate fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon and Laurell K. Hamilton from the very first page. The novel is steamy, humorous and fast-paced, with tons of imagery and symbols that take it to a deeper level, similar to that of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series.”
—Romantic Times
“Ms. Kessler has hit the jackpot with this debut novel of dark fantasy. Hell’s Belles offers something for everyone; devilishly witty humor, a sassy heroine, a hunky hero and demonic creatures; what more could a reader ask for? Don’t miss it!”
—PNR Reviews
“Had me hooked from the first sentence…I’ll be reading this one again and again.”
—MaryJanice Davidson, New York Times bestselling author
“With characters that are intriguing and fully developed and a plot that’s out of this world, this is a fabulous start to the ‘Hell on Earth’ series. Hell’s Belles will enchant paranormal fans.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“As sinful and decadent as melted chocolate on skin. A dazzling debut!”
—Cathy Clamp, co-author of Hunter’s Moon
“Wicked, sexy, and delightfully funny, Hell’s Belles is hot stuff. I’m burning to get my hands on the sequel.”
—J.A. Konrath, author of Whiskey Sour
Praise for The Road to Hell
“This is writing of blistering splendor: Kessler’s acid wit and wry style make for damn fine reading. Trust me, the seven deadly sins have never had it so good!”
—Cornelia Read, author of A Field of Darkness
“A deliciously wicked story that mixes romance and humor with dark urban fantasy.”
—Romantic Times
“Jezebel is a refreshingly angst-free character, cheerfully libidinous and very, very funny. This fun, fast-paced series works as urban fantasy or paranormal romance. There’s some great world-building here and an intriguingly subversive mythology, served up with a breezy tone that fits the heroine perfectly.
—Elaine Cunningham, author of Shadows in the Starlight
“A wicked, deliciously inventive treat. This book thoroughly seduced me. It’d be a sin to miss it!”
—Rachel Caine, author of Midnight Alley
“Sizzling…Kessler’s raunchy blend of heaven, hell and eros makes for a wild thriller ride, and hot, tough-talking Jesse has gumption and sass.”
—Publishers Weekly
Books by Jackie Kessler
HELL’S BELLES
THE ROAD TO HELL
HOTTER THAN HELL
Published by Zebra Books
HOTTER THAN HELL
JACKIE KESSLER
ZEBRA BOOKS
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
For Brett. Always.
Contents
Acknowledgments
PART I
THE ASSIGNMENT
Chapter 1
Coitus Interruptus
Chapter 2
Stalling
Chapter 3
Panic
Chapter 4
And the Holy Kept Rolling In
Chapter 5
Hey, Baby—Come Here Often?
Chapter 6
A Bit of Spice
Chapter 7
Stalker Time, Infernal Style
Chapter 8
Wet Dream
Chapter 9
Jealous, Much?
PART II
THE SEDUCTION
Chapter 10
Incubus Meets Girl
Chapter 11
Small Talk, Big Demon
Chapter 12
Under Pressure
Chapter 13
Don Juan Comes to Dinner
Chapter 14
Amadè
Chapter 15
When Sins Collide
Chapter 16
Lies
Chapter 17
Stripped
Chapter 18
This Pivotal Moment
PART III
THE AFTERMATH
Chapter 19
Revelations
Chapter 20
Too Late
Chapter 21
The Libertine’s Punishment
Chapter 22
The Great God Pan
Chapter 23
And This, At the End of Everything
Author’s Note
Acknowledgments
My heartfelt thanks to…
John Scognamiglio, the rest of the Zebra gang, and Ethan Ellenberg, for making this book possible.
Miriam Kriss, for your unbridled enthusiasm.
Eileen Cruz Coleman, Vibekke Courtney and Dream Forge Media, Magee King, Marie Lu, Diane Nudelman and the Advance Promotions team, and the incredible staff of the Delmar P.O., for their support when I decided to Hit the ROAD.
Backspace and the CR-RWA, for being terrific author communities.
Jaci Burton, Rachel Caine, Cathy Clamp, Elaine Cunningham, MaryJanice Davidson, Joe Konrath, Cheyenne McCray, Michelle Rowen, Martha O’Connor, Cornelia Read, and Gena Showalter, for their love of all things Hell.
Caitlin Kittredge and Richelle Mead, for keeping me sane.
Renee Barr, who goes above and beyond.
Heather Brewer, the best critique partner an author could ever hope for.
Mom and Dad, for cheering me on.
Ryan and Mason, for being who they are.
And Brett, who should get a medal for putting up with my mishegas.
Chapter 1
Coitus Interruptus
Anyone in my position would’ve thought the buzzing in my head was anticipation. Five minutes to go, then the client would be eating from my hand. Literally. I had the grapes ready and waiting in the ice bucket, chilling. She liked it when I let the cluster dangle over her lips—she’d