Michelle Scott

Don't pay attention to the unfortunate cover, this book is funny, smart and sad at the same time, and certainly worth your time.

It works, simply because each of us can relate to Lilith. She is thirty something, recently divorced, saddled with a daughter whom she loves dearly, a distantly related hellion niece who accidentally burned her house, and a beautiful step-sister, who can't grow up and get a job.

Lilith is a substitute teacher, out of work, with bills piling up and credit cards show more maxing out. She is on the verge of being broke. Until the day she dies.

Transported to Hell, which is appropriately a big bureaucratic machine, Lilith finds out that one of her ancestors made a deal with the devil to escape death. One female of her line will always carry a succubus demon in her, and now Lilith's mom died and it's her turn.

Horrified, Lilith is sent back and has to struggle with her own morality and sense of right while Hell sends her on little tasks of seducing humans to the dark side. She might not need to have sex with them, but she tips the scales by her words or actions, so their souls will go to Hell.

Of course, Lilith is a disaster despite the help of a gorgeous William Darcy, an incubus and a friend of her mother. Allowing her demon a free reign will help her family survive and escape the bankruptcy and starvation, but her consciousness keeps messing up until enraged Hell gives her an ultimatum - do something BIG for them or they'll make her daughter a succubus instead...

A lovely and easy, bittersweet read. show less

*Received e-book through Read It and Reap program from the Shut Up and Read! Goodreads group from author for an honest review;
**also posted on Amazon.com under Leanne

Straight to Hell is told by the point-of-view of Lilith Straight, a 30+ year old divorcee/substitute teacher (once extremely rich) who currently struggling to pay the bills for herself, her daughter, a niece abandoned by her sister-in-law, and a stepsister kicked out by her mother. After she is fatally struck by a car, she finds show more herself in hell, given an ultimatum by Miss Spry, to either uphold a long-standing bargain by a female ancestor to become a succubus or to remain dead. Given her family/responsibilities, she chooses to share her body with a demon, permanently on call for any assignment from Miss Spry.

Scott succeeds in writing an entertaining, fast-paced book with a little romance thrown in and unexpectedly touching moments. It was hilarious to see Lilith give over to her demon side, especially the scenes with her ex-husband, a funeral director, and a Rodeo Drive store clerk. In addition, the scenes with the incubus, Mr. Darcy, were charming although I wished they were longer and more developed. It was also pleasantly surprising to feel moved by her struggle with her various missions as she questions the morality of her actions and whether they were justified in protecting her family. I loved the final twist at the end when Lilith must face the final choice of whether to stay a succubus and proving the conviction of her decision.

Overall, Straight to Hell was a fun, fast read (I finished this in one sitting). Scott did wrap up this first novel well, but I was enjoying it so much I did want more – it is more like a novella or teaser at ~120 pages. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book. I would highly recommend this book to fans of paranormal romances such as the Jane True series by Nicole Peeler or the Jane Jameson series by Molly Harper. show less

This story isn't about a succubus. It's about a very human woman named Lillith struggling to do the best she can with what she's got. She's so strong that she's keeping it all together pretty well after a divorce, her house burning down, and relocating. Relocating to not only a new home, but a very greatly reduced style of living than she was accustomed to. She went from being an 'elite' to' trying to make ends meet'. She has a tiny support system and several dependents. Doesn't wallow in show more self pity, but keeps on keepin' on. The her mother dies unexpectedly, and so does Lillith. She ends up in a sort of 'hell's waiting room' and is informed that, because of a deal one of her ancestors made centuries ago, she has to allow a demon to posess her and live her life as an instrument of evil. Either that or totally die and be gone forever.
The difficulty she has trying to walk a tightrope between doing the devil's work, and being a person who always does the right thing - because it's the right thing to do- is what this story is about.
I'll be on the lookout for the next book in this series, and anything else that Michelle Scott writes. show less

I began this book thinking it would be a typical paranormal book however typical it is not. It is definitely one of the most unique stories I have read. I loved the sharp, sarcastic wit and humor. My favorite! It also touched on some interesting issues such as spirituality but in a light way which contributed to the story. I can't imagine what the author will have up her sleeve for the sequel but I can't wait to find out.