Author: Marie Sexton
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Rating: 4.5 stars
Type: Novel
Received from Publisher
Blurb: The path to temptation is paved with a hellish amount of paperwork.
Review: Abaddon isn’t exactly happy about his job, but there aren’t any good choices in hell and at least soul acquisition is one of cushier ones with Earth-travelling privileges. But now Abaddon’s reluctance has caught up with him one time too many and now he risks being demoted if he doesn’t meet his quota in time. You really don’t want to be demoted in hell.
While searching for suitable souls to deal for, Abaddon comes across a soul so pure, so bright that it would fill his quota several times over, meaning he could rest on his laurels for a decent period of time, if he won it. The soul belongs to twenty-two year old Seth, a talented musician who was adopted by the Reverend of The Rainbow Revival travelling tent revival when he was a baby. Not even sudden blindness on his nineteenth birthday has shaken Seth’s unwavering faith in his God, bless his cotton-candy and honey flavoured soul.
As Abaddon sets about his efforts to win Seth’s soul, he starts to fall for the sweet, surprisingly fun, bible-quoting young man. Now Abaddon must decide whether he tempts Seth with a deal he cannot resist, damning Seth’s soul to hell, or damn himself to eternity in the bowels of hell never to see Seth again.
I have to say, I have little interest in religion and don’t tend to read many books with religious characters or themes. Even so, I’ve enjoyed every other Marie Sexton book I’ve read and this one isn’t any exception. The writing was excellent, the story interesting and fun, and the characters charming. I hoped, cried and laughed with Abaddon and Seth; the romance between them was both sweet and sure. I loved that there were no rifts or misunderstandings between the MCs, instead the heartbreak came from external forces threatening to keep them apart. I adored both Abaddon and Seth and was totally invested in their HEA, even though I couldn’t see how they would ever manage to stay together. Damned If You Do is a cleverly resolved, page-turning tale of love and faith, with plenty of humour along the way.
Great review!