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Tales of an Extraordinary Girl #1
Playing with Fire
Twenty-four-year-old barista Belle Jamison dreams of a better job and a decent love life. Until a crazy scientist spikes her mocha latte! Suddenly Belle can wield the four elements—earth, wind, fire and water—with only a thought. Coffee too hot? No problem. Hair in need of a blow-dry? Done.
Gorgeous government agent Rome Masters has been sent to neutralize Belle. But he's not the only one after her. Together they must outrun the rogue agents on their trail and find a way to control her powers. There's just one the sparks Belle and Rome generate are even hotter than the ones flying from her eyes—and with her future on the line, now is the worst possible time to fall in love�.
Gorgeous government agent Rome Masters has been sent to neutralize Belle. But he's not the only one after her. Together they must outrun the rogue agents on their trail and find a way to control her powers. There's just one the sparks Belle and Rome generate are even hotter than the ones flying from her eyes—and with her future on the line, now is the worst possible time to fall in love�.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2006
180 people are currently reading
7,280 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
239Ìýbooks27.6kÌýfollowersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
September 23, 2009
5+ stars � Paranormal Romance
Happy, happy, joy, joy...I loooved this book! I haven’t laughed out loud so hard at such clever, hysterical writing, fun, quirky characters, and sarcastic, snarky dialogue since reading the last book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but Gena Showalter’s Playing With Fire delivers the goods, in spades! And Belle and Rome are another Cat and Bones type duo!
24-year-old Belle Jamison isn’t having a very easy time lately. She can’t seem to hold down a job for very long, she has to pay the bills at her father’s assisted living center (and support his Viagra habit), and to top it all off, she drank a spiked mocha latte and developed supernatural powers that she can’t control.
Now that “Earth, Wind, & Fire aren’t just a band anymore�, Belle’s got a hottie secret agent named Rome Masters from a covert government para-agency telling her he has to “neutralize� her and there’s a rogue, corrupt para-agency trying to capture her to harness and exploit her powers for evil. What’s a girl to do?
Here are some of the highlights and quotes that I loved most:
*Belle’s before resume (at the beginning of the book) and after/post-powers resume (at the end of the book) are hysterical and totally summarize her character.
*Belle is a flaky, spunky, fun, and bitchysweet heroine with a dry, acerbic wit that you’ll probably either love or hate, and I flat-out adored her!
*Although it’s told strictly from Belle’s 1st person POV, Showalter does a fabulous job with it, and I never felt a lack of insight or understanding of the other characters.
*PSI government agent Rome Masters is a mega sexy and totally yummylicious alpha hero...’nough said! “Marry me, Rome!�
*The chemistry between Belle and Rome is literally explosive and the romance is sizzling hot!
*Belle’s 19-year-old horndog sidekick Tanner “Crazy Bones� Bradshaw is a total trip, laugh out loud hilarious, and a riotous hoot...�Fo sheezie�!
*Belle’s various nicknames (Wonder Girl, Periodic Table Chick, Four Elements Girl, Pyro Chica, Homicidal Tendencies Wench, Fabulous Flame, Belle BBQ, Amazing Matchstick, and Viper)...sooo funny!
*Belle’s not above showing some cleavage to placate her aggravated, pervert, coffee shop boss to avoid being fired. �Was it wrong of me to rely on the girls to get me out of trouble? Probably. Did I give a shit? Hell, no. In fact, I unabashedly adjusted them for ample display. I was single, twenty-four and determined to keep this job. Anyone who objected could blow me.�
*Rome describing Belle to a recording device while she’s semi-conscious: �Subject is roughly five-six, slim, straight brown hair, hazel eyes-mostly green. Full lips. Uh, really full lips. Small scar on left shoulder. No tattoos...unfortunately.�
*Belle and Rome are discussing the need for her to practice controlling her powers (or superhero training) and she gets distracted by his sexiness. �Hello, my name is Belle Jamison and I have a potty brain.�
*Belle describing Rome’s ex-wife Lexis: �Lexis, who should be punched in the face right now, was working her way up my People to Punish When I Could Control My Powers list.�
*Belle reflecting on her inability to resist yumtastic Rome. �Maybe I was a slut and a harlot (a slot?). Or maybe, just maybe, Rome emitted lethal pheromones no woman could resist.�
So, if you enjoy paranormal romance with captivating characters, witty writing, funny, sarcastic dialogue, clever, spicy banter, some electrifying action, and fiery hot sex, then this might be a reading treat for you too! I can’t wait until the sequel Twice as Hot comes out in Jan�2010! Big 5 stars!
Happy, happy, joy, joy...I loooved this book! I haven’t laughed out loud so hard at such clever, hysterical writing, fun, quirky characters, and sarcastic, snarky dialogue since reading the last book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but Gena Showalter’s Playing With Fire delivers the goods, in spades! And Belle and Rome are another Cat and Bones type duo!
24-year-old Belle Jamison isn’t having a very easy time lately. She can’t seem to hold down a job for very long, she has to pay the bills at her father’s assisted living center (and support his Viagra habit), and to top it all off, she drank a spiked mocha latte and developed supernatural powers that she can’t control.
Now that “Earth, Wind, & Fire aren’t just a band anymore�, Belle’s got a hottie secret agent named Rome Masters from a covert government para-agency telling her he has to “neutralize� her and there’s a rogue, corrupt para-agency trying to capture her to harness and exploit her powers for evil. What’s a girl to do?
Here are some of the highlights and quotes that I loved most:
*Belle’s before resume (at the beginning of the book) and after/post-powers resume (at the end of the book) are hysterical and totally summarize her character.
*Belle is a flaky, spunky, fun, and bitchysweet heroine with a dry, acerbic wit that you’ll probably either love or hate, and I flat-out adored her!
*Although it’s told strictly from Belle’s 1st person POV, Showalter does a fabulous job with it, and I never felt a lack of insight or understanding of the other characters.
*PSI government agent Rome Masters is a mega sexy and totally yummylicious alpha hero...’nough said! “Marry me, Rome!�
*The chemistry between Belle and Rome is literally explosive and the romance is sizzling hot!
*Belle’s 19-year-old horndog sidekick Tanner “Crazy Bones� Bradshaw is a total trip, laugh out loud hilarious, and a riotous hoot...�Fo sheezie�!
*Belle’s various nicknames (Wonder Girl, Periodic Table Chick, Four Elements Girl, Pyro Chica, Homicidal Tendencies Wench, Fabulous Flame, Belle BBQ, Amazing Matchstick, and Viper)...sooo funny!
*Belle’s not above showing some cleavage to placate her aggravated, pervert, coffee shop boss to avoid being fired. �Was it wrong of me to rely on the girls to get me out of trouble? Probably. Did I give a shit? Hell, no. In fact, I unabashedly adjusted them for ample display. I was single, twenty-four and determined to keep this job. Anyone who objected could blow me.�
*Rome describing Belle to a recording device while she’s semi-conscious: �Subject is roughly five-six, slim, straight brown hair, hazel eyes-mostly green. Full lips. Uh, really full lips. Small scar on left shoulder. No tattoos...unfortunately.�
*Belle and Rome are discussing the need for her to practice controlling her powers (or superhero training) and she gets distracted by his sexiness. �Hello, my name is Belle Jamison and I have a potty brain.�
*Belle describing Rome’s ex-wife Lexis: �Lexis, who should be punched in the face right now, was working her way up my People to Punish When I Could Control My Powers list.�
*Belle reflecting on her inability to resist yumtastic Rome. �Maybe I was a slut and a harlot (a slot?). Or maybe, just maybe, Rome emitted lethal pheromones no woman could resist.�
So, if you enjoy paranormal romance with captivating characters, witty writing, funny, sarcastic dialogue, clever, spicy banter, some electrifying action, and fiery hot sex, then this might be a reading treat for you too! I can’t wait until the sequel Twice as Hot comes out in Jan�2010! Big 5 stars!
March 27, 2010
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about this book is nipples.
The story itself held promise, I like superpowers, romance, sex and adventure. I just wish that it all came together much better than it did. I do. It's just...well...ok. I'll just come out and say it - Belle was annoying. She was whiny, jealous, flaky and at times quite bitchy. There were instances of her 'softer' side but for the most part she was someone I would have ignored if I had met because I knew that we would come to blows. Which is odd to say and I don't mean that I would actually fight this fictional character but I would very much steer clear of her.
Belle is thrust into a situation in which she suddenly has control of the four elements. Oops. Suddenly she gets sick, is hunted and the sexy and dangerous PSI agent Rome is at the foot of her bed talking about neutralizing her. From the get-go she is attracted to him even though her body has gone through the ringer trying to adjust or die with the formula that was slipped in her drink. Talk about a hell of a mickey.
So, Belle tries to slip her leash when Rome vows to protect her and ends up landing herself in slightly hotter water by bringing an innocent into it. The rest of the book is about her learning to trust Rome, herself (when it comes to her powers) and her inordinate amount of time noticing how hard her nipples are when Rome looks at her. Or how her nipples can be seen through her shirt when she's cold or how her nipples feel against Rome's nipples.
Too much nipple! It's nipple porn!
N.I.P.P.L.E.S!
Rome, Tanner and Lexi - the supporting character and the hero - are the most interesting characters in this story. Belle, with her nipple preoccupation and her insane attraction to Rome, her selfishness and her temper are only slightly mollified by her bravery and her compassion.
Slightly.
The story itself held promise, I like superpowers, romance, sex and adventure. I just wish that it all came together much better than it did. I do. It's just...well...ok. I'll just come out and say it - Belle was annoying. She was whiny, jealous, flaky and at times quite bitchy. There were instances of her 'softer' side but for the most part she was someone I would have ignored if I had met because I knew that we would come to blows. Which is odd to say and I don't mean that I would actually fight this fictional character but I would very much steer clear of her.
Belle is thrust into a situation in which she suddenly has control of the four elements. Oops. Suddenly she gets sick, is hunted and the sexy and dangerous PSI agent Rome is at the foot of her bed talking about neutralizing her. From the get-go she is attracted to him even though her body has gone through the ringer trying to adjust or die with the formula that was slipped in her drink. Talk about a hell of a mickey.
So, Belle tries to slip her leash when Rome vows to protect her and ends up landing herself in slightly hotter water by bringing an innocent into it. The rest of the book is about her learning to trust Rome, herself (when it comes to her powers) and her inordinate amount of time noticing how hard her nipples are when Rome looks at her. Or how her nipples can be seen through her shirt when she's cold or how her nipples feel against Rome's nipples.
Too much nipple! It's nipple porn!
N.I.P.P.L.E.S!
Rome, Tanner and Lexi - the supporting character and the hero - are the most interesting characters in this story. Belle, with her nipple preoccupation and her insane attraction to Rome, her selfishness and her temper are only slightly mollified by her bravery and her compassion.
Slightly.
August 3, 2019
I had so much fun reading this book.
Full of entertainment and excitement with a great love story.
Full of entertainment and excitement with a great love story.
March 16, 2020
Re read March 2020
December 2, 2009
Belle Jamison has attitude and she knows how to use it! She is a total screw-up at her lame coffee shop job and being a smart ass is not helping her. The girl can never seem to get things right. She only manages to keep her job because of "titillating" conversations with her pervy boss. (HaHa!)
Disaster strikes one day when a mad scientist comes running into the coffee shop and drops a secret potion in Belle's drink. Enter sub-government agencies and a super delicious hunk named Rome.
I loved this book! It was a non-stop thrill ride that made me laugh until I cried. Belle is given the gift of controlling the four elements after accidentally drinking the mysterious potion, but you never quite know if she going to master the gift or if the gift will master her.
The only downside to this book was the ex-wife factor. It really wasn't necessary and it almost took away from the storyline. Be forewarned that the kid factor also exists in this one.
Watch out Stephanie Plum cuz Belle is quite possibly my favorite female lead in a romance. I loved her character that much!
I look forward to the author's next offering in this new series.
Disaster strikes one day when a mad scientist comes running into the coffee shop and drops a secret potion in Belle's drink. Enter sub-government agencies and a super delicious hunk named Rome.
I loved this book! It was a non-stop thrill ride that made me laugh until I cried. Belle is given the gift of controlling the four elements after accidentally drinking the mysterious potion, but you never quite know if she going to master the gift or if the gift will master her.
The only downside to this book was the ex-wife factor. It really wasn't necessary and it almost took away from the storyline. Be forewarned that the kid factor also exists in this one.
Watch out Stephanie Plum cuz Belle is quite possibly my favorite female lead in a romance. I loved her character that much!
I look forward to the author's next offering in this new series.
February 8, 2019
🈂 Winning book in the 2019 Auxiliary� challenge for
January
over at Fallen Into Tijan Books -- Theme: Superheroes 🈂
-5 Stars
You have seen me say a book was terrible.
That it was awful.
That it was BAD.
That it was goddamn awful.
You have seen the first entries of the Piper Jones Logs.
And you've even seen me use this picture
This book though. This book, it is something else. It has transcended all of the above and created an entire new existance for itself.
People, this book made me want to gouge my own eyes out with a spork - not a spoon or a fork, but a fucking spork - and set myself on fire before I plunge head first into liquid nitrogen.
I honestly have no idea where to start, this is the worst thing I've read this far. Everything about it is vomit inducing. So let us start with the top level gag inducer:
� The Heroine: Belle Jamison
I thought Piper Jones was the only one in my list of fictional characters to kill with my bare hands and bathe in their blood. As it turns out she is now Number 2. One guess who took the Number 1 spot. Right. Belle Jamison
Belle is a Thundercunt. A 28 year old bitch going on 15, she is a jealous, petty, stupid, childish, irrational, useless piece of shit that only cares for herself and her Lust. Yes, capital L cause that girl can drown the galaxy in it.
Throughout the whole book her only worries were to give the powers away so she can fuck without consequences. She was whinnying non stop about this. Occasionally she thought about her dad as well. We wouldn't want her to be monotonous now would we?
"Maraya you might be a bit too harsh even for you. She couldn't be that bad!"
Yes, yes she could and she was. Allow me to demonstrate:
The book starts with Thundercunt (a.k.a Belle & Heroine) working as a barista at a coffee shop. She called her boss a perv yet she was the one practically rubbing her boobs in his face so he wouldn't fire her for constantly being late, being rude to everyone and stealing.
Examples:
� She kept calling her co-worker a whore cause she did her job right and cause she was pretty.
� While a costumer was ordering she kept talking to her friend instead. When said costumer dared to ask her when her coffee was going to be ready, Thundercunt proceeded to insult her. Cause how dare she! Can't she see she was talking to her friend? Instead she thought she was being good cause she didn't spit in the customers coffee. She got the order wrong of course.
And that is not the only job she has demonstrated this behaviour for.
This is how she behaves.
"But Maraya �"
Ah, ah, ah! No buts!
Priorities: I has them #not
That is what is important here: to have sex with Hero without hurting him, not the fact that she was burning/icing/destroying everything and everyone around her when she felt a little too emotional. Her lust will have no consequences, that is the only goal.
She is a horrible human being and that did not change throughout the book. No progress. Don't get me wrong, I adore me my villains! But they have to own up to their evil ways, not do what she did which was take it back and whine. I know what you're thinking reading the above: she did change and/or recognize her bad behaviour. Here's the thing: she didn't. She is written in such a way to appear she did but that was only done for the benefit of the reader. The recognition is there so we can see it, not cause she actually feels/understood anything. Own it or go home.
"Maraya, maybe a swoon worthy Hero then? Someone to balance her out?"
I wish guys, I really do. But Hero was no better than Thundercunt.
� The Hero: Rome Masters
Our Hero is an creepy fucking moron. We barely know anything about him but his actions speak louder than his words. Although is words are vomit inducing when heard along with his actions.
Let me paint you a little picture: He broke into her house and kidnapped her, scaring the shiznit out of her in the process. He bathed and dressed her while she was unconscious, more than once. He doesn't give her the most basic & simple answers, no information at all until he is forced and yet still, like pulling out teeth. And of course he "waxed poetically" of taking/claiming/owning her i.e. fucking her.
I could see the back of my skull every time he spoke or was active in the scene. It was pretty dark in there but the back of my head looked real good. �
"Oh dear Goddess. The plot? Mars please tell us there is a plot, good writing, something!"
Ha! NOPE.
� The Plot: Gag Reflex Activated
There is no plot. All we did was hear Thundercunt be petty, jealous etc, her insecurities in how they will cause Hero to not want to be with her for eternity and how she wants to fuck Hero. Nothing else matters.
Hence we get absolutely no info on anything until after the 75% mark. No info on the Hero, his boss, his organization. No info about the world, or the enemy. Nothing.
Example:
The relationship between the Hero & Thundercunt follow the same pattern (i.e. stupidity). This is The Progenitor of all Insta-love. She loves him after only knowing him for two and a half days. Her love started literary after their first hour together. His isn't any better of course even though he knows her for longer, she was unconscious for like 2.5 weeks (see creepy Hero info above).
Even the resolution of this story arc was beyond stupid!
The actual writing isn't any better though. Uselessly overdescriptive, over sexualising simple stuff like the simple act of drinking a glass of OJ.
Before you ask: NO, the sexy smexy bits weren't good . In my life this far I have never read anything that actually triggered my gag reflex for real. Until now. Their first kiss scene made me gag, for real realz. All the sexy scenes were the same. The were vomit inducing unsexyness when they didn't make any sense. Sometimes both at the same time.
And speaking of scenes that make no sense, there was a smorgasbord of them in this. Stupid scenes to go with the stupid plot and it's stupid ass characters.
Example:
I've read people say they " want to throw something or throw themselves into the sun " and I always laughed. Now I want to desperately do the same. I will cry-laugh all the way there too.
-5 Stars
You have seen me say a book was terrible.
That it was awful.
That it was BAD.
That it was goddamn awful.
You have seen the first entries of the Piper Jones Logs.
And you've even seen me use this picture
This book though. This book, it is something else. It has transcended all of the above and created an entire new existance for itself.
People, this book made me want to gouge my own eyes out with a spork - not a spoon or a fork, but a fucking spork - and set myself on fire before I plunge head first into liquid nitrogen.
I honestly have no idea where to start, this is the worst thing I've read this far. Everything about it is vomit inducing. So let us start with the top level gag inducer:
� The Heroine: Belle Jamison
I thought Piper Jones was the only one in my list of fictional characters to kill with my bare hands and bathe in their blood. As it turns out she is now Number 2. One guess who took the Number 1 spot. Right. Belle Jamison
Belle is a Thundercunt. A 28 year old bitch going on 15, she is a jealous, petty, stupid, childish, irrational, useless piece of shit that only cares for herself and her Lust. Yes, capital L cause that girl can drown the galaxy in it.
Throughout the whole book her only worries were to give the powers away so she can fuck without consequences. She was whinnying non stop about this. Occasionally she thought about her dad as well. We wouldn't want her to be monotonous now would we?
"Maraya you might be a bit too harsh even for you. She couldn't be that bad!"
Yes, yes she could and she was. Allow me to demonstrate:
The book starts with Thundercunt (a.k.a Belle & Heroine) working as a barista at a coffee shop. She called her boss a perv yet she was the one practically rubbing her boobs in his face so he wouldn't fire her for constantly being late, being rude to everyone and stealing.
Examples:
� She kept calling her co-worker a whore cause she did her job right and cause she was pretty.
� While a costumer was ordering she kept talking to her friend instead. When said costumer dared to ask her when her coffee was going to be ready, Thundercunt proceeded to insult her. Cause how dare she! Can't she see she was talking to her friend? Instead she thought she was being good cause she didn't spit in the customers coffee. She got the order wrong of course.
And that is not the only job she has demonstrated this behaviour for.
Interviewer: I see. I’m curious about something. Were you fired from each of these jobs or did you quit?
Me: I prefer the term “let go.� Fired just sounds so…mean.
Interviewer: Were you let go, then?
Me: Yes, but I can explain.
Interviewer: I’m listening.
Me: At Harrison and Co. Books, I completely misunderstood the return policy. A simple mistake, really, one anyone could have made. You see, I thought it would be totally fine to take the books home in my bag, read them and return them. You would have thought the same thing, wouldn’t you? That’s what return means.
Interviewer: Well, uh, hmm. What about Jumpin� Jive Cars? Why were you let go from there?
Me: Well, that’s an interesting story. See, there was an unfortunate accident with one of the cars I borrowed. Totally not my fault. The lady in front of me didn’t signal, and you know how important it is to signal when changing lanes.
Interviewer: Yes, that is important.
Me: Just give me a chance, Mr. uh, uh�
Interviewer: Mr. MacDonald.
Me: I’ll be the best damn, uh, uh�
Interviewer: Maid.
Me:—maid you’ve ever seen. Maid!
@9%
This is how she behaves.
“So where are we going?�
There was an uncomfortable silence for several seconds. Then, “I have a friend,� Rome said hesitantly. “She might be able to help us.�
She? Okay, I seriously didn’t like Rome having a female friend. A twinge of jealousy ribboned through me, and my hands clenched in my lap. I’m petty, foolish and absolutely ridiculous. I admit it. I’m not proud of it. But really, she? She? Somehow, in the last few minutes—yes, minutes—I’d come to consider Rome my property. I didn’t like him having a female friend. After all, men and women couldn’t be friends without sleeping together. Just a fact of life.
@38%
"But Maraya �"
Ah, ah, ah! No buts!
I studied him, searching for signs of damage. There were no red marks, no blisters. It had worked. Ohmygod, it had really worked! Rome had actually taken my fire into himself and completely tamed it. He’d kept it from raging, kept it from hurting anything—or anyone.
We could be together.
We could make slow, languid love. We could enjoy hard, fast, raunchy sex. All without the fear of consequences. Just the thought was enough to reawaken my desire. Soon I’d have him inside me. Completely.
@67%
Priorities: I has them #not
That is what is important here: to have sex with Hero without hurting him, not the fact that she was burning/icing/destroying everything and everyone around her when she felt a little too emotional. Her lust will have no consequences, that is the only goal.
What frightened me, though, was that as I improved I began to enjoy my abilities. Wielding and controlling such power was heady. Intoxicating, like an addictive drug. A wild adrenaline rush. I started to picture the things I could do once I truly mastered these powers. If someone pissed me off, I could burn off his hair. If someone threatened me, I could ice her home. Who wouldn’t enjoy dishing out that kind of revenge?
I mean, a few weeks ago, I’d borrowed Sherridan’s car for a job interview. Ten minutes into my drive, I’d been pulled over by the most egotistical, I’m-above-the-law cop ever allowed on the force. Officer Ken Parton was his name. As if I’d ever forget.
I hadn’t driven in a long (long) time, so of course my license had expired. Guess what? He arrested me. Yep, the stupid prick cuffed me and hauled me down to the station as if I were a hardened criminal. He booked me and everything. (Maybe my comment about his Dolly man-boobs pushed him over the edge. Who knew?)
So yeah, I now have a record. All because one jerk-off got his jollies from intimidating women. Am I bitter? Hell, yes. If I’d had these powers then I could have drowned that miserable bastard in a hailstorm, could have frozen his balls to his thigh, could have twirled him in a violent tornado.
Note to self: look up Officer Parton when I return to the city.
[...]
I coughed, only then realizing what I’d been doing. Planning to hurt someone. The officer deserved it, sure, but that didn’t make it right.
Damn.
@67%
She is a horrible human being and that did not change throughout the book. No progress. Don't get me wrong, I adore me my villains! But they have to own up to their evil ways, not do what she did which was take it back and whine. I know what you're thinking reading the above: she did change and/or recognize her bad behaviour. Here's the thing: she didn't. She is written in such a way to appear she did but that was only done for the benefit of the reader. The recognition is there so we can see it, not cause she actually feels/understood anything. Own it or go home.
"Maraya, maybe a swoon worthy Hero then? Someone to balance her out?"
I wish guys, I really do. But Hero was no better than Thundercunt.
� The Hero: Rome Masters
Our Hero is an creepy fucking moron. We barely know anything about him but his actions speak louder than his words. Although is words are vomit inducing when heard along with his actions.
Let me paint you a little picture: He broke into her house and kidnapped her, scaring the shiznit out of her in the process. He bathed and dressed her while she was unconscious, more than once. He doesn't give her the most basic & simple answers, no information at all until he is forced and yet still, like pulling out teeth. And of course he "waxed poetically" of taking/claiming/owning her i.e. fucking her.
I could see the back of my skull every time he spoke or was active in the scene. It was pretty dark in there but the back of my head looked real good. �
"Oh dear Goddess. The plot? Mars please tell us there is a plot, good writing, something!"
Ha! NOPE.
� The Plot: Gag Reflex Activated
There is no plot. All we did was hear Thundercunt be petty, jealous etc, her insecurities in how they will cause Hero to not want to be with her for eternity and how she wants to fuck Hero. Nothing else matters.
Hence we get absolutely no info on anything until after the 75% mark. No info on the Hero, his boss, his organization. No info about the world, or the enemy. Nothing.
Example:
The relationship between the Hero & Thundercunt follow the same pattern (i.e. stupidity). This is The Progenitor of all Insta-love. She loves him after only knowing him for two and a half days. Her love started literary after their first hour together. His isn't any better of course even though he knows her for longer, she was unconscious for like 2.5 weeks (see creepy Hero info above).
Even the resolution of this story arc was beyond stupid!
The actual writing isn't any better though. Uselessly overdescriptive, over sexualising simple stuff like the simple act of drinking a glass of OJ.
Before you ask: NO, the sexy smexy bits weren't good . In my life this far I have never read anything that actually triggered my gag reflex for real. Until now. Their first kiss scene made me gag, for real realz. All the sexy scenes were the same. The were vomit inducing unsexyness when they didn't make any sense. Sometimes both at the same time.
And speaking of scenes that make no sense, there was a smorgasbord of them in this. Stupid scenes to go with the stupid plot and it's stupid ass characters.
Example:
I've read people say they " want to throw something or throw themselves into the sun " and I always laughed. Now I want to desperately do the same. I will cry-laugh all the way there too.
DO NOT READ THIS
August 14, 2012
Belle Jamison is quite the heroine in this superhero-themed paranormal romance. She’s very ordinary, a working stiff like most of us. Sailing from menial job to menial job (keeping none very long), with good intentions. She wants to take care of her ailing dad who sacrificed so much for her. One day, she literally runs into a mad scientist who doses her with a special formula in her mocha latte. A formula that makes her able to harness all the elements: earth, wind, fire, air and water. That puts her on the map for two vying supernatural agencies, one bad and one that works to protect the world from scrims (supernatural criminals). She meets super-sexy PSI agent Rome, and sparks fly, literally. Rome is sexy and lights a fire in Belle’s heart, but she can’t afford to let her libido make decisions for her now. Rome might be hot for her body, but his priorities are elsewhere. Can suddenly super Belle save herself, and maybe even the world?
This was a fun book. I love superheroes, and I liked the idea that Belle started out so normal. She has been fired from most of her jobs, she doesn’t have the best temper, and her luck with men is so-so. But deep down, Belle finds her destiny, and that’s not something you can run from. Along with the fun superhero elements, there is sexy, sizzling romance between Belle and Rome. Rome has some interesting secret powers of his own, and that was fun to discover. I also liked Tanner, the young man who Belle befriends, who turns out to have some abilities of his own. The superpower scenes are exciting, well-written, and often very funny. I could visualize this as a movie very easily.
This is classic Gena Showalter: fun, flirty, hilarious, and sexy paranormal romance, with a kickbutt heroine that you can’t help loving, even in all her snarkiness. I definitely recommend this book to readers who like superheroes, and want a tough (and mouthy) lead female who gets to do a whole lot of the saving and buttkicking herself.
This was a fun book. I love superheroes, and I liked the idea that Belle started out so normal. She has been fired from most of her jobs, she doesn’t have the best temper, and her luck with men is so-so. But deep down, Belle finds her destiny, and that’s not something you can run from. Along with the fun superhero elements, there is sexy, sizzling romance between Belle and Rome. Rome has some interesting secret powers of his own, and that was fun to discover. I also liked Tanner, the young man who Belle befriends, who turns out to have some abilities of his own. The superpower scenes are exciting, well-written, and often very funny. I could visualize this as a movie very easily.
This is classic Gena Showalter: fun, flirty, hilarious, and sexy paranormal romance, with a kickbutt heroine that you can’t help loving, even in all her snarkiness. I definitely recommend this book to readers who like superheroes, and want a tough (and mouthy) lead female who gets to do a whole lot of the saving and buttkicking herself.
September 4, 2022
Playing With Fire was such a fun one and I had adored this one. It was such a delightful romance and this one just entertained me so much. There is something so endearing about reading a Gena Showalter, her books are so intriguing. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. I haven't heard anything about this series or this one at all and it was one of those random picks through the library that I grabbed up and it instantly pulled me in.
Its an interesting set up, where the heroine gets poisoned with an experimental drug and finds herself with abilities of the elements of the earth and now people want her dead, and then comes in a man that will protect her, and there is instant chemistry between them. But they are on the run as there are other dangerous groups that want the heroine either to experiment on or to kill her as she is a danger to society.
I was really drawn to this one I did expect to have more steam. We don't actually see them actually do anything, although the chemistry is built up between them so it didn't feel that satisfying. But I was on board with their romance and I love how protective the hero is and is so instantly committed to her. I was also fascinated by the third party "Tanner" he was so hilarious and I am hoping he gets a book sometime. But I haven't read the series so I am not sure if he will as he is pretty young and immature. I really found the story so intriguing and I breezed through this one here. If you are looking for a quick and fun PNR, then you definitely need to grab this one up.
Its an interesting set up, where the heroine gets poisoned with an experimental drug and finds herself with abilities of the elements of the earth and now people want her dead, and then comes in a man that will protect her, and there is instant chemistry between them. But they are on the run as there are other dangerous groups that want the heroine either to experiment on or to kill her as she is a danger to society.
I was really drawn to this one I did expect to have more steam. We don't actually see them actually do anything, although the chemistry is built up between them so it didn't feel that satisfying. But I was on board with their romance and I love how protective the hero is and is so instantly committed to her. I was also fascinated by the third party "Tanner" he was so hilarious and I am hoping he gets a book sometime. But I haven't read the series so I am not sure if he will as he is pretty young and immature. I really found the story so intriguing and I breezed through this one here. If you are looking for a quick and fun PNR, then you definitely need to grab this one up.
September 19, 2013
Main characters:
Belle Brooks
Rome Masters
Why I added the book:
I signed up for UTCs Gena Showalter challenge
Thoughts:
The book has the feel of an X-men movie mixed up with some James Bond, it was good :D. Gena has created a seemingly ditzy heroine and has paired her with the strong, silent type hero, just imagine the sparks that fly.
The plot is well-executed and it keeps you on the edge of the seat: Belle has her coffee spiked by a crazy scientist with a formula that gives her power over the elements. Obviously she isn’t too happy about it and wants to find an antidote. I forgot to add that now, after she developed her powers every paranormal agency wants her a) working for them, b) available for testing or, unfortunately for her, c) dead so she doesn’t fall in the hands of others. An agent(Rome) from one of the “good guys�-agency finds her first and tries to take her in, but she manages to escape by jumping in Tanner’s(future sidekick) car. Everything goes even worse from there�
All the characters are interesting and well rounded, I never felt that I was reading about a cardboard cut-out, they all felt real with emotions, fears and dreams.
Favorite character:
Reminds me of Tanner perfectly
Tanner :D he has the “funny, crazy sidekick� down pat. He projects the whole I-am-a-hip-teenager-that-cares-about-nothing persona, but he’s actually a sweetheart.
My least favorite character:
I can’t say� I think the boss, John. He doesn’t appear till near the end, but he acts like an a-hole, I can’t stand him.
Favorite quotes:
“Is this your place?� I asked.
“H²¹°ù»å±ô²â.â€�
“Then whose is it? Does the owner know you’re a criminal and holding me against my will?�
“For the moment, this is our place.� He paused, his expression mocking. “I feel warm and fuzzy all of a sudden. I just realized it’s like we’re on a secret honeymoon.�
Honeymoon of horror. “Did you kill someone to get this dump?�
A grin tugged at his lips. “Do you think this poorly of everyone or am I just lucky?�
...................
“Pyro Chica?� Tanner grabbed my arm to prevent me from chasing after Rome. “Is that your superhero name? No fair. I need a name, too.�
I whirled on him, needing an outlet for my frustration. “That is not my name, and if you dare call me Pyro Chica or Periodic Table Chick or Four Elements Girl I’ll singe the hairs right off your balls.� Once I learned how to do that without destroying the world, that is. “Got it?�
“Fine.� Backing away from me, he held up his hands, palms out. “I’ll just call you Homicidal Tendencies Wench.�
Rome, who had his back to us and was a good distance away in the living room, barked out a laugh. “That’s the first intelligent thing you’ve said, kid. It’s the perfect name for her, no doubt about it.�
Would I recommend the book:
Sure! If you’re a fan of humans with superpowers, like books with lots of action and a HFN(happy for now) ending this one is for you.
Final rating: 4*
For other reviews and fun stuff visit my blog^
Belle Brooks
Rome Masters
Why I added the book:
I signed up for UTCs Gena Showalter challenge
Thoughts:
The book has the feel of an X-men movie mixed up with some James Bond, it was good :D. Gena has created a seemingly ditzy heroine and has paired her with the strong, silent type hero, just imagine the sparks that fly.
The plot is well-executed and it keeps you on the edge of the seat: Belle has her coffee spiked by a crazy scientist with a formula that gives her power over the elements. Obviously she isn’t too happy about it and wants to find an antidote. I forgot to add that now, after she developed her powers every paranormal agency wants her a) working for them, b) available for testing or, unfortunately for her, c) dead so she doesn’t fall in the hands of others. An agent(Rome) from one of the “good guys�-agency finds her first and tries to take her in, but she manages to escape by jumping in Tanner’s(future sidekick) car. Everything goes even worse from there�
All the characters are interesting and well rounded, I never felt that I was reading about a cardboard cut-out, they all felt real with emotions, fears and dreams.
Favorite character:
Reminds me of Tanner perfectly
Tanner :D he has the “funny, crazy sidekick� down pat. He projects the whole I-am-a-hip-teenager-that-cares-about-nothing persona, but he’s actually a sweetheart.
My least favorite character:
I can’t say� I think the boss, John. He doesn’t appear till near the end, but he acts like an a-hole, I can’t stand him.
Favorite quotes:
“Is this your place?� I asked.
“H²¹°ù»å±ô²â.â€�
“Then whose is it? Does the owner know you’re a criminal and holding me against my will?�
“For the moment, this is our place.� He paused, his expression mocking. “I feel warm and fuzzy all of a sudden. I just realized it’s like we’re on a secret honeymoon.�
Honeymoon of horror. “Did you kill someone to get this dump?�
A grin tugged at his lips. “Do you think this poorly of everyone or am I just lucky?�
...................
“Pyro Chica?� Tanner grabbed my arm to prevent me from chasing after Rome. “Is that your superhero name? No fair. I need a name, too.�
I whirled on him, needing an outlet for my frustration. “That is not my name, and if you dare call me Pyro Chica or Periodic Table Chick or Four Elements Girl I’ll singe the hairs right off your balls.� Once I learned how to do that without destroying the world, that is. “Got it?�
“Fine.� Backing away from me, he held up his hands, palms out. “I’ll just call you Homicidal Tendencies Wench.�
Rome, who had his back to us and was a good distance away in the living room, barked out a laugh. “That’s the first intelligent thing you’ve said, kid. It’s the perfect name for her, no doubt about it.�
Would I recommend the book:
Sure! If you’re a fan of humans with superpowers, like books with lots of action and a HFN(happy for now) ending this one is for you.
Final rating: 4*
For other reviews and fun stuff visit my blog^
November 24, 2012
This was a fun light read about a flighty girl with a lot of spunk that can't hold a job. Anyway something happens to her while at work and she walks away with super powers. Kinda cool. This book is written in 1st person and Belle, the star of the book, is really funny, flighty and sometimes a pain in the ass. But very endearing and I found myself pulling for her and Rome (love interest in story) to work out. I give this book 3 stars cause it was an easy fun summer read with a few hot scenes.
July 24, 2015
I love Gena Showalter and I'm a huge fan of a few of her series including LOTU!!!
I've had this book (and the next one) for quite some time now and I was actually reading another book when for some reason I took a peek at this one - and now I'm finished!!!
A little rushed in places but still definitely a great read. Gena's current writing has developed so much since this book was written and released but regardless, the 'pull' is there...
I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
I've had this book (and the next one) for quite some time now and I was actually reading another book when for some reason I took a peek at this one - and now I'm finished!!!
A little rushed in places but still definitely a great read. Gena's current writing has developed so much since this book was written and released but regardless, the 'pull' is there...
I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
April 25, 2010
I had no clue this book would be as awesome as it was! If anyone has this waiting in their to-red piles, pick it up now! It is awesome. The whole book is so fantastic. I should never have doubted the wise Gena Showalter who has yet to let me down. I think my favorite part about this book is that if you've ever read an interview with GS, she is Belle. The way she talks, the way she thinks, totally sounds like GS. Being written in first person probably made this such a fun role for her to write.
I also don't think the back of the book does it justice. In the opening page, Belle uses "the girls" (aka her boobs) to make sure her coffee barrista job is secure, since she's running late. Again. And since her boss is a perv.
I'm quoting Shawna who has the best review of this book I've read yet.
"Happy, happy, joy, joy...I loooved this book! I haven’t laughed out loud so hard at such clever, hysterical writing, fun, quirky characters, and sarcastic, snarky dialogue since reading the last book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but Gena Showalter’s Playing With Fire delivers the goods, in spades!"
She finally takes a break sits down with her mocha, and presto! A mad scientist runs in afraid for his life, she calls 911, chaos ensues, is contained, she finishes her mocha, and goes home feeling like crap. The scientist spiked her mocha with a highly-sought after formula that changed Belle into Wonder Girl, Periodic Table Chic, Pyro Chica, take your pick! (Really she controls the 4 elements-Earth Wind Fire Air). Meanwhile she flops onto her bed and has awful fever sweats...but really her DNA is changing. So a week (a week!) later she cracks open an eye and sees a Dark Angel hallucination brought on by her fever. Feeling bossy, she orders him to find her something to drink. After drinking her water she realizes he is real and freaks.
Luckily Rome (aka Dark Angel, and Agent Kick-ass) becomes attached to her immediately, otherwise he'd have to "neutralize" Belle. But Belle isn't having any of that. She uses her new powers right off the bat to try to escape. But she's too weak. She goes along with Rome til she can escape, meets Crazy Bone (aka Tanner) who is a 19 year old kid with empathic abilities. They get caught by Rome and she finally trusts him. Hijinks ensue, and they try to get the bad guys. It reminds me kind of like the X-Men but alot of the "mutants" are lab-created. And the bad guys want the strongest to rule the world. Now Rome and several other agents signed up for the testing-he's a jaguar shifter thanks to science. But several have it forced upon them, and like Tanner there are natural-born psychics and empaths.
So Rome is like a super cool Agent who hunts down the bad guys trying to rule the world and puts them in the PSI (agency he works for) jail. If Belle had decided to go uber-villain on them, she would have ended up there, but since Rome took a liking to her and she's a good guy, she got recruited. Now we move on to her first mission in
This book was hilarious, fun, sexy, steamy, and a thriller all in one. And Rome has the best one-liners in the history of alpha males with one-liners. READ THIS BOOK!
I also don't think the back of the book does it justice. In the opening page, Belle uses "the girls" (aka her boobs) to make sure her coffee barrista job is secure, since she's running late. Again. And since her boss is a perv.
I'm quoting Shawna who has the best review of this book I've read yet.
"Happy, happy, joy, joy...I loooved this book! I haven’t laughed out loud so hard at such clever, hysterical writing, fun, quirky characters, and sarcastic, snarky dialogue since reading the last book in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, but Gena Showalter’s Playing With Fire delivers the goods, in spades!"
She finally takes a break sits down with her mocha, and presto! A mad scientist runs in afraid for his life, she calls 911, chaos ensues, is contained, she finishes her mocha, and goes home feeling like crap. The scientist spiked her mocha with a highly-sought after formula that changed Belle into Wonder Girl, Periodic Table Chic, Pyro Chica, take your pick! (Really she controls the 4 elements-Earth Wind Fire Air). Meanwhile she flops onto her bed and has awful fever sweats...but really her DNA is changing. So a week (a week!) later she cracks open an eye and sees a Dark Angel hallucination brought on by her fever. Feeling bossy, she orders him to find her something to drink. After drinking her water she realizes he is real and freaks.
Luckily Rome (aka Dark Angel, and Agent Kick-ass) becomes attached to her immediately, otherwise he'd have to "neutralize" Belle. But Belle isn't having any of that. She uses her new powers right off the bat to try to escape. But she's too weak. She goes along with Rome til she can escape, meets Crazy Bone (aka Tanner) who is a 19 year old kid with empathic abilities. They get caught by Rome and she finally trusts him. Hijinks ensue, and they try to get the bad guys. It reminds me kind of like the X-Men but alot of the "mutants" are lab-created. And the bad guys want the strongest to rule the world. Now Rome and several other agents signed up for the testing-he's a jaguar shifter thanks to science. But several have it forced upon them, and like Tanner there are natural-born psychics and empaths.
So Rome is like a super cool Agent who hunts down the bad guys trying to rule the world and puts them in the PSI (agency he works for) jail. If Belle had decided to go uber-villain on them, she would have ended up there, but since Rome took a liking to her and she's a good guy, she got recruited. Now we move on to her first mission in
This book was hilarious, fun, sexy, steamy, and a thriller all in one. And Rome has the best one-liners in the history of alpha males with one-liners. READ THIS BOOK!
November 2, 2010
I really love Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series so I'm sorta working my way through her backlist. Playing with Fire came out a couple years back and at the time I remember it getting a generally good reception around the review blogs. Although I can't say as it hit as high for me as The Lords, I found it to be an all right read- but probably only if you're a hardcore paranormal romance fan like me!
In Playing with Fire our heroine, Belle Jamison, is secretly dosed with a formula that brings about superpowers, when a mysterious man in a lab coat runs into the coffee shop she's currently working at. Some menacing secret agent bad guys are chasing the guy and feisty Belle steps up to assist.
Only Belle has no idea the stranger has spiked her mocha latte with a formula that is about to turn her world upside down until she wakes up days later with a dark sexy stranger standing over her.
Sexy PSI Superagent Rome Masters is tasked to neutralize Belle if she displays any of the superpowers that will quite possibly allow her to control the elements- The effect of the particular formula given to her.
Unfortunately, is she ever displaying them. (Fire shoots out her eyes, wind shields arise and she can freeze with just one touch.) The only problem? Rome doesn't want to kill this feisty intriguing woman. So rather than bringing her in, he kidnaps her under the guise of aiding him in saving his daughter. Hijinks ensue, as she learns to control her new found powers and they work to evade the bad guys who are out to destroy them both.
Okay, I had a few issues with this one. Mostly, Belle was way to smart-alleky for my taste. I just couldn't see what would make the brooding, sexy Rome fall for a silly girl like her. Because of this, I never really felt their connection was true and thereby couldn't really get into it like I should have. It's an interesting world Ms. Showalter's playing; it reminded me quite a bit of the tv show Heroes. But this one I can't really say will be my favorite of the lot- which I DO plan on reading!
In Playing with Fire our heroine, Belle Jamison, is secretly dosed with a formula that brings about superpowers, when a mysterious man in a lab coat runs into the coffee shop she's currently working at. Some menacing secret agent bad guys are chasing the guy and feisty Belle steps up to assist.
Only Belle has no idea the stranger has spiked her mocha latte with a formula that is about to turn her world upside down until she wakes up days later with a dark sexy stranger standing over her.
Sexy PSI Superagent Rome Masters is tasked to neutralize Belle if she displays any of the superpowers that will quite possibly allow her to control the elements- The effect of the particular formula given to her.
Unfortunately, is she ever displaying them. (Fire shoots out her eyes, wind shields arise and she can freeze with just one touch.) The only problem? Rome doesn't want to kill this feisty intriguing woman. So rather than bringing her in, he kidnaps her under the guise of aiding him in saving his daughter. Hijinks ensue, as she learns to control her new found powers and they work to evade the bad guys who are out to destroy them both.
Okay, I had a few issues with this one. Mostly, Belle was way to smart-alleky for my taste. I just couldn't see what would make the brooding, sexy Rome fall for a silly girl like her. Because of this, I never really felt their connection was true and thereby couldn't really get into it like I should have. It's an interesting world Ms. Showalter's playing; it reminded me quite a bit of the tv show Heroes. But this one I can't really say will be my favorite of the lot- which I DO plan on reading!
December 25, 2009
I've been reluctant to read this one, and it was all due to a misunderstanding. I was under the impression that this was a YA book, and I'm always a little leery to try YA books. This was completely the opposite of what I was expecting.
I think it's a unique topic in a way. This girl named Belle is sort of down on her luck. She's looking for another job to help support her ailing father, and currently she's working in a coffee shop. During her shift, this guy in a lab coat comes running in and that's when her life changes. Turns out, she now has some elemental powers, although she can't control it. Now all these people want her for a different reason, and she's running trying to keep her own life safe and find someone who can fix her.
The reason I ended up giving it 4 stars rather than 5 was because of some of the dialogue. There were some annoying quotes throughout the book where it seemed the author was trying to hard for it to be funny. Also, one of the side characters was a teenager and tried to speak like Snoop Dog. And if you've ever heard Snoop Dog talk in that ridiculous language he made up, then you know why it annoyed me.
Other than that minor irritation, I enjoyed the book immensely. I always like when I pick up a book and I feel I can't put it down. This was one of those books. By reading the description I just wasn't that interested and I don't know where I got the idea it was YA. But I should have known since it was Showalter that it was going to be a good book, and it was. I can't wait until the sequel comes out in January.
Very nicely done Showalter... very nicely done.
I think it's a unique topic in a way. This girl named Belle is sort of down on her luck. She's looking for another job to help support her ailing father, and currently she's working in a coffee shop. During her shift, this guy in a lab coat comes running in and that's when her life changes. Turns out, she now has some elemental powers, although she can't control it. Now all these people want her for a different reason, and she's running trying to keep her own life safe and find someone who can fix her.
The reason I ended up giving it 4 stars rather than 5 was because of some of the dialogue. There were some annoying quotes throughout the book where it seemed the author was trying to hard for it to be funny. Also, one of the side characters was a teenager and tried to speak like Snoop Dog. And if you've ever heard Snoop Dog talk in that ridiculous language he made up, then you know why it annoyed me.
Other than that minor irritation, I enjoyed the book immensely. I always like when I pick up a book and I feel I can't put it down. This was one of those books. By reading the description I just wasn't that interested and I don't know where I got the idea it was YA. But I should have known since it was Showalter that it was going to be a good book, and it was. I can't wait until the sequel comes out in January.
Very nicely done Showalter... very nicely done.
August 18, 2010
Audiobook.
1.8 stars.
Belle is flaky, whiny, bitchy, and self-sabotaging. When she encouraged her boss to sexually harass her in order not to get fired, I lost all respect for her. She had the occasional halfway decent one-liner and comeback but overall it came across like the author was trying too hard. I certainly never understood why Rome liked her. Of course, I didn’t feel like I ever got to know him. Apart from being physically attractive and concerned about his daughter, there was nothing to him. Tanner the sidekick was a caricature of a surfer-dude trying to emulate Snoop Dogg. There were several “fo sheezy� and worse moments. I liked the ex-wife Lexis so much more than Belle. She gave up the husband she loved because she knew she wasn’t his destined mate on account of being psychic.
The plot took forever to go anywhere. I was treated to Belle endlessly lusting after the stranger that broke into her apartment, drugged her, and kidnapped her. That, of course, doesn’t preclude her from making out with him before her escape attempt. He is hot, you know.
A bit more than halfway through the book the plot began to pick up but I had already started playing this on 2x speed to get it over with. The plot was very simplistic but the two action sequences I paid attention to were decent.
I am beyond saddened that I purchased the sequel, , before reading this book.
1.8 stars.
Belle is flaky, whiny, bitchy, and self-sabotaging. When she encouraged her boss to sexually harass her in order not to get fired, I lost all respect for her. She had the occasional halfway decent one-liner and comeback but overall it came across like the author was trying too hard. I certainly never understood why Rome liked her. Of course, I didn’t feel like I ever got to know him. Apart from being physically attractive and concerned about his daughter, there was nothing to him. Tanner the sidekick was a caricature of a surfer-dude trying to emulate Snoop Dogg. There were several “fo sheezy� and worse moments. I liked the ex-wife Lexis so much more than Belle. She gave up the husband she loved because she knew she wasn’t his destined mate on account of being psychic.
The plot took forever to go anywhere. I was treated to Belle endlessly lusting after the stranger that broke into her apartment, drugged her, and kidnapped her. That, of course, doesn’t preclude her from making out with him before her escape attempt. He is hot, you know.
A bit more than halfway through the book the plot began to pick up but I had already started playing this on 2x speed to get it over with. The plot was very simplistic but the two action sequences I paid attention to were decent.
I am beyond saddened that I purchased the sequel, , before reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2009
i wish i didn't wait so long to get to this series. this book was all kinds of hysterical while still being action packed and giving me my fill of hot firey scenes. The story was fast paced and a quick read. this is one of those books you just cant put down.
Bell is my kind of gal. she's full of snark and not afraid to use it. she's witty, sharp, and incredibly loyal to those she cares about. all of that was before she drank the latte that contained a secret formula to give her superpowers over the four elements. turns out that only made her better. well, who wouldn't be better if they could conjure an air shield or make it hail?
Roman, the Hero of the story. (and that is Hero with a capital H for sure) has his own super powers that he likes to keep under wraps. of course after being changed into the periodic table chick, Bell embraces them with grace. the chemistry between roman and belle is scorching. (oh man i will never get tired of these puns)
The secondary characters were all pretty enthralling too. the endearing Tanner, was hilarious as well as someone you cant help but love. cody who comes on at the end was someone you just want to know about. all of them were like that really.
Bell is my kind of gal. she's full of snark and not afraid to use it. she's witty, sharp, and incredibly loyal to those she cares about. all of that was before she drank the latte that contained a secret formula to give her superpowers over the four elements. turns out that only made her better. well, who wouldn't be better if they could conjure an air shield or make it hail?
Roman, the Hero of the story. (and that is Hero with a capital H for sure) has his own super powers that he likes to keep under wraps. of course after being changed into the periodic table chick, Bell embraces them with grace. the chemistry between roman and belle is scorching. (oh man i will never get tired of these puns)
The secondary characters were all pretty enthralling too. the endearing Tanner, was hilarious as well as someone you cant help but love. cody who comes on at the end was someone you just want to know about. all of them were like that really.
November 28, 2011
So I have this friend which i love to death, she's fun, quirky, sarcastic and knows exactly what to say at the right time to produce a laugh. This friend however comes with a condition: handle in small doses. Its the clause that never fails with us because the relationship doesnt get boring and i dont over-indulge in something that becomes tedious when spending each and every day together.
So why am I telling you this? Because the first quarter of this book I actually liked the main character. Belle was a fresh face of confidence, attitude and sarcasm which I adored and jumped straight into. It wasnt until i was 2/3 of the way through, in which things took a turn for the worst. Belle became unbearable, like my loveable friend, she became faar too much to maintain a likeable status and i dint want to continue "hanging out" haha. It wasnt that the character changed, it was more or less the fact you eventually realised how immature, whiney and bitchy she really was.
The plot, imo, was a wasted opportunity, because by the time something interesting was meant to happen, I just didnt care anymore. The premise is still good, but I would have loved to have seen it used to it's full potential.
So why am I telling you this? Because the first quarter of this book I actually liked the main character. Belle was a fresh face of confidence, attitude and sarcasm which I adored and jumped straight into. It wasnt until i was 2/3 of the way through, in which things took a turn for the worst. Belle became unbearable, like my loveable friend, she became faar too much to maintain a likeable status and i dint want to continue "hanging out" haha. It wasnt that the character changed, it was more or less the fact you eventually realised how immature, whiney and bitchy she really was.
The plot, imo, was a wasted opportunity, because by the time something interesting was meant to happen, I just didnt care anymore. The premise is still good, but I would have loved to have seen it used to it's full potential.
November 21, 2014
This book had EVERYTHING I love in a novel. It was awesome! Gena Showalter is one of those authors I forget about for some reason, but then I pick up one of her novels and I remember how much I love her. It’s like finding a hidden gem every time.
This was such a fun read. Gena Showalter gives good dialogue. I always find myself grinning from ear to ear, or chuckling over something one of the characters says. The plot is fast-paced and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are fantastic, but one of the things she does best is build sexual tension. Her sex scenes are smokin hot, and it’s because she lets the tension simmer throughout the entire novel.
The chemistry between Rome and Belle was so tangible; I felt it throughout the entire book. From the second they meet you feel the sparks. Thank God he chose not to “neutralize� her. I like that Belle went from an ordinary girl to a superhero, kick ass chick. I even loved the secondary characters, especially Tanner. That kid was hilarious. I highly recommend this book to readers that like paranormal romance and I will be reading the next book very soon.
October 6, 2013
I got to chapter 8 and had to shut it down. Is it really that hard to create a character that has at least one redeeming quality? After 8 chapters of Belle being a totally selfish and emotionally stunted bitch from hell, I decided that no amount of supernatural action or steamy sex scenes could be worth continuing. I've read other books by Gena Showalter and I've never disliked one of her characters so much that I couldn't stomach reading more. The reader is supposed to care about the characters and what happens to them. By the end of chapter 7, I just wanted Rome to send Belle off to Vincent to be tortured because I felt like she actually deserved it. This is truly a TSTL character that should have never been written.
December 4, 2015
4 Stars
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--June--More Than One. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
I bought Playing with Fire from a used bookstore almost five years ago right after discovering Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series. I was intrigued by the blurb yet, like so many books that I am reading for this challenge, it got lost on my TBR shelf and I never picked it up. I have three other Gena Showalter books on my TBR shelf so I thought this would be the perfect month to give it a try.
This is basically a superhero-themed paranormal romance. The narrator is Belle, a normal girl with a smart mouth and issues keeping a job, whose entire life is changed when she drinks a potion-laced coffee and gains the ability to control the elements. Things get even more complicated when a sexy paranormal investigator named Rome appears and claims that he has been sent to neutralize her.
I found Playing with Fire to be a very fun book. The characters were engaging and well-developed. Belle was really funny and reacted in a similar way to how I probably would have acted in such a scenario. She starts out scared, but quickly gets back on her feet and does everything she can to save herself and those she cares about. Rome was a sexy, bad boy hero with a major soft spot that had me and Belle sighing with happiness. I also had a blast getting to know the side characters like Belle's blue-haired sidekick, Tanner, and even Rome's ex-lover, Lexis, who avoided the bitter ex cliche well.
Belle and Rome's relationship developed quickly, but it never seemed like it was unrealistic due to the dangerous situations they were in. Showalter also made sure that they actually talked about things besides the supernatural and their physical attraction. Their chemistry is obvious from the first moments they meet and I had not trouble believing that they were a good match.
Most of the plot of Playing with Fire surrounded Belle and Rome's attempts to find the doctor who created the formula that gave Belle her powers. This, obviously, was a lot more complex than they initially thought due to the fact that various paranormal organizations wanted Belle for experimentation and were willing do anything to get their hands on her. The action scenes were well-written and I enjoyed reading about how Belle learned to control her abilities.
All in all, I am glad that I chose this book for this month's challenge. It was very easy to read and just made me smile the entire time. I will definitely be on the look-out for the sequel, , in the future and recommend it for anyone who enjoys superheroes or just ordinary girls who discover how extraordinary they can be if given the chance.
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--June--More Than One. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
I bought Playing with Fire from a used bookstore almost five years ago right after discovering Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series. I was intrigued by the blurb yet, like so many books that I am reading for this challenge, it got lost on my TBR shelf and I never picked it up. I have three other Gena Showalter books on my TBR shelf so I thought this would be the perfect month to give it a try.
This is basically a superhero-themed paranormal romance. The narrator is Belle, a normal girl with a smart mouth and issues keeping a job, whose entire life is changed when she drinks a potion-laced coffee and gains the ability to control the elements. Things get even more complicated when a sexy paranormal investigator named Rome appears and claims that he has been sent to neutralize her.
I found Playing with Fire to be a very fun book. The characters were engaging and well-developed. Belle was really funny and reacted in a similar way to how I probably would have acted in such a scenario. She starts out scared, but quickly gets back on her feet and does everything she can to save herself and those she cares about. Rome was a sexy, bad boy hero with a major soft spot that had me and Belle sighing with happiness. I also had a blast getting to know the side characters like Belle's blue-haired sidekick, Tanner, and even Rome's ex-lover, Lexis, who avoided the bitter ex cliche well.
Belle and Rome's relationship developed quickly, but it never seemed like it was unrealistic due to the dangerous situations they were in. Showalter also made sure that they actually talked about things besides the supernatural and their physical attraction. Their chemistry is obvious from the first moments they meet and I had not trouble believing that they were a good match.
Most of the plot of Playing with Fire surrounded Belle and Rome's attempts to find the doctor who created the formula that gave Belle her powers. This, obviously, was a lot more complex than they initially thought due to the fact that various paranormal organizations wanted Belle for experimentation and were willing do anything to get their hands on her. The action scenes were well-written and I enjoyed reading about how Belle learned to control her abilities.
All in all, I am glad that I chose this book for this month's challenge. It was very easy to read and just made me smile the entire time. I will definitely be on the look-out for the sequel, , in the future and recommend it for anyone who enjoys superheroes or just ordinary girls who discover how extraordinary they can be if given the chance.
August 20, 2017
I found this book extremely enjoyable, it was a nice and easy read and quite unexpected for me as I didn't really know what I was getting into.
The main character is Belle, a girl struggling to work two jobs to keep a roof over her head and still have enough money to look after her father who needs medication for a heart condition. She works in a cafe where one day she is spiked with a potion that makes her ill. A few days later she wakes with a hunk at her bed and some in explainable powers that cause her to be a danger to society.
The most noteworthy secondary characters for me are Rome the hunk and Tanner the geeky sidekick. Rome is the hunk sent by the agency to neutralise (kill) Belle but falls for her instead and Tanner is the random guy that is dragged into this dangerous world when he tries to help Belle get away.
The storyline is much more than I expected with intense pacing that leads readers on as journey as Belle discovers this normally concealed world. I look forward to reading the other book in this series and hope it is going to be more than just a two book series.
4.5 stars
The main character is Belle, a girl struggling to work two jobs to keep a roof over her head and still have enough money to look after her father who needs medication for a heart condition. She works in a cafe where one day she is spiked with a potion that makes her ill. A few days later she wakes with a hunk at her bed and some in explainable powers that cause her to be a danger to society.
The most noteworthy secondary characters for me are Rome the hunk and Tanner the geeky sidekick. Rome is the hunk sent by the agency to neutralise (kill) Belle but falls for her instead and Tanner is the random guy that is dragged into this dangerous world when he tries to help Belle get away.
The storyline is much more than I expected with intense pacing that leads readers on as journey as Belle discovers this normally concealed world. I look forward to reading the other book in this series and hope it is going to be more than just a two book series.
4.5 stars
November 1, 2011
Bellenin kahvesine gizli bir formül gizlice dökülünce 4 element üzerinde hakimiyet kurabiliyor. tabi Paranormal ajanslar onun peşinde Rome adlı bir panter adam onu kullanıp kendi kızı Sunny'i kurtarmayı planlarken aşık oluyorlar. Düşman paranormal ajansın lideri bunları kaçırdığında onu öldürüyorlar, Ancak Belle bu kötülerin iyisi olan ajansla anlaşma yapıyor. Aslında dünyayı paranormal tehlikelerden kurtarmanın hayalindeki meslek olduğunu düşünüyor.
kitap gerçekten güzeldi.Karakter çok güzel oturmuştu. Gena gerçekten işini biliyor.İçinde yer alan espiriler güzeldi.Arada kitabın akışı sekteye uğrasada ve DNA değişimleri pek inandırıcı gelmesede sadece öyle ise öyle deyince yani kitabın tamamına bakınca güzeldi.
Ah unutmadan Rome'un seksi olması kitapta çok vurgulandığı için beni çok sıktı. Tamam onu arzuluyorsun ama bir dur demek lazım. İstenen kendi durdurma, gerçekleri hesaba katma, hayal dünyasından çıkma gibi unsurların olduğu çok eylenceli bir kitap.
kitap gerçekten güzeldi.Karakter çok güzel oturmuştu. Gena gerçekten işini biliyor.İçinde yer alan espiriler güzeldi.Arada kitabın akışı sekteye uğrasada ve DNA değişimleri pek inandırıcı gelmesede sadece öyle ise öyle deyince yani kitabın tamamına bakınca güzeldi.
Ah unutmadan Rome'un seksi olması kitapta çok vurgulandığı için beni çok sıktı. Tamam onu arzuluyorsun ama bir dur demek lazım. İstenen kendi durdurma, gerçekleri hesaba katma, hayal dünyasından çıkma gibi unsurların olduğu çok eylenceli bir kitap.
January 7, 2010
How did I not know about this book? I've read a bunch by Gena Showalter, but only recently got to this one. It was written in 2006 and the sequel comes out next year - maybe it's growing a cult following. If it is, it's deserved; I loved the heroine's spunk (her name is Belle Jamison) and the X-men/superhero take on urban fantasy. I laughed out loud several times even though most of the book is an action-adventure with some significant romantic tension thrown in. Highly recommended.
Basic idea: A mad scientist spikes Belle latte with a top secret formula and she suddenly has elements at her (shaky) control and a bunch of hush-hush agencies after her to either recruit, destroy, or throw into a lab and examine. One of those agents - Rome - becomes her love interest.
Basic idea: A mad scientist spikes Belle latte with a top secret formula and she suddenly has elements at her (shaky) control and a bunch of hush-hush agencies after her to either recruit, destroy, or throw into a lab and examine. One of those agents - Rome - becomes her love interest.
November 23, 2009
Playing with Fire is about a young woman who is an unhappy worker at a coffee shop, trying to support her elderly father at a retirement home. By chance all that changes when a secret formula is poured into her coffee one day and she turns into a genuine superhero, including a sidekick plus a love interest with his own superpowers. It was an easy read and I read most of it in one sitting. Some parts made me laugh out loud and the tension between the heroine and her love interest was really good. If you're looking for some light reading I'd definitely recommend it.
April 25, 2019
with lots of potential, it didn't hit the right notes for me.
May 10, 2011
Just when I think that Gena Showalter can’t get any more clever than she already is. I go and read Playing with Fire and I find myself totally giggy.
The whole story from beginning to end was exciting, it was a wild ride that had a few moments of down time, that were much needed mind to you, then kicked back into gear with nail biting scenes that you could totally see play out in your head.
Think of X Men meets The Breeds. Only because they created a shifter out of Rome, and the government is at the center of this with secret groups of paranormal teams all striving for power. I was sort of disappointed that the villain was killed because I’m trying to think if Showalter can write another villain as good as Vincent for the second book. I love books like this, because you enter demented nerdy looking women in lab coats that seem so bookishly calm then they totally get off on bizarre human experimentation. How can you get anymore creepy vicious than that? I’m a firm believer in killing people off that are just that sick and disturbed. Belle gets her revenge so to speak and it was awesome! She went from coffee shop girl, to super hero in the matter of a week. You see her evolution and the fact that she really has embraced it even if she doesn’t know she has.
Rome, the hero of the book is drop dead drool worthy! He is totally infatuated with the flakey Belle Jamison and its refreshing that he would want to strip her down over his exotic ex wife that I really don’t know how to feel about! The chemistry was wild! There was humor, and there is a totally willing sidekick, Tanner, that I LOVED!!!! I’m casting all these people in my head because it is totally impossible that Showalter could not be approached to make this a super awesome Premium Channel Series or even a movie!
It is action packed, sexy, quick witted, and frankly one of the best books I have read by Showalter to date!
The whole story from beginning to end was exciting, it was a wild ride that had a few moments of down time, that were much needed mind to you, then kicked back into gear with nail biting scenes that you could totally see play out in your head.
Think of X Men meets The Breeds. Only because they created a shifter out of Rome, and the government is at the center of this with secret groups of paranormal teams all striving for power. I was sort of disappointed that the villain was killed because I’m trying to think if Showalter can write another villain as good as Vincent for the second book. I love books like this, because you enter demented nerdy looking women in lab coats that seem so bookishly calm then they totally get off on bizarre human experimentation. How can you get anymore creepy vicious than that? I’m a firm believer in killing people off that are just that sick and disturbed. Belle gets her revenge so to speak and it was awesome! She went from coffee shop girl, to super hero in the matter of a week. You see her evolution and the fact that she really has embraced it even if she doesn’t know she has.
Rome, the hero of the book is drop dead drool worthy! He is totally infatuated with the flakey Belle Jamison and its refreshing that he would want to strip her down over his exotic ex wife that I really don’t know how to feel about! The chemistry was wild! There was humor, and there is a totally willing sidekick, Tanner, that I LOVED!!!! I’m casting all these people in my head because it is totally impossible that Showalter could not be approached to make this a super awesome Premium Channel Series or even a movie!
It is action packed, sexy, quick witted, and frankly one of the best books I have read by Showalter to date!
July 14, 2014
If you are looking for a fun, playful book that features a couple with so much chemistry you won’t want to stop reading, this is the book for you. Seriously, this book will have you laughing out loud (literally) or breathing a little heavier with every few pages (perhaps both, at times). In some ways, Belle and Rome, our heroine and hero, very much remind me of Cat and Bones from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series. They have great lighthearted banter, zinging one-liners and an electrifying attraction. There is enough action to keep your heart pumping with anticipation and your fingers waiting to turn the next page.
Our characters…Rome is “animalistic..., addictive, charming when he wanted be, sexy without meaning to be, and protective,� an alpha male that would make any gal swoon. And despite having one of (arguably) the most common names in paranormal romance today, Belle is not your run of the mill girl. She’s a bit snarky and has a ton of spunk and sass.
Written from the first person POV, you really get to know and love Belle, who unknowingly consumes a concoction that enables her to yield the four elements � air, fire, earth and water. To do so, however, she must control her emotions, which run deeply and freely within her. Of course as she tries to learn to control her emotions, the reader is put on a bit of roller coaster ride. However, unlike many other books where the key characters are hemming and hawing and you are left wanting to slap them into some semblance of reality, this is a welcome addition to the general pace and enjoyment of the book.
This is a great book to add to your library!! I’m anxious to know what you think!!
Our characters…Rome is “animalistic..., addictive, charming when he wanted be, sexy without meaning to be, and protective,� an alpha male that would make any gal swoon. And despite having one of (arguably) the most common names in paranormal romance today, Belle is not your run of the mill girl. She’s a bit snarky and has a ton of spunk and sass.
Written from the first person POV, you really get to know and love Belle, who unknowingly consumes a concoction that enables her to yield the four elements � air, fire, earth and water. To do so, however, she must control her emotions, which run deeply and freely within her. Of course as she tries to learn to control her emotions, the reader is put on a bit of roller coaster ride. However, unlike many other books where the key characters are hemming and hawing and you are left wanting to slap them into some semblance of reality, this is a welcome addition to the general pace and enjoyment of the book.
This is a great book to add to your library!! I’m anxious to know what you think!!
April 14, 2010
Fun reading. I love the elements and I love that her powers are connected to her emotions. But our lovely heroine is just an ass. She's jealous, insecure, and annoying. I wanted her to be stronger. I can accept flawed individuals. I can even accept her using her "assests" to get her way. What I couldn't deal with was the whining. I wanted to hit her. I loved her snarkiness and quick comebacks. She could have been such an awesome character and she dissapointed me! Other things I loved where the pop cultural randomness. It made me feel old because I don't know anyone who actually says, "fo sheezie." Yes Snoop Dog does say it, but then he's special now isn't he? Overall, I did like it but I think that I liked it for the potential of it more than the actual reality. Would I read another book by this author? Abso-freaking-lutely! Why? Because I may be conflicted about this book but at least I engaged with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2010
The good: the supporting characters are really enjoyable
The bad: oh gosh, the main heroine is VERY ANNOYING!!! first chapters she was okay, i enjoyed her witty comments. it was hilarious at first, sort of like reading chic-lit. but then after she met the hero, she was oh my gosh, whiny and it irked me.
The ugly: here i thought i will get a good PNR book, but instead this is basically a chic-lit, only the girl has superpower. i like PNR to be gritty and more meaty than this *sigh* and gosh, while the writing style is nice and easy to read, what's with the whole nipple thing? i swear, i haven't read the word nipple being so overused in one novel.
i should've realized that this is a HQN book, thus it might feel light and chic-lit like. i don't know if i should read book #2, i enjoy the supporting casts. it will not be a priority though.
The bad: oh gosh, the main heroine is VERY ANNOYING!!! first chapters she was okay, i enjoyed her witty comments. it was hilarious at first, sort of like reading chic-lit. but then after she met the hero, she was oh my gosh, whiny and it irked me.
The ugly: here i thought i will get a good PNR book, but instead this is basically a chic-lit, only the girl has superpower. i like PNR to be gritty and more meaty than this *sigh* and gosh, while the writing style is nice and easy to read, what's with the whole nipple thing? i swear, i haven't read the word nipple being so overused in one novel.
i should've realized that this is a HQN book, thus it might feel light and chic-lit like. i don't know if i should read book #2, i enjoy the supporting casts. it will not be a priority though.
April 28, 2010
This was a fun book!
Since reading Ill Wind by Rachel Caine, I'm loving the concept of controlling the four elements; fire, wind, water and earth, and Playing with Fire has a humorous and entertaining way to make that shine.
These characters are amazingly full of life. Belle is crude, rude and one feisty gal while Rome is delicious in every way shape and form. Together they make one outstanding, steamy team.
I'm not sure I care very much for the very-hyper-endless-stream-of-thoughts style of writing. It made an already busy plot even busier, plus took some mystery away since Belle kept asking the questions I'd rather be asking then the character.
But, never the less Playing with Fire is an Outrageous book that has a fun plot, sexy characters and power seeping from the pages!
I look forward to reading the sequel.
Since reading Ill Wind by Rachel Caine, I'm loving the concept of controlling the four elements; fire, wind, water and earth, and Playing with Fire has a humorous and entertaining way to make that shine.
These characters are amazingly full of life. Belle is crude, rude and one feisty gal while Rome is delicious in every way shape and form. Together they make one outstanding, steamy team.
I'm not sure I care very much for the very-hyper-endless-stream-of-thoughts style of writing. It made an already busy plot even busier, plus took some mystery away since Belle kept asking the questions I'd rather be asking then the character.
But, never the less Playing with Fire is an Outrageous book that has a fun plot, sexy characters and power seeping from the pages!
I look forward to reading the sequel.
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