Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Think you've had enough of Marvel like superheroes? Then you need to delve into the world of the 48! These superheroes are flawed, sarcastic, egos the size of a mountain and lots of missing memories.
Meet Vanessa. PR Guru but shyest person on the planet. She strategizes and develops brands like a pro but people - them she can do without. Her small group of friends/colleagues are supportive and affectionate but they can still call-out each other like no one's business!
Meet Roland, formerly known as Pyro and now the Wyvern. AS one of the 48 he controls fire. He initially wants as little to do with being a hero as possible. But after meeting Vanessa, he fires her and then comes back with the most ridiculous contract. But Vanessa, ever the people pleaser agrees and now she finds herself Lois Lane -ing to Roland's character.
I loved this story hard. Its like Marvel and Hitch had a baby and that baby was diverse and queer friendly. The representation for bigger girls, black and brown main characters and queer/trans characters was flawless to my eyes and I just loved deling into the world. It's set almost in a Smallville type town and the heroes and villains are working for a corporation (surprise, surprise).
The found family vibes are impactful as Vanessa finds herself with not just a loving, supportive adoptive family (and far too many blinking brothers!) but also a small tribe in her friends, especially Margorie who is just the best friend everyone wants to have. There are many scenes that made me laugh out loud, not only the initial "meet the family" scene. It is very instalove but it's very comic/superhero driven so that makes sense - everything moves at warpspeed! Roland is very good at the growly, possessive, dirty talking and Vanessa is the "good girl" incarnate.
This isn't just comic like banter and fight scenes though, the MC's are dealing with traumatic childhoods, learning to fit in, social anxiety and self esteem issues
I'm here for more! I read this as an ebook ARC via netgalley and am impatiently awaiting my PB copy for the shelf!
Meet Vanessa. PR Guru but shyest person on the planet. She strategizes and develops brands like a pro but people - them she can do without. Her small group of friends/colleagues are supportive and affectionate but they can still call-out each other like no one's business!
Meet Roland, formerly known as Pyro and now the Wyvern. AS one of the 48 he controls fire. He initially wants as little to do with being a hero as possible. But after meeting Vanessa, he fires her and then comes back with the most ridiculous contract. But Vanessa, ever the people pleaser agrees and now she finds herself Lois Lane -ing to Roland's character.
I loved this story hard. Its like Marvel and Hitch had a baby and that baby was diverse and queer friendly. The representation for bigger girls, black and brown main characters and queer/trans characters was flawless to my eyes and I just loved deling into the world. It's set almost in a Smallville type town and the heroes and villains are working for a corporation (surprise, surprise).
The found family vibes are impactful as Vanessa finds herself with not just a loving, supportive adoptive family (and far too many blinking brothers!) but also a small tribe in her friends, especially Margorie who is just the best friend everyone wants to have. There are many scenes that made me laugh out loud, not only the initial "meet the family" scene. It is very instalove but it's very comic/superhero driven so that makes sense - everything moves at warpspeed! Roland is very good at the growly, possessive, dirty talking and Vanessa is the "good girl" incarnate.
This isn't just comic like banter and fight scenes though, the MC's are dealing with traumatic childhoods, learning to fit in, social anxiety and self esteem issues
I'm here for more! I read this as an ebook ARC via netgalley and am impatiently awaiting my PB copy for the shelf!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh my goshhh, I had SO much fun reading this science fiction romance about Vanessa, the head of a PR firm taking over Pyro's rebrand (rebranded as The Wyvern), also known as Roland Casteel. He is originally leaning towards the VNA (Villain Network of ... I'm blanking lol), but then agrees to this PR firm's deal to rebrand him as joining the "good guys" :)
After a very clumsy and confusing meet-cute at Vanessa's office, Roland saves Vanessa from a creep at the bar, and then flies her home to her family, where he causes even more of a ruckus. Following this night out, Roland demands that Vanessa's PR firm agree to his deal, on the grounds that she does all of the 1:1 individual tasks with/for Roland. Another contingency is that she must act out a Lois Lane role for him, and they begin to fake date! We then see their tension continue to build, and this romance gets spicyyyyy.
I absolutely loved the representation of two racialized love interests (albeit one non-Earthling), an orphan who couldn't remember his roots at all, an adoptee and former foster kid, and the mental health representation of Vanessa' PTSD and anxiety. Elizabeth Stephens wrote both of their first-person POV voices to be so different, and provided both of them with layers and nuance that we wouldn't see if this wasn't a dual perspective. I loved Vanessa's reclaiming of her sexuality, her desire for love and romance, and her confidence.
Also?!?!?!? How immediately down bad Rollo was for Vanessa?!?!?!? I ate that shit up, and I typically hate insta-love, but whatever. Life is so fucking bleak right now, let me have this!!!!!
Steam rating: 3.5/4 out of 5 because ..... knotting!! okay?!!?!? knotting!!!!! *still screaming*
Yall better go read this if you grew up loving Marvel movies, but wondered where the romance was (like we needed way more! know your audience!) and why it felt so white/cis/het/non-disabled (because it was lol).
After a very clumsy and confusing meet-cute at Vanessa's office, Roland saves Vanessa from a creep at the bar, and then flies her home to her family, where he causes even more of a ruckus. Following this night out, Roland demands that Vanessa's PR firm agree to his deal, on the grounds that she does all of the 1:1 individual tasks with/for Roland. Another contingency is that she must act out a Lois Lane role for him, and they begin to fake date! We then see their tension continue to build, and this romance gets spicyyyyy.
I absolutely loved the representation of two racialized love interests (albeit one non-Earthling), an orphan who couldn't remember his roots at all, an adoptee and former foster kid, and the mental health representation of Vanessa' PTSD and anxiety. Elizabeth Stephens wrote both of their first-person POV voices to be so different, and provided both of them with layers and nuance that we wouldn't see if this wasn't a dual perspective. I loved Vanessa's reclaiming of her sexuality, her desire for love and romance, and her confidence.
Also?!?!?!? How immediately down bad Rollo was for Vanessa?!?!?!? I ate that shit up, and I typically hate insta-love, but whatever. Life is so fucking bleak right now, let me have this!!!!!
Steam rating: 3.5/4 out of 5 because ..... knotting!! okay?!!?!? knotting!!!!! *still screaming*
Yall better go read this if you grew up loving Marvel movies, but wondered where the romance was (like we needed way more! know your audience!) and why it felt so white/cis/het/non-disabled (because it was lol).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Blood
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A Rom-Com Superhero Romance That Will Have You Kicking Your Feet! 🦸🏿♂️
Elizabeth Stephens delivers an incredible blend of superhero action, heartwarming romance, and powerful representation in All Superheroes Need PR. This alien rom-com follows a gruff villain turned hero and the PR genius who helps him rebrand, leading to a fake-dating scenario that quickly turns real.
Plot Summary:
Roland Casteel, formerly known as the Pyro and now rebranded as the Wyvern, seeks to shed his villainous past with the help of PR director Vanessa Theriot. Their fake-dating scheme to boost his hero image soon ignites real feelings, but a dangerous supervillain threatens to derail their newfound love and Roland's redemption.
My Thoughts:
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I instantly connected with Vanessa's character. Elizabeth Stephens beautifully portrays the inner turmoil and vulnerability of social anxiety, making Vanessa relatable and inspiring. Roland's grumpy-but-protective personality was also incredibly endearing. I loved the dynamic between them, especially as their fake relationship quickly turned into something real.
The twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged, and I'm eager to learn more about the alien world and the other characters. The author's writing style is familiar and comforting, like catching up with an old friend. There were so many rom-com moments that had me kicking my feet and giggling, and at times, I even laughed out loud!
Tropes:
👽 Alien/Monster Romance
🎭 Fake Dating
🏠 Forced Proximity (Work)
❓ Who Did This To You?
💖 Fated Mates
🤤 "My Wife"
Diversity Representation:
* Black MCs
* Trans Side Character
* Social Anxiety (FMC)
* PTSD
* Foster Care and Adoption Flashbacks
Final Thoughts:
All Superheroes Need PR is a delightful and inclusive romance that blends superhero action with heartfelt emotion and rom-com charm. Vanessa's journey of self-acceptance was beautifully portrayed. I can't wait for the next installment!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, and Elizabeth Stephens for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Stephens delivers an incredible blend of superhero action, heartwarming romance, and powerful representation in All Superheroes Need PR. This alien rom-com follows a gruff villain turned hero and the PR genius who helps him rebrand, leading to a fake-dating scenario that quickly turns real.
Plot Summary:
Roland Casteel, formerly known as the Pyro and now rebranded as the Wyvern, seeks to shed his villainous past with the help of PR director Vanessa Theriot. Their fake-dating scheme to boost his hero image soon ignites real feelings, but a dangerous supervillain threatens to derail their newfound love and Roland's redemption.
My Thoughts:
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I instantly connected with Vanessa's character. Elizabeth Stephens beautifully portrays the inner turmoil and vulnerability of social anxiety, making Vanessa relatable and inspiring. Roland's grumpy-but-protective personality was also incredibly endearing. I loved the dynamic between them, especially as their fake relationship quickly turned into something real.
The twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged, and I'm eager to learn more about the alien world and the other characters. The author's writing style is familiar and comforting, like catching up with an old friend. There were so many rom-com moments that had me kicking my feet and giggling, and at times, I even laughed out loud!
Tropes:
👽 Alien/Monster Romance
🎭 Fake Dating
🏠 Forced Proximity (Work)
❓ Who Did This To You?
💖 Fated Mates
🤤 "My Wife"
Diversity Representation:
* Black MCs
* Trans Side Character
* Social Anxiety (FMC)
* PTSD
* Foster Care and Adoption Flashbacks
Final Thoughts:
All Superheroes Need PR is a delightful and inclusive romance that blends superhero action with heartfelt emotion and rom-com charm. Vanessa's journey of self-acceptance was beautifully portrayed. I can't wait for the next installment!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, and Elizabeth Stephens for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping
Minor: Child abuse
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I stopped reading another book when Elizabeth announced the arc was available for this book. I’ve been chomping at the bits to read this since the teaser a few months back in their newsletter. This did not disappoint in the slightest. Here I was on board for a cute superhero rom com and boom monster romance. My monster loving self was in heaven. I can’t wait for the second installment so we can learn more about this interesting world Elizabeth has created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Kidnapping