Earth, Wind & Fire aren't just a band anymore...
Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly ...
read full description
reviews
Sep 23, 2009
Shawna
rated it: 
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’ More...
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’ More...
29 comments
like
(32 people liked it)
Mar 26, 2010
CJ - You Carry On As If I Don't Love You
rated it: 
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 t More...
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 t More...
10 comments
like
(13 people liked it)
Jan 20, 2011
Zeek
rated it: 
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 formul More...
In Playing with Fire our heroine, Belle Jamison, is secretly dosed with a formul More...
5 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Nov 13, 2010
Tracy
rated it:
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 electrifyin
More...
8 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Apr 01, 2010
Julia
rated it: 
Read 7 chapters and that’s enough. This book is not for me. Belle can’t keep a job, then, while a barrista she drinks some latte with a secret formula in it that makes her a superhero. Every time Belle looks at Rome she wants to jump his bones.
At one point she thinks, "Apparently the more time I spent with him, the lower my IQ dropped." (p.89) I felt the same way, reading the book. But I’ve just picked up Shiver, Hunger Games and The Rabbi’s Cat at the library and got Levi More...
At one point she thinks, "Apparently the more time I spent with him, the lower my IQ dropped." (p.89) I felt the same way, reading the book. But I’ve just picked up Shiver, Hunger Games and The Rabbi’s Cat at the library and got Levi More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Dec 26, 2011
Anja
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
3 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 14, 2009
Kristi
rated it: 
Oh.My.God...funny! I loved this book! You are simultaniously worried for Belle and worried what mess she'll concoct next. Her relationship with Rome is great! The are such a fun and dynamic team (with Tanner thrown in) it made the whole book really fun to read!
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 23, 2011
Aimee
rated it:
Loved, loved, loved it! Gena Showalter is such a great writer. Steamy scenes, humor, raw emotions are all infused into this story. I loved the characters that she brings to life. Belle was so interesting. She's not your normal kickass heroine. A little flaky, she's just another girl hoping for better things to come as she works her life away.
The most endearing part of this, to me, was the relationship between Belle and her father. Such love and devotion, sacrifices are made so More...
The most endearing part of this, to me, was the relationship between Belle and her father. Such love and devotion, sacrifices are made so More...
Apr 05, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
Belle is a Feisty, Funny Heroine
Playing with Fire is classic Showalter, who always manages to deliver an enjoyable read with plucky heroines, sexy heros and a lot of laughs. Belle Jamison drives the paranormal plot of this light urban fantasy. She's a mess - can't hold a job, hates the one she's barely holding on to, and after a bizarre encounter during a break at the coffee shop she works at, she's suddenly commanding the four elements - fire, water, earth, and air. Her life will never be More...
Playing with Fire is classic Showalter, who always manages to deliver an enjoyable read with plucky heroines, sexy heros and a lot of laughs. Belle Jamison drives the paranormal plot of this light urban fantasy. She's a mess - can't hold a job, hates the one she's barely holding on to, and after a bizarre encounter during a break at the coffee shop she works at, she's suddenly commanding the four elements - fire, water, earth, and air. Her life will never be More...
Dec 30, 2010
Karissa
rated it:
I've been wanting to read the Alien Huntress series by Gena Showalter forever. I picked this book up instead to get a flavor for her writing style without getting involved in another ongoing series. This was a cute book. If you like the Aisling Grey Guardian series or other similar funny paranormal romance books you would probably get a kick out of this one.
This book is about Belle. Belle is a girl who has a hard time getting and keeping jobs. She needs the money to help pay for care f More...
This book is about Belle. Belle is a girl who has a hard time getting and keeping jobs. She needs the money to help pay for care f More...
Oct 16, 2010
Rose
rated it:
"Playing with Fire" was at least an interesting read for this line of books, but I have to say that I wasn't necessarily taken by it because I expected more on the supernatural side, and less on the sensual (at least in fair consideration with the development). The story certainly had potential in spurts, but there were times when I felt it dropped the ball.
The premise intrigued me with the tale of a struggling, flighty 20-something woman named Belle who unknowingly drinks a More...
The premise intrigued me with the tale of a struggling, flighty 20-something woman named Belle who unknowingly drinks a More...
May 14, 2010
Lady Allison St. Vincent
rated it:
Belle is a normal disorganized but witty young gal in her 20s trying to get through life & hold onto a job when a mad scientist breezes through her latest menial job (a coffee shop) & slips a dangerous potion into her mocha latte while she isn't looking which turns her into the only person who can wield all four elements (earth, air, water, fire) alive. This makes all the paranormal agencies out for blood & her "talents" & the first one on the scene is the sexy Rome Masters. When he ca
More...
Mar 20, 2010
Aimee
rated it:
Along come mad scientists, secret sub-government agencies and...control over the four elements? In a non-stop thrill of a laughter-inducing ride, one simple gal just trying to make a buck finds out there's more to life than coffee and the next lame job. Only problem is, will her new talents consume her, or will she master the potentially volatile forces?
Belle Jamison needs a new job to support not only her needs, but those of her elderly father too. She's trying extra hard not to screw More...
Belle Jamison needs a new job to support not only her needs, but those of her elderly father too. She's trying extra hard not to screw More...
Nov 22, 2009
Lexie
rated it:
Playing With Fire is kind of like every kid's dream right? You go from being an ordinary person to a superhero because of some freak accident that no one would believe could happen in a million years. Yesterday all Belle could do was make a (bad) cup of coffee and then whammy! Some crazy kook gives her a mickey and she can control the four elements (in theory at least).
I'm telling you half my dreams began and/or ended that way as a teenager. And Rome? Well...not Rome exactly, but usu More...
I'm telling you half my dreams began and/or ended that way as a teenager. And Rome? Well...not Rome exactly, but usu More...
Nov 02, 2009
marlene
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
0 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Nov 01, 2011
Merve-
rated it:
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 More...
kitap gerçekten güzeldi.Karakter More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jul 09, 2011
Monica
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. While Belle comes across a bit immature, I warmed to her character. She has a strong devotion to her dad and everything, up until this point, she has done for him. She is witty, smart and fun to follow while learning to master her new powers.
Although the romance, at times, seems a bit forced (Belle either jumps to conclusions and/or forgives Rome much too quickly for my taste), it develops sweetly and remains pretty sexy for the remainder of the book. I look More...
Although the romance, at times, seems a bit forced (Belle either jumps to conclusions and/or forgives Rome much too quickly for my taste), it develops sweetly and remains pretty sexy for the remainder of the book. I look More...
Sep 19, 2010
Yodamom
rated it:
Funny, fast, action filled, sexy and interesting...
The main female character(Belle) is a young some what dingbat type with a huge responsibility of caring for her father. Her snarky remarks had me laughing out loud. I found myself really liking her with all her faults. She is working at a coffee shop when something happens that gives her powers that could cause major problems for those around her and the world. Every government agency wants her, some for nefarious reasons.
The male Alp More...
The main female character(Belle) is a young some what dingbat type with a huge responsibility of caring for her father. Her snarky remarks had me laughing out loud. I found myself really liking her with all her faults. She is working at a coffee shop when something happens that gives her powers that could cause major problems for those around her and the world. Every government agency wants her, some for nefarious reasons.
The male Alp More...
Jan 23, 2010
Raquel
rated it:
I definitely enjoyed this book, however, there were minor flaws in my perspective. I've read a couple of reviews from others, and I have to agree that Belle can get annoying. Maybe it's just me, but some of the reactions from Belle just didn't agree with me. She could seem so blasé when I would expect anyone else to react with more passion; then, there are times she just needed to stop talking. On the other hand, the bantering and comedy between the characters added the flavor to balance the
More...
Aug 04, 2011
Cherrylea
rated it:
Wow. I really loved this. A LOT. It has EVERYTHING!
What, exactly, does it have? you might ask. Well, that's what I'm here to tell you, eh? Let's see... first of all: romance. And a hot, sizzling at that - some really heated, intense scenes. Some really good heated, intense scenes (naughty eyebrow wriggling). Rome is hot, strong, hot, manly, and hot - did I mention hot? But really - he's got a protective side to him that I can't get enough of (imagine how Belle feels with him) - heck, I More...
What, exactly, does it have? you might ask. Well, that's what I'm here to tell you, eh? Let's see... first of all: romance. And a hot, sizzling at that - some really heated, intense scenes. Some really good heated, intense scenes (naughty eyebrow wriggling). Rome is hot, strong, hot, manly, and hot - did I mention hot? But really - he's got a protective side to him that I can't get enough of (imagine how Belle feels with him) - heck, I More...
Nov 28, 2011
Emma
rated it:
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 c More...
So why am I telling you this? Because the first quarter of this book I actually liked the main c More...
Mar 07, 2010
Kristie
rated it:
Where to start with this book? I thought the first half of the book was ok. I wasn't a huge fan of Belle but she didn't annoy me the way she did in the middle. I read the first half of the book in one day but the minute Tanner was introduced I had to force myself to keep reading. I don't think that Gena Showlater meant to have her characters personally traits change halfway through the book but they did. She introduced us to a very immature annoying "man" who is 19, but acts like he is
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 27, 2011
Chelsea
rated it:
Basically it's the first person tale of Belle, an ordinary girl with a boring life, who unsuspectingly drinks a formula that gives her powers over the four elements. She is pulled into a world of paranormal wonders she never knew existed right under her nose. Rome, an agent of a paranormal organization, first hunts her to neutralize her but finds himself attracted to her and driven to protect her. Belle is being hunted by many people who want to use her new found powers for their own gains.
More...
More...
May 10, 2011
Sir's kitten
rated it:
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 More...
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 More...
Dec 25, 2009
Jess
rated it:
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 runni More...
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 runni More...
4 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Oct 02, 2011
Trisha
rated it:
I have to admit that for the first few chapters I was totally annoyed with Belle Jamison . Belle had to support her father so you would think that she would be the perfect employee, but no. Belle would be late by hours, would smart off to customers and in general not care. I did love Rome Masters from the start he was hot and very mysterious. Rome was sent to to kill Belle but I think you can guess that didn't go as planned. Belle never guessed Rome's secret which was so very obvious that she ha
More...
Jun 08, 2011
Jen
rated it:
OMGosh! This is like one of the best PR books I've ever read (and I've read a lot!) It's defiantly on my list of Top 10! Wow!
Thanks so much Naomi's for the recommend (or a peek at your top of your list books :) )
And she was right - I wasn't disappointed :) I am really excited I got to read this book! I loved it!
it's not started off the way most PR books start off - this book starts off with a normal everyday human girl, Belle. She was struggling to keep her job (or past More...
Thanks so much Naomi's for the recommend (or a peek at your top of your list books :) )
And she was right - I wasn't disappointed :) I am really excited I got to read this book! I loved it!
it's not started off the way most PR books start off - this book starts off with a normal everyday human girl, Belle. She was struggling to keep her job (or past More...
Nov 09, 2009
Robin
rated it:
This was such a great read. I laughed on and off all the way through it. Belle the main character is a total screwup. The book starts with her resume which in itself is hysterical. She is doing the best she can to support herself and her father. She dearly loves her dad and will take most any job to help pay for his special care in a facility where her dear old dad chases the women confined there. She is slipped a potent cocktail which gives her master over the four elements. Her learning
More...
Jul 08, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
I thought this was a really fun read. Belle, an ordinary girl, is slipped some kind of superhero serum into her coffee by a scientist on the run. Result..........she can call upon the 4 elements, earth, wind, fire and ice. Now, a bunch of "not" government, paranormal agencies want her. One good, the other bad.
Rome, a very hot lick up one side down the other omygod gorgeous operative from the good agency is sent to "neutralize" her. Meaning,bring her in for tes More...
Rome, a very hot lick up one side down the other omygod gorgeous operative from the good agency is sent to "neutralize" her. Meaning,bring her in for tes More...
Feb 06, 2010
Ami
rated it:
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 thi More...
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 thi More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
