Playing with Fire (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl Series #1)

Sweet and Sexy

I picked this book up on impulse and absolutely loved it! I'll be reading many more of Ms. Showalter's books now. The characters in this book were wonderful. Belle was charming and the first person narrative was funny and sassy. Rome was sexy, Tanner was awesome. The other character were great and I can't wait to read more about them. Great gift for dialogue in teh writing. Glad this book will be a series. I'll be reading the other books her Ms. Showalter's other series now too!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

When Life's not Quite Exciting Enough...

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 up the job she has currently as well as the interview she's got later the same day. Only problem is she's a bit of a smart alec and she's hanging by a thread because of it. When a man bursts into the coffee shop where she works, begging for help, it's Belle who catches his eye. Hours later, after being detained by some pretty convincing agents, Belle's not feeling so hot. All she had was a mocha latte, so why the sudden flu-like symptoms? In a haze, she stumbles through her interview and barely makes it home where she collapses. The next morning doesn't bring any relief and to make matters worse, there's a hot man at her side--only his hotness is not the issue--his wanting to kill her is. With new powers come all new problems and Belle has to find a way to get back to simple `ole her. Only, she might be starting to like the new her... Belle's story is in first person, so anyone not fond of those need be aware of this. Belle is perhaps one of my most favorite female leads I've ever encountered in a romance. She's determined, loyal to the good side and she knows what she wants and goes after it. Plus, she's got some faults and she's not afraid to admit it. It's the combination of her pluses and minuses that make her so unique. The dialogue throughout, with whomever she interacts with, is riddled with laugh-out-loud wit and I was very impressed with how the secondary characters shown through. Rome's role as hero was no less emphasized than Belle's and he is hot, hot hot! The addition of his family lent the story a desperate feel at times as he and Belle strive to make the world a safer place for people like them. If you are a fan of first person comedy/paranormal romances, heroines that save the day make you smile, heroes that make you sigh and a great cast of secondary characters, then I can't recommend this one enough. The plot wraps up very nicely, but sounds as if it might continue with more? Either way, I was thrilled and would love to see more if Ms. Showalter chooses to do so.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

What a Read!

I have a hard time putting books down, but it still normally takes me a few days to read a whole book. This book I read in under a day! I had to know what happened next! There was no breathing point, no spot where i thought, 'if I'm going to stop, this is a good place,' because I couldn't stop. It was all action. I loved that the main character had her own mind and wasn't going to let anyone make it up for her. And it was so funny. There's no other character like Tanner, and yet almost all the teenage guys i know are like Tanner. It was great.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very Fun To Read

During the first couple chapters I thought I wasn't going to like it very much. It was a little hard to get into but then it took off and I found it to be a highly entertaining book. It's not terribly serious, I found myself laughing frequently and I have full intentions to read the second book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Fun Plot

This was a fun read. The story line was different and goes along with the trend that we seem to being seeing in supernatural romances. If you are looking for a light read, this might be right up your alley.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

FANTASTIC SERIES!!!

This book was SO damn good!!! One of the best series I've ever read!! Showalters writing is perfection, she is so good that you loose yourself in the story and Belle's emotions become yours. I could not put this book down and was still thinking about it loooong after I finally managed to. The world Gena's written is so creative, bringing in a scientific twist with the paranormal we all know and love. And of course Rome, the ever sexy and strong hero is drool worthy. All of the characters are awesome (except maybe Lexis, Rome's ex-wife, which you'll have to read it to learn about her!) Belle is spunky and fun with an awesome sense of humor. There's plenty of action and no predictibility. This book was just so much fun and the second one, Twice as Hot, is even better!!! READ THIS SERIES! You WILL NOT regret it!!!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

New series

I was pleasantly surprised by this book...written in a fun and energetic style and was offbeat just enough to where you didnt guess the ending in the first chapter...very enjoyable, can't wait for #2

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing

Ever since the first book i read from Gena Showalter i keep buy her books, now i ran out! I read them all, she is an amazing writer. I love her humor and story lines are original.
Overall a great read, can't wait to the sequal.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of my favorites

I find myself reading this one again and again and again. It's one I wouldn't let a friend borrow, I'd get her a copy of her own 'cause this ones not leaving my possesion. A story about hard choices when first impressions seems wrong. A lesson that love and romance is difficult when the older we get the more past we have behind us. I love how Rome isn't your typical lone warrior hero guy. He had a past relationship and because of his daughter 'whom he loves to distraction as any good hero would' he is still involved in a family life. This makes a possible relationship with Belle even more complicated. The author treats this sensitive subject very well, taking something that could be bleak and heartbreaking and making it understandable and still realistic. And all this during the non-stop action. LOVE IT! Wish there was a sequel with these characters - would love to see how their relationships continue to develope, espechially Rome and Belle's. Let's keep up the danger so they can keep saving each other.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Playing With Fire

I was suprised at how much I liked this book. I didn't expect it. The first few pages were a bit slow, but it definately picked up by the second chapter. I liked how the action started right away, because I'm an impatient reader and if it isn't exciting by the second chapter, I put the book down and move on, but that didn't happen. You should definately read it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

BEST FREAKIN BOOK EVER!

Ok, you REALLY need to read this book. It's F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S! You really need to. Its the best book I have ever read. Belle is a funny charater who will keep you guessing and laughing. Tanner is such a freak (but in a good way), and Rome is a total mystery and a real hottie

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

DID NOT WANT THE BOOK TO END!

I just so happened to pick this book up, and honestly, never put it down until I was finished! Bella is sassy and brassy, and not above using her deadly `twins¿ when in a situation, becomes deadly sick after a life-altering drug is slipped into her latte mocha from a mad (and freaky) scientist on the run from (cough) CIA agents while at work in the coffee shop. Waking up in her somewhat charred bedroom in different underwear to Rome, a tall, dark and handsome PSI agent sent to `neutralize¿ her, Bella amazingly finds out that she has four more great powers (besides her natural deadly twins). While on the run Bella finds out fast she ready to fry, freeze, throw earth balls and shoot lightening bolts at SCRIMs or other enemies who¿s trying to use her as a human guinea pig or hurt the people she loves. First she has to learn to control her feelings that are linked to her newfound powers or risk hurting those she loves along with the enemies. Example: Thinking of how Rome makes her feel she gets hot and start smoking and sets small blazes, LITERALLY! Bella aka Wonder Girl aka Periodic Table Chick aka Four Elements Girl takes you on a revitalizing and elemental ride through the world of the romance and experimentation.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A romantic update of the Greatest American Hero

In Atlanta, twenty-four years old Utopia Café waitress Belle Jamison has major bills since she covers much of the expense of her ailing dad living at the expensive Village on the Park assisted living center (and home to the silver foxes). However, barely keeping her job (only thanks to her twin ¿girls¿ ¿ boobs that is- coming to her rescue), she calls 911 to save some guy¿s life from assailants when she learns the enemy is the CIA.------------------ Now a week later, the worst coffee wench in history is having personal problems ever since the incident as the endangered dude slipped a powerful Mickey into her latte. Now this hunk Rome Matthews hovers all over the bewildered Belle explaining she was caught in a paranormal war between two adversaries. He further informs her that her body is changing due to the spiked latte she drank and his job is to bring her to his side¿s lab for testing to see if she can become a superheroine or perhaps neutralizing her, which means being comatose. Too young to consider not having children, Belle Superhero flees with a determined Rome in hot pursuit.----------------- PLYING WITH FIRE is a romantic update of the Greatest American Hero though Ralph Hinkley was at least a competent teacher. The story line is action-packed, fast-paced and filled with twists as two sides want Belle. While Rome finds himself falling love with her, he knows he still might have to neutralize her especially if the enemy gets her. Fantasy romance fans who enjoy a zany amusing tale will appreciate this wild fun ride that starts with a résumé filled with firings and ends with a save the world scenario job.----------------- Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fun!

A fun and fast read about a girl who is given super powers and the paranormal world she discovers as enemies stalk her and her new friends.

FUN, Awesome, FUUN

Read. The moment I got Playing with Fire I was not able to put it down. Really. It was so much fun to read, but also had some "real" parts, so it didn't come off as a purely humor read. It was perfect. Exactly what I've been looking for.

Read it. You WILL love it. I promise. ;)

I hope she starts a new book in this series

This was the first Showalter I ever read, and I have gone back found every one and have read all of her books now!

Awesome

This book was a really fun light summer read. Very enjoyable.

Good Read!

You can never go wrong with Gena Showalter! Every book that she has written keeps you turning the pages. I loved how Belle has attitude even if she does seem a little flaky and every girl deserves a man like Rome! I will definitely be reading the next one!

Wondergirl

Loved her powers, short story went by quickly, still a good read.

Uhm... what did i just buy?

Okay, i was hoping for a fun series that kept me waiting to see what happened next. Like the Sookie Stackhouse books. But this... this was terrible. I felt like i was reading some 13yr old girl's diary, it was that bad. After i finished with the 1st chapter i just put the book down. There was no way i could finish this book with the way Belle acted. I just couldn't take the story seriously and that was that. Don't waste your time on this book. It was dreadful. Period.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.