Playing with Fire

By: Gena Showalter

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy

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 problem: 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!

©2009 Gena Showalter (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The versatile Showalter takes the nail-biting elements of her exciting paranormals and blends them with the wit and humor of her contemporary romances to make a delicious offering spiced with the best ingredients of both." ( Booklist)

got used to it

My biggest challenge was the reader. The book started off a bit different than what I am accoustomed to with Ms Showalter's work. However, after I got use to the narrators style and rhythm, I was able to settle in and enjoy the characters. I'm actually looking forward to "Twice as Hot", which is the continuing story.

Can't get enough!

One of my favorite series (well its only two books so far). Never get tired of it no matter how many times I hear it. The narrator, Jessica Almasy, is freaking incredible. She brings Belle to life and makes you feel like you're actually listening to a friend's life story. Definitely some spicy romance, action/adventure mixed with supernatural fun.

Listen to the Preview!

First Off *Listen to the Preview* ??? If you find it funny and entertaining, then you will likely enjoy this book. This book, unlike the Lords of the Underworld series is more... Clueless/Legally Blonde meets a tamer version of Lords of Underworld. Mostly...

Gena Showalter spins paranormal tale in which our Heroine (an unsophisticated, outspoken, no-nonsense and dedicated to her father???s care - coffee wench) finds herself dragged or should I say drugged into a larger world in which competing paranormal agencies are battling it out and now are after her and her new abilities to control Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.

We are treated to Belle???s wide range of internal dialog (The preview gives you a good example of some of it) in a first person narrative in which the narrator (Jessica Almasy) does wonderful job portraying a good hearted but sometimes clueless young woman who hasn???t really found any direction in her life beyond caring for her father.

The Plot ??? Like many other books that are more about the relationship between the two leads, it does have some mighty fine plot holes. Some of which Gena does a fair job of glossing over or explaining away with a couple sentences. This plot would be really interesting in a more ???grown-up???/in depth work of fiction with a slightly less valley girl star.

Narrator ??? Jessica Almasy, I was pleasantly surprised by her ability to create a few different voices ??? Given the type of person Belle Jamison is painted, she did an amazing job giving her life.

Over all, I enjoyed the book and will likely get the second one soon. But once again, listen to the preview ??? I was laughing so hard listening to the dates/Titles(subtitles) for her jobs that I knew I would enjoy the story. And I did.

Sassy Reluctant Superhero

I loved the narration. She captures the comedic hysteria of the protagonist perfectly. I bought the next book immediately for the great storyline and performance.

I love it

I thought it was really funny. Couldn't stop listening to it. I love Belles personality, Rome is HOT, and Tanner is hilarious!!