Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter

Publisher: Harlequin Books
Date: October 2009
Page Count: 379

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....

MY REVIEW: I haven't read a Gena Showalter book I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. She pens entertaining stories with quirky characters and add enough action to keep any reader engaged. PLAYING WITH FIRE is centered around Belle, a young woman who can't seem to hold down a job. One day while at work a situation arises as she's sipping her latte and having a big heart, Belle intervenes. Once the coffeehouse is settled, she continues to enjoy her drink. But later that evening at home she begins to feel sick. She goes to bed and.... This being a Showalter book, when our main character awakens from her stupor there's a hot guy in her bedroom, questioning her. At times she can't pay attention to his words when she's so busy checking him out.

Belle is a likable character, though there were a few occasions I wanted to slap her and tell her to wise up. Belle has consumed a formula enabling her to control the four elements. The guy from her room, paranormal agent Rome Masters, says he wants to help her and keep her safe. Since there are two organizations that either want her for testing or to take advantage of her new powers, who can she trust? Rome with the blue eyes and black hair or Vincent, the pretty boy from the opposing paranormal team?

This story is lightweight and humorous with an interesting secondary cast. The plot, though predictable, moves quickly. Showalter always entertains and this is escapism, pure and simple.

RATING: +++ A cute, quick read.

FOR FANS OF: Paranormal romance.

SERIES: Yes. The second title, TWICE AS HOT, was released in January. It is on the way and after I've read it, I'll post a review.


REVIEWED BY: Laurie


BOOK SOURCE: Swapped.