Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter (And a SECOND contest)

I think I've pretty much demonstrated how lacking I am at catchy title writing, so I've decided to not even attempt it anymore. I have, however, decided to make a secondary contest this month. That's right, a SECOND contest for the month! NO! I say, it is NOT enough that we have FOUR SIGNED books to give away! I MUST give away another one. Although, this one won't be signed, unless of course, you want ME to sign it, then I could probably arrange that. This contest will be for a copy of the very book I am getting ready to review for you, Playing With Fire by the lovely Gena Showalter. All you have to do to win, is leave a comment or send me an e-mail at deeanddeedish@sbcglobal.net with a catchy title for this review. That simple. I'm hoping that your titles will help inspire me to greatness (or at the very least, show me what a catchy title actually looks like). And now, as I like to say, On with the review.

Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter
(BCC)

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 I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!

It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I'm waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells 1) his name is Rome Masters, 2) he's a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.

He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation than I am... Because now he'll have to kill me.

I'm really starting to get ticked, once again, I have no real beefs with this BCC. I KNOW! I cannot believe it either. I mean, really, if I can't dump all over it, what good will my reviews be? There is but one, albeit measly, point I could complain about, so I will. When she wakes up, he doesn't tell her his name is Rome Masters. He tells her only Rome, she learns the last name later on. I TOLD you it was measly, but come on, I'm itching to not like a BCC! It's my thing, what can I say?

I knew I was going to like this book when I opened it up and read the Dear Reader letter at the beginning. It actually made me giggle, and the book hadn't even started yet. Then, we get a look at Belle Jamison's resume right before Chapter One, and I was really ready for the story. Interesting reading, folks. And unfortunately, since the job I just talked about landing lasted only 2 weeks, I could sympathize with Belle from the get-go.

Belle Jamison has floated from dead end job to dead end job and she is getting mighty tired of it. She's ready for a little excitement in her life, but as the sole person responsible for her fathers health care she has little choice in the matter. Then, one incredibly bad day, the choice is made for her. As she takes a break from serving Richie Richersons coffee, Belle notices a man running for his life out of the building across the street. Storming into Belle's place of employment, he pleads with her for help as the people pursuing him run towards them. Frantic, the man hides, but not before he slips something into Belle's drink.

The next thing she knows, Belle is blowing a job interview (and I have to tell you, the way she relives this interview is hysterical) and sicker than a dog. And just as the BCC says, when Belle next wakes, she finds out that she now has the power over the 4 elements. She also finds out, that the gorgeous man in her room is there to neutralize her, and there are other people (very, very, bad people), out to get her so they can control her and use her newfound powers for evil.

Thrown into a paranormal world that she could have happily lived her life not knowing of, Belle must decide who to trust. With a little help from Tanner, a horny (and oh, so lovable character) Belle and Rome embark on a wild chase trying to get the formula from the crazy Dr. that slipped it to her before the bad guys do. Only problem, as time goes on, Belle isn't so sure her life is the most important thing on the line anymore. If things keep going the way they are, it just may be her heart at risk.

The story is told in First Person, and written so well, it actually felt like Belle Jamison and I were sitting down in our pajamas, having a little girl talk. There were also a few scenes in there where I thought Belle was in my house emitting flames, HOT, I tell ya!

When I started to read this book, I got out my little notepad and pen (just like always) to make note of certain lines or paragraphs that pop out at me, when I sat down to do this review, I saw I had made note of over 30 quotes and or pages, that had me laughing. No way could I put them all here, so I won't even try (do I hear, "cop out much?"). You'll just have to get the book for yourself (entering this contest would be a good way, hint, hint.)

In the end, I loved this book and cannot wait to get my hands on more of Ms. Showalter's work. I have to agree with Angela though, I wasn't too fond of the monicker Wonder Girl. My favorite of the ones they tried out was Homicidal Tendencies Wench, but that's just me.

So, don't forget to enter this months main contest by leaving me a comment or dropping an e-mail to deeanddeedish@sbcglobal.net with what superpower you would like to have and why, and also don't forget you could win a new copy of this book by giving this review a catchy title.

As always...

Take Care