In the saturated landscape of superhero fiction, Elizabeth Stephens delivers something refreshingly different with All Superheroes Need PR, the inaugural novel in her “Supers in the City” series. This isn’t your typical cape-and-cowl tale—instead, it’s a cleverly crafted romantic comedy that asks: what happens when a villain needs a complete rebrand, and the only person who can pull it off is a shy marketing genius with social anxiety?
Plot Overview: When Marketing Meets Superpowers
The premise is brilliantly simple yet unexplored: twenty-two years ago, forty-eight alien children crash-landed on Earth and were eventually divided into heroes and villains by corporate interests. Now, Roland Casteel—formerly known as the destructive Pyro—wants to switch sides, and he needs Vanessa Theriot’s boutique marketing firm, The Riot Creative, to make it happen.
What unfolds is a fake-dating trope with genuine heart. Vanessa, who runs from public speaking but can orchestrate million-dollar campaigns, finds herself cast as the Lois Lane to Roland’s newly christened “Wyvern.” The evolution from professional arrangement to real feelings forms the emotional backbone of the story, enhanced by Stephens’ gift for blending intimate character moments with high-stakes supernatural action.
Character Development: Beautifully Flawed and Authentic
Vanessa Theriot: A Heroine Worth Rooting For
Vanessa is perhaps one of the most relatable heroines in recent paranormal romance. Her struggle with social anxiety isn’t treated as a quirk to be cured by love—it’s an integral part of who she is. Stephens writes her panic attacks and avoidance behaviors with genuine understanding, never romanticizing mental health challenges while still allowing Vanessa moments of genuine strength and growth.
The author’s decision to give Vanessa a successful business empire while maintaining her personal vulnerabilities creates a compelling contradiction that feels authentically human. Her relationship with her adoptive family—five protective brothers and loving parents—provides a solid foundation that explains both her capacity for trust and her fierce independence.
Roland Casteel: More Than a Reformed Bad Boy
Roland’s character arc transcends the typical “villain reformed by love” narrative. His gradual transformation—both literal and metaphorical—from the destructive Pyro to the protective Wyvern mirrors his emotional journey from isolation to belonging. Stephens skillfully reveals his alien nature and traumatic past without using it as an excuse for his earlier destructive behavior.
The physical transformation Roland undergoes adds layers of complexity rarely seen in paranormal romance. His struggle with his changing body—developing claws that could hurt Vanessa, growing horns, becoming something monstrous—creates genuine tension about whether their relationship can survive such dramatic changes.
Romance Elements: Chemistry That Burns Bright
The romantic development between Vanessa and Roland unfolds with delicious tension. Their first meeting—where Vanessa literally throws up on him—sets the tone for a relationship built on genuine moments rather than polished perfection. Stephens excels at writing sexual tension that builds naturally from emotional connection.
The fake-dating aspect never feels forced because both characters have clear, logical reasons for participating. Vanessa needs the career-defining contract; Roland needs someone who can see past his villainous reputation. When their feelings shift from professional to personal, the transition feels earned rather than inevitable.
The intimate scenes are tastefully written with genuine emotion, though some readers might find the later supernatural elements of their physical relationship challenging. Stephens handles Roland’s alien physiology with care, always prioritizing consent and communication.
Writing Style: Engaging with Room for Polish
Stephens demonstrates a natural talent for dialogue that crackles with personality. Each character has a distinct voice, from Vanessa’s anxious internal monologue to Roland’s gruff tenderness to Margerie’s sharp wit. The banter between Vanessa and her brothers feels particularly authentic, capturing the loving chaos of large family dynamics.
However, the pacing occasionally stumbles. The middle section drags slightly as the author builds tension around the mysterious villains, and some action sequences feel rushed compared to the carefully developed romantic moments. The introduction of the larger alien conspiracy sometimes overshadows the personal stakes that make the story compelling.
Themes and Social Commentary
Beyond the surface romance, Stephens weaves in thoughtful commentary about corporate manipulation, media representation, and the commodification of heroism. The idea that heroes and villains are essentially brands created by competing corporations adds satirical bite to the supernatural elements.
All Superheroes Need PR also handles themes of found family, trauma recovery, and self-acceptance with surprising depth. Vanessa’s journey from someone who hides behind her team to someone who can literally wield a flaming sword serves as an effective metaphor for personal empowerment.
Supporting Cast: A Rich Ensemble
The supporting characters prevent this from being purely a two-person show. Vanessa’s brothers are distinct personalities rather than interchangeable protective figures, and her business partner Margerie steals every scene she’s in. The professional relationships at The Riot Creative feel genuine, showing the author’s understanding of workplace dynamics.
Dr. Emily Larsen provides crucial support and comic relief, while the villainous aliens create legitimate stakes without overwhelming the romantic plot. Even minor characters like Mrs. Morales feel fully realized rather than perfunctory.
Comparisons and Context
Readers familiar with Stephens’ previous work in the Beasts of Gatamora series will recognize her talent for blending otherworldly elements with grounded emotional storytelling. All Superheroes Need PR feels more accessible than her earlier alien romance series while maintaining the same attention to character development.
The book shares DNA with works like:
- Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series for its blend of supernatural elements with social commentary
- Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series for its complex world-building and emphasis on found family
- Jayne Castle’s Harmony series for its integration of alien abilities with contemporary romance tropes
Final Verdict: Worth the Investment
All Superheroes Need PR succeeds brilliantly as both a standalone romance and series opener. Stephens creates a world that feels both fantastical and grounded, populated by characters who feel real despite their extraordinary circumstances. While the book occasionally struggles with pacing and the integration of its action elements, the emotional core remains strong throughout.
All Superheroes Need PR works particularly well for readers seeking:
- Superhero romance with fresh perspectives
- Fake dating tropes executed with genuine heart
- Neurodivergent representation handled with care
- Found family dynamics
- Corporate satire wrapped in fantasy packaging
Minor Criticisms:
- Some plot threads feel underdeveloped
- Action sequences lack the polish of romantic scenes
- The villain’s motivations could use more clarity
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle act
Major Strengths:
- Authentic character development
- Fresh take on superhero mythology
- Excellent dialogue and family dynamics
- Thoughtful handling of mental health themes
- Satisfying romantic progression
All Superheroes Need PR establishes Elizabeth Stephens as a voice worth following in paranormal romance. While not perfect, All Superheroes Need PR delivers exactly what its title promises: a fresh perspective on familiar tropes, executed with heart, humor, and just enough heat to keep readers engaged. The book leaves you eager for the next installment in the “Supers in the City” series.
Perfect for fans of superhero romance, fake dating tropes, and heroines who save the day with spreadsheets and strategic thinking rather than superpowers.
