
Member Reviews

I was pulled to this book because I have a soft spot for narrative superhero books, which are surprisingly not common, and this book blew all my expectations out of the water - Black author! BIPOC FMC! Layers of plot and unseen twists! Morally Grey (and Hilarous) Hero! Anxiety Rep FMC!
It was so much better than I could have hoped for. I highlighted probably 50% of this book - between funny moments, just well-written moments, and OMG moments. There are humor, depth, layers of intrigue, and the morally grey-est hero I've read in a while. The worldbuilding was done so well and the full cast of characters is well developed (with a diverse range of types that are full characters not just one-note or hope-core types). Not to mention that the anxiety rep in the FMC is so well done. And Stephens writes in a way that just hits that perfect note for me of humor/sass and heartfelt real and depth - including and handling some more serious issues with care. Vanessa and Roland's romance is so perfectly done - both stand-out characters that are entirely their own with banter, push-pull, and their own baggage. I loved reading each side (which is rare for me) and I loved that Roland was morally very grey but not so much that I was worried about what I was reading.
This book covers all of my favorite parts of the superhero genre, without being typical or formulaic. I don't want to spoil the big twist, but lets just say it made me love this book 1 million times more and is the reason I immediately started looking for where I can get a signed copy. I NEED there to be so so many more of the series, PLEASE. I mean is one book for each of the 48 too much to wish for? Probably, but I am going to keep hoping for that.

This was fantastic. While the romance is swoonworthy, the spice is spicing, and the lore of the superheroes/villains/aliens feels fresh, the beating heart of this story is Vanessa and the way she reclaims her strength after trauma. Followed closely by her adopted family of 5 rowdy but well meaning brothers and two loving parents. If you love a healing journey and found family - even when its mostly literal family - you’ll love this.
Vanessa’s boutique PR firm has gotten the opportunity of a lifetime: to spearhead the rebrand of one of Earth’s newest superheroes, the Pyro. The problem? Her nerves often get the better of her, and he’s…intense. First he fires her, then hires her, then demands she be the one to play his fake girlfriend. It may have been in her proposal but she never saw HERSELF in the role. And when he starts expressing attraction that feels very real…what’s a girl to do?
This is definitely a set up book, where a big part of the plot is establishing the players and the world. Only at the end to we get a taste of what the overall conflict of the series will be. And in action-packed fashion! Thankfully the robust characters and relationships were more than enough to make this book feel fully its own.
Vanessa! Her social anxiety, PTSD glimpses of her difficult past and journey were all brilliantly written.
Her family - both her actual and work family - were so wonderful. From Vanessa’s brothers to her parents to Margerie, Dan, Jeremy…The ensemble cast is large, beautifully diverse and the way they all support Vanessa throughout the book is so much fun to read.
And Roland of course! The deployment of the male POV is perfect. I loved how gone he is for Vanessa from the get go, both in terms of physical attraction and admiration for her brains and drive. He knows she’s the brain of the operation and demands she see herself - and that others see her - as such. We love a supportive KING! Plus he has pink eyes, gorgeous hair, and fire powers (and...more)....what more could you ask for?

I can't believe this was my first Elizabeth Stephens book! She's been on my TBR for a while and I am hooked. This was such a fun premise and I don't think I've read a book with superheroes in it? What a duo Vanessa and Roland were, but it worked so much for me. With Nessa being quite shy and would just love to avoid everyone and then you have the super grumpy McGee that is Roland. I loved that he would just say whatever was on his mind and he was a bit chaotic. Roland may not have been the ideal "hero". but I sure enjoyed seeing his growth and figuring out the ways to show Nessa that he cared for her. And it was fun to see both of their worlds collide and Roland's interactions with her family especially the first time!
Sooo many great moments in this book and I'm absolutely looking forward to more from this author and series (hopefully)! Absolutely recommend and everyone should add it to their TBR.
4.25/5

Loved the idea for this book - I had never read anything super hero related in the romance genre. The book felt a bit incomplete / underdeveloped. I hope this becomes a series because I want to know a lot more about this world and alien/ super heroes.
I had a hard time rooting for the FMC & felt like her personality needs to be more than a clumsy shy person at the beginning. Her lack of a personality made it hard to get into the story. Once we got to Roland’s POV I started to enjoy the story more.
Overall I think this story has a ton of potential but needs work. Excited to read more of this author’s books - have heard amazing things! Thank you Netgally for the ARC!

Stephens has created another incredibly entertaining world in this piece. And the tension between Vanessa and Roland is as delicious as it is intriguing. The reader gets to grow along with Vanessa as she finds her strength and her own heroism, all while learning more about Roland and the world they navigate. The dual perspective is perfect in allowing the reader to enjoy both characters and gain a deeper understanding of their motives and wants. Another wonderful story by Stephens.

4.5/5 stars
I love Elizabeth. Have been a Stan ever since I discovered her Voraxia series. While I can definitely feel the difference in this book because it's trad pub'd, it felt a lot like Elizabeth had a book baby with Talia Hibbert - who I also love.
There was some awkwardness that I didn't love with our FMC but I am absolutely IN LOVE with our MMC. They are a great couple and all of the side characters bring so much depth to the story and world. I cannot wait to see how many superheroes or villains we get to see find the key to their happiness. So glad she's already done with edits on book 2 cause I need it asap!!

Alien superhero anti hero super smut!!!!! READ this book now!!! Thank me later
I was intrigued from the start with the title of this book. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Think invincible vibes for me. It had so many things I liked and a few things I wish there was more of.
This story js about Vanessa Theriot who owns and operates a PR firm. Over 20 years ago 48 young ‘aliens’ were dropped to earth. And were branded either heroes or villains. Enter the baddest of the bad Pyro aka Roland Casteel, who is looking to switch teams.
It is up to Vanessa and her team to rebrand Pyro into Wyvern. Who made it a condition that Vanessa played her part as his real life Lois Lane. Who knew a fake relationship could develop into real love. However this shifts the story somewhat. A monster supervillain is determined to bring out Roland’s bad side, but this time he uses it to save a woman who was becoming the love of his life.
Let’s start with what I loved. This concept felt great to me. A branding agency with diverse visibility and so many different characters, Count me in! I loved Vanessa and watching her character develop over the course of the story. The way her shy nature slowly faded away and left behind a tough as nails badass who was willing to risk everything to go after her man.
Her relationship with Roland starts off rocky, but the spicy scenes caught me and were really well done. Buckle up because it is hot.
Now to the things I wish there was more of. There isn’t much talk on the PR front, it felt glossed over and second to the story.
I wish there was more about the 48 and developed more of that.
Overall I really loved the book. And I never expected to finish it this quickly. I really hope there’s more to this coming in the future!!
I think it is absolutely worth the read!!!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

A Rom-Com Superhero Romance That Will Have You Kicking Your Feet! 🦸🏿♂️
Elizabeth Stephens delivers an incredible blend of superhero action, heartwarming romance, and powerful representation in All Superheroes Need PR. This alien rom-com follows a gruff villain turned hero and the PR genius who helps him rebrand, leading to a fake-dating scenario that quickly turns real.
Plot Summary:
Roland Casteel, formerly known as the Pyro and now rebranded as the Wyvern, seeks to shed his villainous past with the help of PR director Vanessa Theriot. Their fake-dating scheme to boost his hero image soon ignites real feelings, but a dangerous supervillain threatens to derail their newfound love and Roland's redemption.
My Thoughts:
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, I instantly connected with Vanessa's character. Elizabeth Stephens beautifully portrays the inner turmoil and vulnerability of social anxiety, making Vanessa relatable and inspiring. Roland's grumpy-but-protective personality was also incredibly endearing. I loved the dynamic between them, especially as their fake relationship quickly turned into something real.
The twists and turns in the plot kept me engaged, and I'm eager to learn more about the alien world and the other characters. The author's writing style is familiar and comforting, like catching up with an old friend. There were so many rom-com moments that had me kicking my feet and giggling, and at times, I even laughed out loud!
Tropes:
👽 Alien/Monster Romance
🎭 Fake Dating
🏠 Forced Proximity (Work)
❓ Who Did This To You?
💖 Fated Mates
🤤 "My Wife"
Diversity Representation:
* Black MCs
* Trans Side Character
* Social Anxiety (FMC)
* PTSD
* Foster Care and Adoption Flashbacks
Final Thoughts:
All Superheroes Need PR is a delightful and inclusive romance that blends superhero action with heartfelt emotion and rom-com charm. Vanessa's journey of self-acceptance was beautifully portrayed. I can't wait for the next installment!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, and Elizabeth Stephens for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Here for the touch her and die vibe. I was thoroughly entertained by this book it was like watching an episode of The Boys. There is something that gave a really Butcher vibe in Roland.
I went in blind and to be honest I was not sure it was for me for the first little bit but once Roland & Vanessa meet I was hooked and honestly kept wanting to read more.
This book wasn’t perfect in any ways, some of the world building was weak and you could poke holes in that ending but it sure was a fun ride.
Who did this to you could be my favourite trope, especially when our hero is a grumpy possessive alien.
“She says, “Thank you, Roland.” I feel the fabric of my being shift. And that’s it. It’s decided. She’s mine. I’m gonna grab her, steal her, take her away so nobody can …find her again . . .”
Thank you to NetGalley & the author Elizabeth Stephens for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.

If you enjoyed "The Boys" or have ever imagined if superheroes (and villains!) were realho, w would they function in a modern world, please pick this up! We have the incredibly timid and insecure Vanessa and Roland who is extremely mad and confused at the intensity of his feelings for her. He is SMITTEN and ANGRY about it. It was a good time with an enemies(ish) to lovers plot with all of the world building and action that Elizabeth is known for. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

So thankful to have nabbed an ARC of this off NetGalley. This is SO GOOD. I’m going to listen to it when there’s audio, because I need to hear a feral Rollo and an awkward Nessa.
This is a great set up for a series I know I’m going to devour. There’s some light world building that has me satisfied for now, but incredibly intrigued and needing more. Aliens dropped onto earth as children grow up to become superheroes or supervillains. Roland, the Pyro, joins the hero/villain life and meets Vanessa, a CEO of a PR firm, and it all tumbles from there. Literally. Vanessa is clumsy as hell and Roland can’t help but catch her when she falls.
It’s got “touch her and die” and “mine” vibes. Plus a great cast of side characters that I *need* to get their own books and HEAs.

I consumed this book and added it to my favorites list for 2025 by 50% in. It’s emotional, hilarious, swoony and sexy.
I NEED this to be an entire series with all the characters and all the HEAs. I fell in love with this new world from Elizabeth and want to dive back into it immediately.
This isn’t just a recommendation, I’m throwing this book at you so that you'll read it and enjoy it !!

I stopped reading another book when Elizabeth announced the arc was available for this book. I’ve been chomping at the bits to read this since the teaser a few months back in their newsletter. This did not disappoint in the slightest. Here I was on board for a cute superhero rom com and boom monster romance. My monster loving self was in heaven. I can’t wait for the second installment so we can learn more about this interesting world Elizabeth has created.

New favourite author alert!?
I adored this book. Every chapter was about the couple which is what a true romance should be! There was mysteries, hidden government secrets, but mostly cute Interactions between the main couple. A shy FMC who had extreme anxiety and a grumpy superbeing who is more villians than hero, until he meets *the one*.
The book is written so well and exactly how I prefer. Dual POV without fillers and just straight to the plot and character driven. I can not wait for more of this series and I will be reading the rest of Elizabeth's books!

Elizabeth Stephens’ All Superheroes Need PR is a clever, charming blend of romance and superhero intrigue. As a new-to-me author, Stephens has won me over with her sharp writing and engaging storytelling. The premise is fresh: forty-eight superpowered individuals fell to Earth years ago, split into heroes and villains. Roland Casteel, the gruff “villain” known as the Pyro, wants to switch sides, and PR director Vanessa Theriot is tasked with rebranding him. Their fake romance is full of sparks, and watching it turn real is both sweet and satisfying.
The alternate Earth setting is easy to dive into, with just enough supernatural flair to keep things exciting. The mystery of the Forty-Eight adds depth, and Stephens balances humor with heartfelt moments beautifully. Roland and Vanessa’s journey is touching, and their HEA left me smiling. With its mix of wit, romance, and intrigue, this book feels like the start of a promising series. I’d happily read more!

Fun, great diverse characters, and with a twist to the superheroes that was refreshing and entertaining.

Overall: 5/5
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: workplace, slow burn
I tried out this new to me author and was blown away! The pacing varies based on if the scene is involving the romance plot or the superhero plot.
The chemistry between Roland and Vanessa is explosive but ends up being a slow burn because of both of their histories. But when things finally happen, 🥵🥵.
I was completely hooked through this story, and some aspects of it were new to me, but not enjoyable.
There was so much amazing character development and diversity. Such a freaking fantastic story, and i can't wait to read more in the series!

This book has it all—adventure, emotion, comedy, heat, and heart. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic, fake relationship trope, and found family elements were all so well done, and the truly diverse cast made the story even richer.
A fun, heartfelt read that’s impossible to resist!
#AllSuperheroesNeedPR #NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Let me preface with, I adore Elizabeth Stephens. She's an extraordinary wordsmith and she crafts extraordinary worlds. I've read nearly all her books and I recommend the Population series all the time.
I was hesitant going into this book. Mostly because superheroes aren't my thing and I didn't think I'd like it simply based on that. I almost passed on the ARC opportunity, but, since I throughly enjoy Ms. Stephens writing, I figured I'd step out on a limb and give this book a shot.
All Superheroes Need PR has the mashup vibes of The Boys (a series on Amazon Prime Video) and Anger from Inside Out and monster/alien romance.
The first 6 chapters are Vanessa's POV. And frankly, they're difficult to get through. If you're looking for the weakest damsel-in-distress FMC to ever be written, you found her. Vanessa is a bumbling, stuttering, anxiety ridden, fainting, accident-prone klutz. It's a bit over the top, really.
In chapter seven we finnaly get the POV of the Pyro/the Wyvern/Roland/Mr. Casteel/Rollo. He's a run-of-the-mill alpha, but he's figging hilarious! He's a villan at heart (who wears sweatpants -love that!), but wants to be a hero for Vanessa. This is where Ms. Stephens' writing shines!
If you find yourself struggling to get into this book, try getting to chapter 7. I promise it gets better.
Superheros is the mildest book Ms. Stephens has written. Her previous indy books have STRONG buttkicking FMC. Superheroes has a shamefully weak FMC. If you're expecting the nitty gritty extraordinaire of her indy works, you'll be disappointed with this book.
If her indy books were described as cake, they are luscious chocolate cakes. So dark, decadence and delicious, you can't stop and feel slightly guilty for how much you're enjoying it. ASNPR, is like a diet friendly cake. It's alright, but not satisfying.
Troupes include:
Single bed
Touch-her-and die
Damsel-in-distress
One bed
Fake dating
Written as first person, dual POV. Spicy.

All Superheroes Need PR is fantastic. This story is full of all of your favorite superhero and romance tropes, mixed with a heavy dose of comedy, and enough emotional conflict to keep the reader turning the page. Elizabeth Stephens does a masterful job of bringing black romance into the superhero realm with flawless execution. The varied representation within this story will encourage more readers to explore this fusion of genres, in which many readers will be able to connect with characters and see themselves in challenging roles. The romantic tension of the main characters will keep romance readers engaged and eager to see how these characters respond in a world full of heroes and villains. Readers will be rabid for the next installment of this series.