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Member Reviews

I loved the first book and the characters.
I was so excited about this book I pre-ordered it before it had a cover!
And Elizabeth did not let me down!

This book had a lot more action than the first book in my opinion, which would make sense because the FMC herself is used to action as a combat photographer.
You get a little taste of the PTSD she has from her profession and the deployment she did overseas. People think those in combat are the only ones who can have PTSD, but really you can have it from any trauma. War photographers, journalists, aid workers, etc. have it just as severely as those pulling a trigger.

At the beginning of the book, you get the feeling that she thought working for superheroes would be chill in comparison, but she was down to help anyway she needed to as well!
Her inner commentary was just hysterical!

Her interactions with the MMC were absolutely hilarious. She was definitely a little, hypnotized for a second, but as soon as she snapped out, I loved how she put him in his place and called him out on his slide bullshit he pulls with people to get what he wants

I can’t wait to see you where this series goes as it continues

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Ok I somehow loved this even more than All Superheroes Need PR. Elizabeth Stephens is the queen of monster romance <3

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If you haven't read the first book All Superheroes Need PR, there is no worries because this book has enough of the big picture details from the first book that you will not get lost.

The characters and the story feel so vivid and I got caught up in their emotional story and secrets. Yes! There are secrets!!

Taranis/Darius is not your traditional romance MMC - he is a jerk/asshole. He may be the most beloved and handsome Champion (superhero) but he is selfish, arrogant, two-faced, and may just be a villain in disguise. Monika is a war photographer who is a little morally gray herself. Their banter is perfection (I have two quotes from the ARC that I live for)!

In this book look forward to:
💀Fake Nice Guy
💀Badass Bisexual War Photog FMC
💀Knotting
💀Electric Powers
💀So Morally Gray
💀Secrets!!
💀Touch Her & Die
💀Dom/Sub
💀A Dash of Degradation & Praise
💀He Falls First
💀Possessive Vibes

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (with a special link as one of her Patreons) and I devoured this book (while I was recovering from an illness).

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I love Elizabeth Stephens, but I don't think this is the series for me. I enjoyed her POPULATION and XIVERI MATES series- but the SUPERS IN THE CITY storyline just isn't capturing my interest like her older books.

They are well written but I don't think I'll finish the series.

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It was going to be tough to beat how much I adored the Wyvern and Vanessa but I was excited to dive back into Sundale and this monster/superhero world. I really enjoyed Monika as a character but I felt like we didn’t dive as much into her backstory as I would’ve liked. I would’ve loved to see her in her career before rather than quick mentions of heroic tales in war torn places. I think I also discovered I don’t love a villain love interest the way I once loved. I didn’t like how Taranis treated people around him and I felt like like that arc of him becoming better for Monika didn’t really come to fruition. I felt like he didn’t change as a character or maybe just not in a way that personally worked for me. The sex was definitely steamy and the plot went off and kept me engaged throughout.

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This second book in Elizabeth Stephans’ Supes in the City series introduces us to Champion Taranis who isn’t the hero everyone believes him to be. Turns out he has his own dastardly agenda and award winning photo journalist Monica realizes she doesn’t mind he is a bit—ok a lot—unhinged especially when it involves her. If you like spicy romance and monsters who get aggy when someone messes with their girl then you will enjoy this book and series.

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I have to say I really struggled with this book for the simple reason I really disliked the "hero" and I use the term real loosely. His actions in the book, which I won't go into detail because I won't spoil it, repulsed me.
I thank you for the book, but I won't be reading any more, there just not for me.

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I loved the first book in this series and was very interested in reading this sequel. Th overarching series plot moved forward, old friends stopped by, and new heroes and villains showed up. It was exciting, suspenseful, spicy, and more. If you love superhero books and romance, definitely check this one out.

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Thank you to Montlake for this eARC! I was aching for this sequel after finishing book one and I positively FLEW through this one on pure excitement alone. I loved the change up of kind of a bad guy not deciding to become a good guy, the pairing of him with a war photographer just worked so well as a romantic dynamic. Also dear god Elizabeth Stephens writes some of the hottest monster smut I have ever read. This is a read it at home kind of book which is totally fine because it's also a finish it in one sitting kind of addicting read. Can't WAIT for the next installment *crossing my fingers so tightly*

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I was so excited for Monika’s story after loving All Superheroes Need PR earlier this year, and this follow-up definitely delivered on action, spice, and morally gray chaos.

Monika, a fearless war photographer, ends up working with Taranis, the lightning-wielding “golden boy” of the Champions—except he’s not nearly as heroic as his image suggests. Their dynamic is messy, dangerous, and utterly compelling. He falls first (hard, though he’ll never admit it), she’s torn between her mission and her heart, and somehow they fit together better than either expects. There’s even a stolen-bed situation, some delicious “who hurt you” moments, and cameos from Vanessa and Roland that made me grin.

This one definitely leans into the monster/alien romance side of the series, and it brings the heat. Some of the kink elements weren’t exactly my personal preference, but that’s more about me than the writing—they were still well-handled and fit the characters. What stood out most was how fiercely Monika protects Taranis, even when she’s meant to be spying on him, and how unflinchingly Stephens writes her heroes as villains. Taranis may not be the Champion anyone expected, but he’s absolutely right for Monika.

I had so much fun with this book and I’m already eager to see where this world goes next. If you like your romances with high stakes, scorching spice, and unapologetically morally gray heroes, this one’s for you.

*This review will be posted to the Bookcase and Coffee blog during release week: https://bookcaseandcoffee.com/category/reviews/

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Loved the representation; the book itself was way more intense and grim than I was ready for. Taranis is pretty terrible, and the gory deaths towards the beginning threw me off. I'm sure this would be great for a different reader.

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I surprisingly enjoyed this more than the first one! Taranis was so unhinged and I truly enjoyed his character. I’m not ready to be done with this world so hopefully there is a third one!

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I really enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series. I really liked how this book really expanded more on the background story of the superheroes/villains.
Monika was a badass FMC photographer. She didn’t let Taranis stop her from doing what she loved. She was also able to defend/stand on her own.
Taranis I had a love/hate relationship with. If you’re looking for a cinnamon roll/golden retriever mmc he is not it lol but the way he is makes sense to the type of character he is.

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To be fair, I am a Stephens fan; her writing is always clever, complex, and just fun. This books is no exception. What I think I like best about this series is that if feels like a fresh take on the whole superheroes, corporate, marketing, humans and aliens theme. So while it will remind you of The Boys or even Avengers, it's just honestly smarter than anything you might compare it with. Also, Stephens just is so good at the romance and sex. So another brilliant book!

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Wheww.w.... such a good followup to All Heroes Need PR. Monika is a globetrotting news photographer who gets sucked into Taranis's plans. What follows is the downfall of Taranis's machinations and all the walls he built up when it comes to humans. A little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe on his part and a what happens when you meet your teenage crush for her part. Really enjoyed reading the development of this romance and the little hints at what is next. Monika and Taranis are spicy and perfect for each other.

Side note: loved reading the photography terminology.

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So, it's a 3.5 stars for me, but the vibes are here.
Honestly, I'm here for the overarching plot.

Taranis is...a character. The Golden boy is actually morally grey (leaning a little more villainous, but his goals don't align with them, so grey). I kind of hated him at the beginning, but I understood him by the end (even if I still didn't love him).
I'm liking the overall plot and the way these super beings are down bad for their keys. And I love the fights, even if a Reverted Taranis seems invincible (and he's only 6? I'd hate to see what the other five can do). As a superhero book, yes, as a romance, eh.
The romance aspect here, didn't quite work out for me. I felt like there wasn't really a lot of tension building before their relationship to make it believable. Mostly it was Monika not falling at Taranis' feet like everyone else, and that made him obsessed. (But, it also helped realize what causes Reversion for them, so that was cool.) And once they were together, the spice is nice, but they're still not communicating. A major part of any BDSM relationship, which seems to be what Monika wants.
If you like darker superhero/action/monster romances this is probably for you.

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I loved the first book, so I had high expectations for book 2. Needless to say, this book did not disappoint.

This rom-com was amazing, the MCs storyline was well written, everything was cohesive to the series. I overall enjoyed it.

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3.75 stars! Really fun read! I loved that the MMC wasn’t your typical superhero at heart. he’s messy, morally grey, and living that double life in a way that felt fresh. It honestly gave me The Boys (Prime Video) energy, which I ate up. The story kept me entertained the whole way through!

Originally this was an easy 4 stars for me, but I had to knock off .25 because the very last page of the epilogue gave me the ick (lol), but that's just personal preference. Still, such a solid read and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re into morally grey heroes and a little darker take on the superhero world.

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All Superheroes Need Photo Ops by Elizabeth Stephens is a fun, witty, and electrifying romance that had me hooked from the start. I loved the chemistry between Monika and Taranis and the blend of humor, action, and swoon-worthy moments. It was exciting, clever, and thoroughly entertaining. I truly enjoyed this book and rated it five stars.

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All Superheroes Need Photo Ops by Elizabeth Stephens is an amazing read! It follows the relationship between electricity villain/hero Darius and photographer Monika through superhero fight scenes and intense sexual tension. I would say it's like I Am Number Five crossed with Kimberley Lemming's monster romances. And I loved it!

This book is just fantastic in every way. The writing is engaging and captivating — I read this in under 24 hours. The characters are excellent and consistent and funny. And such diverse representation. I appreciate the author's inclusion of Korean and German culture to show Monika's background. I also laughed so much throughout this book, especially at Darius's train of thought.

I read this without reading the first book in the series and had no problems — although I will definitely be going back to read the first.

I will also note that it's high spice level! Also, much death. If that's not for you, look out.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy:
- monster erotica/monster romance
- romantic comedies
- hero/villain/grey area clashes

Thank you to Montlake and Elizabeth Stephens for this incredible ARC!

Five stars

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