Elizabeth Stephens has carved out a unique niche in the romance genre with her imaginative world-building and complex characters, previously demonstrated in her acclaimed Beasts of Gatamora series and the Xiveri Mates collection. With All Superheroes Need PR, the first installment in her new Supers in the City series, Stephens ventures into contemporary superhero romance with a corporate twist that feels both fresh and surprisingly relatable.
Plot Overview: When Marketing Meets Mayhem
Twenty-two years ago, forty-eight superpowered beings crash-landed on Earth as children, eventually becoming the world’s most famous heroes and villains. Enter Roland Casteel, aka “the Pyro”—a gruff, antisocial member of the Forty-Eight who’s grown tired of his villainous reputation and wants a rebrand. His solution? Hire The Riot Creative, a boutique marketing firm run by the brilliant but anxiety-ridden Vanessa Theriot.
What begins as a professional arrangement to transform the Pyro into “the Wyvern”—complete with a fake girlfriend publicity stunt—quickly evolves into something neither Roland nor Vanessa anticipated. As mysterious forces threaten their newfound happiness and Roland’s true alien nature begins to emerge, their pretend romance becomes a fight for survival and genuine love.
Character Development: Beautifully Flawed and Relatable
Vanessa Theriot: The Anxious Heroine We Need
Stephens crafts Vanessa as a refreshingly realistic protagonist who struggles with social anxiety, PTSD from childhood trauma, and impostor syndrome despite running a successful business. Her journey from a woman who “doesn’t do well with men” to someone who faces down alien threats with a makeshift sword is both believable and inspiring. The author handles Vanessa’s mental health struggles with sensitivity, showing how trauma responses don’t simply disappear with love but can be managed with support and understanding.
Vanessa’s relationship with her chosen family—the Theriot siblings who adopted her—provides a wonderful foundation that makes her eventual openness to Roland feel earned rather than convenient. Her professional competence contrasts beautifully with her personal insecurities, creating a well-rounded character who grows throughout the narrative.
Roland Casteel: The Alien with Human Heart
Roland’s character arc is perhaps the most complex in the novel. Initially presented as a stereotypical gruff antihero, he reveals layers of vulnerability, confusion about his identity, and genuine care for others. His transformation from the destructive “Pyro” to the protective “Wyvern” mirrors his emotional journey from isolation to connection.
The author skillfully balances Roland’s intimidating physical presence and supernatural abilities with moments of uncertainty and tenderness. His relationship with Vanessa’s family, particularly the basketball scene with her brothers, showcases his desire to belong somewhere—a universal theme that transcends his alien origins.
Strengths: What Makes This Story Soar
Unique World-Building with Corporate Flair
Stephens’ decision to ground superhero mythology in corporate marketing reality is genius. The idea that superheroes and villains are essentially brands managed by competing organizations adds layers of social commentary about media manipulation and public perception. The detailed exploration of PR strategies, from rebranding to crisis management, feels authentic and adds depth to the fantasy elements.
Authentic Found Family Dynamics
The Theriot family serves as more than just background characters—they’re integral to both Vanessa’s healing and Roland’s integration into human society. Each brother has a distinct personality, and their protective yet supportive dynamic with Vanessa feels genuine. The Sunday breakfast scenes and family interactions provide emotional anchors that ground the more fantastical elements.
Balanced Humor and Heart
Stephens demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing comedy with serious themes. Vanessa’s internal monologue during stressful situations, Roland’s confusion about human customs, and the chaos of family interactions provide levity without undermining the story’s emotional core. The humor feels organic rather than forced, arising naturally from character interactions and situations.
Progressive Representation
The book features thoughtful diversity in both main and supporting characters. Margerie, Vanessa’s trans CMO and best friend, is portrayed as a complex, capable character whose identity is acknowledged but doesn’t define her entire storyline. The multicultural Theriot family and diverse supporting cast feel natural rather than tokenistic.
Areas for Improvement: Where the Story Stumbles
Pacing Issues in the Middle Act
While the beginning and ending are well-paced, the middle section sometimes feels rushed, particularly during Roland’s initial transformation sequence. The transition from his human appearance to his final alien form could benefit from more detailed exploration of the psychological impact on both characters.
Underdeveloped Villain Motivations
The antagonists, particularly the mysterious “Number Three,” feel somewhat one-dimensional despite their significant impact on the plot. While their actions drive the story forward effectively, their motivations remain surface-level, making them feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters.
Convenience in Conflict Resolution
Some plot resolutions rely heavily on convenient coincidences or sudden revelations. The discovery of Roland’s weapon and the final confrontation, while exciting, feel somewhat rushed and could benefit from more detailed setup and execution.
Steam Level and Romance Development
The romantic development between Vanessa and Roland is well-paced and emotionally satisfying. Stephens handles the physical aspect of their relationship thoughtfully, particularly given Roland’s alien physiology and Vanessa’s trauma history. The consent discussions and gradual intimacy building feel realistic and respectful.
The steam level is moderate to high, with several detailed intimate scenes that serve character development rather than existing purely for titillation. The author successfully navigates the challenge of writing intimate scenes between a human and an increasingly non-human character without crossing into uncomfortable territory.
Comparison to Similar Works
Readers who enjoy authors like Ruby Dixon (Bound in Moonlight), Tana Stone (Valos of Sonhadra series), or C.M. Nascosta (Morning Glory Milking Farm) will find familiar themes of human-alien romance with strong character development. However, Stephens’ corporate setting and contemporary world-building set it apart from typical sci-fi romance.
All Superheroes Need PR also shares DNA with superhero romances like Meghan March’s contemporary works, though with more fantastical elements, and the workplace romance aspects recall Christina Lauren’s modern relationship dynamics.
Final Verdict: A Strong Start to a Promising Series
All Superheroes Need PR succeeds primarily as a character-driven romance with superhero elements rather than a superhero story with romantic subplots. Stephens’ strength lies in creating believable, flawed characters who grow together organically. While the plot occasionally stumbles and some world-building elements could use more development, the emotional core of the story remains strong throughout.
All Superheroes Need PR works best for readers seeking contemporary romance with fantastical elements rather than traditional superhero action. Vanessa and Roland’s relationship development is the true highlight, supported by excellent secondary characters and a unique corporate backdrop.
For fans of Stephens’ previous work, this represents a successful expansion into new territory while maintaining her signature blend of humor, heart, and heat. New readers will find an accessible entry point that doesn’t require knowledge of her other series.
Recommendation
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary romance with supernatural elements
- Workplace/corporate settings
- Anxiety representation in romance
- Found family dynamics
- Moderate steam levels with emotional development
- Unique takes on familiar tropes
Best avoided by readers seeking:
- Traditional superhero action sequences
- Fast-paced adventure over character development
- Minimal steam content
- Straightforward human romance
All Superheroes Need PR is a good read for its strong character work and emotional resonance, despite some structural weaknesses. It’s an entertaining read that successfully launches what promises to be an engaging series exploring the intersection of superpowers and very human emotions.