"romantic update of the Greatest American Hero"

In Atlanta, twenty-four years old Utopia Café waitress Belle Jamison has major bills since she covers much of the expense of her ailing dad living at the expensive Village on the Park assisted living center (and home to the silver foxes). However, barely keeping her job (only thanks to her twin "girls" -- boobs that is- coming to her rescue), she calls 911 to save some guy's life from assailants when she learns the enemy is the CIA.

Now a week later, the worst coffee wench in history is having personal problems ever since the incident as the endangered dude slipped a powerful Mickey into her latte. Now this hunk Rome Matthews hovers all over the bewildered Belle explaining she was caught in a paranormal war between two adversaries. He further informs her that her body is changing due to the spiked latte she drank and his job is to bring her to his side's lab for testing to see if she can become a superheroine or perhaps neutralizing her, which means being comatose. Too young to consider not having children, Belle Superhero flees with a determined Rome in hot pursuit.

PLYING WITH FIRE is a romantic update of the Greatest American Hero though Ralph Hinkley was at least a competent teacher. The story line is action-packed, fast- paced and filled with twists as two sides want Belle. While Rome finds himself falling love with her, he knows he still might have to neutralize her especially if the enemy gets her. Fantasy romance fans who enjoy a zany amusing tale will appreciate this wild fun ride that starts with a résumé filled with firings and ends with a save the world scenario job.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 25, 2006

Summary

Belle Jamison, Superhero?

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 a crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning, I'm waking up with a major hottie bending over me. He tells me 1) his name's Rome Matthews, 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. Still. I didn't make this bed of trouble, but Rome sure wants me to lie in it. . . with him.