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Supers in the City #2
All Superheroes Need Photo Ops: Supers in the City
A swooning photographer and a double-crossing superhero come together with electrifying chemistry in an out-of-this-world romantic comedy by the author of
All Superheroes Need PR.
From the moment forty-eight alien superheroes crash-landed on Earth, photographer Monika Neumann had a favorite. She’s been crushing on the literally electrifying Taranis ever since she saw the cutie crawling out of his pod. Unfortunately, his popularity isn’t exactly crackling these days. He could use an image boost.
Monika is in. One right photo op and she’ll put her ridiculously hot lightning-bolt-wielding hero back in the public’s favor. The best part is, the mission will bring her closer to Taranis. She’s already looking forward to the sparks. Monika never imagined there’d be a worst an accidental recording that reveals Taranis could be more villain than hero. In fact, her pretty golden boy can get kind of ugly.
Going all 007 and spying on Taranis isn’t the adventure in romance and derring-do she expected. Can she trust him? Doubtful. Can she resist him? No way. Is she ready to risk everything on a shimmering Champion with the power to zap her heart in two? Well, yeah.
From the moment forty-eight alien superheroes crash-landed on Earth, photographer Monika Neumann had a favorite. She’s been crushing on the literally electrifying Taranis ever since she saw the cutie crawling out of his pod. Unfortunately, his popularity isn’t exactly crackling these days. He could use an image boost.
Monika is in. One right photo op and she’ll put her ridiculously hot lightning-bolt-wielding hero back in the public’s favor. The best part is, the mission will bring her closer to Taranis. She’s already looking forward to the sparks. Monika never imagined there’d be a worst an accidental recording that reveals Taranis could be more villain than hero. In fact, her pretty golden boy can get kind of ugly.
Going all 007 and spying on Taranis isn’t the adventure in romance and derring-do she expected. Can she trust him? Doubtful. Can she resist him? No way. Is she ready to risk everything on a shimmering Champion with the power to zap her heart in two? Well, yeah.
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Published November 25, 2025
223 people are currently reading
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About the author
Elizabeth Stephens
79 books1,394 followersTop 10 USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Stephens writes books where beastly men—or sometimes just beasts—always get the girl.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
A full-time hybrid indie and traditionally published author, Elizabeth is best known for her Supers in the City series (Montlake) and her indie works like The Bone King and the Starling and Dark City Omega. In all of her books, readers can expect diverse casts, epic world-building, quests with unexpected twists, and women of color being celebrated loudly, Black and biracial women in particular.
When she isn’t writing, you might find Elizabeth enjoying the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest or traveling and making adventures of her own with her husband, tiny humans, and doggo, King Louis.
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November 8, 2025
All Superheroes Need Photo Ops follows Monica, a world famous photographer known for her gritty, action packed art, and Taranis, a superhero who will do anything to break free from his contract and take over the world; including hiring Monica to follow him around and take photos. This quirky and chaotic romance was so fun and entertaining! I loved the hero vs villain plot line and how all the action came to be. The potential for the rest of the series is endless and I can't wait to see how it plays out. Aside from the plot, the romance between Taranis and Monica was so enigmatic. While I'm not a huge fan of instalust, it really worked well here. The two had so much obvious attraction and contempt for each other at the same time and it was so fun. Taranis went from being a complete selfish bastard to putting aside all of his plans to keep Monica safe, and it was so sweet. If you're in the mood for a love/hate romance with some kinky monster smut and banter, this fast paced superhero story is the one for you!
Read if you like:
📷Morally Grey MMC📷
📷D/s Dynamics📷
📷Monster Appendages📷
📷He Falls First and Harder📷
~Many thanks to Montlake for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Read if you like:
📷Morally Grey MMC📷
📷D/s Dynamics📷
📷Monster Appendages📷
📷He Falls First and Harder📷
~Many thanks to Montlake for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Read
November 22, 2025DNF at 50% -- I thought this would be a light. superhero rom-com and was surprised that it is was not that. HOWEVER, I think there is an audience for this exact book if you know what you're getting yourself into going in.
This is the synopsis of the book: "From the moment forty-eight alien superheroes crash-landed on Earth, photographer Monika Neumann had a favorite. She’s been crushing on the literally electrifying Taranis ever since she saw the cutie crawling out of his pod. Unfortunately, his popularity isn’t exactly crackling these days. He could use an image boost.
Monika is in. One right photo op and she’ll put her ridiculously hot lightning-bolt-wielding hero back in the public’s favor. The best part is, the mission will bring her closer to Taranis. She’s already looking forward to the sparks. Monika never imagined there’d be a worst part: an accidental recording that reveals Taranis could be more villain than hero. In fact, her pretty golden boy can get kind of ugly.
Going all 007 and spying on Taranis isn’t the adventure in romance and derring-do she expected. Can she trust him? Doubtful. Can she resist him? No way. Is she ready to risk everything on a shimmering Champion with the power to zap her heart in two? Well, yeah."
Based off of that, I thought we would get a Mr. and Mrs. Smith spy thing where he is morally grey (superhero who is also a villain) and she is a badass. He is definitely morally grey (violent, hates humans, wants to bring the superheroes down, like scaring people) and Monika is a badass (she is a war photographer who has transitioned to photographing superheroes. She also has PTSD so that is a content warning if you need it).
The first thing that surprised me was that superheroes can turn into bigger, more alien versions of themselves and therefore have ... unique alien anatomy. I guess I didn't know what I thought I would be getting into with superhero anatomy and I didn't read the first book in the series, so it was just surprising. Based on the 50% that I read there was some sort of knotting so if you are into that, definitely pick this book up.
The other thing I was not expecting because it was not in the content warning was a dom/sub relationship with degradation, humiliation, and pleasure as pain. I only read one spice scene so I am not sure how this progresses and what else occurs but I feel like it might be useful to mention because there are folks who will love this who may not pick up this book otherwise and vice versa. This is my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Stephens so I am not sure if this is a theme in her books but I was just unaware so it took me a bit by surprise.
This book wasn't for me but if you like any of the following you should check it out:
📸 Morally grey MMC
👽 Biracial (Malian and Korean with German roots), bisexual, plus-sized FMC who is a badass
📸 Hate to love
👽 Dom/sub relationship with degradation, pain as pleasure, humiliation
📸 Superheroes vs villains
👽 Knotting
_________________________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Elizabeth Stephens has been on my TBR for a long time so I’m excited to finally read something of hers! And I deeply need something light hearted to read (my last two reads have been soul crushing) so let’s hope this one hits the spot. --> LOL to me thinking this would be a light romp.
This is the synopsis of the book: "From the moment forty-eight alien superheroes crash-landed on Earth, photographer Monika Neumann had a favorite. She’s been crushing on the literally electrifying Taranis ever since she saw the cutie crawling out of his pod. Unfortunately, his popularity isn’t exactly crackling these days. He could use an image boost.
Monika is in. One right photo op and she’ll put her ridiculously hot lightning-bolt-wielding hero back in the public’s favor. The best part is, the mission will bring her closer to Taranis. She’s already looking forward to the sparks. Monika never imagined there’d be a worst part: an accidental recording that reveals Taranis could be more villain than hero. In fact, her pretty golden boy can get kind of ugly.
Going all 007 and spying on Taranis isn’t the adventure in romance and derring-do she expected. Can she trust him? Doubtful. Can she resist him? No way. Is she ready to risk everything on a shimmering Champion with the power to zap her heart in two? Well, yeah."
Based off of that, I thought we would get a Mr. and Mrs. Smith spy thing where he is morally grey (superhero who is also a villain) and she is a badass. He is definitely morally grey (violent, hates humans, wants to bring the superheroes down, like scaring people) and Monika is a badass (she is a war photographer who has transitioned to photographing superheroes. She also has PTSD so that is a content warning if you need it).
The first thing that surprised me was that superheroes can turn into bigger, more alien versions of themselves and therefore have ... unique alien anatomy. I guess I didn't know what I thought I would be getting into with superhero anatomy and I didn't read the first book in the series, so it was just surprising. Based on the 50% that I read there was some sort of knotting so if you are into that, definitely pick this book up.
The other thing I was not expecting because it was not in the content warning was a dom/sub relationship with degradation, humiliation, and pleasure as pain. I only read one spice scene so I am not sure how this progresses and what else occurs but I feel like it might be useful to mention because there are folks who will love this who may not pick up this book otherwise and vice versa. This is my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Stephens so I am not sure if this is a theme in her books but I was just unaware so it took me a bit by surprise.
This book wasn't for me but if you like any of the following you should check it out:
📸 Morally grey MMC
👽 Biracial (Malian and Korean with German roots), bisexual, plus-sized FMC who is a badass
📸 Hate to love
👽 Dom/sub relationship with degradation, pain as pleasure, humiliation
📸 Superheroes vs villains
👽 Knotting
_________________________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: Elizabeth Stephens has been on my TBR for a long time so I’m excited to finally read something of hers! And I deeply need something light hearted to read (my last two reads have been soul crushing) so let’s hope this one hits the spot. --> LOL to me thinking this would be a light romp.
November 25, 2025
I really, really enjoyed All Superheroes Need PR, but I am OBSESSED with All Superheroes Need Photo Ops! Something about this felt more high stakes, steamier, more daring, and funnier—and that's not because book 1 was short on *any* of these things, book 2 just really raised the bar! Elizabeth Stephens has crafted such an interesting, diverse, dynamic contemporary world with superhero aliens and the sweetest women on earth who get completely turnt out by them LOL.
I loved Darius and Monika baaaaad. He was a little mean, which has to be executed in a very specific way for me to get jiggy with; I am happy to report that Darius was a king, and I have no notes. Monika is smart and strong and knows how to handle Darius' absolute insanity and…appendages—I'm sorry, I literally cannot get past the spice in this book LOL. The storyline was engaging and exciting, the action packed a punch, and this was a genuinely incredible continuation of this series. I cannot WAIT for more, and I'm glad Stephens is going to give it to us! I also really enjoyed seeing characters from PR in Photo Ops; I think these are technically interconnected standalones, but the vastness of the lore, world building, and interactions makes it such a treat to see familiar faces. I genuinely have no idea who book 3 is going to be about, but I'll be SAT.
Now, the narration. Sean Crisden and Emery Erickson had no business at all being that good. They breathed so much life into these characters and the action scenes, I'm obsessed.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, Montlake, and Elizabeth for sending me an early copy, ALC, and ARC!
5 ⭐️s
4.5 🌶️
I loved Darius and Monika baaaaad. He was a little mean, which has to be executed in a very specific way for me to get jiggy with; I am happy to report that Darius was a king, and I have no notes. Monika is smart and strong and knows how to handle Darius' absolute insanity and…appendages—I'm sorry, I literally cannot get past the spice in this book LOL. The storyline was engaging and exciting, the action packed a punch, and this was a genuinely incredible continuation of this series. I cannot WAIT for more, and I'm glad Stephens is going to give it to us! I also really enjoyed seeing characters from PR in Photo Ops; I think these are technically interconnected standalones, but the vastness of the lore, world building, and interactions makes it such a treat to see familiar faces. I genuinely have no idea who book 3 is going to be about, but I'll be SAT.
Now, the narration. Sean Crisden and Emery Erickson had no business at all being that good. They breathed so much life into these characters and the action scenes, I'm obsessed.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, Montlake, and Elizabeth for sending me an early copy, ALC, and ARC!
5 ⭐️s
4.5 🌶️
September 2, 2025
Might just be me but when an MMC threatens the FMCs life I don’t consider it a rom-com. This went from huh? to wtf?! extremely quickly and I got whiplash. I see where the author was going but it didn’t quite get there.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
I probably needed a safe word to read this. I'm not sure how I feel about All Superheroes Need Photo Ops. I have severe mixed feelings and vacillated wildly between if it was a 2 star read or a 4 star read for me. But I will give extreme props to Elizabeth Stephens for not sugar coating the villainous hero and not making him just 'misunderstood'. He is ultimately a villain. She also committed to Dom/Sub theme for the sex as well and did not shy away from some of the dirty in that.
The first book in the Supers in the City series, All Superheroes Need PR was really quite a cute read and while it took me awhile to connect with the female lead in that, I connected with Monika right away. She is such a cool and independent woman, completely in touch with who she is and what she wants. Taranis on the other hand, was the Heroes poster boy in the prior book. So when he turned out to be mostly a fraud and a pretty big A-hole I was a bit surprised. His character was the difficult one for me to really get on board with, at least until the last portion of the book.
The story set up and overarching story line is interesting. Aliens sent a set of kids to earth, all have different powers and are called the 48. Some have joined team Villains, some the Heroes and some have remained independent. In the first book you find out why the aliens were really sent to earth. The Wyvern was the first to manifest and come into his full power. Taranis was the number 1 hero before that happened and now he is jealous he has lost most of the spotlight. However, he has figured out if Monika also takes pictures for him, he might just be able to regain his former status.
Monika had a crush on Taranis for years. That is until she saw the man he truly was, was not the hero she always imagined. She is a professional though and so she will take his picture and make him look good, even if she almost has to die to do it. The tables turn though when Taranis discovers she is his mate (for lack of a better word) and is the reason he has manifested into his true form. This form is not as pretty as his last one and he is now also blue, but it gives him some freedoms that he hasn't had before and now is the time to change his entire life.
I HATED Taranis for probably 2/3rds of the book. He isn't a nice guy, he hates humans, looks down on most of the world in general and was a jerk to Monika. Monika was always someone I could root for though. She is a bit full figured and completely embraces it, is fan-freaking-tastic at her job and gets shit done. I did grow to love her and their relationship and in the end I was completely rooting for them. But it was a long road with some pretty big bumps and red flags throws on so many plays.
Bonus for those of us that read the first book, Roland and Vanessa make some appearances in the book and I loved seeing them and how far they had come.
This isn't going to be an easy read for some people and I can see a lot of people not being okay with Taranis ever. But, I love that the author stuck to her guns on the character and didn't completely change his overall character just because he fell in love. So just remember you might need a safe word for part of the book and you will probably be fine.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★
Sound Effects: None
Sean Bassett returns with another strong performance. He has a really deep voice that seemed to fit the Taranis and the Wyvern well making them feel like the big bada**es they are. Emery Ericson was a new to me narrator. She was able to make it easy for me to visualize Monika. I enjoyed both PoV narrations and how they performed all of the characters.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
I probably needed a safe word to read this. I'm not sure how I feel about All Superheroes Need Photo Ops. I have severe mixed feelings and vacillated wildly between if it was a 2 star read or a 4 star read for me. But I will give extreme props to Elizabeth Stephens for not sugar coating the villainous hero and not making him just 'misunderstood'. He is ultimately a villain. She also committed to Dom/Sub theme for the sex as well and did not shy away from some of the dirty in that.
The first book in the Supers in the City series, All Superheroes Need PR was really quite a cute read and while it took me awhile to connect with the female lead in that, I connected with Monika right away. She is such a cool and independent woman, completely in touch with who she is and what she wants. Taranis on the other hand, was the Heroes poster boy in the prior book. So when he turned out to be mostly a fraud and a pretty big A-hole I was a bit surprised. His character was the difficult one for me to really get on board with, at least until the last portion of the book.
The story set up and overarching story line is interesting. Aliens sent a set of kids to earth, all have different powers and are called the 48. Some have joined team Villains, some the Heroes and some have remained independent. In the first book you find out why the aliens were really sent to earth. The Wyvern was the first to manifest and come into his full power. Taranis was the number 1 hero before that happened and now he is jealous he has lost most of the spotlight. However, he has figured out if Monika also takes pictures for him, he might just be able to regain his former status.
Monika had a crush on Taranis for years. That is until she saw the man he truly was, was not the hero she always imagined. She is a professional though and so she will take his picture and make him look good, even if she almost has to die to do it. The tables turn though when Taranis discovers she is his mate (for lack of a better word) and is the reason he has manifested into his true form. This form is not as pretty as his last one and he is now also blue, but it gives him some freedoms that he hasn't had before and now is the time to change his entire life.
I HATED Taranis for probably 2/3rds of the book. He isn't a nice guy, he hates humans, looks down on most of the world in general and was a jerk to Monika. Monika was always someone I could root for though. She is a bit full figured and completely embraces it, is fan-freaking-tastic at her job and gets shit done. I did grow to love her and their relationship and in the end I was completely rooting for them. But it was a long road with some pretty big bumps and red flags throws on so many plays.
Bonus for those of us that read the first book, Roland and Vanessa make some appearances in the book and I loved seeing them and how far they had come.
This isn't going to be an easy read for some people and I can see a lot of people not being okay with Taranis ever. But, I love that the author stuck to her guns on the character and didn't completely change his overall character just because he fell in love. So just remember you might need a safe word for part of the book and you will probably be fine.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★
Sound Effects: None
Sean Bassett returns with another strong performance. He has a really deep voice that seemed to fit the Taranis and the Wyvern well making them feel like the big bada**es they are. Emery Ericson was a new to me narrator. She was able to make it easy for me to visualize Monika. I enjoyed both PoV narrations and how they performed all of the characters.
Listen to a clip: HERE
October 6, 2025
This series is (one of) my happy place. As I was reading this book I think how I need to reread book one and how I’m almost twice as giddy reading this as I was book one. About how I KNEW only a few chapters in that Stephens had an absolute Best Seller on her hands. And in awe that a woman who wrote Dark City Omega and The Bone King and the Starling had yet another dirty talking, ferally obsessive MMC in her bag. And then she hit me with Roland and now Darius and paired each of them with FMCs that I absolutely adore for completely different reasons. Beloved this book is the feet kicking, spontaneous squealing (even in public at the park with your kid), thigh clenching good! And that’s all before we even get to the subplot and the not so good guys against the bad but maybe not that bad, bad guys. The possible subjection of the human race and if our chosen heroes will be enough to save us or if they even want to. This is a fun and funny, captivating and entertaining, sexy and spicy. Elizabeth Stephens without a doubt does it again!
August 7, 2025
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I adored All Superheroes Need PR and was so excited that book two was going to be Monika, a badass war photographer who is now taking photos of Champions, and Taranis, the most beloved of the Champions (except is he really a good guy?). Unfortunately this book ended up not working for me near as well as PR, even with all the anticipation. I love Monika and she’s a very different character from Vanessa, who couldn’t walk a straight line without tripping on air, but I just cannot root for Taranis. I understand villain romances and even enjoy morally grey characters and characters who are only kind towards their loved one(s), but I just felt like Taranis took it too far for me. He’s never been a particularly nice guy and only presents the facade because he wants the power, but when he breaks ties with the COE and becomes a lone agent, he no longer lets himself have limiters and literally tortures people. I just didn’t particularly enjoy his character, and even his treatment of Monika wasn’t redeeming enough for me to still root for the romance. I can see this finding its audience and Supers in the City continuing to do well for Elizabeth, but All Superheroes Need Photo Ops just wasn’t for me after all.
I adored All Superheroes Need PR and was so excited that book two was going to be Monika, a badass war photographer who is now taking photos of Champions, and Taranis, the most beloved of the Champions (except is he really a good guy?). Unfortunately this book ended up not working for me near as well as PR, even with all the anticipation. I love Monika and she’s a very different character from Vanessa, who couldn’t walk a straight line without tripping on air, but I just cannot root for Taranis. I understand villain romances and even enjoy morally grey characters and characters who are only kind towards their loved one(s), but I just felt like Taranis took it too far for me. He’s never been a particularly nice guy and only presents the facade because he wants the power, but when he breaks ties with the COE and becomes a lone agent, he no longer lets himself have limiters and literally tortures people. I just didn’t particularly enjoy his character, and even his treatment of Monika wasn’t redeeming enough for me to still root for the romance. I can see this finding its audience and Supers in the City continuing to do well for Elizabeth, but All Superheroes Need Photo Ops just wasn’t for me after all.
August 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Stephens, and Montlake for the advanced copy!
Rating: 4/5 stars
I was SO excited to see this became available! I think I went into this book thinking it'd kind of be like the first one, and I have never been so glad to be wrong. Taranis is the perfect anti-hero. Monika, our fmc, sees right through his crap and doesn't worship him the way other humans do and he is into it.
If you want to be surprised, go in blind on this book. Don't look up tropes. You will be DELIGHTFULLY excited by it, I promise!!
Elizabeth, can we get book 3 yet???
Rating: 4/5 stars
I was SO excited to see this became available! I think I went into this book thinking it'd kind of be like the first one, and I have never been so glad to be wrong. Taranis is the perfect anti-hero. Monika, our fmc, sees right through his crap and doesn't worship him the way other humans do and he is into it.
If you want to be surprised, go in blind on this book. Don't look up tropes. You will be DELIGHTFULLY excited by it, I promise!!
Elizabeth, can we get book 3 yet???
October 25, 2025
This second book in the Supers in the City series stars the most adored Super on earth, Taranis. He's the incredibly handsome one, the super charming one who everyone has a crush on. He contracts former combat photographer Monika (she works for Vanessa the FMC of All Superheroes Need PR) to cover him as well. It's only after she sees him in action that she realizes the good guy act is just that. Apart from the romance, there's more lore and world building for this series, and several big Champion v. Villain set pieces that are pure action and completely well done.
Taranis is terrible. The romance reader thinks, oh a huge alpha who is a gruff, mean boss and presents as nice but thinks grumpy thoughts and is narcissistic and probably comes around because of his feelings for the heroine, right? No. He is absolutely dehumanizing to his employees, and doesn't care if the people around him live or die, which they frequently do because he won't protect anyone but himself. He hates humans (as he repeatedly says) including Monika and all the people involved in the Champions. He manipulates Monika into working for him, and then once she's locked in with a contract and NDA shows his true face to her. "Taranis is - deep down in his bleak interior - a rotten thing."
Stephens does great work with letting Taranis be awful. His POV clearly shows how he actively hates everyone and doesn't care at all about them. Stephens shows the gradual bleed-through of emotion and concern for Monika that Taranis has and his resistance to it. His "mind rages with worry - anger, I mean, not worry" when she disappears, even as he also hates any sign that his concern could be perceived as weakness. In the ultimate "she makes him a better man" move (his eyes change color and everything "I see a new color they've never turned before reflected in miniature in Monika's glossy eyes. Blue. Like the sky."), his pre-super alter ego Darius comes to the fore.
Darius is the (slightly) better version, who tends to Monika when she's injured, and starts to build a relationship with the other reverted Super, Wyvern from book one. Where Taranis is all anger and D/s dynamic without scene boundaries, Darius plans dates and shows up (so is D/s WITH scene boundaries). Neither of them really know who is in control, and Darius does a lot of inner work with Taranis would do X so I should to Y kind of thinking. Monika finds Taranis hateable (and also VERY [marital congress]able) but is starting to care for Darius, as he is her. "I don't know who to trust. What to feel. What I've started to feel for Darius is in complete conflict with what I feel for Taranis." And sometimes Taranis is clearly in the lead but demanding the trust and care Darius has earned, when he doesn't merit it.
I think Stephens's is a talented writer and world builder, and I see what she was doing here. She's taking a risk for sure. I'll be interested in reading reviews of this closer to release, and to see if readers get past how Taranis is, or if they vastly prefer the Darius. I'm not one to rate down because someone else's yum is very much my yuck if I choose to read the book. D/s is really not my ministry, so I'm mostly agnostic, but I actively dislike degradation, especially in scenes with little or no aftercare to delineate their boundaries, and this book jumps right to that with no buildup or warning.
I am one to note the balance of the book, and if a character's redemption feels complete, or balance is there overall, regardless of what Scenes take place during intimate times. Taranis is so terrible to Monika, before but also after they become involved. Darius is completely different in their interactions, and only shows after their involvement starts, but even though they are two sides of the coin, there needs to be some atonement/acknowledgement of his earlier actions. Apart from saying Darius would never... Stephens has a tricky needle to thread here with her MMC having two distinct personalities, but they aren't completely bifurcated, so Darius can't have a buy on what Taranis does. I don't know if she completely pulled it off.
I'm not a reader who needs a lot of CW in my books, but I absolutely support and appreciate that they are becoming more common in romance and I think they are a great service to sensitive readers. Stephens has TW/CW for all her books on her website, I do think they need to include abusive behavior by MMC in his Taranis form to FMC. There's violence and threats of violence, and behavior that frightens her. She has a safeword, and he stops when she uses it, but it's upsetting to read, and upsetting for the FMC to experience.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
Taranis is terrible. The romance reader thinks, oh a huge alpha who is a gruff, mean boss and presents as nice but thinks grumpy thoughts and is narcissistic and probably comes around because of his feelings for the heroine, right? No. He is absolutely dehumanizing to his employees, and doesn't care if the people around him live or die, which they frequently do because he won't protect anyone but himself. He hates humans (as he repeatedly says) including Monika and all the people involved in the Champions. He manipulates Monika into working for him, and then once she's locked in with a contract and NDA shows his true face to her. "Taranis is - deep down in his bleak interior - a rotten thing."
Stephens does great work with letting Taranis be awful. His POV clearly shows how he actively hates everyone and doesn't care at all about them. Stephens shows the gradual bleed-through of emotion and concern for Monika that Taranis has and his resistance to it. His "mind rages with worry - anger, I mean, not worry" when she disappears, even as he also hates any sign that his concern could be perceived as weakness. In the ultimate "she makes him a better man" move (his eyes change color and everything "I see a new color they've never turned before reflected in miniature in Monika's glossy eyes. Blue. Like the sky."), his pre-super alter ego Darius comes to the fore.
Darius is the (slightly) better version, who tends to Monika when she's injured, and starts to build a relationship with the other reverted Super, Wyvern from book one. Where Taranis is all anger and D/s dynamic without scene boundaries, Darius plans dates and shows up (so is D/s WITH scene boundaries). Neither of them really know who is in control, and Darius does a lot of inner work with Taranis would do X so I should to Y kind of thinking. Monika finds Taranis hateable (and also VERY [marital congress]able) but is starting to care for Darius, as he is her. "I don't know who to trust. What to feel. What I've started to feel for Darius is in complete conflict with what I feel for Taranis." And sometimes Taranis is clearly in the lead but demanding the trust and care Darius has earned, when he doesn't merit it.
I think Stephens's is a talented writer and world builder, and I see what she was doing here. She's taking a risk for sure. I'll be interested in reading reviews of this closer to release, and to see if readers get past how Taranis is, or if they vastly prefer the Darius. I'm not one to rate down because someone else's yum is very much my yuck if I choose to read the book. D/s is really not my ministry, so I'm mostly agnostic, but I actively dislike degradation, especially in scenes with little or no aftercare to delineate their boundaries, and this book jumps right to that with no buildup or warning.
I am one to note the balance of the book, and if a character's redemption feels complete, or balance is there overall, regardless of what Scenes take place during intimate times. Taranis is so terrible to Monika, before but also after they become involved. Darius is completely different in their interactions, and only shows after their involvement starts, but even though they are two sides of the coin, there needs to be some atonement/acknowledgement of his earlier actions. Apart from saying Darius would never... Stephens has a tricky needle to thread here with her MMC having two distinct personalities, but they aren't completely bifurcated, so Darius can't have a buy on what Taranis does. I don't know if she completely pulled it off.
I'm not a reader who needs a lot of CW in my books, but I absolutely support and appreciate that they are becoming more common in romance and I think they are a great service to sensitive readers. Stephens has TW/CW for all her books on her website, I do think they need to include abusive behavior by MMC in his Taranis form to FMC. There's violence and threats of violence, and behavior that frightens her. She has a safeword, and he stops when she uses it, but it's upsetting to read, and upsetting for the FMC to experience.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
November 23, 2025
This man was so down bad from the very first time he saw her and I love that, this book was spicy and amazing. Monika is a war photographer and Darius is basically a super villain who only cares about himself and Monika once he hires her to take pictures of him to fix his image, and you know a lot of things happen, I loved getting to the action because that’s when I really got how each character reacted to things and showed their care for each other.
I got the chance to listen to an ALC of this book and the narrators did an amazing job at voicing the characters, during the action and during the actionnnn if you get what I mean. So great!
I’m thankful I am part of Elizabeth Stephen’s Patreon in which I got access to both the ARC and ALC!
I got the chance to listen to an ALC of this book and the narrators did an amazing job at voicing the characters, during the action and during the actionnnn if you get what I mean. So great!
I’m thankful I am part of Elizabeth Stephen’s Patreon in which I got access to both the ARC and ALC!
January 2, 2026
This was a great follow-up to All Superheroes Need PR and I cannot wait to see where this series goes!
November 9, 2025
Book one was a 5* read for me, so I was really excited to read this one! And whilst I didn’t love it as much as the first one, it was still a fun enjoyable read and I’d definitely recommend this series.
In this instalment we follow Monika and Taranis - who we met in book one. He’s annoyed at the fame and publicity the Wyvern is getting, following book one, and she has a secret crush on him. She’s a photographer and he needs a PR boost - one perfect photo op should be just the thing he needs. When an accidental recording proves him to be more villain than hero - what can go wrong? Or more importantly, what could go right.
I’m not gonna lie, for the first 30% I HATED Taranis. He’s not a likeable MMC - he was jealous of the Wyvern’s success and all round mean. He hated humans and was just wanted more power. He didn’t treat Monika nicely, and whilst she didn’t mind - it just meant I wasn’t a fan of his characterisation.
I loved Monika’s character from book one and was excited to get more character depth in this instalment. She’s kickass and I really enjoyed how we got to know more about her and her career in this one.
Once we got into the latter half of the book I did like their relationship - especially in the final few chapters. And I did find myself rooting for them.
One of my favourite aspects were the snippets we got of Vanessa and Roland - I just love them.
Overall a spicy fun read. This is such a unique series that I really enjoy and would 100% recommend
ARC copy provided by Montlake & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
In this instalment we follow Monika and Taranis - who we met in book one. He’s annoyed at the fame and publicity the Wyvern is getting, following book one, and she has a secret crush on him. She’s a photographer and he needs a PR boost - one perfect photo op should be just the thing he needs. When an accidental recording proves him to be more villain than hero - what can go wrong? Or more importantly, what could go right.
I’m not gonna lie, for the first 30% I HATED Taranis. He’s not a likeable MMC - he was jealous of the Wyvern’s success and all round mean. He hated humans and was just wanted more power. He didn’t treat Monika nicely, and whilst she didn’t mind - it just meant I wasn’t a fan of his characterisation.
I loved Monika’s character from book one and was excited to get more character depth in this instalment. She’s kickass and I really enjoyed how we got to know more about her and her career in this one.
Once we got into the latter half of the book I did like their relationship - especially in the final few chapters. And I did find myself rooting for them.
One of my favourite aspects were the snippets we got of Vanessa and Roland - I just love them.
Overall a spicy fun read. This is such a unique series that I really enjoy and would 100% recommend
ARC copy provided by Montlake & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2025
What a wild ride! The villiam, and I do mean VILLIAN gets the girl. Girl be crazy tho.😂 Fast pace, super spicy, bad guy, tough girl. This book is for the monster lovers!
CW-
CW-
November 25, 2025
They say never meet your hero and even more so never meet the hero you’ve been crushing on for years. Monika has learned that lesson the hard way after accidentally recording & finding out that hero Taranis has secretly been working with Marduk (leader of the villains). And now she’s been charged with spying on him.
Taranis hates humans, hates feeling like he isn’t the best or most powerful, and most of all he hates being a hero. He craves power, to be unchained from the responsibilities and duties of being a hero, and honestly plans to overthrow everything and rule all heroes and villains. That is until he invites a bratty photographer into his world and she upends his life, his plans, his heart.
I loved this second installment of the Supers In The City series. I’d say I loved it just as much as book one but for different reasons. Of course we love a grumpy alien with superpowers but what I adore about this series in general is the play on good vs evil and the grey space in between. In book one we get to see the hero side of things but for this second book I greatly enjoyed seeing the hero tap the microphone and announce “Fuck all yall I’m on neither side. I’m here for me and my girl. That’s it.” I mean who wouldn’t want a giant blue horned alien with powers, a huge dong that could knot you till your eyes roll back into your skull, and a fun tail choose you over the world and will in fact take a pound of flesh in revenge for you getting injured?
5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
-MF
-FMC is a war photographer
-MMC has electric powers
-Hero or villain???
-She’s crushing hard but also spying on him
-Monster/alien romcom vibes
-Knotting
-Degradation
-Dom/sub dynamic
-Tail play
-“Driver roll up the partition please”
-Two loners finding love
TW/CW: ptsd from being in war zones and witnessing awful things due to the job, very brief flashes from the past of seeing dead/mutilated bodies (a bit graphic), claustrophobia and fear of the dark (trapped in an elevator), death by rats, blood, biphobic comments (made by side character), gore and on page deaths, hospitalization
Taranis hates humans, hates feeling like he isn’t the best or most powerful, and most of all he hates being a hero. He craves power, to be unchained from the responsibilities and duties of being a hero, and honestly plans to overthrow everything and rule all heroes and villains. That is until he invites a bratty photographer into his world and she upends his life, his plans, his heart.
I loved this second installment of the Supers In The City series. I’d say I loved it just as much as book one but for different reasons. Of course we love a grumpy alien with superpowers but what I adore about this series in general is the play on good vs evil and the grey space in between. In book one we get to see the hero side of things but for this second book I greatly enjoyed seeing the hero tap the microphone and announce “Fuck all yall I’m on neither side. I’m here for me and my girl. That’s it.” I mean who wouldn’t want a giant blue horned alien with powers, a huge dong that could knot you till your eyes roll back into your skull, and a fun tail choose you over the world and will in fact take a pound of flesh in revenge for you getting injured?
5⭐️
4🔥
What to expect:
-MF
-FMC is a war photographer
-MMC has electric powers
-Hero or villain???
-She’s crushing hard but also spying on him
-Monster/alien romcom vibes
-Knotting
-Degradation
-Dom/sub dynamic
-Tail play
-“Driver roll up the partition please”
-Two loners finding love
TW/CW: ptsd from being in war zones and witnessing awful things due to the job, very brief flashes from the past of seeing dead/mutilated bodies (a bit graphic), claustrophobia and fear of the dark (trapped in an elevator), death by rats, blood, biphobic comments (made by side character), gore and on page deaths, hospitalization
November 28, 2025
Monika was a badass photographer with a celebrity crush that was swiftly turned on its head when she met the real Taranis. He was narcissistic, cruel, and alone in the ways that mattered. She became the other center of his world (cuz you know he was still at the center too), and helped him find some actual happiness. He pulled her out of her self-imposed social isolation and they found a messy little HEA together. He never became a good person, but he was her person. I’m super excited for the next book!
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, gore, body horror, battle, animal attack (eaten alive by rodents), electrocution, torture, death, fatphobia, misogyny, speciesism, chemical burns, electrical burns, fire burns, mentions of toxic estranged foster family with implied emotional abuse, kidnapping of side character, confinement of side character, claustrophobia, PTSD flashbacks, flashbacks to war, enucleation, emesis, houselessness of side characters
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence, gore, body horror, battle, animal attack (eaten alive by rodents), electrocution, torture, death, fatphobia, misogyny, speciesism, chemical burns, electrical burns, fire burns, mentions of toxic estranged foster family with implied emotional abuse, kidnapping of side character, confinement of side character, claustrophobia, PTSD flashbacks, flashbacks to war, enucleation, emesis, houselessness of side characters
October 29, 2025
Whoaaa, this book was such a treat! It surprised me in the best way possible. Book 2 expanded on the alien lore from book 1, but it didn't overwhelm me with new information. I really appreciate how this series is forming because the through storyline is interesting, but doesn't take away from each individual book's romance.
And the romance?!! Whoooo, it was hot! The MMC was more villain than hero and did many unethical things, but I somehow still rooted for them...?! Elizabeth Stephens, how did you do that?! The romance and plot in this one were stronger for me than book 1 was (although I do love me some book 1!!!). The FMC was a great character, and I liked seeing her career in the story. This story was action-packed and romance-packed. I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
And the romance?!! Whoooo, it was hot! The MMC was more villain than hero and did many unethical things, but I somehow still rooted for them...?! Elizabeth Stephens, how did you do that?! The romance and plot in this one were stronger for me than book 1 was (although I do love me some book 1!!!). The FMC was a great character, and I liked seeing her career in the story. This story was action-packed and romance-packed. I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and author for ARCs of this novel; all opinions are my own.
I'm actually obsessed with this book, with this world, with this series. OBSESSED. I will say, in the first 25% of this, I wasn't sure how Stephens would redeem Darius in my eyes. He was absolutely awful. Somehow, she manages it, because by the end, while yes this man is a villain, I was into it. I love this world, I want -- nay I NEED -- more books.
I'm actually obsessed with this book, with this world, with this series. OBSESSED. I will say, in the first 25% of this, I wasn't sure how Stephens would redeem Darius in my eyes. He was absolutely awful. Somehow, she manages it, because by the end, while yes this man is a villain, I was into it. I love this world, I want -- nay I NEED -- more books.
August 24, 2025
DNF at “I will kill you and make it look like an accident.” (Roughly 19% in) That’s a quote from our MMC to the FMC in this romance? Did I really read that??? I will not be continuing this book after reading that line, no redemption arc could erase that in my eyes.
I saw that this is supposed to be a villain morally gray romance but I still think that characters have to mesh well and be appropriate for one another. And maybe a little bit interesting? Taranis’s villain name should have been Red Flagulus. There is nothing likable about him at all. I guess I was hoping for more of a I have to pretend to be evil for *purposes* but I’m actually pretty ok. But not here in this instance (at least as far as I read).
I wasn’t really vibing with the writing style to begin with but was really interested to see how the story was handled but this a big nope from me.
There were some positives in the short amount that I did read. I did not read book one and I do feel that these are more interconnected stand alones. The author did a great job in the beginning giving us the world building from book one in just a few short chapters so I felt like I understood what was going on with all the superheroes and villains and how they came to be.
Our FMC is clearly very accomplished and the best at her job but then dives right in to instalust and a contract she didn’t bother reading because omg so hot. That gave me the ick.
Thank you as always to NetGalley and the author and publisher for this title to review in exchange for my honest review.
I saw that this is supposed to be a villain morally gray romance but I still think that characters have to mesh well and be appropriate for one another. And maybe a little bit interesting? Taranis’s villain name should have been Red Flagulus. There is nothing likable about him at all. I guess I was hoping for more of a I have to pretend to be evil for *purposes* but I’m actually pretty ok. But not here in this instance (at least as far as I read).
I wasn’t really vibing with the writing style to begin with but was really interested to see how the story was handled but this a big nope from me.
There were some positives in the short amount that I did read. I did not read book one and I do feel that these are more interconnected stand alones. The author did a great job in the beginning giving us the world building from book one in just a few short chapters so I felt like I understood what was going on with all the superheroes and villains and how they came to be.
Our FMC is clearly very accomplished and the best at her job but then dives right in to instalust and a contract she didn’t bother reading because omg so hot. That gave me the ick.
Thank you as always to NetGalley and the author and publisher for this title to review in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2025
This is book #2 in Elizabeth Stephens' "Supers in the City" series; the first book came out earlier this year (and was my first read by this author) and I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much so that I was excited for this one, and it did not disappoint. Fast-paced and engaging, this story picks up shortly after the 1st book ended and is just as entertaining. Monika is our FMC, a former war photographer and adrenaline junkie now employed for a PR firm that works with superheroes. (She and the PR firm were introduced in the first book, so here is where I need to add that these are not standalones and you really need to read that book first for peak enjoyment.) Our MMC is one of the "supers," Taranis/Darius, who puts on a facade in public that masks his disdain for humans. He's also self-serving and a bit ethically gray when it comes to humans. (I found him a little hard to root for, especially in the beginning and definitely during one particular scene at the end of the book. I trusted the author on this one, since we know that the alien superheroes don't necessarily have humanity's best interests at heart, despite some of them acting as defenders. And I can definitely enjoy a book without loving the main characters, it actually makes things more interesting.) I do love how this author writes characters! She does an amazing job making everyone so distinct. The main characters are well-developed, and there are no generic cookie-cutter supporting characters. She clearly puts a lot of thought and effort into everyone who populates her stories, which makes them so much more engaging than your average contemporary romance/fantasy/sci-fi book. I love her strong focus on body positivity, and there's great multicultural representation and sexual identity acceptance. The dynamic between Monika and Darius was interesting, and while I don't normally love the enemies-to-lovers vibe when it's overtly antagonistic like they were at times (especially Darius towards Monika), their intentional aggravation of one another was a lot of fun to read. I felt this book was a lot more sexually explicit than the first one, although YMMV. In terms of relationship development, the speed with which their physical relationship grew (and the volume of sexual content) seemed to pre-empt some of their on-page emotional bonding. The on-page relationship development leaned very heavily on their strong physical attraction as well as on their fated mates status (and some trauma-bonding thrown in), and I personally would have liked to see a bit more rationale for why Monika would even want to stay with Darius had everything else been equal. But it wasn't really that kind of book, so I was willing to suspend some disbelief. (I should also mention that this book is darker and edgier in some ways than the first one, so definitely pay attention to content warnings before reading.) But overall I found this to be a great read and I enjoyed it a lot. There are lots of characters among the supers and the villains, so I can see this series going for awhile. I'm really looking forward to the next book! Publishes November 25, 2025. This review is based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
*4.5
Thank you to Elizabeth Stephens for the E-arc!
I had a BLAST reading this!!
It's truly everything someone could want out of a paranormal superhero romance, it's hot, sexy, and very entertaining!
Taranis is the image of the perfect do good superhuman, he's known for being charming and good but it's all a facade. He's an asshole who couldn't care less about humanity, and he's been exposed thanks to Monika Neumann who is a field photographer who he just can't stop thinking about.
Monika Neumann is my favorite bisexaul of the year, she's hardworking, dedicated, and horny for the world favorite alien superhero who she has apparently charmed. Tasked with an undercover mission Monika is forced to stay close to Taranis but quickly realizes that perhaps just like the public, maybe she doesn't know Taranis at all.
Taranis is a downbad morally grey super being and when I say morally grey I truly mean it. He's not perfect, he's quite literally a grumpy asshole committed to hating humanity but he also has a tender spot for Monika which in turn makes him a gooey alien guy who is just whipped for his girl.
I really appreciated how Elizabeth portrayed Taranis, she did an amazing job at making him a complex character and I truly appreciate her for making him down BAD BAD! Also the tail? New Kink unlocked.
Monika is really that girl, she's a talented photographer who dabbles in a bit of everything like I found myself crushing on her because she speaks multiple languages and is committed to changing the world. Like idk if I want to be her or kiss her? Taranis would probably beat my ass for even typing that but oh well!
Truly a delightful fun and sexy read! The world isn't ready for Taranis and Monika ;)
Thank you to Elizabeth Stephens for the E-arc!
I had a BLAST reading this!!
It's truly everything someone could want out of a paranormal superhero romance, it's hot, sexy, and very entertaining!
Taranis is the image of the perfect do good superhuman, he's known for being charming and good but it's all a facade. He's an asshole who couldn't care less about humanity, and he's been exposed thanks to Monika Neumann who is a field photographer who he just can't stop thinking about.
Monika Neumann is my favorite bisexaul of the year, she's hardworking, dedicated, and horny for the world favorite alien superhero who she has apparently charmed. Tasked with an undercover mission Monika is forced to stay close to Taranis but quickly realizes that perhaps just like the public, maybe she doesn't know Taranis at all.
Taranis is a downbad morally grey super being and when I say morally grey I truly mean it. He's not perfect, he's quite literally a grumpy asshole committed to hating humanity but he also has a tender spot for Monika which in turn makes him a gooey alien guy who is just whipped for his girl.
I really appreciated how Elizabeth portrayed Taranis, she did an amazing job at making him a complex character and I truly appreciate her for making him down BAD BAD! Also the tail? New Kink unlocked.
Monika is really that girl, she's a talented photographer who dabbles in a bit of everything like I found myself crushing on her because she speaks multiple languages and is committed to changing the world. Like idk if I want to be her or kiss her? Taranis would probably beat my ass for even typing that but oh well!
Truly a delightful fun and sexy read! The world isn't ready for Taranis and Monika ;)
November 10, 2025
I received an e-ARC from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Getting an upcoming title by Elizabeth Stephens is always a treat! I couldn't be happier to have gotten the chance to read and review this beauty.
So our story this time focuses on the best photographer in the business Monika Newman, who also has a crush on the best of the best of superheroes, Taranis. But what no one knows is that Taranis actually is a huge jerk with an ego rivaling the sun. Knowing him, he would demand you honor him like the sun itself. And..he may be double-playing between Superheroes and villains. As Monika unwillingly becomes entangled in a tricky mission of uncovering his true motives, both may realize that they have a chemistry which will test Taranis's alliances and view of the world.
This was scorching! Freaking hot, I tell you! Do you want the action? The banter and the comedy? The spice? Scratch it, the spice was off the charts. I loved Monika, she is a strong, capable woman who also has vulnerabilities, making her even more realistic, and Taranis, while a jerk, he kind of became a cute jerk by the end of the book. Seeing also the possible next couple also made me even more excited for the next book!
Definitely recommended if you love extra spice with your superhero alien romance.
Getting an upcoming title by Elizabeth Stephens is always a treat! I couldn't be happier to have gotten the chance to read and review this beauty.
So our story this time focuses on the best photographer in the business Monika Newman, who also has a crush on the best of the best of superheroes, Taranis. But what no one knows is that Taranis actually is a huge jerk with an ego rivaling the sun. Knowing him, he would demand you honor him like the sun itself. And..he may be double-playing between Superheroes and villains. As Monika unwillingly becomes entangled in a tricky mission of uncovering his true motives, both may realize that they have a chemistry which will test Taranis's alliances and view of the world.
This was scorching! Freaking hot, I tell you! Do you want the action? The banter and the comedy? The spice? Scratch it, the spice was off the charts. I loved Monika, she is a strong, capable woman who also has vulnerabilities, making her even more realistic, and Taranis, while a jerk, he kind of became a cute jerk by the end of the book. Seeing also the possible next couple also made me even more excited for the next book!
Definitely recommended if you love extra spice with your superhero alien romance.
December 1, 2025
All Superheroes Need Photo Ops is one of my first introductions to Dom sub relationships when it comes to a book as much as I loved Monica personality, wise. Her feistiness, resilience and strength. She was in a damsel in distress and she knew what she wanted throughout the storyline and acted on it. Sadly I did not feel anything towards Darius. Is he good looking yes, does he know his way around the bedroom yes but at the end of the day, I didn’t feel any type of character development towards him. What reason does she really fall for him deep inside? I LOVED the Wyvern in the first book because even though you know he’s a villain and he tries his hardest not to fall for Vanessa which of course he does but then you actually find out more about him personality wise. You get to see what interests he has besides her and even find out that he can skateboard. There was nothing about Darius that I could see her feeling anything else besides lust. I do love the way the plot develops and how we find out more about the characters and even that the Murdock, who is the lead of the villains has actually found his own key. I do you still love Elizabeth Stephen’s writing and I will continue on with her other books. I just hope that the next one in the series can hold up to the first one cause to me this one didn’t. Thank you so much to NetGalley for the early access to the e-book. It was my first time getting to read a book before it was released and it was very thrilling. I hope that it won’t be the last.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ok, where do I even begin....
First of all, I am NOT a big audiobook person. I’m usually a “read it myself” type. But let me tell you right now, this book is a MUST-LISTEN. The voice actors absolutely ate this up and left no crumbs. I don’t think reading it would hit the same, because the audio performance makes the humor and personalities land so much harder.
Sigh...Taranis. My morally gray alien. My villain. My Dom.
Taranis is a villain, but also the funniest, most ridiculous menace I’ve listened to in a long time. He hates humans with his whole chest and genuinely believes he is a gift to humankind, and the way the voice actor embodies that energy had me laughing out loud. He is fully dramatic, fully arrogant, and fully convinced the world should be grateful for his existence.
The romance? Honestly, so hilarious, sweet, and entertaining. Monica and Taranis are absolutely made for each other, and the way their story kicks off is chaos in the best possible way. I had to pace myself because I wanted to just sit there staring into space, completely absorbed, listening like I had no responsibilities.
FYI, this book includes dom/sub dynamics, mentions of PTSD, knotting, tails, kidnapping, and some semi-detailed violence. So if those are your thing, you’re about to have a great time.
I am obsessed with this series, and I am counting down the days until the next book comes out. Like...CANNOT WAIT.
Ok, where do I even begin....
First of all, I am NOT a big audiobook person. I’m usually a “read it myself” type. But let me tell you right now, this book is a MUST-LISTEN. The voice actors absolutely ate this up and left no crumbs. I don’t think reading it would hit the same, because the audio performance makes the humor and personalities land so much harder.
Sigh...Taranis. My morally gray alien. My villain. My Dom.
Taranis is a villain, but also the funniest, most ridiculous menace I’ve listened to in a long time. He hates humans with his whole chest and genuinely believes he is a gift to humankind, and the way the voice actor embodies that energy had me laughing out loud. He is fully dramatic, fully arrogant, and fully convinced the world should be grateful for his existence.
The romance? Honestly, so hilarious, sweet, and entertaining. Monica and Taranis are absolutely made for each other, and the way their story kicks off is chaos in the best possible way. I had to pace myself because I wanted to just sit there staring into space, completely absorbed, listening like I had no responsibilities.
FYI, this book includes dom/sub dynamics, mentions of PTSD, knotting, tails, kidnapping, and some semi-detailed violence. So if those are your thing, you’re about to have a great time.
I am obsessed with this series, and I am counting down the days until the next book comes out. Like...CANNOT WAIT.
October 27, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own
🦹🏾♂️D/s themes
📸Grumpy MMC
🦹🏾♂️T0rture
📸Jealous, possessive, and OTP MMC
🦹🏾♂️Tail action
📸Wishing you were in the fmc shoes so you can experience some of that
🦹🏾♂️Delicious degradation
📸Blue peen
All Superheroes Need Photo Ops is book 2 in the Supers in the City series and when I say it’s more steamy, more actiony, and waay more villainy than book 1. Whew 😧
Well they say don’t meet your heroes, or in Monika’s case your crushes. Taranis was definitely not what she expected 🥲
A couple of times I was tryna figure out why my cheeks were sore then I realized I had been cheesing for like 5 minutes straight lol
I don’t know how Monika is able to do what she does because there’s no way I would risk my safety for some pictures haha I’d just stick to wedding photos 📷 but props to her. We love a strong-willed FMC 💪🏾
I so appreciated how Taranis was still very much him even in the end 🤭. May that man never change 🙏🏾
Btw I seriously need some character art. I have got to see him in that shot with the apron 🥰
I’ll be adding this one to my comfort folder and rereading anytime I need a pick me up or some familiarity ❤️
This is for sure a recommendation so go ahead and add this to your tbr
🦹🏾♂️D/s themes
📸Grumpy MMC
🦹🏾♂️T0rture
📸Jealous, possessive, and OTP MMC
🦹🏾♂️Tail action
📸Wishing you were in the fmc shoes so you can experience some of that
🦹🏾♂️Delicious degradation
📸Blue peen
All Superheroes Need Photo Ops is book 2 in the Supers in the City series and when I say it’s more steamy, more actiony, and waay more villainy than book 1. Whew 😧
Well they say don’t meet your heroes, or in Monika’s case your crushes. Taranis was definitely not what she expected 🥲
A couple of times I was tryna figure out why my cheeks were sore then I realized I had been cheesing for like 5 minutes straight lol
I don’t know how Monika is able to do what she does because there’s no way I would risk my safety for some pictures haha I’d just stick to wedding photos 📷 but props to her. We love a strong-willed FMC 💪🏾
I so appreciated how Taranis was still very much him even in the end 🤭. May that man never change 🙏🏾
Btw I seriously need some character art. I have got to see him in that shot with the apron 🥰
I’ll be adding this one to my comfort folder and rereading anytime I need a pick me up or some familiarity ❤️
This is for sure a recommendation so go ahead and add this to your tbr
November 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and the author for a copy of this book.
I’m really enjoying this series, and this installment kept me hooked from the start. Monika is exactly the kind of FMC I like following. She’s confident in her work, quick with a comeback, and unafraid to poke at a man who looks like he could level a city block. Her crush on Taranis makes the setup fun, but once she gets close enough to see who he really is beneath the PR gloss, the story shifts in a way that pulled me in even more.
Taranis is not a soft or easy hero. He’s abrasive, selfish, and a little too proud of his power, which makes the dynamic between them feel tense. Watching Monika navigate her attraction while also spying on him gave the story a fast, slightly chaotic energy that worked really well with the larger superhero plot. Their chemistry is strong, and once the danger ramps up, the sparks between them hit even harder.
I liked how this book expands the worldbuilding without slowing the pace. There’s action, humor, a morally complicated MMC, and a romance that balances heat with sharp edges. It’s a fun, fast read for anyone who enjoys superpowered chaos mixed with banter and stubborn attraction. Very important note: this book is significantly darker than the first book in the series.
I’m really enjoying this series, and this installment kept me hooked from the start. Monika is exactly the kind of FMC I like following. She’s confident in her work, quick with a comeback, and unafraid to poke at a man who looks like he could level a city block. Her crush on Taranis makes the setup fun, but once she gets close enough to see who he really is beneath the PR gloss, the story shifts in a way that pulled me in even more.
Taranis is not a soft or easy hero. He’s abrasive, selfish, and a little too proud of his power, which makes the dynamic between them feel tense. Watching Monika navigate her attraction while also spying on him gave the story a fast, slightly chaotic energy that worked really well with the larger superhero plot. Their chemistry is strong, and once the danger ramps up, the sparks between them hit even harder.
I liked how this book expands the worldbuilding without slowing the pace. There’s action, humor, a morally complicated MMC, and a romance that balances heat with sharp edges. It’s a fun, fast read for anyone who enjoys superpowered chaos mixed with banter and stubborn attraction. Very important note: this book is significantly darker than the first book in the series.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC.
3.5 ⭐
This is such a fun series. An update on the superhero trope, this series expands on what it means to be good vs evil.
This is an interconnected standalone series, so you do not have to read the first to jump into this story (although PR is SUCH a good and fun story).
I did end up reading "All Superheroes Need PR" prior to "All Superheroes Need Photo Ops" and it was fun to connect the world building and see the characters interact. The vibes are totally different between the two stories- PR is sweet and down bad, while Ops is feral and kinda stalkery (in a good way!)
I enjoyed that Monika and Taranis matched each other's freak just right. I normally don't care for a strong Dom, but Taranis makes it work. He turns out to be more caring and sweet to Monika as their relationship progresses, which is what I need in my MCs, and they made me root for them.
This took several turns I was not expecting and kept me engaged until the very end! I look forward to the 'heroes' and their backstories as this is such a unique and thrilling concept.
3.5 ⭐
This is such a fun series. An update on the superhero trope, this series expands on what it means to be good vs evil.
This is an interconnected standalone series, so you do not have to read the first to jump into this story (although PR is SUCH a good and fun story).
I did end up reading "All Superheroes Need PR" prior to "All Superheroes Need Photo Ops" and it was fun to connect the world building and see the characters interact. The vibes are totally different between the two stories- PR is sweet and down bad, while Ops is feral and kinda stalkery (in a good way!)
I enjoyed that Monika and Taranis matched each other's freak just right. I normally don't care for a strong Dom, but Taranis makes it work. He turns out to be more caring and sweet to Monika as their relationship progresses, which is what I need in my MCs, and they made me root for them.
This took several turns I was not expecting and kept me engaged until the very end! I look forward to the 'heroes' and their backstories as this is such a unique and thrilling concept.
November 28, 2025
Elizabeth Stephens has done it again....in surprising fashion might I add. At this point I implicitly trust her writing and will read anything she has to offer. The way she was able to write kinks work for me that aren't often my jam is a testament to her craft. Then writing such a strong heroine crave submission but acknowledging that it's only a certain Alien that could make it happen. Chefs Kiss!
Adding in the fact that she was able to slip in social commentary about Gaza and the impacts of PTSD from being a war photographer. What a queen! This is fearless writing and much needed in the traditional publishing space.
I can't wait to read Marduck downfall but I have a feeling she is going to drag that one out.
Adding in the fact that she was able to slip in social commentary about Gaza and the impacts of PTSD from being a war photographer. What a queen! This is fearless writing and much needed in the traditional publishing space.
I can't wait to read Marduck downfall but I have a feeling she is going to drag that one out.
October 31, 2025
hahahaha this was so unhinged I'm obsessed with it.
Did I just join the monster romance community? I guess so. Elizabeth Stephens I was not familiar with your game, but I am now!
A villainous superhero, a smart savvy photographer, a whole lot of fun with transformations, and whew the spice. This was such a fun time. I'm excited to go back and read Book 1.
Did I just join the monster romance community? I guess so. Elizabeth Stephens I was not familiar with your game, but I am now!
A villainous superhero, a smart savvy photographer, a whole lot of fun with transformations, and whew the spice. This was such a fun time. I'm excited to go back and read Book 1.
dnf
December 5, 2025Final thoughts
Tapping out.....The H is so whiny and power hungry and the cringiest villain everrrrr that he's just annoying me. And the h, wtf does she see in this idiot 🙄🤦🏽♀️
maybe I'll be back to finish it🤷🏾♀️
Thoughts while reading
Why is my superhero coming across as more of a villain.... lying, deceiving, questing for greater power, wants to overthrow those in authority over him and...... plans to use the h *gasps* 🤔🤔 what's happening????
#currentlyreading
Tapping out.....The H is so whiny and power hungry and the cringiest villain everrrrr that he's just annoying me. And the h, wtf does she see in this idiot 🙄🤦🏽♀️
maybe I'll be back to finish it🤷🏾♀️
Thoughts while reading
Why is my superhero coming across as more of a villain.... lying, deceiving, questing for greater power, wants to overthrow those in authority over him and...... plans to use the h *gasps* 🤔🤔 what's happening????
#currentlyreading
October 13, 2025
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the arc!
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