Book Review: All Superheroes Need PR (Supers in the City, #1) by R. A. McDonald
Sometimes, when you’re wading through a reading slump, you stumble across a book that feels like a lightning bolt of joy. For me, that book was All Superheroes Need PR by R. A. McDonald. With its vibrant mix of humor, drama, and a good dose of supernatural flair, it’s a wild ride that expertly weaves together longing glances and laugh-out-loud moments. As a lover of both fantasy and romance, this book captivated me from the start and didn’t let go!
At its heart, the novel revolves around Vanessa, our fiery FMC, and Roland, the MMC whose obsession with her often teeters on the edge of cute and possessive. The interplay between their characters threw me into a whirlwind of emotions; I often found myself chuckling at Roland’s inner monologue—his conflicting thoughts about Vanessa were both amusing and relatable. McDonald introduces their relationship amidst a backdrop of chaos, and as characters are forced into unlikely situations, comedic mayhem ensues. Picture me snorting my drink 25% into the narrative—yes, it was a fantastic mess, and I loved every moment of it.
The themes of mental health representation and the challenges faced by those in the foster system added depth to the narrative, making the characters feel real and relatable. The book does not shy away from serious topics, which can be jarring, but it’s balanced by humor and a sense of community among the secondary characters. It’s refreshing to see a queer, biracial cast navigating life together amidst the traumas and joys of being superheroes—and humans.
McDonald’s writing style is engaging and immersive. The pacing felt spot-on, although I did sense a bit of whiplash towards the end. The last 20% of the book packed in so much excitement and resolution that it felt almost feverish! You know that feeling when the game gets intense, and you sit up straight? That’s exactly how I felt. While I would have loved to see a bit more space devoted to the ending, the thrill of it all kept my heart racing.
One memorable highlight was a moment during a life-threatening avalanche, which was not only well-written but also brought the stakes of their superhero lives to the forefront. McDonald’s ability to balance the serious with the absurdity of their superpowered lives made these scenes resonate deeply with me.
In the end, I would rate All Superheroes Need PR a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for its infectious energy and engaging characters. While it’s not without its heavier themes, I found it a playful exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of both human and supernatural relationships.
This book will likely delight those who appreciate a quirky love story mixed with adventure and a touch of chaos—especially readers who are fans of possessive leads and fake dating tropes. If you’re ready for a bright escape from reality while still touching on important topics, I encourage you to dive in. This book was precisely the refreshing boost I needed to reignite my passion for reading this year! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Discover more about All Superheroes Need PR (Supers in the City, #1) on GoodReads >>