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Alpha Showdown shoutouts: Authors, bloggers and commenters

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VBC Presents: ALPHA SHOWDOWN 2011

Update: The giveaway is now closed, but we still love hearing your feedback. (We may be planning another fun event for later this summer, thanks to your input.)

I had so much fun with the Alpha Showdown, and it’s because you guys made it a blast. (We’ve already been asked about future battles. We like the idea of power couples a la Cat & Bones, Barrons & Mac, Chess & Terrible, Mina & Rhys, etc. Maybe later this summer.) Don’t forget, you have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 2, to vote in the final battle.

As it’s others who made this so fun, I’m honoring some favorites from the Showdown.

AUTHORS

We give special love to those who ain’t too proud to beg. First Ilona Andrews offered up the promise of a novella preview for some Kate and Curran love.

Then Karen Marie Moning upped the ante. Oh, KMM knows how to get you. She promised that if Barrons won the Alpha Showdown she would write a sex scene from JZB’s point-of-view. In KMM’s own words: “It won’t be pretty but it will be…well, let me just say if I’m getting in there for a good look around when the action is happening, I’m taking notes on EVERYTHING.” The woman knows how to work us, doesn’t she?

But a couple authors just wanted to have a little fun. Jeaniene Frost and Ilona Andrews both had characters make it to the semifinals — Bones and Kate Daniels, respectively — but were pretty sure they wouldn’t end up in the final bout together. So, they wrote up the smack talk that would accompany such a hypothetical battle. At one point Bones tells Kate to have Curran explain Chapter 32 to her. It’s hilarious and you can read it here.

COMMENTERS

There have been hundreds of comments during the Showdown, which makes for a very happy VBC. A few favorites:

“ONE VOTE FOR SLUTBAG, RIGHT HERE! She’ll take his ass OUT! hiiiiiii-ya!” – Pamela {Spaz} in support of Anita Blake

“Look, Kate has already proven she can kill gods…” – Kara-Karina in support of Kate Daniels

“All [Curran] has to do is comment on Zsadist’s ‘sweet tats’ and the fight’ll be over with the scarred one down for the count wrapped tight in a fetal position.” – Sara H. in support of Curran

“I don’t care who wins as long as I can be the meat in that SANDWICH !!!!” – Keysha on Curran vs. Barrons

“Cat. Catherine. Reaper. Kitten. All names to describe the most kick ass female in all of paranormal romance. She slices, she dices, she juliennes! Cat is the complete package. Half vamp, vampire killer with a deadly accurate aim, only she could bring Bones to his knees. Cat hasn’t wavered in who she loves either. It’s been one man the entire time. Go Reaper, you get my vote!” – Candace in support of Cat

“I have to say, after the Barrons/Curran showdown and seeing how diehard the Team Andrews fans were, I picked up Magic Bites and I have to say, I’m enjoying the hell out of it. So that’s one serious positive about this contest – I now have another series that I’m pulled into (as my wallet cries out in protest).” – Ali on Barrons vs. Kate Daniels

CHAMPIONS

Thanks to all the bloggers who stepped up to represent our alphas (in order of appearance): Michelle from bookchelle, Mandi from Smexy Books, Julie from Yummy Men and Kick Ass Chicks, Ash from Smash Attack Reads, @JillyJameson, Marie from VampireAcademy.org, Lily from ShadowKissed.com, Bells from Hanging with Bells, Tori from Smexy Books, Nerissa from BookFanatic, DeeDee from EricNorthman.net, Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat and Kristin from My Bookish Ways.

GIVEAWAY

This is the perk for reading to the end. One person will win their choice of the first book in any of the series featured in the Alpha Showdown. Open internationally, provided The Book Depository ships to your country. To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling us what you liked about the Alpha Showdown.

CONTEST DETAILS AND RULES
1. You must leave a comment on this post.
2. Because we love our readers, let us know if you follow Vampire Book Club in some fashion (Google, RSS, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and get one bonus entry.
3. This contest is open internationally, provided The Book Depository ships to your country.
4. Contest is closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, June 5.
5. The winner will be selected using Random.org. Then she will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim her prize. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.
6. Entrants must be at least 13 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter. Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Vampire Book Club uses your information. (Short version: we’ll only use it to contact you for this contest.)
7. Though unlikely, Vampire Book Club has the right to change or cancel any giveaway at any time without prior notice.
8. Vampire Book Club is not responsible for items being lost or damaged in transit.

187 Responses to “Alpha Showdown shoutouts: Authors, bloggers and commenters”

  1. Sariah W says:

    I have had so much with the Alpha Showdown!! Seeing you wins and reading all the posts! Some of the series I have not read yet but they are going on the list.

    I follow through email.

  2. Sara C says:

    I loved everything about this showdown! From the witty comments to the trickery authors tried to use to get people to vote (KMM you do not play fair 🙂 ). But what I loved most was having the internal dilemma on who to choose for a winner. I loved waking up, opening my emails, and having to choose who I thought was more of a bad-ass. I never thought Anita would beat Jace and I love them both. Also I found a few new books I’m going to read. This showdown was so much fun! I really hope you do another one.

    I follow thru email, facebook, and twitter.

    Love me some bloodsuckers!

  3. Vivien says:

    It was very interesting to watch!!

    GFC follower

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

  4. This was outstandingly fun! I loved so much about it, but especially the smack talk! When people have a favorite Alpha they defend it to the DEATH! As an aside, now I’m trying to figure out how to work the Kate Daniels series into my TBR pile without breaking the bank.

    I follow you everywhere. Like a crazed stalker. All creepy and stuff. But you already knew that. <..> <.<

    • It’s OK. We’re down with creepy, stalker love. Though, generally we like it from those of the fanged persuasion, for you, we’ll let that requirement slide.

  5. I have LOVE LOVE LOVED reading the showdown and know I have some new series I NEED to read.

    I follow on all sites… LOVE THIS BLOG!

    Megan

  6. I absolutely LOVED it! Highly entertaining and all around sexy!

    I follow you GFC, FB and just stalk in general!

  7. Bella says:

    My favourite think about it was how it let us get all fired up about the characters we’re most passionate about!! 🙂

    I follow via GFC and Twitter.

  8. JenJee says:

    That was so much fun! Loved it!

  9. Debra E says:

    Loved finding out about some new series I hadn’t considered reading before. Especially look forward to reading about Curran.

    I follow on FB and RSS feed.

  10. Alysia says:

    Alpha Showdown was fantastic. The best part was knowing that there are tons of other die hard fans out there.

  11. Melissa says:

    I love love love this idea… it’s definitely gotten me to discover new books. I’ve only just discovered this blog because of the Alpha Showdown due to being a Karen Marie Moning fan through facebook.
    I follow you guys through facebook and e-mail.

  12. minhchieu tran says:

    it was so fun to vote who was better, or who would kick whos butts, and i learned about some characters that i will deffinetly read more about
    I follow through facebook

  13. kara-karina says:

    You guys rock! Seriously. I had so much FUN! Thank you for this brilliant idea.
    I’m a GFC follower.

  14. Lori says:

    It great to see characters going up against each other but by FAR Barrons is and always will be thae Alpha.

  15. Lori says:

    It great to see characters going up against each other but by FAR Barrons is and always will be the Alpha.

  16. Sarah! says:

    i loved seeing new series that i could try

  17. Justine says:

    Had a great time watching the showdowns progress and even more with the authors and fans chipping in to make it a wonderful experience!

    Thanks again!

  18. Brandy Swain says:

    I think one of the best things about this showdown is hearing about new books to read, always looking for new reads!
    follow on twitter and facebook

  19. Ashley says:

    I got into the voting a little late but I had so much fun! I always like to see the people show support for their favorite characters! Some even get down right protective! I love it! Thank you!

  20. Lisa says:

    Loved that we got to pitt our favourite men up against each other! I was also introduced to some new guys so that was great 😉 The more the merrier!

    Follow on Twitter @mssammydean

  21. Rhonda says:

    Alpha Showdown has been really interesting. I have a couple of new series to put on my reading list from it and a few that I have that I am going to re-read!!! I follow you on GFC, Facebook, and Twitter…along with being signed up for the emails. Thank you for what you do..It helps alot when looking at all the books to have VPBC’s opinions!

    • Rhonda says:

      See that is why you read before you post. VBC….not VPBC (VamPire Book Club) anyhoo….really do count on your opinion.

  22. Julie says:

    Don’t enter me. I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me to be a part of this. It really was super fun! 🙂

  23. I loved everything about the showdown! I loved finding new books and defending old favorites against all comers. It was so much fun!

    I am a GFC follower. 🙂

  24. Ash says:

    What I liked best was the smack talk…though learning about other books was fun. It’s great seeing how passionate readers are about their characters, and of course the authors too!

    I follow via GFC as Ash.

  25. Pam S (pams00) says:

    What wasn’t to love about the showdown :)!! I thougt it was great and enjoyed it very much. If had to pick I guess I’d say the character combos that got pitted against one another.

    email suscriber (pams00 @ aol), gfc – pams00

  26. Alexa says:

    The showdown was great fun I loved coming over here every day to see who was winning each battle and to vote for my favorites. I hope there will be showdowns in the future 🙂

    I’m a GFC follower
    apk1princess(at)live(dot)com

  27. Jennifer says:

    GFC follower(Jennifer)

    I liked the alpha showdown because i like seeing all our favorite characters pitted against each other.

  28. Teri Crosby says:

    loved everything! I loved the choices, voicing our character passions and then seeing what all of us readers loved. It was fabulous!

    GFC

  29. I loved the showdown, though it was sooooo difficult to choose sometimes. But,in the end … Barrons is THE man!

    I follow via email.

    dbreynoldswriter AT live dot com

  30. Suzz says:

    I have found this extremely amusing especially watching Barrons rise to the top {oh and he rises SO well ;)}

    I follow through facebook

  31. Julie Witt says:

    I loved the showdown! I had a blast and I can’t wait for the next one!
    I follow by GFC, email, Facebook and Twitter.
    jwitt33 at live dot com

  32. Tiffany Goodwin says:

    What a great way to get everyone involved and introduce people to new authors and/or series. I know before this contest I didn’t know some of the series but now I have read the Kate Daniel series and the Immortal Instrument series. I am always on the look out for new authors and you guys made doing that fun and informative at the same time. You have made a new fan of me for your website.

  33. Steph says:

    I now follow you on Twitter after recently being introduced to the Alpha Showdown by one of my Tweeps. I feel like I met my book soul-mates! I work at a publisher where no one else shares my interest in this genre (unless they are closet supernatural smut lovers). All of the series I’ve read (except the most recent) had a character in the competition and I knew there were people out there who were just as rabid as I! I’ll be adding the ones I haven’t read to my future reading list.

    • Well, you’re among friends now! We openly love all things supernatural — both the smutty kind and the action-packed kind. Glad you’ve found some new reads with the challenge. Which one are you going to start first?

      • Steph says:

        I think I’ll start with Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress Series. If not only because she is besties with Illona Andrews–who I greatly appreciate for the amount of effort that goes into her weapons, fighting and mythological research and who is one of the most fan friendly/approachable authors out there–but also because a few fellow JZB fanatics commented that they would have liked to have seen Bones go up against Barrons in the final round for more of a challenging fight.

        Give me action-packed supernatural with generous sprinkles of smut and I’m in my book zone. Husbands and pets do not disturb. 🙂 Thanks for running the competition and blog!

      • Give me action-packed supernatural with generous sprinkles of smut and I’m in my book zone.

        A woman of my own heart. 🙂

  34. Sandy A says:

    Interesting to see how the voting turned out. I’m in the middle of KMM’s series and haven’t seen any “action” from Barrons yet. I’m curious to find out why everyone thinks he’s the alpha. Will admit, he’s kind of scary!

    • Lyssa says:

      You begin to see Barrons in book 3, then the last two really give you insight into who he is as a ‘man’ and what motivates him. Barrons is a character with a dark past (he came from a time when violence was the norm, and he has never really rid himself of that). The books take on a decided darker edge in the last two, full of moral ambiguities.

  35. Sharon S. says:

    My favorite part was when the authors got in on it and starting having fun with their characters . I am a Barron’s girl all the way!!!

    I follow on FB, email and GFC!

  36. Linda says:

    I love the Alpha Showdown! It makes me happy that I am not alone in obsessing with men like Jericho.(sighs)

  37. Joani S says:

    I loved reading all the comments, and hearing what has drawn some people into the series that I haven’t read yet. I have bookmarked those and plan on getting to them over the summer. I follow on google and email.

  38. Keisha says:

    Very funny would love to do again

    Email and Facebook follower

    ktalley28@gmail.com

  39. Sarah S. says:

    This has been so much fun. It was a great idea to get series-specific bloggers to intro each contestant. Like many others, I enjoyed learning about series I hadn’t been introduced to before. Next, you’ll need to do this for sexiest female.

  40. Crystal says:

    I found out about the Alpha Showdown through KMM’s blog. I’m a fan of the fever series and her promise of a special scene was enough to get me here! Just like others, I found new characters and seies to read. Also, I have been reading book reviews and older posts. I did just sign up for email so I can keep current.

  41. sara says:

    Oh were to start?! I loved the showdown for many reasons!! I have some new series on my list to read, which is always great! I loved the bantering and oh, I just loved imagining my favorite yummy characters facing off!! LOL

    I follow on facebook and email

  42. I love how many of you have found new series to check out through the Showdown.

    The whole idea was to have some fun with favorite characters, and I’m so happy to read that it also encouraged so many of you to add to the to-read pile. (I’m notorious for encouraging others to add to the must-read list. Be warned!)

  43. Jo says:

    This. Was. Awesome. Whishes that Bones could have gone to finals but…. well Barrons is there so that makes up. Not that I don’t like Jace, (I love him!) but Barrons do have more experience to hin. Gosh and putting Bones and Cat together… one of the hardest choice. But it was all good, and fun, and not too disapointed in any of the winnings and losings.

    I follow facebook, twitter and email 🙂

  44. Chelsea B. says:

    I liked voting the best! I love to pick sides 😉
    I subscribe though email.

  45. Orchid says:

    The comments! Oh my gosh, some of them were just so hilarious (loved them). 🙂
    Can’t wait to see who wins the whole thing.

    Blog & Twitter follower

  46. Debbie Bussie says:

    This was really fun! I voted every way possible and really enjoyed the authors being involved. I follow y’all every way possible. Barrons all the way. Although I do wish Bones had gone a little further. Have found alot of new interesting series to give a try.

  47. Stephanie says:

    It was so fun to see the characters this way!

    gfc follower

    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

  48. Lyssa says:

    I enjoyed reading not the smack talk, but the rationals people had behind their choices. I took my time deciding between Barrons and Curran because I decided that the battle for ‘alpha’ was not about who was smexiest, or would win in a battle, but who had that ‘leadership’ ability. So I chose Curran…once he lost (darn) I was free to support Barrons. (though I did swing a vote towards Kate because she was fighting to avenge her smoogiewompums)

  49. amanda navarro says:

    I luv this…. Barrons til the end!

  50. Ambur says:

    I loved reading the comments 😀 Some of them were hilarious, and I’m a sucker for polls…I love them! haha I really liked the whole showdown though, it introduced me to the awesome characters of some series I’ve been thinking of reading, but haven’t yet. And I’m definitely more anxious to pick them up now! 😀

    Thanks for having this awesome showdown! 😀
    Ambur

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