Round six puts vampire against vampire. The Viking vampire from Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series is known to be vicious when it comes to protecting what’s his, but Qhuinn from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood is a trained vampire warrior. Who will come out on top? You decide.

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 6: ERIC NORTHMAN

vs. QHUINN

Eric Northman

You know him from: The Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
First Appeared In: Dead Until Dark, but became a prominent character in Dead to the World (VBC review)
Supernatural Status: BAMF Viking Vampire

Championed by: Barbara & Kat from Saucy Wenches Book Club | @SaucyWenchesBC

Eric Northman, the Sheriff of Area 5, is the oldest, sexiest, and most powerful vampire in the great state of Louisiana, and he perfectly personifies all that we expect and long for in our alpha males. He knows what he wants and is ruthless in his attempts at getting it. He is extraordinarily confident, and not only does he not make excuses for his nature, he relishes it. He is 100% sure of himself in every situation. He is protective and sexy as hell, and he always gets what he wants, every time, without exception.

But don’t let this BAMF fool you. He has a playful heart, and can be thoughtful and kind as well. I’m not talking about merely paying attention and taking notes on the girl he wants to hit the sheets with—he gets to know her (Sookie), what makes her tick, who she is, and what she is all about. All that wrapped up in a 6’5”, blond-haired, blue-eyed, Nordic god of a man? How could you NOT love him!

This vampire Viking sex god is good at everything, really. He is a dedicated Maker, an epic lover, a great listener, and a wise and loyal vamp to have on your side. Don’t be fooled by his sexy, fanged smile either. He is also a phenomenal fighter! Lethal with both a sword and his fangs. He relishes a good fight. Is it wrong to swoon when this Viking lets loose his battle cry? Or sigh when he swings that giant sword in the midst of battle with the grace of a dancer? Honestly, we don’t care!

Who can resist this Viking’s teasing, his playfulness, his charm, his sense of humor, and his almost infectious passion for life and all its wonders. When this Alpha beckons, we answer. A flash of those fangs, and that smile, and we yield to him faster than Sookie can say, “Yikes. Yahoo. Yum.”

Qhuinn

You know him from: The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward
First appeared in: Lover Revealed (VBC review), but see his HEA in Lover at Last (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Vampire

Championed by: Jen at Red Hot Books | @RedHotBooks

Round five is shifter time. Both Adam and Dragos know how to lead their people, but how will they fare in a fight? Who’s the most alpha of the alphas?

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 5: ADAM HAUPTMAN

vs. DRAGOS CUELEBRE

Adam Hauptman

You know him from: The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
First appeared in:  Moon Called
Supernatural status: alpha werewolf

Championed by: Mandi from Smexy Books | @smexybooks

“Mercy,” said my mother thoughtfully, “you never told me your werewolf neighbor was quite that hot.”

Why can’t we all have a hottie neighbor? One that is not only a security specialist but one that would literally eat anyone who annoyed you.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” Adam told Kelly in silky tones. “But I prefer rabbits. Humans taste like pork.” And then he smiled. Kelly took an involuntary step backward.

*dreamy sigh*

Adam Hauptman is not only a smart businessman, but also an alpha werewolf commanding a pack of shifters that bow down to him on a daily basis. He is an alpha extraordinaire! This is the “Alpha Showdown.” I’m not even sure I need to give anymore evidence to make Adam the clear champion. But if I must…

I think what makes Adam stand out against all the other weasly wannabe alphas *smirks* is that he is a well-rounded alpha. He not only has the strength to fight off any enemy and to fight those in his pack that challenge him, but he has the smarts. He is extremely intelligent which ladies…we can all admit is a very sexy trait. He is cunning and doesn’t have to waste his energy unnecessarily.

So we know Adam is smart and fierce. But how does his alpha tendencies relate to his mate? Perfectly of course.

 “I like her just the way she is, Bran.” And he meant it, greasy overalls, broken fingernails, and all.” 

Is there anything better? While his protective streak runs deep with Mercy, he respects her for who she is. And that right there is the key to everything.

Intelligent. Dominant. Respectful. Gorgeous. Ladies and gents. We have a winner.

Dragos Cuelebre

You know him from: The Elder Races series by Thea Harrison
First appeared in: Dragon Bound (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Dragon shifter

Championed by: Jenese from Readers Confession | @JLeon09

“He had been born along with the solar system. Give or take” —Dragon Bound

He is an ancient of the Elder Races and is feared by all. Over the years he’s been referred to as The Great Beast with the stories surrounding him being legendary. While in dragon form he will leave you in aw at his sheer size (think airplane) and beauty.

At present day he is known as Dragos Cuelebre, leader of all the Wyr kind, dragon shifter and head of Cuelebre Enterprises.

There is no match for him in the corporate world or in battle. In his human form there is no question how irresistibly gorgeous he is. Women fall all over themselves for a chance to warm his bed. Dragos is now happily mated to Pia though. Naturally that doesn’t stop the ladies from still swooning. Did I mention he can also enter your dreams? He originally seduced Pia there. It also makes it impossible to hide from him. There is no place on Earth that an enemy can go to escape him. Oh this dragon is unstoppable when he puts his mind to something or someone.

Adam who? That werewolf? He is zero competition for Dragos. Adam leads a few measly werewolves, not even ALL of them. He’s just another pawn, foot soldier for the Marrok. Even though Dragos has accustomed himself to modern times, he could eat Adam for lunch.

VOTE!

This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.

Round four is sure to be full of dirty fighting. How will enforcer Terrible take on Jane’s Beast? Who will come out alive? Your votes decide.

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 4: JANE YELLOWROCK

vs. TERRIBLE

Jane Yellowrock

You know her from: The Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter
First appeared in: Skinwalker (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Skinwalker

Championed by: Amanda from Vampire Book Club | @amandakbyrne

What’s that? You’re not familiar with Jane Yellowrock? “Have stakes, will travel”? Shame on you. And you better watch your back, because the woman’s as well armed as any one man army and quiet as a cat. She knows her guns, and uses silver stakes to hold back her hair. She’s perfectly capable of saving herself, thank you very much. She’s quick with a blade and a one liner, and she won’t quit until she gets the job done. Even if it does leave her covered in blood and other, nastier things.

Oh, and then there’s Beast. Yeah. Beast, with a capital B. Skinwalker Jane can take another animal’s shape, but Beast is in her mind. Beast gives Jane strength, agility, speed, and heightened vision and smell, and sometimes, she’ll go alpha on Jane and take over her body. Make no mistake, when Beast’s in charge you don’t want to mess with Jane, but when Jane’s drawing from Beast, she’s plenty deadly, too. It’s a one-two punch that packs a lot more hurt than most of these pansies in this tournament. As for the few that have the strength to take her on? Well, she does love a challenge.

Terrible

You know him from: The Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane
First appeared in: Unholy Ghosts (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Badass Human

Championed by: Carolyn from Book Chick City |@BookChickCity

When Terrible came on the scene, nobody had met a character like him in any other urban fantasy series. He’s not your typical dreamy looking, squared jawed hunk, but a rugged, built like a brick house, rough and ready dude with a crooked nose that’s been broken too many times to count. He’s an Enforcer and doesn’t flinch at killing someone in cold blood.

But there’s another side to Terrible; a side that you only get to see when he’s with Chess. One where he’s soft, gentle and so god-damn sexy you just can’t get enough of him. He’s complex with a dark past, combine that with Chess’s personality is combustible, and every time they get together it just about did me in. His fierce loyalty and emotional attachment to Chess is one of the reasons why I think – no, I know - he’ll be the outright winner of the Alpha Showdown. Nobody will get even close.

VOTE!

This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.

Round three offers two very different princes. A vampire of legend with a penchant for fire finds a suitable opponent in the always-changing, wants-to-be-good and can’t-help-but-be-bad Christian MacKeltar. Will they use weapons of old? Will their icy stares work on one another? You decide.

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 2: VLAD

vs. CHRISTIAN MACKELTAR

Vlad

You know him from: The Night Huntress and Night Prince books by Jeaniene Frost
First appeared in: The first book with Vlad as the main character was Once Burned (VBC review)
Supernatural status:  Master vampire with bonus pyrokinetic skills

Championed by: Candace from Vampire Book Club | @cpblackburn73

*cracks knuckles* Okay, listen up. It’s time. Hell, it’s past time. Hot Hands stepped off Menchere’s helicopter in elegant fashion in At Grave’s End, and he’s been patiently waiting for his moment to be recognized as the true Alpha that he is. Me? I’m not so patient. I’ve been screaming VLAD IS ALPHA, HEAR HIM ROAR! for three years now. But Vlad’s been patient and reckoning has arrived.

I’m not even looking at the other names in the Showdown right now because they don’t matter. I’ve got a 600-year-old pyrokinetic vampire with regal origins who has a torture chamber. Yeah, that’s right, a bonafide dungeon in the bottom of his Romanian castle. They call him the Impaler. Uh huh. The. Impaler. Just let that double entendre sit a bit and let’s get back to the Vlad the Fanged Pyrokinetic Torture King who makes weaker vampires wet their pants. These guys facing him probably have Depends stashed in the bathroom. Why?  Vlad is power personified. Feel that? It’s Vlad and he’s here to fight.

In a field fighting people raised from the dead, Vlad simultaneously tore through the undead and sent his pyrokinetic prowess to destroy someone without even looking at them. He flambéd a ghoul’s goodie bits. He sat in a graveyard and let himself be used as bait for wraiths and begged for more. His closest friend is Mencheres and we all know what kind of power that older-than-dirt vampire wields. Power hangs with power, my friends.

Now let’s get back to that Impaler business. No one, and I mean no one, has ever made scars sexier. If you have an argument against that, fine, bring it. While Vlad effortlessly roasts your guy, we sit off to the side, have coffee or hot chocolate and when he’s done, Vlad can toast marshmallows for us.

Once Burned…with Vlad, that’s all it takes.

Christian MacKeltar

You know him from: The Highlander, Fever and Fever World series by Karen Marie Moning.

First appeared in: Kiss of the Highlander, by mention only, but got his feet wet in Darkfever (VBC review). He played a prominent role in Iced, but we won’t hold that against him. Other things will get held against him.

Supernatural Status: He is a super-powerful druid by birth and a walking lie detector.  However, a series of events, including a stint in dark fae prison, change him into Unseelie royality. Every girl wants a prince, right?

Championed by: Mary from Vampire Book Club

Och. There are very few men with the stamina to keep our interest across multiple series of books, but Mr. MacKelter manages to find a way to please his fans. Doona be thinking that he takes a conflict lying down. This Alpha manages to stay on top of all conflicts. No matter what the situation, performing sacred druid rituals, hurtling through dimensions, or doing a pub crawl, he gets the job done with finesse and authority.  This is a character whose presence grows more sizable with each encounter, who knows his way around a fae love shack, and who has said that he believes in making a lasses dreams come true.

Okay, enough innuendo.  A true Alpha is someone that is continually evolving, being tested, and struggling, but who always comes back better and stronger. Christian has changed significantly over the course of the Fever books, but he always asserts himself as one of the top players, critical to the success of every endeavor, and managing to do things his way.

So, as you vote for this year’s Alpha, keep Christian in mind. If you haven’t read the Fever series, check it out.  You won’t be disappointed, not with Christian on the page. I will leave with my favorite quote from Christian, found in Shadowfever:

“Bring that sweet ass over here and I’ll show you what God made women and well-hung Scotsmen for.”

Well, okay.

VOTE!

This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.

Wicked Enchantment

Reviewed by: Amber

Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars

Incubi are known for their sexual prowess, and being only half incubus hasn’t hindered Gabriel one bit. Any woman in the Seelie court would jump at the chance to spend time with him. Any woman except Aislinn, who is still dealing with her last break up. Unfortunately, the Summer Queen has decided that it’s time Aislinn move on and has assigned her to be Gabriel’s guide while he remains in the Rose Tower, awaiting the verdict for his petition of residence.

The Summer Queen isn’t the only one hoping Gabriel succeeds in growing close to Aislinn. The Shadow King has set his sights on her and has demanded Gabriel lure her to the Black Tower.

To top it off, the druids responsible for the fae’s imprisonment more than 300 years ago are searching for the Book of Bindings. They believe this book, which could free the fae, now lies within the fae’s city.

I can’t say Wicked Enchantment starts off with a lot of action, but the social interactions are intriguing. Aislinn and Gabriel learn more about themselves through each other’s influence. Gabriel’s presence is especially important for Aislinn as he provides the opportunity for her to learn more about her magick, which she has to keep hidden.

Gabriel’s had a hard life that’s made him intense and passionate. I love that he defends the Unseelie against the prejudice that has been ground into the Seelie by their queen. I love the way he’s offended that Aislinn can’t see him as more than half-incubus, incapable of love. The chemistry between the two kept me on edge.

Sadly, I began to lose interest in him when it seemed like the only way Gabriel could express his love is through sex. At one point, it borders on creepy. It might be insight into his character, being that he is half incubus and has never really loved a woman, but through his narrative we see that he knows and understands his feelings, he just doesn’t choose to express them using this crazy concept called words.

The biggest problem I had with Wicked Enchantment was that I felt like I had been dropped into a world that had already been established. There were references to groups of people that I’d never heard of before, and characters, particularly Bella and Ronan, whose backstories I felt I should have already known. Trusting the cover when it says “first in a new series,” I read on. (There was a glossary in the back, but not being in the habit of reading the back pages of a book, I wasn’t aware of that until the end.) My patience was rewarded and I was finally enlightened.

I was a little miffed to find, after I’d finished reading, that there actually is a previous novella featuring the two characters, titled Sweet Enchantment. (Find it in the Hot for the Holidays anthology.) Mentioned nowhere on the previous works page. Even without having read the novella, Wicked Enchantment is still a good read. There really isn’t anything that isn’t recapped, albeit a little later on than I was comfortable with.

The second half of the book is way more action-packed and it spices up Aislinn and Gabriel’s romance. The entire novel is shrouded in mystery as we’re left to wonder why the Shadow King is obsessed with Aislinn. Though the book focuses on Aislinn and Gabriel, there’s a host of secondary characters that add flavor to the novel. By the end of the book, things are wrapped up nicely, leaving the perfect opening for a sequel, which I will be adding to my to-read list.

Sexual content: Graphic sex

Round two brings two lethal badasses to the ring. Ethan may be used to being in charge, but Secret isn’t much for taking orders from anyone. Will their egos collide? Will nasty swords be involved?

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 2: SECRET MCQUEEN

vs. ETHAN SULLIVAN

Secret McQueen

You know her from:The Secret McQueen books by Sierra Dean
First appeared in: The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters (Jennifer’s review)
Supernatural status: Half Vampire, Half Werewolf

Championed by: Jennifer from The Book Nympho | @TheBookNympho

Vampires are alpha. Werewolves are alpha. So when you put the two species together you get…a gun-toting, sword-wielding Secret McQueen.

At the tender age of 16 Secret was already on her way to making a name for herself as a badass assassin for the vampire council. Taking on the hard to kill jobs handed down by the council. Now that she’s all grown up she has moved from assassin to having a seat on the vampire tribunal.

For most of her life, Secret only connected with her vampire side. Drinking blood, sleeping during the day and killing rogue vampires at night. Until two sexy werewolves walk into her life, forcing Secret to start embracing her wolf side. Where she becomes the pack protector then later the Queen of the eastern American wolf pack.

So whether you’re dealing with the fanged, ex-assassin side or the werewolf Queen side of Secret Queen, there is no doubt she THE ALPHA to end all. If you need a visual aid, look to the right.

Come on, what’s screams alpha more than a chick in a bloody wedding dress, carrying a sword?!

Ethan Sullivan may have trained some chick to be his protector but Secret IS the protector and she needs no one to do her dirty work.

Ethan Sullivan

You know him from: Chicagoland Vampires Series by Chloe Neill
First appeared in: Some Girls Bite (VBC review)
Supernatural status: Master vampire

Championed by: Zee the Terrible from the Saucy Wenches Book Club | @SaucyWenchesBC

Ethan Sullivan, Master of Cadogan house, Viking vampire, and force to be reckoned with. Ethan, as far as I’m concerned, has pretty much all the qualities of an unbeatable alpha. Gorgeous as hell, sexy as sin, hard working, a loyal and fierce leader, looks great in a suit (or, some might argue, even better out of one), great sense of humor, a VERY smooth operator, has a way with words that makes your knees wobbly, can seduce a nun out of her habit, and possesses the skills to back it all up (oh my… does he ever!). But that isn’t where it ends. Sure, you’re thinking, all alphas have most of those things. Big deal, right?

I’ll tell you what the big deal is: How many alphas have you come across who have GROWN right alongside the heroine? Evolved in front of your very eyes? Ethan has. Ethan OWNS his mistakes, his insecurities. He learns from his mistakes and will do anything to put them right. He apologizes in the most wonderful, heartfelt, sincere ways possible (and for as long as possible). He is willing to see your point of view and work with it, at whatever cost necessary.

And I can guarantee you, you will never get bored in your relationship with Ethan. Just when we thought we couldn’t love+lust Ethan more, he manages to take it to a WHOLE new level. He is the stuff of freaking legend (and fantasy)! I don’t know how any woman (or man) is supposed to resist him. His charm, his sexy silvered eyes, his eagerness to learn how to win Merit’s heart, his library (100 points to Sullivan for that!), not to mention his unbelievable sparring skills (poetry in motion, according to Merit), and the fact that he is DEADLY with a katana (and without!). Fighting might be his last resort, after diplomacy and political maneuvering, but you don’t get to be a 400-year-old Master vampire because you have a way with words. Enemies would do well to remember that he was a soldier when he was human. A very good one, for a very long time, until he was turned. So, rival Alphas, don’t be fooled by the urbane vampire in the impeccable Armani suits; he can wipe the floor with your ass… and look great doing it.

Where I believe most other alphas have failed, Ethan excels. Communication, perseverance, gentleness when needed, or unyielding badassness. He even handles his crazy exes in the best possible way. And did I mention, he says the most amazing things? And means them? I know words only count for so much, but damn… when you have the heart and sincerity to back them up, it makes them all the sweeter. If you haven’t gotten to know Ethan yet, I STRONGLY suggest you do; he will pass even your first “fight” with flying colors. And you will come to admire the Alpha who puts the vampires in his House, who have entrusted him with their care for hundreds of years and pledged him their undying loyalty, before ALL his own desires. The Alpha who WILL go down with his house and vampires if need be. He leads them. From behind the desk, from the front lines, from beyond the grave. There is no contest. He will always find a way (with the help of the woman he loves and respects more than any other). He will always win. He is what our wildest dreams, sweetest and most carnal fantasies are made of. He is Ethan Sullivan.

“I am your Master and your servant. Just tell me how to please you.” *SIGH*

Need more convincing? He didn’t hesitate for even a nano second before sacrificing his life for the woman he loves. Not.Even.A.Second. NUFF F***ING SAID!

VOTE!

This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.

Round one pits a man full of mystery who overwhelms just about everyone sharing space with him against a resourceful, Ryodan, one of the mysterious nine from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever World, against a resourceful, bright shapeshifter who knows how to handle just about every aggressive supernatural type.

Read the pitches, then make the call. Who should advance to the next round in the Alpha Showdown? The poll at the end of this post will be open for two days. Remember, alphas don’t share titles. Your votes decide who advances in the Alpha Showdown 2013.

New for 2013! Every (non-spam) comment on an Alpha Showdown post will enter you to win books featuring the final four alphas. So make sure to join the discussion and cheer on your favorite alphas.

ROUND 1: RYODAN vs. MERCEDES THOMPSON

Ryodan

You know him from: The Fever Series and Iced by Karen Marie Moning
First appeared in: Vocally in Bloodfever, physically in Dreamfever
Supernatural status: We’re too scared to ask

Championed by: Krista from Vampire Book Club

Every once in a while a character comes along who terrifies you, while at the same time obsessively intrigues you. You know you shouldn’t be attracted to them, but you just can’t help be dragged under their spell. Ryodan is this and so much more. The words alpha and omega should be defined by the standard he sets. So the final outcome of the Alpha Showdown 2013 is a foregone conclusion. To paraphrase Ryodan’s own words, if they’re stupid enough to show up, they’re stupid enough to die.

Some may argue that Ryodan is a more civilized version of Barron’s or the beta to Barron’s alpha but they would be wrong. This thin veneer only makes him more dangerous.

“She thinks he’s not an animal like Barrons. That he’s more civilized. She’s right, he is more polished. But it only makes him more dangerous. With Barrons you expect to get fucked up royally. With Ryodan you don’t see it coming.”

He’s the “devil in a business suit,” perceiving everything until finally making a decision. Then everyone who “pissed him off or offended him or just breathed wrong dies.” Ryodan isn’t the person who pushes you off the cliff. Instead he “allows” you to come to the conclusion that it was your own idea to jump off the cliff. Not that he couldn’t easily throw you off said cliff. It amuses him to do it this way.

“They don’t call him the master of manipulation for nothing. Barrons breaks heads. Ryodan turns them inside out. Barrons fucks you up. Ryodan makes you fuck yourself up. He pushes buttons and rearranges things to his own private, coolly sociopathic plan.”

He has the lethal magnificence of an ancient predator. He is at the top of the food chain and he revels in it. He has the crafted, impossible beauty of Greek statue, but the scars of a violent life. He doesn’t wear underwear because it chafes (“Too small and confining”). He likes sex for breakfast, “early and often.” He is the only man who can survive a fight with Barrons. The Nine (un-killable creatures like himself) are more loyal to him, than they are to Barrons.

Barrons calls him when he needs back up. He suffers no inner conflict on his choices, his needs or his actions. He is the ocean and everyone else is the earth that he shapes to his whims. He is everything which we should idolize and demonize at the same time.

There is no question in my mind and shouldn’t be in any other sane individual’s—Ryodan is the clear-cut winner of this Alpha Showdown. The rest are just pretenders. They may as well not even show up.

Ryodan says it best, “I’m King, Liege, Lord, and Master.” The rest of you are just cannon fodder.

Mercedes Thompson

You know her from: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson series
First appeared in: Moon Called

Supernatural status: Coyote Shifter/VW mechanic

Championed by: Jen from Fiction Vixen Book Reviews | @FVJen_Cardsgirl

Mercy Thompson. What does her name make you think of? Kickass chick? Sexy coyote shifter?The female all women aspire to be like and all men want to mate? I will tell you what I think of… The Ultimate Alpha!

Ryodan?? Pfft. Who does Ryodan think he is to go up against Mercy? His biggest claim to fame is that he doesn’t wear underwear. Mercy has faced off with a whole werewolf pack and tamed their alpha. She might seem like the weaker opponent here, but Mercy has taken on all number of beings and come out on top. Fae, vampire, river monsters, human crazies… nothing can keep Mercy down.

Her connection to her mate has only made her stronger and given her new abilities but the best ability Mercy has is her brain. She can think circles around all the baddies. She lives in a world full of things that are bigger, meaner and stronger but she can outsmart them and come out the winner in any fight. Anyone wanting to take Mercy down is going to have to bring out the big guns (you hear that, Ryodan?).

Mercy has shown us that she just keeps getting smarter and stronger. And she has what it takes to WIN.THIS.SHOWDOWN!

VOTE!

This poll will be open for 48 hours. Alpha with the most votes will advance.

The Genie Ignites (Zubis Chronicles #1)
Kellyann Zuzulo

Reviewed by: Mary

Rating (out of 5): 3 stars

I’m a newbie to the genre of the Genie, a virgenie, if you will.  As is Bethany O’Brian, but that doesn’t keep her from having some 3D dreams about a mysterious lover.  As a reporter specializing in Middle Eastern diplomats and affairs she prepares to attend what she thinks will be another boring cocktail party. It is, until her mystery dream lover shows up in a tuxedo and leaves her reeling.

In the space of one night, Bethany finds out that she is a reincarnated priestess from King Solomon’s court, she is the only one who can kill a genie, a secret organization called the Veil of Thoth exists and wants to help, and she has been framed for murder and is wanted by the authorities in several countries.  She really wore the wrong shoes for that kind of night.

Get ready for jet setting, a high body count, and never having the right clothes for the situation or country.  Poor Bethany is never sure who to trust, herself included.  She is constantly reminded that her job is to kill the genie, but every time he shows up, their passion overrides any other objective.

I’m not a big fan of adventure or espionage novels, and that is where this one lost me. My complaint about this book, and the reason I rated it as low as I did, was that there was way too much page time spent discussing political motives for this reader.  If you enjoy the occasional “around the world” romp, this is your book.  If you are a die-hard romantic, be prepared to skip around to get the good parts.  Like a Bedouin wandering in the desert you will only find parts of this book that will whet your romantic whistle.

Overall, the moments between Bethany and Zubis were touching and poignant.  However, they were far too fleeting.  I think that was actually the author’s intent.  They have been separated by time, distance, and cultural prejudice. This book is the first in a series, so where’s the fun in letting the couple get together at the start of a multi book series (except when they are in the shower and that one time in Zubis’s lair).

I did like that the book ended with quite a hook for the next installment. The author knows how to pull a switcheroo that left me wanting to read the next book, just to see what happens.  Even though this wasn’t my kind of book and I won’t reread it (I reread all my faves), I want to know what happens next. You have to respect that in a book.

Sexual content: Graphic, corporeal and incorporeal, coupling.

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Sarah J. Maas

Reviewed by: Krista

Rating (out of 5): 5 stars

Occasionally a book comes a long that becomes so entrenched in your brain that it continues on long after you finish reading the last sentence of the epilogue. For me, Throne of Glass and the heroine Celaena Sardothian are such creatures.

It is a fantasy adventure novel along the lines of Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce. Celaena will quickly find her deserved place among the modern strong female heroines such as Katniss, Tris and Katsa.

When Throne of Glass begins Celaena is serving a life sentence in the brutal salt mines. The average life expectancy of its inmates is one month. A year later Celaena is still alive when the Prince approaches her with an interesting proposition. Become his champion in a competition to become the King’s Champion (otherwise known as the King’s Enforcer), the same king who sentenced her to her current fate. From young age Celaena had become her country’s most infamous and feared assassin. Then at seventeen she was betrayed and found herself at the King’s mercy.  The prince offers her a chance to free herself from a certain death in the salt mines and eventual freedom.

Celaena is the type of character who could have been easily unlikable. She is arrogant, vain, competitive and blunt. But in Maas’ hands, she becomes intriguing and memorable. She knows she is the best, but she trains extremely hard to live up to her own expectations, which far surpass what anyone could demand of her. She has to swallow her vanity in the competition when she has to pretend to be someone other than she is when she would rather have everyone cowering from her reputation.

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name’s Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I’d still beat you, no matter what you call me.”

She views her environment in detail, noting every avenue of escape or method of defeating her opponents. In a lot of ways the manner in which she presents herself to everyone is a façade; a lie she even tells herself, unwilling to even think about the tragic past, which Maas only alludes to. But then there are moments of vulnerability, loneliness, and fragility scattered throughout the pages that give you glimpses of Celaena’s true self.

I could go on and on about how much I love this book, but it is something that you need to experience yourself. Celaena, Choal, Dorian, and the other cast of characters have dug their way so deep into my psyche that I can’t seem to get the buggers out. The book is in paperback this month and the sequel is due out later this year, so I definitely recommend picking them up.

Sexual content: Kissing

Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse #13)
Charlaine Harris

Reviewed by: Chelsea

Rating (out of 5): 2.5 stars

If I could use only one word to describe this final volume in the Sookie Stackhouse series, it would be meh.

After the ruckus online about the ending of Charlaine Harris’ popular series, I was sure I’d finish this book either impressed or angry. Neither happened. As a matter of fact, Dead Ever After didn’t engage with me until the last third. It’s not that the writing was bad or the characters lacking, the plot was simply stagnant until that point. There is a lot of Sookie stewing in her own issues on this one. Particularly in the first half we have her waiting for others to take action and irritated that they aren’t, but she’s not being proactive either. I understand Sookie has always been stubborn, but I never found her one to sulk.

The novel brings in characters we haven’t seen in some time purely for the purposes of being like, “Hey! You liked this character! Here he or she is for a page or two with no real plot purpose!” I get what the goal here was—it was meant to be a treat for long-time readers of the series. A delight to see past characters still alive and doing well (or really not well). However, it felt like page filler and general distraction for me.

That said, I didn’t mind the direction that Harris took with the plot and her general idea of how to resolve this series. If you’ve ever heard Harris speak, she’s known how this was going to end for ages and she’s hinted pretty strongly about who Sook would end up with. The ending didn’t surprise me on the romantic front, and it didn’t upset or please me, really. Just was. However, it was rushed and there were some blaring issues for me regarding the end. They’re worth citing here, but as it’ll be spoiler mania, I’m writing them in hidden text. Highlight the block below if you want to read it.

Eric’s vampire children make it clear that he is pragmatic. Sookie understands this. They say the only reason he’s protecting her is as a show of strength; to prove you can’t mess with things that were his. Now, here’s my issue. Let’s say that’s true. That Eric really did just ditch his feelings for Sookie (which I don’t completely buy, but I accept the vampire logic here). He had Sam make a vow to not ‘court’ Sookie. He had this promise made in front of his future wife and super powerful vampire queen. Would Eric really allow him to break that promise without consequences? It would make him look weak. As cruel as it is, I expected him to come and kill Sam for bedding Sookie. That would be an ending to get up in arms over. Sookie falling for Sam? Predicted that.

Done with spoilers! Overall, I’m still glad I read Dead Ever After, but it didn’t provide me the kind of series closure I had hoped for. I didn’t need a saccharine ending, but I wish it had been a more surprising journey. Despite my misgivings, this one is still a must for Sookie fans. You need to know how it ends, if only so you can say you wish it had been handled differently.

Sexual content: Fade-to-black sex scene