Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Lessons from Readers & ‘Ritas I spent last Saturday at the Readers & ‘Ritas convention. My BFF Kristin from My Bookish Ways and I had a complete blast spending the day with many of our favorite authors. A few things I learned: 1. Kristen Painter is of the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to costumes. She dressed up as one of the noble vampires from her House of Comarré series for the costume... 
It’s been a chaotic and stressful week at VBC HQ. On the upside, I’ve been chatting up my National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) progress with the Huffington Post. Check their Books section each week for an update, if you’re curious. Also, I popped in at Heroes & Heartbreakers earlier this week to talk about the case of nerves I get before diving into the next book in a beloved series. Yep, series... 
I’m planning something fun for Halloween. It will require some participation though. You’ve been warned. Until then, dig into Book Bits. Authors talk badass heroines at NYCC I couldn’t attend New York Comic Con, but luckily NAL/Berkley decided to film the great “We’re No Angels” panel. Top urban fantasy and paranormal authors got to together to chat about their strong female characters in SF/F. On the... 
After spending the week in Santa Fe for work (board meetings!), I’m eager to get back on my reading schedule. Lots of reviews are just around the corner — including a OMG awesome one for The Renfield Syndrome — but until then, dive into this book-related news. Move over Mac? Karen Marie Moning announced ICED, the first book in the Dani O’Malley novels (a.k.a. Fever series spinoff), is slated for release... 
Trailer time with Julie Kagawa and Cassandra Clare Since the last Book Bits we’ve gotten two delicious trailers for YA books. First, we have the trailer for The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (which I suggest you pre-order). As one who is firmly Team Ash, I’m particularly excited about this book, but I also love the inclusion that the reason things are messed up for him is, of course, because of a girl.... 
It’s been a few weeks, but Book Bits has returned! And, I have news for J.R. Ward and Carolyn Crane fans, excerpts of the urban fantasy and paranormal romance persuasions and cover eye candy. Dive in, readers. Cover for Sacrificial Magic Just yesterday Stacia Kane revealed the cover art for her fourth Downside Ghosts novel Sacrificial Magic. And, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m in love. The design... 
This week has already been crazy at VBC HQ. While getting everything prepped for Fall into (Urban) Fantasy, I also popped in at Heroes & Heartbreakers twice. First, I shared five YA alpha heroes that are sure to make adult readers swoon (Dimitri, Prince Ash and Jace lead the list). Then, I wrote up a recap of the Night Huntress series thus far. If you haven’t read the earlier books, but still want to read... 
I’m working on a fun post about vampire cowboys. (You read that right. Trust me here.) If you’ve actually read a good book with vampire cowboys, shoot me an email. I want your suggestions. First four chapters of Bloodlines The team over at EW’s Shelf Life have exclusively posted the first four chapters of Bloodlines. If you’re unaware, Bloodlines is the first in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff... 
This week we got two deleted scenes from YA novels featuring kissing — and more for the Jace/Clary scene — plus news on upcoming books from Jeaniene Frost, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, P.C. and Kristin Cast and even a little video to make your day (compliments of the lovely Tessa Dare). Enjoy! Cover tease for next The Hollows novel I really loved Pale Demon, and the end left things wide open for Kim... 
For those who missed it last Thursday, I’ve started blogging over at Heroes & Heartbreakers. So far I’ve just been talking about True Blood and my fascination with Alexander Skarsgard. It doesn’t change anything here at VBC, just wanted to let you know I’ll be popping up over there to talk sexy men and such. L.A. Banks has passed away If you missed the news on Tuesday, author L.A. Banks has passed away... 
