Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Has August flown by for anyone else? Maybe it was all the travel this month, but I can’t believe it’s time to vote for the September group read. We still have another week of chatting Biting Cold by Chloe Neill. There are discussion threads over at our Goodreads group and, if you haven’t started yet, my review may encourage you. Enough about this month’s book. On to the selections, poll at the end. THE... 
First, a huge thank you to everyone who donated, bid or spread the word about the Books Fighting Cancer charity auctions. Based on the receipts emailed to me (and I know many of you donated directly) and the Amazon commissions, the Books Fighting Cancer event raised $4,817 for the Barrow Neurological Institute and brain cancer research. Amazing. I was floored by the generosity and kindness of VBC readers... ![Auction: Urban Fantasy Set 2 featuring Jess Haines, Barbara Ashford, E.S. Moore, Linda Poitevin, Devon Monk, Stacia Kane & Alma Katsu [Books Fighting Cancer]](http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1325726061l/12763775.jpg)
Funny, sexy and gripping urban fantasy and fantasy novels fill this auction lot. You will have amazing reading for some time if you get to bring this one home. There are eight books in this pack and a bit of swag, too. Highest bidder will take home: Signed copy of Stalking the Others by Jess Haines – releases July 3! Signed copies of both To Walk the Night and Tainted Night, Tainted Blood by E.S. Moore... 
Double dose of Ann Aguirre awesomeness If, like me, you were sucked in by Ann Aguirre’s young adult novel Enclave, you’re itching for its sequel Outpost. I have to things to help quell your cravings. First, we finally have cover art with some serious creeptastic elements. Second, my other home (Heroes & Heartbreakers) has an exclusive short story called “Endurance” set in the Razorland world. Since it’s a... 
A few months back we asked for help in assembling an urban fantasy starter kit. Certain books showed up in the comments and tweets repeatedly. Well, as we’re in the middle of our Fall into (Urban) Fantasy event, it feels appropriate to award one Vampire Book Club reader with a handful of the books suggested for the UF starter kit. Someplace to Be Flying by Charles de Lint Dead Witch Walking by Kim... 
Despite being ultra travel lady as of late (who’s in San Diego this week? THIS LADY!), I’ve pulled together 10 book-related tidbits for you this week including some great new cover art, a chance to listen to the Devon Monk books, an update on the Barrons scene from Karen Marie Moning and, of course, a quick contest roundup. L.A. Banks is gravely ill We posted about this earlier in the week. You can read... 
