Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall (Dark Seductions #1) Lauren Smith Published: Sept. 29, 2014 (Entangled) Purchase at: Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Bastian Carlisle is trying to put the curse that has hovered over his family’s past to rest once and for all. It all began with his ancestors Richard and Isabelle.... 
Ghost House (The Ghost House Saga #1) Alexandra Adornetto Published: Aug. 26, 2014 (Harlequin Teen) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Jannelle Rating (out of 5): 2.5 stars Chloe Kennedy is a 17-year-old high school student from California. Ghost House begins with the death of her mother and the rehabilitation of her... 
Better Homes and Hauntings Molly Harper Published: June 24, 2014 (Pocket) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for and honest review. Reviewed by: Jo Rating (out of 5): 4 stars A fun mixture of flirty, snarky chick-lit and old school gothic ghost story, Better Homes and Hauntings has a little bit of everything to satisfy a wide variety of tastes.... 
Sparrow Hill Road (Ghost Stories #1) Seanan McGuire Published: May 6, 2014 (DAW) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Rose Marshall was on her way to prom when her car was plowed off the side of the road. Rose didn’t survive the crash and now, nearly 60 years later, her ghost is legend among travelers. She’s known as “The Girl in the... 
Ghost Seer (Ghost Seer #1) Robin D. Owens Published: April 1, 2014 (Berkley) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by: Krista Rating (out of 5): 4 stars I have to admit that I was taken by surprise by Robin D. Owens Ghost Seer. The only other books I have read by Owens are from her Celta Series. So I have to say I was... 
We’ve been good about the giveaways here of late. (We promised!) However, we’ve been limiting the contests to the U.S. and Canada because shipping is expensive. But I love all of the VBC readers, so today we’re doing an international giveaway. Not just any giveaway either. I’ve picked three of my favorite—and most recommended—books to be the prize here. Think of it as the Taste of VBC Giveaway. We have... 
Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7) Jeaniene Frost Published: Jan. 28, 2014 (Avon) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Chelsea Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Cat and Bones have been through a lot in the seven Night Huntress novels from Jeaniene Frost. Now, here we are at the final book, Up From the Grave, and readers... 
We’re doing things slightly differently this year. This is the first year where we have associate reviewers at VBC. As such, it didn’t feel quite right to only include my top 10. So, you’ll find my 10 picks for the absolute best books of 2012 and below that a top 5 list from Jo and Candace, respectively. Plus, of course, we have your winner for the reader’s choice best book. (See the Best Of lists from... 
After Moonrise P.C. Cast & Gena Showalter Published: Oct. 23, 2012 (HQN) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Reviewed by: Candace Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars This review is a two-parter because both authors contributed a story to this duo-logy. After Moonlight is the name of an agency that investigates murders, hauntings and things that go bump in the night that the police can not or will not touch... 
Grave Witch (Alex Craft #1) Kalayna Price Publisher: October 5, 2010 (Roc) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Reviewed by: Jo Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Alex Craft is a Grave Witch, using her powers of raising Shades (echoes of the dead) to aid the police and try and pay the bills as a P.I. When the head of the Humans First organization is found dead, Alex is drafted to get some answers. What she... 
