Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Staked (Iron Druid Chronicles #8) Kevin Hearne Published: Jan. 26, 2016 (Del Rey) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Jo Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free it may make reference to previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Hounded.... 
Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson #9) Darynda Jones Published: Jan. 12, 2016 (St. Martin’s) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 3 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of... 
Reap the Wind (Cassandra Palmer #7) Karen Chance Published: Nov. 3, 2015 (Signet Select) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will contain references to the previous books. If you haven’t started this series yet, check out VBC’s review of... 
The Unleashing (Call of Crows #1) Shelly Laurenston Published: March 31, 2015 (Kensington) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Krista Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars The first thing I have to say about Shelly Laurenston’s writing, whether under her name or her pen name of G.A. Aiken, is that it’s fun. No matter what mood... 
Ares’ Temptation Aubrie Dionne Published: March 24, 2015 (Entangled Publishing) Purchase: Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for and honest review Reviewed by: Jannelle Rating (out of 5): 3 stars While attending the wedding of her good friends, Greek Gods Syrinx and Pan, Kaye stumbles into God of War, Ares. Of course Ares isn’t attending the wedding to wish his long-time... 
Midnight’s Master (Dark Warriors #1) Donna Grant Published: May 22, 2012 (St. Martin’s Paperbacks) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Jill Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Gwynn is on a mission to find her missing father. Instead, she stumbles upon a war that has lasted for centuries. Logan, and four of his fellow warriors, has been sent 400 years into the future (into... 
The Immortal Crown (The Age of X #2) Richelle Mead Published: May 27, 2014 (Dutton) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Amy Rating (out of 5): 3 stars Note: While this review will be spoiler-free, it will reference events from the first book in the series, Gameboard of the Gods (VBC review). Servitor Justin March and... 
Update: Sabina put up a good fight, but in the end Acheron took home the victory. He’ll advance in the Showdown. Round 8 of the Alpha Showdown is the first-timers’ round. If we hadn’t changed our rules this year—taking off the “published in…” limitation—these two wouldn’t have made the bracket. So we’re pleased we made the change, because your nominations showed both of these characters are long-time... 
Vampires Need Not…Apply? (Accidentally Yours #4) Mimi Jean Pamfiloff Published: Sept. 3, 2013 (Forever) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Candace Rating (out of 5): 5 stars Paranormal romance appeals because it brings the heat. The men are so hot, they smolder. The women soften up werewolves, vampires, warlocks, beasts... 
Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) Richelle Mead Published: June 4, 2013 (Dutton) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Publisher provided copy in exchange for honest review Reviewed by: Chelsea Rating (out of 5): 2 stars Richelle Mead’s new adult series Age of X had significant potential, but unfortunately Gameboard of the Gods tries to do too much and the reader connection is lost along... 
