Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Necrotech (SINless #1) K.C. Alexander Published: Sept. 6, 2016 (Angry Robot) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 4 stars In the world of Necrotech, everyone has nanos that allow them to survive the pollution and radiation in the city. When children are conceived, their nanos carve a SIN, a... 
Geeky Giving just released its first monthly book bundle featuring original science fiction and fantasy works by bright stars within the genre fiction community. The charity bundles are available monthly and with 100 percent of the money raised going directly to Barrow Neurological Institute to research cures for Alzheimer’s, ALS, brain tumors, Parkinson’s Disease and more. In the February bundle you’ll... 
A couple weeks ago I joked on Twitter that I was in need of a book boyfriend Advent calendar. There was quite a bit of “yes, please!” from others, but no one could find a good one. Clearly, this was up to me. So, to make the chaotic holiday season a little more fun and a lot more sexy, we’re going to feature a book boyfriend every day for the next 25 days. That’s right. Welcome to VBC’s 25 Days of Book... 
Transmuted (The St. Croix Chronicles #6) Karina Cooper Published: Jan. 27, 2015 (Carina Press) Purchase: Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. If you haven’t started yet, check out VBC’s review of Tarnished. First, can... 
Engraved (St. Croix Chronicles #5) Karina Cooper Published: Aug. 11, 2014 (Carina Press) Purchase: Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. Cherry St. Croix fled London—having lost her home, her husband and her best... 
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... 
Tarnished (St. Croix Chronicles #1) Karina Cooper Published: July 5, 2012 (Avon) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Purchased Reviewed by: Amber Rating (out of 5): 3 stars By day Cherry St. Croix is the daughter of a late scientist, a madman they called him. She struggles to fit in with proper London society until she can inherit her fortune. By night Cherry does what her heart desires.... 
One for the Wicked (Dark Mission #5) Karina Cooper Published: April 30, 2013 (Avon) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Reviewed by: Chelsea Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: This review does not contain spoilers. (Yay!) However, it does make reference to events from earlier books. While I’ve tried to minimize spoilers for those titles, I do suggest you begin with the first Dark Mission novel. Read the... 
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for April 2013. All dates are U.S. and tentative. Also: Click the title of any book to visit the Amazon page for pre-order or purchase goodness. I’ve included genre classification with each book: UF is urban fantasy, PNR is paranormal romance, F is fantasy and YA is young adult.... 
Karina Cooper’s Dark Mission series is one of my favorites. You’ll find it on the VBC paranormal romance recommendations page for a reason. All her couples spark with sexual tension. It doesn’t matter if they’re running from the bad guys, trying to decide which side they’re on, saving lives or, you know, making soup. The chemistry is there. When I finished Sacrifice the Wicked, I thought we only had one... 
