Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
I realize many of my favorite books — and recommended series — may not have their first few books reviewed on VBC. I’d like to get everyone caught up. In the coming weeks, I’m going to try and get reviews up-to-date on series from two of my favorite authors: Richelle Mead for her Georgina Kincaid series and Jeaniene Frost for Night Huntress. At Grave’s End (Night Huntress #3) Jeaniene Frost Published:... 
Note: Following the review, we’re giving away two hardback copies of Melissa Marr’s Graveminder. One more reason to read to the end, no? Graveminder Melissa Marr Published: May 17, 2011 (William Morrow & Company/Harper) Purchase at: Book Depository, Barnes & Noble or Amazon Rating (out of 5): 4 stars There is something to be said for a purposeful slow build, and Melissa Marr does it masterfully in... 
It’s Independence Day here in the U.S., and that means all sorts of good summer-y things. There will be barbecue action, sunshine and fireworks. I’m big on fireworks. Though, we’re not allowed to set off our own displays here in Texas (we’re in a drought, so there is a burn ban in effect), I’ll be taking the husband to watch the city’s big display later tonight. How can you not like pretty explosions in... 
Update: Our Hunter’s Fall giveaway is now closed. We’ve emailed the winners. Thanks to all who entered! Hunter’s Fall (The Hunters #13) Shiloh Walker Published: June 7, 2011 (Berkley) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Rating (out of 5): 4 stars One of the things I love best about Shiloh Walker’s writing is the very thing that made reading Hunter’s Fall difficult at times: She’s too good at making the... 
Angel Burn (Angel Trilogy #1) L.A. Weatherly Publishes: May 24, 2011 (Candlewick) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Angel Burn surprised me over and over. Admittedly, the first bit had me wondering what I’d gotten myself into, but L.A. Weatherly’s unique take on angels had me curious enough to keep going. And I’m thankful I did, because the concept is fascinating and once... 
Crux (Southern Arcana #1) Moira Rogers Published: 2009 (Samhain) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Fate sent Mackenzie to New Orleans. After five states and a month of running from an ex and his goons, she lands a job at a bar for a pint-sized sweet woman who can’t help but worry about her new hire. Quickly Mackenzie finds a couple werewolves and one very sexy mage... 
Our third post in the February series of character love letters comes from Loribelle Hunt. (You can still read the character love letters by Denise K. Rago and Laurie London.) Her paranormal romance novel Kiss of Darkness was released last month through Harlequin’s digital-only imprint Carina Press. A quick download of Hunt’s Kiss of Darkness had us wrapped up in a great love story. As we said in our... 
One of the highlights of this month’s group read pick — Nightshade by Andrea Cremer — is the fantastic love triangle. Sure, the love triangle is a tried plot point in romance. To the point it can be tired if not done right (or at least uniquely). That’s the beauty of the love push-and-pull in Nightshade, it’s a true triangle. Both options are good. It’s one book where friends will end up on opposite... 
My Fair Succubi (Succubus Diaries #3) Jill Myles Published: Dec. 28, 2010 (Pocket) Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: If you have not read the previous Succubus Diaries novels, we suggest you read our review for the first novel Gentlemen Prefer Succubi as we’ll be including spoilers from the previous novels in this review. However, if you’ve read books one and two,... 
It’s February and Valentine’s Day is around the corner. That means we want to get all romantic – OK, more than usual. As such, today is the first in a series of guest posts this month featuring character love letters. We asked paranormal romance authors to let their hero or heroine talk to their love in the old school fashion for us to read This first character love letter comes from author Denise K. Rago... 
