Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for November . All dates are U.S. and tentative. I’ve included genre classification with each book: UF is urban fantasy, PNR is paranormal romance and YA is young adult. NOVEMBER 1 Avenger’s Angel by Heather Killough-Walden (Lost Angel #1) PNR Body Thief by C.J. Barry PNR Courting... 
Trailer time with Julie Kagawa and Cassandra Clare Since the last Book Bits we’ve gotten two delicious trailers for YA books. First, we have the trailer for The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (which I suggest you pre-order). As one who is firmly Team Ash, I’m particularly excited about this book, but I also love the inclusion that the reason things are messed up for him is, of course, because of a girl.... 
This week has already been crazy at VBC HQ. While getting everything prepped for Fall into (Urban) Fantasy, I also popped in at Heroes & Heartbreakers twice. First, I shared five YA alpha heroes that are sure to make adult readers swoon (Dimitri, Prince Ash and Jace lead the list). Then, I wrote up a recap of the Night Huntress series thus far. If you haven’t read the earlier books, but still want to read... 
Wild & Steamy Meljean Brook, Jill Myles & Carolyn Crane Published: Aug. 2, 2011 Purchase at: Amazon Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars “Blushing Bounder” by Meljean Brook (3 stars) Meljean Brook’s story is set in her Iron Seas world, before the events of The Iron Duke. We get to learn how Constable Newton ended up in London and learn about his wife. He and the missus are Bounders — what the London folk call... 
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... 
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... 
This year we fell in love with several new authors, found new series and even decided we could really get into steampunk. We’ve narrowed the list down to these gems. All the books on this list are ones we’ve told friends, family and random people at the bookstore about. These are the books we tell you are musts for your to-read piles. As a matter of fact, print it out and make it a checklist. We were... 
We fell in love with the world Meljean Brook created in The Iron Duke. Read our review and you’ll see we loved the world, the characters and the romance. We loved the merger of steampunk (think: machines, etc.) and more traditional romance. Meljean was kind enough to answer our questions about the strong women in her book (you’ll love Lady Corsair), the pirate, the zombies and what makes a... 
This week we’ve found blogs and authors giving away signed goodness, a battle of the obstinate literary men and a ton of steampunk romance. We’re leading with one of our contests. In the event you missed it, we’re giving away adult and YA prize packs in celebration of reaching 500 followers via Google Friend Connect. Books up for grabs include titles from Gena Showalter, Julie Kagawa, Stacia Kane, Meljean... 
Update: Thanks for the overwhelming response to the contests. We’ve selected our winners — Jessica and Beleth — and both have claimed their prizes. Keep an eye out. We have many more contests coming up. Wow! We just hit 500 followers via Google Friend Connect (not that the 1,200+ of you on Twitter aren’t favorites, too) and had to celebrate. Thank you so much for reading the blog. We hope you don’t hate... 
