Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
We told you from the start that the Alpha Showdown would be brutal. We’re only three matches in, and we’ve already had to make tough choices. Round 2 is still open, and it’s very close between Jane and Barrons. Kate Daniels isn’t scared of a vampire, but we doubt Bones is scared of anything. He’s battled some heavy hitters before. In an alternate universe, these two would probably end up hanging out, but... 
A recent Molly Harper binge got me thinking again about the differences between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Ultimately, I don’t think it really matters. Read what you like. Who cares what they call it? But I’m still a word nerd so I’m compelled to contemplate. Harper’s Jane Jameson series falls into that awkward space between UF and PNR (VBC’s review of Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs). It’s not... 
Bound by Flames (Night Prince #3) Jeaniene Frost Published: January 27, 2015 (Avon) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review Source: Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Chelsea Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars Note: This review assumes you’ve read the Night Prince series. If you’re not up-to-date, please check out our review of Once Burned. Vlad and Leila have had a lot...
Update: Both sides fought hard here, but only one can come out on top. Adam Hauptman took 62 percent of the vote and moves on to face Reyes Farrow in the next round! Two more big-time fan favorites are pitted against each other in today’s Alpha Showdown round. It’s vampire versus werewolf as Jeaniene Frost’s Bones takes on Patricia Briggs’ Adam Hauptman. Which one advances in the Showdown is up to you!...
Update: The Frost Fans came out in full force. Bones managed to defeat Ryodan in this round. We never thought we’d consider Bones an underdog, but he’s been in the Alpha Showdown several times, and has yet to take the title. Will this be his year? Ryodan knows how to clench that Alpha Showdown championship, but will he be able to fell our beloved vampire this time? We’ve lined up great bloggers to explain... 
Update: Never mess with a man who can control fire. Vlad took home the win swiftly and soundly. Two lethal vampires enter the Alpha Showdown. Will the Master of Cadogan House top the pyrokinetic vampire of legend? You decide. We’ve lined up great bloggers to explain why each alpha deserves to advance. Read the pitches, and then make the call. ETHAN SULLIVAN You know him from: Chicagoland Vampires series... 
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... 
Earlier this week Book Riot ran a post featuring the 20 most-loved literary characters. It was a fun post and I certainly saw a few of my favorites there, but as I went to go and share the link via VBC’s Facebook page I stopped myself. As lovely as the list was, it wasn’t too heavy on the fantasy end of things. Sure, Gandalf and the Harry Potter gang were there, but it leaned much more toward the... 
A Note from Chelsea / VBC: All the suggested poolside reading lists we see online point to cheeky contemporary novels or lighthearted romps. Well, at VBC we know there are plenty of books featuring paranormal elements, badass heroines and sexy heroes that are perfect for reading out under the sun. So, of course, we’ve decided to do our own Beach Reads picks. Each Friday for the next several weeks, we’ll... 
In case you hadn’t noticed (ha!), we have a new look here at VBC. We’re trying something cleaner that matches our new group blog vibe. I hope you like it and find it easy to interact with. Now on to awesome book news… Cat and Ian Banter! Jeaniene Frost has posted the first excerpt from the seventh Night Huntress novel Up from the Grave and it features Cat and Bones talking with that walking complication... 
