Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega #1) Patricia Briggs Published: July 29, 2008 (Ace) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased Reviewed by: Jannelle Rating (out of 5): 4 stars Note: While review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the Mercy Thompson series. (Check out VBC’s review of book 1 of that series, Moon Called). When Cry Wolf begins we meet Anna, who after an... 
It’s all about the veterans in Round 5 of the Alpha Showdown. Neither of today’s alpha characters have won the battle before, but they both have fervent fanbases. Will this be their year? Charles Cornick from Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series is a powerful werewolf. Jeaniene Frost’s Vlad from the Night Prince series, though, is that Vlad. The ancient vampire has plenty of practice at the art of war.... 
Dead Heat (Alpha and Omega #4) Patricia Briggs Published: March 3, 2015 (Ace) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review Reviewed by: Margaret and Amy Rating (out of 5): Margaret 4.5 stars Amy 5 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... 
Shifting Shadows (Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson) Patricia Briggs Published: Sept 2, 2014 (Penguin) Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon Review source: purchased 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 Moon Called. I’m always impressed with... 
Update: This was the closest battle yet. Reyes’ fans rallied in the last two hours and he won with 55% of the vote. He advances to the Alpha Showdown finale! This Alpha Showdown doesn’t get any easier, does it? Darynda Jones’ Reyes has managed to dominate against the men of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. First defeating Zsadist, and then annihilating the King. His opponent has felled mighty alphas, too....
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 werewolf defeated the archangel! Adam advances to the next round of the Alpha Showdown! There’s no question Adam and Raphael are meant to be in the Alpha Showdown. They’re both leaders, and have big followings within the VBC readership. (Heh.) How are you going to decide? We’ve lined up great bloggers to explain why each alpha deserves to advance. Read the pitches, and then make the call. ADAM... 
In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for March 2014. 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.... 
From VBC’s Chelsea: We’ve covered the best books of 2013, but we’re ready to look forward here at VBC. There are so many wonderful reads waiting for us in 2014. To help you get excited for new books, we’re going to post our reviewers’ most anticipated 2014 books. Add your favorites in the comments. Amber is all about the big finale with these picks. (See Amy’s, Krista’s, Amanda’s and Mary’s picks.)... 
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... 
