Home of the Alpha Showdown, and one-stop shop for urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy news and reviews.
Today we’re trying something new. Instead of simply the triumphant return of contest roundup (which is toward the end), we’re giving you some of the best book-related news and happenings from the last week. Chances are we’ve already told you about these via Twitter or Facebook. But those move so quickly. In the event you missed any news, it’s all piled in on convenient place. Also,... 
I’ve always loved the Southern Vampire Mysteries (or as they’ve been relabeled as of late the Sookie Stackhouse books), particularly the first eight novels. And even when Eric was being a creepy, manipulative jerk in the early books, I kept thinking “I wish they would get together.” Because I love the complicated bad boys in novels. Eleven books later, Eric is still manipulative and... 
Both alphas in this round hold positions of power. They’re political beasts (one more so than the other, as pointed out below). And they both have a thing for feisty mortals. Today we put the Viking vampire Eric Northman (played most excellently on HBO’s True Blood by Swedish deliciousness Alexander Skarsgard) in the ring with powerful archangel Raphael. Two bloggers have done the hard work for... 
I’ve been a long-time fan of Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Mysteries (a.k.a. the Sookie Stackhouse novels). And while I now picture Alexander Skarsgard as Eric thanks to True Blood, I’m still eager to see what’s coming next for the waitress from Bon Temps.
My friend and fellow blogger Kristin from My Bookish Ways is in the same boat. (Though I’m not sure her stance on... 
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... 
Well, damn. To say you guys liked the YA love interest poll would be a complete understatement (you can vote here). Heated debates over Russian God Dimitri from Vampire Academy and our snarky boy Jace from The Mortal Instruments laced the comments. Also, you really loved hating on Team Edward. As a matter of fact, to the commenter Emelia who left quite possibly my favorite comment ever, email me. I will... 
Our top books of 2010 was posted early enough to be able to use as a shopping list. That means we’re at the end of the year without a nice wrap-up list. Really, it’s a bit embarrassing. So, what do we have in store? A list we know several of you will feel the need to argue with in the comments. (We actually really love that, by the way.)
TOP 10 SWOON-WORTHY HEROES
In fairness, we’re using... 
We may have hit all the marks this week. Giveaways we’ve found online include books focusing on vampires (both adult and YA), werewolves, the undead and even some stellar steampunk.
First and foremost, we need to remind you we’re giving away signed Heather Brewer goodness. A comment is all it takes to get yourself entered to win a signed copy of Twelfth Grade Kills and a bookmark. Enter by... 
In this month’s group read Crimson Moon, Emma finds herself torn between the vampire world she’s meant to join and being with werewolves who make her feel secure and at home. Add into the mix overwhelming feelings for a hot werewolf and, later, the introduction of a similarly handsome vampire and you have some hard choices. (Read our review for more details on the novel.)
All things equal... 
Usually we just talk about books here, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t share a good deal on True Blood merch. HBO has just extended us an exclusive discount on all the True Blood items in their online store as a treat to those of us not attending Comic Con.
I ordered a couple of the Lou Pine’s pint glasses last week, but now with a 20 percent off deal, we may have to invest in a... 
