Alpha Showdown
The Alpha Showdown is happening. I know this because fifty million people emailed us about it, including our agent. 🙂 Several years ago Darynda’s street team gamed the system by voting multiple times, and BDH took exception to that. We have refrained from promoting Alpha Showdown ever since. But enough time has passed, so let’s try this again.
Click here to vote for Kate here.
Remember, this is for fun. We don’t actually win anything except bragging rights. 🙂 Also if you enter the contest, your information will be subject to that site’s privacy policy. Yes, we’re still dealing with GDPR. Why do you ask?
Magic Triumphs
I am supposed to post this. Behold! By Crom and Demon Dogs, I shall slay this marketing!
Diamond Fire
We are working on Diamond Fire and since we posted a small snippet on Twitter, we will post one here, too.
My phone chimed. A text from Rogan. “You’re missing the show.”
“What show?”
“Come outside.”
I really wanted to run upstairs to my old room and lock the door. I couldn’t do that for two reasons. One, I was an adult, and two, Catalina moved into my room, so it wasn’t technically mine anymore.
It was absurd. I was a trained private investigator with almost ten years of experience. Baylor Investigative Agency existed today because I took it over when Dad got sick and made it successful against all odds. Not only that, but I was a Prime, the highest level of magic user one could reach. My paternal grandmother had the same talent, and people cringed when they heard her name. I had stood up to her and to a dozen of other Primes. In the past year I’ve been shot at, hit with a car, burned, teleported, and frozen nearly to death. I had a bus almost dropped on me, I faced a psionic who nearly destroyed my mind, and I told Connor Rogan, the Scourge of Mexico, no repeatedly and stood my ground. I should be able to meet my fiancé’s mother.
I could do this.
I got up, put my plate into the sink, hugged my mom, and went to the door.
A gunmetal grey Range Rover waited in front of our warehouse. Rogan leaned against it. I’ve seen him in twenty-thousand-dollar suit and in dirt-stained jeans and a T-shirt. No matter what he wore, Rogan always had a kind of rugged masculinity about him. You got a sense that nothing would knock him off his stride. Whatever came up, he would handle it and he wouldn’t panic. The fact that he was huge, over six feet tall and built like he fought people for a living, only added to it. Today he wore a pair of jeans and an olive T-shirt.
Oh no.
I stopped.
“What?” he asked.
“We match,” I ground out.
“So?”
“I’m going to go change.”
He caught my hand and drew me to him. His dark blue eyes laughed at me. He leaned down and kissed me. He tasted of mint and coffee and the touch of his lips anchored me. You know what, it would be fine.
“You look great. Also, if you leave, you’ll miss the best part.”
He nodded to my left. I glanced in that direction.
A sapphire-blue Maserati GranCabrio was parked at the curb. Next to it, directly under my – no, my sister’s – window stood Alessandro Sagredo.
Toodles!
Nicole says
Okay, I feel silly because I haven’t figured out or, though guess it ends in Hoard. BDH? Please define to someone who’s only been haunting the site since early this year
FBR says
Book Devouring Hoard I think.
Cristina says
Correct ✔
Tink says
Horde, but that may have just been your auto-correct. For some reason it insists on changing it to Hoard. (Although I guess that is accurate to a degree, since the Horde is known to Hoard books by Ilona Andrews.)
Sage says
Oh yeah!!
Patricia Schlorke says
Amen!
FBR says
Ah! Thank you. I thought I put in Horde, but either autocorrect got me, or I forgot to proofread. 🙂
VickieBC says
And I thought I was the only one who didn’t know what the BD part of BDH meant… Thanks!
Ista in Sydney says
Many of us would wear a BDH T-shirt, though I was to lazy to create & sew my own
Karen the Griffmom says
Amen to that.
Joan says
Yep
BDH is Book Devouring Horde (us readers that read every single thing we can get our hands on written by the AL ?)
AL is Authorlords (Ilona + Andrew Gordon)
Doc Jules, were-unicorn wannabe says
Me, I will wear that shirt! Wonder what my patients would think when I see them pre op! ?
VeronicaK says
So much to look forward to!!
Christine says
+1 ?
Connie says
Ugh!!!! NO!!!!! How am I supposed to choose between my 2 favorite series for a winner?!?!?
Kathy says
Thank you!! That was my thought. Then I realized I’d have to pick my go to series when I don’t have anything new. KATE
Tink says
We’re not at that point yet, although I think they did face off in a later round a couple of years ago.
Liz says
I can’t vote in the Rogan one because Rhys… I couldn’t do that. I can’t choose between my favorite authors this is terrible.
sarafina says
Curran is up against Raphael the Archangel. The brackets are up on this page:
http://vampirebookclub.net/alpha-showdown-2018/
Diane_D says
Ooh, no! Curran vs. Raphael?!
Tink says
I know. I have the same problem.
Jenn says
Can’t choose between Curran and Raphael!!
Miss Fiendishly says
I so agree! Rhysand, dang. And Connor!!! I’m in mental anguish! There’s no way. I want them both! Maybe they can be merged: Con-Rhys or Rhys-con. Already picturing Connor with Illyrian wings!
sarafina says
And CURRAN is ranked 7th!!!! SEVENTH!!!! How can this be?!?!?!?!?! I like Rogan, but he’s no Beast Lord (past or present).
Ilona says
That’s not a rank, that’s a label for the brackets. 🙂
Amanda says
It somewhat is a popularity ranking according to the bracket listing according to the small print at the bottom of the brackets: “The numbers listed next to the book series names in the bracket indicates the seed placement from nominations. No. 1 Mad Rogan, received the most nominations and so forth. The top nominees are up against the bottom in the first rounds, so your frontrunners have the chance to make it to the finals.”
KC says
Okay I get that everyone is on the rankings and all but dearie, that was just mean. This snippet is too short. I feel like a junkie smelling pot from next door!
Jenn says
I now want to read books to meet this Rhysand… Lol …
Julie says
Squeeeee! OMG, I absolutely cannot wait until this fall.
Spring says
Argh! Why does your writing have to be so GOOD!? It makes it so hard to wait.
barbie doll says
Oh my goodness poor Catalina. I had assumed that her talent would be rare and thought there would be suitors beating down her door. I did love the quiet understated car. So under the radar. So funny that Rogan is so enjoying himself. Nevada’s family is made up of strong personalities. Now I wonder who will come out of the wood work for the youngest. I have a feeling this wedding will border on the absurd. Then there is always Grandma Frieda. There is also Rogan’s Mom who should fit in well. Thank you for the fun
maddbookish says
They’re always looking for Primes who match or augment their talents, Catalina’s power is largely unknown and dangerous to the user, not to mention that one of her sisters turns into a Beast of Cologne, so you could be brining that into your family tree. The last known one has been kept sedated for decades. Not saying there might not be some interested parties, just that there could be good reason for reticence too.
Samantha says
So deliciously evil of you to stop THERE. Toodles indeed.
Inga Abel says
+1
Jukebox says
+1.
¡AAAAAAAaaaaahhh…………!
Carol says
Seriously?! What? Is? Happening?
maddbookish says
+
There was much arm flailing.
Gloria Magid says
I suspected that we hadn’t seen the end of Alessandro! Dying to see Catalina’s reaction!
And why is Nevada stressing about meeting Rogan’s Mom? Didn’t she go with Rogan to meet her at the end of the last book?
I really can’t wait to read this!!!
sarafina says
I was wondering that too!
Oshi says
I think the novella will pick up right after the last novel so we get to see the first meeting 😛
sarafina says
Wasn’t Nevada dressed better to go through the House Trial?
Ilona says
It’s the next morning. 🙂 You are getting a snippet.
sarafina says
Thanks!
Marisha0111 says
That chart of theirs is evil! Evil! First a choice between Jane and Mercy, next potentially Kate against Curran, and Adam against Charles! How are we supposed to choose? How is this possible?
Diane_D says
I wish there was a ? button in these comments!
DianaInCa says
Yea, I don’t like the brackets at all. On the other hand I am pleased to see so many favorite authors listed.
maddbookish says
+
Heather says
You need to come to VEGAS!!!!!
Sage says
Oh!
Sage says
Quivering in delight. Can’t talk. So glad I have it on order!
Kitsuneink says
Omg! I’m dying!
Kathy says
How the heck do you vote? I use the links but don’t get a voting tab. There’s some kind of advertisement tab. Do you put your vote in the comments?
D Lm A says
Sign in using fb or your email allllllllllll the way @ bottom
Kathy says
Ok. Figured it out. You have to use the raffelcopter advertisement at the bottom of the choices. The direction say to use it, but it looks like an ad.
sarafina says
I think it is an unnecessary pain in the ass method. However, if it foils cheating, I can live with it. I’m just dumb with computers. I want a button that says “VOTE” I can push with no other actions needed.
Joan says
Same. I agree totally Sarafina.
Jenbot says
Catalina storyline makes me smile. So glad you are doing more with this series. Thank you!
Keera says
So much stuff in this one post. I promised myself that I would make it to a book signing once we settled in the U.S. Now I have to convince the husband and figure out if I want to go to GA or KY. So excited for this year!!
Karen the Griffmom says
Come to Michigan! We’d love to meet you.
Julie says
Just to clarify for everyone voting, you don’t yet have to choose between Kate and Rogan. You need to choose between Kate, Rogan, AND Curran!!! Also, BDH: we are WAY behind in our voting and round 1 only last for another few hours.
Julie says
Also, you need to log in (with FB or email) to enter the giveaway IN ORDER to vote. It also seems to be that in this first set of voting, we can vote for all three Ilona Andrews characters and that in the next set is when they will begin to be pitted against each other. If Kate and Curran both win their current matches then it looks like they will run against each other on the very next round, but it would be two rounds after that that one of them would be pitted against Rogan for the final match up.
Rogan posted on May 29th – time is almost up
http://vampirebookclub.net/alpha-showdown-2018-round-1-rogan-vs-rhysand/
Kate posted on May 30th – one more day
http://vampirebookclub.net/alpha-showdown-2018-round-2-kate-daniels-vs-ethan-sullivan/comment-page-3/#comment-43942
Curran probably will be posted in the next day or two based on the fact that they took the very first and very last brackets and will probably move inwards in the same fashion.
D Lm A says
Tell me it ain’t So … no no no
Kate vs Rogan vs Curran
I’ve learned kate
rogan is rounded out but Curran, there is still a mystery to be revealed
I’m voting Rogan, what am i voting for about him?
Joan says
Thank you for info + links Julie.
sarafina says
Rogan won anyway.
Cynthia says
I Knew It !!
Alessandro loves Catalina.
Cause only someone who loves her (as much as her family)can withstand her magic.
Cynthia says
Why is the picture upside down, the original isn’t?
D Lm A says
How to decide … who getz the vote
While walking thru a book store; who do you pluck up, clutch 2 your chest & give the crazed evil eye to persons who think they can distract you with conversation while their downtrodden minions attempt to snatch your treasure …
On a trip home after you have fed the kids, bought them shoes, given them money so they can get treats you calculate; that if you get that book, the kids can put on their old shoes and push the car an eighth of a mile up the drive …
Those are the books you vote for … although after listening to all their whining, as I tried to read in the shade of the lone tree after making the turn into the drive, l allowed my brood to simply carry our purchases home and call the garage. I waited for the tow w/my icy peach lemonade on the blanky with the bug repellant & spf 30 lotion. Yup definitely voting for that book, good times
Kat T. says
That snippet was certainly worth two votes. Can’t wait to read more about Catalina.
Teresa says
Can hardly wait.
Amy Ann says
Good snippet. So refreshing. And my votes for Curran and Kate are in!
Jasmine says
This is a much wanted distraction from an otherwise crappy week – my grandmother died on monday and is much missed. Thank you!
sarafina says
Sorry about that. Remember the good.
Joan says
Condolences Jasmine.
I hope that you had love and laughter and happy memories with your grandmother …
Sadly, I didn’t know any of my grandparents that well and my children were not born or too young when all their grandparents passed, so we all missed those special memories.
Marian Bernstein says
I knew it! I had a feeling about that man. And his car!
Elodie says
Oh myyy ! I never thought we’d get a snippet of Nevada ! That’s awesome, I’m so surprised ! Like always seems great, I love what you write, good luck with everything, I wish you the best :*
Siobhan says
On the alpha showdown site, I see people voting in the comments. Anyone from here voting, that doesn’t work. You have to click the button to join the giveaway, it’ll ask you to log in, and THEN you get to vote. Just FYI.
Anisa says
I cant vote in the showdown for some reason. I enter all the fields and when I press enter it takes me to a blank page with the words “spam deleted”
K Dawn says
Alessandro…..What!? I am so excited!!
kris says
Toodles. Toodles! I mean, REALLY? You couldn’t end it with a shoe or something being thrown out the window followed by a ‘Go AWAY!”? LOL. That was a fiendish way to end the snippet.
Christa says
So, as I reread Wildfire for the bajillionth time I wondered if Catalina’s math skills and Bernard’s pattern mageing were linked. How long til November???
Tink says
I’m thinking Bernard’s ability and Leon’s are linked, since they both deal with patterns. And since they’re half-brothers, that makes sense. I’m curious what their mom’s ability is.
sarafina says
Math and patterns could come from Frida. Leon, like Nevada and Penelope, gets shooting from Leon, imo. Of course, Nevada is primarily Truthseeker from her dad and Arabella is the monster from her incubator. Catalina takes after the sperm donor. Hard to say what other gifts may be hiding in the sisters and cousins, but could be FASCINATING!!!!
Joan says
❤
Tina in NJ says
Not that it has anything to do with her magic, but I thought that forensic accounting would be a good fit for Catalina. It would use her math skills in the PI business. Forensic accounting is basically following the money to prove wrongdoing and stuff.
sarafina says
Augustine might be interested in that, not that Catalina would go there.
DianaInCa says
Toodles – Love it! Thanks for the snippet
Harukogirl says
Yay!!!! I have the ARC!!!! OMG can’t wait to start reading – like right this second.
Times like this being a librarian REALLY comes in handy – netgalley favors librarians for ARCS. Well, this will be an auto buy for me AND my library (I have it pre-ordered), but I’m so happy to get it now!
Joan says
Jealous much ?
But something to look forward to ?
KR says
Oh wow. hee hee hee
I’m rereading this series right now. This really does make me giggle.
EverythingShines says
YES!!!!!!!
OMG, can’t wait!
Iona says
Can’t find where o vote ;(
Oona says
completely off topic for the BDH and the alphas but, it gets a giggle…and anytime we talk Rogan et al…I start thinking of Cornelius and this, this just pops into my head 🙂
if you’ve not seen it yet, go look and then ROLF. Ilona’s ferrets were something, but this, this is pure genius. I want to hire these ladies …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2SZWyJOfM
Joan says
Thanks for that video link Oona.
So good, especially with the wooden bars + pole ?
Liz says
I hate that you have to sign up with rafflecopter to vote for the showdown now :0/
Popped on to say THANK YOU for the DF snippet…Rogan is just ?
Mary Cruickshank-Peed says
First read thru I read that as “my mother’s fiancee” and thought “holy cow! That’s a big one!”
Yeah…the hazards of reading on a tiny, dim phone screen.
Nina says
Is Diamond Fire really 384 pages in paperback form?
That’s almost a novel size , so not sure why it is considered a novella? Unless it’s like 14 point font?
I can’t wait!
Joan says
Loved that snippet – thank you so much. I don’t bother with Twitter or Snapchat as they’re too time consuming – you get sucked in and 2 hours later you wonder where time went ?
Already voted for Rogan + Kate. Must check out Curren.
Sophia says
Alessandro and Catalina The next book ?
Mandi says
[[[Draw drop…. fly zips by]]]]] key old western music
Screams……. AND!!!!!!
[[[In a normal and polite voice]]]
Thank you very much for that tidbit. I am grateful for any other bits and pieces you happen to drop our way.
Sincerely,
Mandi
Sophia says
I’m so in love with this series that I don’t even know where to start. I read all three books in two days! The first one I read in Portuguese, which is my first language, but I couldn’t stop and went for the others in any language I could find. Nevada conquered my heart, Rogan conquered all of me and the books hugged me in a certain way, but the most beautiful thing is that your writing made me laugh too. It is rare. Thank you and I’m SO HAPPY that there will be more. Can’t wait to read.
Kc says
I just had a thought,,,
Rogan’s mom asking Nevada.
“How did you two meet.”
Nevada “uhm, he kidnapped me.”
“What? Connor what does that mean?”
Nevada “Yes, he kidnapped me and chained me in his basement”
Rogan “Nevada! Mom it doesn’t mean what you think. Okay I don’t know what you are thinking.” He prods Nevada.
Rogan’s mom “how come you are together.”
Nevada “Stockholm’s syndrome. That’s what I think.”
Rogan’s mom bursts out laughing.
TJ says
Oh Catalina you go, girl! Give Mr. I’m-so-popular-I-exploded-your-social-media a run for his money! Heehee!