Touched by an Alien - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (reread/repost)

Touched by an Alien - Gini Koch

What is it about:

How can a sexy marketing manager join forces with an Alpha Centauri male in Armani to save the planet-using hairspray, a Mont Blanc pen, and rock n' roll?

Easy...

She's "Touched by an Alien"

Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt steps into the middle of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned ugly. And it only gets uglier when the man turns into a winged monster, straight out of a grade-Z horror movie, and goes on a killing spree. Though Kitty should probably run away, she springs into action to take the monster down.

In the middle of the chaos a handsome hunk named Jeff Martini appears, sent by the "agency" to perform crowd control. He's Kitty's kind of guy, no matter what planet he's from. And from now on, for Kitty, things are going to be sexy, dangerous, wild, and out of this world.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

This is a great book! It has witty humor, gorgeous aliens, a heroine I could really relate to and a fast paced story packed with lots of action. The romance part of the story didn't overshadow the main storyline while still adding an extra layer to the story and even though the story is kept light by the humor used throughout the book the plot and action still are exciting enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Kitty is a strong heroine, but also fun, nice and quirky. All in all a delightfully fun read.

Notes on rereading:

I hadn't reread this in several years and almost forgot how much fun this book is. It hits several sweet spots for me when it comes to romance. Jeff is absolutely among my favorite romantic heroes. I might need to reread more books in this series.

Why should you read it:

Fans of romantic urban fantasy and science fiction will love this book 

Aliens Abroad - Book Review

Aliens Abroad (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #16)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
With the human population growing and alien refugees pouring in from around the galaxy, Earth is becoming too overcrowded to sustain itself--and the solar system is filling up with the alien overflow. Advanced technology from the Alpha Centauri and Vatusan systems offers one possible solution. It's time to explore new planets and see if any uninhabited ones can be claimed.

The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, aren't supposed to be on this mission, but what looks like a snafu during a political photo op on the newly christened Distant Voyager spaceship turns out to be a call for help from a planet that might be Earth's salvation...or its destruction.

The discovery of a world at the opposite end of the galaxy that seems like it could be a twin to Earth creates the usual issues for Kitty & Company. It also raises questions of Z'porrah and Ancient influence--not to mention cloning, the multiverse, and, scariest of all, whether or not the Black Hole Universe Police are starting to take too much of an interest in this particular universe.

What did I think of it:
If you still haven't started on this series, you should go get the first book asap.

For those familiar with this series: this is yet another fun adventure in the roller-coaster ride that is Kitty's life.

Kitty and co get taken on a trip into space and things get wild. There are lots of new things they discover, Kitty has to save the day, and just when one crisis is averted the next comes knocking. There's a lot going on, and once again I had to keep paying attention to keep up with what's happening.

I loved exploring the galaxy together with Kitty and her crew. The ship they're on is very cool, and the things they encounter disturbing, cool, fun, and more. It's a good thing Kitty usually figures out what should happen to set things right, because there's a lot to fix in the galaxy.

All in all a fun and very enjoyable read. The ending makes me eager for the next book to find out what's thrown on Kitty's plate next.

Why should you read it:
It's a very entertaining, SF roller-coaster ride.


Buy from bookdepository

Alien Education - Book Review

Alien Education (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #15)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
As if learning as much as possible about every alien race in the galaxy, fending off the advances both business and personal from a variety of Hollywood types, dealing with the assimilation of various alien races, and navigating the Embassy Daycare kids' first day of "real" school wasn't bad enough, President and First Lady Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini must now deal with new robotic attacks that endanger every alien child on Earth, the resurgence of a bigger, nastier Club 51, and a variety of murders, all while facing the most truly terrifying organization they've ever encountered -- the school's Parent-Teacher Association.

What did I think of it:
When this book arrived in April last year I had a hard time concentrating on reading, so I didn't dare pick this book up. And as is often the case with postponing a read: it went forgotten until last month, when I realized the next book would be releasing in February.

I decided to catch up right away.

This is a fun read as all of the books in the series. It did feel like there was more talking and explaining than necessary at times, but this being book 15, a recap of who's who and what's what can't be avoided.

That aside I fell right back in the world and crazy schemes that surround Kitty. I loved reading about beloved characters and to see new characters enter the stage as well.

It's a good thing I didn't read this book last year, because as always there are several conspiracies and plots going on, and I had to keep paying attention to keep up with the developments.

All in all this is a fun addition to a great series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun SF read.


Buy from bookdepository

Alien Nation - Release Day Review

Alien Nation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #14)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
It’s a typical day of bureaucracy and stress for President and First Lady Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, made more stressful when alien spacecraft are spotted making a beeline for Earth, none of them from the Alpha Centauri system. Then a cryptic request from an old adversary pulls Kitty out of the White House and into an explosion—and an even more explosive situation. Not only is the Mastermind back in the game, influencing the Club 51 True Believers to find and destroy all Centaurion bases, but he’s also found a dangerous benefactor and created some frightening new cloning abilities.

And, just to make things a little more challenging, those alien spacecraft are coming to ask Kitty for protection, and asylum on Earth. Police stations being blown up and war helicopters in play aren’t enoughto keep Kitty down, especially when she’s got some new alien friends helping out. But what these aliens share will rock the world—the other aliens on their way to Earth are fleeing an enemy so terrifying that even a Z’porrah ship is trying to get to Earth for safety and protection. And if Earth isn’t able to stop this threat, there may not be anything left of humanity. Now Kitty and Company have to figure out where the Mastermind is and stop him, before any new aliens land. And then they have to save the world from a deadly invasion. Or, as Kitty calls it, Thursday.

What did I think of it:
This is yet another fun and adventure-filled addition to an awesome series.

Fourteen books into this series Koch has developed a couple of 'go to' moves to keep the story going, but she knows this and makes fun of it, which makes that it's more a fun moment of recognition than anything else.

There's a lot going on and I was entertained throughout. There are new aliens, new allies, and more. Some longer running story lines are resolved, but others hint at much more to come. Kitty will need a long vacation once things calm down.

All in all this book is yet another rollicking ride and this piggy will stay on board of this SF train of wackiness and awesomeness for more.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable SF read.


Buy from bookdepository

Plush Life - Book Review

Plush Life
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
Tom and Meggie have been best friends forever. They’ve been in love with each other for almost as long, but neither one has ever admitted it to the other. Now they work together at the Plush Life Toys, the company Tom started where Meggie is the head of sales.

Meggie’s engaged to Mark, a successful doctor, but she’s having serious second thoughts. However, before she and Tom can talk about it, they get a strange offer from their make-or-break client – go to New Orleans and convince the head of the powerful Family Mart megastore chain that Plush Life is the right kind of company to be one of their vendors. The only catch? Family Mart is the poster company for family values, and Tom and Meggie have to be married or they won’t be approved.

Meggie can’t tell Mark why she has to cancel their weekend plans because Mark doesn’t like that she and Tom are friends. What Meggie and Tom don’t know, though, is that Mark is aware of a secret that affects Meggie’s life – and he and his friends will do anything they have to in order to ensure Mark gets to marry her.

Now Tom and Meggie have to figure out their feelings for each other while trying to keep the eccentric head of Family Mart believing that they’re happy newlyweds. But when Mark and his friends get involved they put Meggie’s life and sanity in jeopardy, and only Tom, a street thief, and the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans are going to be able to save Meggie from the devil himself.

What did I think of it:
This is such a fun read.

I can especially recommend this book to people who secretly ship Kitty and Chuckie in Koch's Katherine “Kitty” Katt series. Tom is a lot like Chuckie (although luckily for me more likeable).

The whole set-up of the story is a little bit out there, but that's a Koch trademark in my opinion, and I'm always willing to go with the crazy if it's not too unbelievable, and leads to a cool and exciting adventure.

And this is quite the adventure. Usually I'm no fan of contemporary stories, but this one grabbed my attention and kept it until the end. Mark and his friends are creepy bastards, and the people at Family Mart are seriously weird as well. Meggie and Tom have a hard time trusting anyone. They do manage to figure out their feelings for each other, but everything that's happening might prevent them from having a Happily Ever After.

All in all this is an action-packed story, with plenty of steamy scenes as well, that will delight fans of Koch, and serves as a great way to introduce you to Koch's writing and humor if you're unfamiliar with her work.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun, action-packed Gini Koch style adventure.


Buy from amazon

Camp Alien - Early Book Review

Camp Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #13)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don’t get any downtime once the Mastermind has been revealed to the world. Not only do they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive. The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq.

It’s clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place —and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company. Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty’s marriage are nothing compared to finding not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.

But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something’s wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don’t make it, Earth won’t make it, either. But no pressure.

What did I think of it:
This is yet another awesome addition to the series.

Just when you think that things will get easier to follow, now that the Mastermind is finally known, lots of new baddies turn up with evil plans of their own.

I was at the edge of my seat, wanting to know if Kitty would find her missing friends and survive being First Lady.

The events in this book take Kitty to new and cool locations. There's lots of action, conspiracies, and misunderstandings. As always you have to keep paying attention so you don't miss the clues to figure out what's going on and why. New characters are introduced, and old favorites keep being awesome. All in all a roller coast ride as only Koch can deliver.

So once again: if you still haven't started on this series, what are you waiting for?! And if you are reading this series: Go get your hands on this as soon as it releases!

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome SF read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Camp Alien

This piggy is lucky enough to have gotten an early review copy of Camp Alien!


"You seeing what I'm seeing?" I asked Mom as I rummaged around in my purse.
"I am. You know, I'd forgotten about this, don't ask me why."

(Page 51, Camp Alien by Gini Koch)


preorder:


===

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Plush Life - Release Day Alert

Today a new book by Gini Koch releases!

You can bet I'll be reading it once I have my TBR mountain under control again.


Plush Life
by Gini Koch

Tom and Meggie have been best friends forever. They’ve been in love with each other for almost as long, but neither one has ever admitted it to the other. Now they work together at the Plush Life Toys, the company Tom started where Meggie is the head of sales.

Meggie’s engaged to Mark, a successful doctor, but she’s having serious second thoughts. However, before she and Tom can talk about it, they get a strange offer from their make-or-break client – go to New Orleans and convince the head of the powerful Family Mart megastore chain that Plush Life is the right kind of company to be one of their vendors. The only catch? Family Mart is the poster company for family values, and Tom and Meggie have to be married or they won’t be approved.

Meggie can’t tell Mark why she has to cancel their weekend plans because Mark doesn’t like that she and Tom are friends. What Meggie and Tom don’t know, though, is that Mark is aware of a secret that affects Meggie’s life – and he and his friends will do anything they have to in order to ensure Mark gets to marry her.

Now Tom and Meggie have to figure out their feelings for each other while trying to keep the eccentric head of Family Mart believing that they’re happy newlyweds. But when Mark and his friends get involved they put Meggie’s life and sanity in jeopardy, and only Tom, a street thief, and the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans are going to be able to save Meggie from the devil himself.


Buy from amazon

Top Pearls 2015 - Continuing Awesomeness and Stand Alone Awesomeness

And today the rest of my 2015 Pearls.

Today I highlight the authors who continue to write awesome books. Most of these have been on my Top Pearls list before in previous years.

I will also list two books by new to me authors that blew me away this year.


Continuing Awesomeness:


Dana Cameron
This year I read Hellbender, the third book in the really cool Fangborn series, and the first two books in Cameron's Emma Fielding series. The Emma Fielding series is very different, but just as cool as the Fangborn series, I must say. I have the next 3 books in my TBR pile.


Gini Koch
I can't believe there are already twelve books in the Katherine 'Kitty' Katt series. I've read both books that released this year, and I'm still loving this series.


Jeffe Kennedy
Fantasy, BDSM Romance, Erotic Paranormal Suspense: Jeffe Kennedy has all of them covered, and well! I haven't come across a book by Jeffe that I didn't love. Next to the books pictured here I also read Master of the Opera, and a few novellas as well.


Laura Bickle
I read both new books by Laura Bickle this year. The Dark Alchemy series is dark and totally awesome.


Linda Poitevin
I loved the first two books of the Grigory Legacy, so I was over the moon when the last two books became available in print this year. I read both and they were beautiful!


Stand Alone Awesomeness:


The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord
I won this book in a giveaway and was totally blown away by how beautiful it was. I'm even reluctant to pick up the sequel, because I don't want anything to spoil this story.


Last Flight by Liane Merciel
Yes, I'm totally cheating here. Last Flight is part of the Dragon Age world, and I got addicted to the Dragon Age games, and world this year. So technically it's not a Stand Alone. Still I think this book deserves a mention, because it's the book that was the most emotional read for me this year. It's beautiful and sad.



Check back tomorrow for a giveaway!

Alien in Chief - Book Review

Alien in Chief (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #12)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
The Mastermind has upped his game . . .

As Kitty can tell you, it's not easy being the wife of the vice president - especially not when he's an alien from the Alpha Centauri system. And being a parent of preternaturally talented children, don't even go there. But she and her A-C husband, Jeff, have learned how to roll with whatever life and the bad guys throw at them - they think.

Kitty & Company have been savouring a few months of quiet since they got back from Beta Eight. But suddenly their peace is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious female assassin - who might be Jeff's missing niece, Stephanie. And that's just the beginning of the fun.

When the Alpha Centauri Planetary Council requests a visit with the president and vice president, things look politically dicey. When the most dangerous prisoners in the most secure supermax prison escape with ease, things look bad. But when the Mastermind releases a virus that kills people in a week, things go to Defcon Worse fast.

Now it's up to Kitty to save everyone important in the U.S. government - including her mother, her husband, and herself - before the virsu spreads through the rest of the country, and then the world. Plus she's facing invisible attackers, crazed assassins, a teenager in hiding, the most dangerous train ride ever, the disappearance of her beloved flyboys, and a mysterious alien who could be an enemy or the ally she needs.

and this time, the Mastermind's made it very personal. Either he's going down . . . or Kitty is.

What did I think of it:
I can't believe this is already book 12 in the series. It feels like just a short while ago that I read book 1 and got addicted.

And this book is another great addition. Kitty might have worked herself up from a clueless outsider to the rank of Ambassador, she's still the Kitty I fell in love with, always ready to kick butt and take names.

There's lots of action and intrigue in this book, and the stakes are once again high. I usually don't like these total doom scenarios, but the perfect mix of humor and suspense in these books makes that I don't mind the fact that's it's basically Kitty trying to save everything from total destruction. For this series it fits.

There were some shocking events in this book that left me reeling, I will confess. And although lots of things are resolved at the end of the book, some things are left open, making me worry about what might be next.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for the next one. Fans of this series will love this book, and if you haven't started on this series yet: Have you been listening to me at all? Go get Touched by an Alien right now!

Why should you read it:
It's a funny and suspenseful SF read.

Alien Separation - Early Book Review

Alien Separation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #11)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
The Mastermind has finally been identified, but before Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini can take him down, they, their daughter, Jamie, Charles Reynolds, Paul Gower, Christopher White, and several others are zapped out of their solar system and into another. Landing them on an alien planet – and not together...

What did I think of it:
This is yet another awesome addition to a great series.

Kitty has barely recovered from her trip to an alternate universe when she and several of her friends are zapped to an unfamiliar alien planet.

And the creatures they encounter there are so cool!

I loved the new planet that's introduced in this book, and the new animals and other creatures Kitty encounters there. Gini Koch manages to describe this world and its inhabitants so vividly I could easily picture it all. (I even suspect she thought of me when creating this world: pig-like creatures!)

There's lots going on: both on this new planet, as in other places. With all the things happening and with the introduction of new characters, I had to keep paying attention to keep up with the story. There was lots of action, funny situations, suspense, and Kitty saving the day.

I will say again: if you haven't started on this series yet, get reading! I for one am already looking forward to the next book, because I can't get enough of Kitty. This book (and series) is fun, funny, action-packed and more than entertaining!

Why should you read it:
It's SciFi awesomeness!

Universal Alien Blog Tour - Jeff and Kitty's Top 10 Vacation Spots

I'm happy to announce that today I'm hosting a tour stop for Gini Koch's Universal Alien Blog tour!

Universal Alien, book 10 in the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series will release next month. All books in this series have been awesome, but fans of the series all have their favorite book, character, or event. I for example still think the first book in this series is the best, if only because it made me fall head over heels for this series. When I picked up Touched By An Alien I didn't expect to love it as much as I do, and I certainly hadn't expected so many awesome books would follow after that first one.

Talking about favorites:
To celebrate the upcoming release this blog tour is all about top 10's!
Today will feature Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini’s Top Ten Fave Vacation Spots, but be sure to keep an eye on Gini's blog for more tour stops and top 10's.

And don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway!



Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini’s Top Ten Fave Vacation Spots

10. Alternate realities. Okay, that’s in Kitty’s Top 10. Jeff’s not so excited about this one.

9. Anywhere that gets us away from Washington, D.C. Because most places are cool, fun, and have cool people in them.

8. Disneyland. If we have to explain that, we don’t necessarily want to hang with you.

7. Europe. Yes, all of it.

6. Chicago, great food and great people.

5. Australia. Yes, all of it.

4. New York City, ‘cause it’s cool and fun and never sleeps.

3. Paris, France, despite all the stuff that’s happened there.

2. Las Vegas, because that’s where our daughter was conceived, and it’s also cool and fun and never sleeps.

1. Cabo. If you have to ask why, you haven’t read the books about us, have you?



About Universal Alien:
Being the wife of the Vice President isn’t easy. Especially when your talents lie in kicking butt and rocking out…
Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini find out just how easy it is for the wife of the Vice President of the United States to unintentionally insult an ally. Now they have to smooth things over with the Australian Prime Minister, pronto, or risk creating an international incident the worldwide anti-alien coalitions will be able to use to force Jeff to resign and the A-Cs to leave the planet.
But before Kitty can make things worse, a cosmic congruence and a little help from some powerful beings shoves her into another world -- one where she’s been married to Charles Reynolds for years and aliens don’t exist. She’s also landed in the middle of a huge conspiracy and is marked for death…but at least that’s business as usual.
Kitty’s not the only one confused, because the Kitty from that world has taken her place in this one. Now Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have to make sure that no one spots that there’s been a switch, while keeping World War III from happening. And they have to do so while keeping this new Kitty in line, because she has views about what to do and how to it, and time is running out.
Can both Kittys save their respective days before it’s too late to go home to the universes they belong to? Or will one Kitty decide to keep the other’s life…forever?




About Gini Koch:
Gini Koch writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series. Alien in the House, Book 7 in her long-running Alien series, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award as the Best Futuristic Romance of 2013. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series and she’s made the most of multiple personality disorder by writing under a variety of other pen names as well, including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch. Currently, Gini has stories featured in the Unidentified Funny Objects 3, Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens, and Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets anthologies, and, writing as J.C. Koch, in Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters, The Madness of Cthulhu, Vol. 1, and A Darke Phantastique anthologies. She will also have a story in the first book in an X-Files anthology series coming out in 2015. Gini can be reached via her website: www.ginikoch.com

=====================

Giveaway:
Gini is offering one winner the choice of one of any of the first 9 books in the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt Series (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien Proliferation, Alien Diplomacy, Alien vs. Alien, Alien in the House, Alien Research, or Alien Collective), signed and personalized. Open internationally.

Rules:
The winner is Missy Katano

- The winner has been contacted by email
- Pearls Cast Before A McPig & Gini Koch are not responsible for any prizes getting lost in the mail.

Universal Alien - Early Book Review

Universal Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #10)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
Issues with Australia need to be straightened out, so the White House sends the Vice President and his wife, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, over to handle the situation. But before Kitty can make things worse, she’s suddenly in another world -- one where she’s been married to Charles Reynolds for years and aliens don’t exist.

Kitty’s not the only one confused, because the Kitty from that world has taken her place in this one. Can they both save their respective days before it’s too late to go home to the universes they belong to, or will one Kitty decide to keep the other’s life… forever?

What did Voodoo Bride and I think of it:
We fell in love with the series when we read the first book, Touched by an Alien, and the books after that first one have only deepened that love. So we were looking forward to reading Universal Alien.

I will confess we were just a little bit apprehensive. Kitty is married to Chuckie in that other universe? I know many fans of this series love Chuckie, but Voodoo Bride and I have never liked him. But after 9 awesome books, we trusted Gini Koch enough to not be too worried. We were sure she would handle it in a way that would make us love this book.

And she did!

Wow! This book is right there in the top three of our favorite books in this series. Gini not only manages to pull the Kitty switch off in a way that had me rooting for both Kitty's, she also manages to have both Kitty's get involved in suspenseful intrigues. At first these seem separated, but it soon becomes clear these two universes may have more in common with each other than just superficial similarities.

I loved reading how both Kitty's try to adapt and save the day. Our Kitty meets lots of doppelgangers of people she knows in the other universe, and I liked seeing how these people were so very different, yet the same, all due to making different choices in life, or due to different events. I even started rooting for characters in the other universe, who never really clicked with me in the regular Kitty universe. (Nope: still not liking Chuckie.)

All in all this is yet another crazy, fun, and action-packed adventure that is a must read for fans of this series. And if you haven't started on this series yet: get going! This series is too awesome to miss out on.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool, fun, and wacky SciFi read.

Alien Collective Blog Tour - Review, Interview + Giveaway

This week Alien Collective released. You might know I'm a fan piggy about this series, so I'm glad to have Gini dropping by today for a small interview. There's also a giveaway. But first my review of Alien Collective to get you in the mood ;-)


Alien Collective (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #9)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
Despite not having run for office, nor wanting to remain in office, Representative Jeff Martini is being wooed as the vice presidential running mate for a charismatic senator who seems likely to win the campaign. While the Diplomatic Corps has to deal with the pressures of a political campaign sure to uncover secrets they don’t want shared with the world, Ambassador Kitty Katt-Martini has other worries—handling the reemergence of her most potent nemesis, thought dead and buried.

What did I think of it:
I can't believe we're already on book nine in this cool and funny series. It seems like only yesterday that I picked up Touched by an Alien on a whim, lured by the beautiful cover, and cool sounding blurb. Even more surprising is that Gini Koch keeps delivering time and time again.

Having read a couple of Fantasy books before starting on Alien Collective I will confess I struggled a bit during the first few chapters to get into the story. But once I made the switch from serious Fantasy to quirky and fun SciFi I was hooked.

If you haven't started on this series yet, I can really advice you to go buy Touched by an Alien and dive in. Because this series is addictive and fun. Many things have happened since that first book, that made me fall in love with Gini's writing, and although maybe some people could read this book without having read the previous books, I tell you: you want it all!

This book is a typical 'Kitty Katt' book. It's full of humor, wittiness and bizarre situations. Kitty is a fun heroine, who you know will save the day... eventually. But before she does, you get taken on a wild ride that is well worth it.

There's tons of cool characters, both old and new. There's action, suspense and intense emotions. And there's one particular event in this book that made this piggy a very happy camper! I won't spoil too much, but let me tell you: some authors actually listen to my requests! I hope this will become a trend ;-)

So once again Gini Koch manages to entertain and delight with a witty, funny and cool story. I hope she keeps them coming, because I need more books to feed my addiction.

Why should you read it:
It's a quirky and cool SciFi read.

---------------------

Interview:


Welcome back to Pearls Cast Before A McPig, Gini. I always love having you drop by.
-What is the most memorable moment (good, bad, or other) you have had in your life as an author?

It’s funny you ask this question, because the answer relates to you. :-D The first fan email I ever got came three weeks before Touched by an Alien was supposed to be released. I almost threw that email away, but I looked at it and lo and behold, it wasn’t spam – it was someone telling me they loved my book. I’d honestly never expected to get fan mail, and it was just the most amazing feeling in the world. Any time I feel down, I think back to that moment and the warm glow of shock and happiness reading that email gave me…which came from you. You will always be intrinsically tied to me because every time I get fan mail, I remember the “first one”.

Aaaw, thanks *hugs*. I'm still glad I ran into Touched by an Alien that day.
-If you could, would you change places with any of your characters?

There’s always the temptation to say yes, but I honestly like my life. I mean, sure, I’d like to have more time and more money (and this makes me different from exactly no one LOL), but overall I have a wonderful husband and daughter, great pets, family, friends, and fans, and really, that’s pretty darned good. Besides, I live all the characters’ lives anyway – in my mind, on the page, and in my mental “editing bay” where they have adventures that aren’t story worthy but that I know about anyway. It’s a controlled form of schizophrenia – I make it work for me.

But if I had to change places with a character, I’d take Kitty’s life. I mean, I’m not crazy enough to pass up sex with Martini.

-Any chance you will be going on an European tour? I could be your guide if you come to Groningen. We have a Martini Tower!

I would LOVE to, but finances being what they are, I would have to be brought out. But hope springs eternal and I would love to visit and check out that Martini Tower! Until then, my characters get to go to all the fun places while I, um, go to the Post Office. I know…it’s all glamour, this business we call show.

I will keep hoping! Thanks for dropping by :-)

---------------------

Author Bio
Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series for Musa Publishing. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series. She also writes under a variety of other pen names including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch. She speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. She is also the Lead Editor at Raphael’s Village, an online, nonpaying ’zine. Because she wasn’t busy enough, Gini’s added on featured guest columnist, reviewer, and webcaster for Slice of SciFi and It’s Comic Book Day. She can be reached through her website at www.ginikoch.com.

------------------

Giveaway:
One reader of my blog will win a book from the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series. (winner's choice)

giveaway closed - winner is Aleksandra

Alien Collective - Early Book Review

Alien Collective (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #9)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
Despite not having run for office, nor wanting to remain in office, Representative Jeff Martini is being wooed as the vice presidential running mate for a charismatic senator who seems likely to win the campaign. While the Diplomatic Corps has to deal with the pressures of a political campaign sure to uncover secrets they don’t want shared with the world, Ambassador Kitty Katt-Martini has other worries—handling the reemergence of her most potent nemesis, thought dead and buried.

What did I think of it:
I can't believe we're already on book nine in this cool and funny series. It seems like only yesterday that I picked up Touched by an Alien on a whim, lured by the beautiful cover, and cool sounding blurb. Even more surprising is that Gini Koch keeps delivering time and time again.

Having read a couple of Fantasy books before starting on Alien Collective I will confess I struggled a bit during the first few chapters to get into the story. But once I made the switch from serious Fantasy to quirky and fun SciFi I was hooked.

If you haven't started on this series yet, I can really advice you to go buy Touched by an Alien and dive in. Because this series is addictive and fun. Many things have happened since that first book, that made me fall in love with Gini's writing, and although maybe some people could read this book without having read the previous books, I tell you: you want it all!

This book is a typical 'Kitty Katt' book. It's full of humor, wittiness and bizarre situations. Kitty is a fun heroine, who you know will save the day... eventually. But before she does, you get taken on a wild ride that is well worth it.

There's tons of cool characters, both old and new. There's action, suspense and intense emotions. And there's one particular event in this book that made this piggy a very happy camper! I won't spoil too much, but let me tell you: some authors actually listen to my requests! I hope this will become a trend ;-)

So once again Gini Koch manages to entertain and delight with a witty, funny and cool story. I hope she keeps them coming, because I need more books to feed my addiction.

Why should you read it:
It's a quirky and cool SciFi read.

Top Pearls 2013 - part 1

Here are 12 of 24 books we read this year that we wanted to give a shout-out, because they're really cool.
I haven't included the books that (will) have their own shout-out and giveaway post (except one).

Click the titles to go to my review, and stay tuned for part 2!


Alliance Forged by Kylie Griffin
This is a wonderful Fantasy Romance with a swoonworthy hero according to Voodoo Bride.

Absolution by Susannah Sandlin
A Paranormal Romance with yet another awesome hero, and with a solid action storyline that made this a great read for both Voodoo Bride and me.

100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes
This zombie retelling of Dante's Inferno is so cool I bought a print version after I finished reading the ebook.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA.


Horde by Ann Aguirre
The epic conclusion of an amazing Post Apocalyptic YA trilogy.

White Cat by Holly Black
A cool Paranormal YA about a boy who grew up in a family of con men.

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Who knew books about angels could be this awesomely gritty? A great Post Apocalyptic YA.

Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson
The third book in a really cool UF series that keeps getting better and better.


Alien Research by Gini Koch
A great addition to a SF series that is cool, funny, and a pleasure to read.

The Outside by Laura Bickle
Words are not enough to tell you how awesome this 2nd book in a Post Apocalyptic duology with Amish and vampires is.

Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines
What makes an already amazing UF series even better: Zombies!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
A really fun and suspenseful Paranormal YA.

Alien Research - Book Review

Alien Research (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #8)
by Gini Koch

What is it about:
When rumors of a new super-drug surface, the FBI comes to Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini for help. It becomes quickly apparent that the drug is merely the tip of a deadly iceberg and a much more insidious plan is underway involving Titan Security, Gaultier Enterprises, and YatesCorp.

As newly discovered A-Cs and hybrids begin to surface, each with expanded and deadly talents, more and more signs point to a new evil genius who’s using the A-Cs and their enemies both as guinea pigs. Then Area 51 and the Dulce Science Center go silent while Alpha Team, Airborne, and most of the worldwide A-C Security team are there for training. And if that’s not bad enough, Centaurion Division is hit with more bad, and deadly, news: Chernobog the Ultimate, isn’t a hacker myth, he’s a real person -- and he’s on the bad guys’ side.

Now Kitty and company must find the real Dr. Feelgood and stop him or her before the latest version of Surcenthumain hits the streets and more people they love are harmed, or worse. But when the inconceivable happens, Kitty’s focused on two things only: reviving the ACE entity before their enemies realize Earth’s best protection isn’t actually active …and revenge.

What did I think of it:
I haven't come across a book in this series I didn't like yet, but there have been some books that I loved more than others. The previous book in this series was fun, but a bit confusing at times. There was a lot of talking and politics, and even though I really liked the book, I found myself secretly missing the action I got used to in the other books in this series.

So I was curious when I started Alien Research. Would it be like Alien Diplomacy and focus on story lines that didn't need action or would it be more like Alien Proliferation, which had action abound?

I'm glad to say this book is an action packed adventure that actually came close to equaling my favorite books in this series. There's a lot going on as always, and you have to keep paying attention, but luckily there were fewer characters to keep apart from each other than in Alien Diplomacy, so I could easily keep up with things.

There are some very interesting developments and revelations, and a few new and very intriguing characters get introduced (I'm already in love with one of them, I will confess). There's lots of suspense, intrigue and even heartbreak as well. I was shocked by some of the events, and had to blink away a few tears.

All in all I loved this book: it's fun, intense and full of surprises. I hope Gini Koch keeps them coming, because this series keeps on entertaining me. And certain events in this book make me curious what will be next as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a great SciFi adventure.

Alien Research - Release Day Alert and Teaser

Today it's the official release day for Alien Research, the eighth book in the awesome Katherine "Kitty" Katt series by Gini Koch.

I got my copy early, but because I've been very busy I didn't finish the book yet, so instead of a review (which will follow asap, if I can sneak in enough reading time) here's the info about the book and a teaser:


Alien Research (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #8)
by Gini Koch

When rumors of a new super-drug surface, the FBI comes to Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini for help. It becomes quickly apparent that the drug is merely the tip of a deadly iceberg and a much more insidious plan is underway involving Titan Security, Gaultier Enterprises, and YatesCorp.

As newly discovered A-Cs and hybrids begin to surface, each with expanded and deadly talents, more and more signs point to a new evil genius who’s using the A-Cs and their enemies both as guinea pigs. Then Area 51 and the Dulce Science Center go silent while Alpha Team, Airborne, and most of the worldwide A-C Security team are there for training. And if that’s not bad enough, Centaurion Division is hit with more bad, and deadly, news: Chernobog the Ultimate, isn’t a hacker myth, he’s a real person -- and he’s on the bad guys’ side.

Now Kitty and company must find the real Dr. Feelgood and stop him or her before the latest version of Surcenthumain hits the streets and more people they love are harmed, or worse. But when the inconceivable happens, Kitty’s focused on two things only: reviving the ACE entity before their enemies realize Earth’s best protection isn’t actually active …and revenge.

=============

Teaser:

"Why are you dressed like...that?" Gower asked.
"He means like mummies," Chuckie added, in case we weren't clear that we all looked like bizarre fashion victims.
(page 136)

=============

Doesn't that all sound very intriguing and cool?!

Go order your copy today!