Stacking The Shelves - March 7, 2015

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves. 

This week two of the books I had a hold on at my local library came in.  Jayne Ann Krentz's latest Trust No One and Tasha Alexander's latest Lady Emily Mystery The Counterfeit Heiress both arrived and were available for check out.  Now they are waiting for me to finish my current book and dive into both of these.

When I checked Netgalley this week I found a whole group that I wanted to read and review.  I had my review list down and now it has 8 new titles.  Most are Science Fiction or Paranormal, two of my favorite reading groups.

The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier Leviathan by Jack Campbell

Omega by SM Reine

Angles of Attack by Marko Kloos

Alien Separation by Gini Koch

Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

King of Thieves by Evan Currie

The Alchemist’s Daughter by Mary Lawrence

Betrayed by Your Kiss by Laura Landon

Musing Mondays, June 2, 2014 - Alien Collective by Gini Koch

TC is in the sun musing about the chipmunk she sees out the window.
Hopefully that is all she does.  So far this month she has presented me
 with two chipmunks - one alive and one dead but both in my bedroom.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week.…Musing Mondays is sponsored by Should Be Reading.

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

Last Monday I mused about a Science Fiction Romance book. This week it is Science Fiction with some romance.  The book is Alien Collective by Gini Koch.   I have been reading the series from book #1 and Alien Collective is book # 9 in the Alien's series.   This is a series that goes into high gear from page one and Alien Collective continues that trend.  Kitty Katt-Martini faces so much danger that she would leave Kiefer Sutherland in the dust on any 24 hour period.  There is so much action in the book that I have to stop reading and rest before I pick it up again.  Kitty and friends face bomb attacks, gossip columnist who plans harm, poison gas, The Church of Intolerance, a new super alien, and all of the old enemies.  Some they win and some are left for the next book.  I wonder have you ever read a book that was so intense that you had to put it down and rest?

Stacking the Shelves, May 10, 2014

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves.

Purchased:

Peacemaker by C. J. Cherryh

Alien Collective by Gini Koch

For Review:

Rebel by Cheryl Brooks

In The Black by Cheryl Nantus

Tabula Rasa Ruth Downie

Book Beginnings and The Friday 56, May 9, 2014

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56.

 Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and

Come Join us!

The Beginning:

"There was a time, about four and a half year ago when I thought the world was basically simple."

Page 56:

"Didn't see anyone looking out of any windows, and the only person acting suspicious was me."

From Alien Collective by Gini Koch. This is book #9 in the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series and it is great to see Kitty at work again. If you like really fun Science Fiction full of action, interesting aliens, romance and adventure this is a series for you.

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

Science Fiction

What Goodreads says:

"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."

Sometimes a series gets a little stale after the first few books.  Not the case with Alien Research, book #8 in the Katherine “Kitty" Katt series.  There is always a new evil for Kitty and friends to fight.  The set up for Alien Research is in the previous books.  The Mastermind has been mentioned before but no one knows who he or she is.  Trying to find and stop him is front and center in Alien Research.

When the book starts Kitty and friends are going out for a nice lunch.  I just knew it was not going to happen and it did not.  Look for the usual non-stop action, evil characters and a plenty of plot twists and turns.  In this book Kitty finds out the identity of the elves and Jeff's jealousy is under much better control.  On a very sad note the group suffers the loss of several of the major characters.   I have to confess I found myself shedding a few tears over the ones that were lost. 

Like previous books some of the problems and danger in Alien Research are solved but not all.  There is plenty left for the next book.  I do recommend reading the series in order. Some back-story is included in Alien Research but not enough to keep readers from being a little lost.

Now I have to wait for the next book.

DAW published Alien Research by Gini Koch in 2014.

Book Beginnings, January 24, 2013

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

My book beginning this week is from Alien Research by Gini Koch.  This is book 9 in the Alien novels.

"In all the time man has been on our good planet Earth, we've stared at and striven for the stars, at least in some way.

Frankly, my experience has been that what a goodly number are doing is staring at and striving for more wealth and power.  And since alines joined us on Earth, those same people have been striving even harder to control said aliens, presumably to use them to get even more wealth and power."

World Con

I met Gini Koch and a Dalek while walking through the Dealer's Room.  Gina was getting ready to sign books and the Dalek stopped me and gave the the following instructions:  "Go and buy a lot of things you don't need.  The dealers need the money.  I got a picture of the Dalek and one of Gina and I.  You decide who looks the best.

Alien vs Alien by Gini Koch

Science Fiction/Paranormal Romance

Goodreads Summary:

Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini and the rest of the American Centaurion Diplomatic Corps are still recovering from their introduction to Washington D.C. politics, parties, and conspiracies. So when compromising pictures arrive, no one’s too surprised. They’re also the least of anyone’s worries.

Evil androids running amok, birds of all kinds and from all places creating havoc, a Senator trapped in an ever-tightening web of intrigue, and escalating international tensions all seem tough but manageable. But the disappearance of Jeff Martini and Charles Reynolds during the International One World Festival signals more than the usual nastiness — and it looks like even ACE can’t help them.

Then new trouble arrives in old packages and even with the best hackers in the world, beings from near and far, the full might of Earth’s military, and the Wonder Twins on their side, Centaurion Division’s outmanned and outgunned.

Now Kitty’s racing against the clock to find not only Jeff and Chuckie, but to keep the peace between Middle Eastern countries, all while searching for the bases of super-soldier operations — to stop them or die trying. 

“Kitty” Kat is still in the middle of the action.  There is a new threat from some new enemies, a new talent for Kitty, and no surprise some old enemies show up again.  Look for new and surprising friends, great action from some old friends, and more of those wonderful AC’s.  Once again Kitty helps save the day.

Alien vs Alien is action filled but the pace seemed a little slower than previous books.  I like that as I got to savor more of the characters.  There is less of Jeff and Chuck in this book and more of Kitty and others.  I did like that the jealousy thing seems to be settling down and maybe disappearing.  There are some new romances, some new information about what has happened in the past and a set up for future stories.  The next book is already set to come out so there are future fixes for fans of Kitty and friends.

Alien vs Alien is book six of the series.  You could start reading here but why miss all of the fun.  Start with Touched by an Alien and continue in order.  You will enjoy the books much more that way.

DAW published Alien vs Alien by Gini Koch in 2012.

Waiting on Wednesday November 7, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am waiting on Alien Vs. Alien by Gini Koch.  It is the latest in her "Kitty" Kat series and is due out in December.  I have it on pre-order from Amazon.

Three Card Monte, The Martian Alliance Book Two by Gini Koch

Science Fiction/Space Opera

In Three Card Monte the crew of the Hummingbird is back.  When we saw them last they had just completed a “complicated con for the Andromeda Royal Family.”  Now they are drawn into another con and Roy, Dee Dee, Dr. Wufren, Doven, Kyle, Bullfrog, Ciarissa and Willy are all back in action.

It seems that Monte the Leech has sold part interest in his Palace casino on Roulette  and opened a new casino on Polliworld taking on another partner.  It is the partners that have captured the crew’s interest.  He has sold to the Diamante Families and to the Polliworld Underground.   Both groups are dangerous.  It doesn’t make sense so the crew decides to visit and find out what is going on.  From the moment they land on Polliworld they are drawn into an intricate plot and con.  Look for lots of action and surprises.

My big complaint about the first Martian Alliance story was that it was just too short.  Three Card Monte is still a short read but this time the story is a little longer and there is more information about the crew.  Dee Dee is still the main character.  Her ability to shape-shift does place her in the center of anything that happens.  The plot was exciting and kept me reading.  Look for some of the same surprises that were in the first story.

I really like this group of characters and I hope that there will be new stories about the Hummingbird and her crew.  The world building has great possibilities for additional tales.

Musa Publishing released Three Card Monte by Gini Koch in 2012.

The Night Beat by Gini Koch

Paranormal Romance

Goodreads Summary:

The majority of Prosaic City’s residents don’t know that their town exists on top of another place -- Necropolis, City of the Undead. For the most part, the two planes of existence manage to remain separate. And when they don’t, Necropolis Enforcement has beings in place to ensure the general human population remains blithely clueless.

Victoria Wolfe is more than just a policewoman. She’s an undercover werewolf assigned by Necropolis Enforcement to work Prosaic City Police’s Night Beat. Victoria’s comfortable working the shift where all the weird comes out to play, especially since her partner is also her perfect man. Or would be, if Victoria could ever work up the nerve to tell him she isn’t like other girls.

It’s hard enough being a werewolf in disguise, but when a creature from the Depths of Hell shows up in an alley preferred by junkies, bums, and hookers, it’s going to take more than just Victoria’s special gun and werewolf skills to subdue the ancient Sumerian demon. Especially when the demon is merely the start of what appears to be a major takeover attempt by the Prince of Darkness.

Soon all of Necropolis Enforcement’s Undead Brigade is involved in the fight to stop the Prince’s Major Minions from taking over Prosaic City and the rest of the human plane. But it’s Victoria who has to face the Adversary and figure out what intricate plan Lucifer has up his wings before everyone she cares about is destroyed.

In other words, it’s just another day on the Night Beat.

Gods and Monsters, The Night Beat is a real trip.  A city on a city and only some people can see both.  Interesting characters. Many of whom you will recognize even when they go by nicknames.  Then there is the plot.  Unless the bad guys are stopped it will be the end of humans and other beings.  What else do you need?  Oh, of course there needs to be romance.  That is there too.

I was reading along sure I knew what was going on when there was a real twist; one that puts the story on a whole new track. 

I loved the side characters.  Sexy Cindy was great and has the potential to be a wonderful sidekick for Victoria.  The angels, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures come alive in the book.  Of course they are alive or is that undead.  They are all beings with souls.  Something that is a little different from other books.  All of Victoria’s love interest both past and present add some spice to a plot that already has plenty of spice already.

While Victoria is a strong female character she is very different from Kitty in the Alien series.  Gini has created another strong character that can stand on her own.  This is a great start to a new series and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

Pick this one up.  It is a fun read. 

Smashwords published The Night Beat by Gini Koch in 2012.

I won a copy of The Night Beat.

Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch

Science Fiction

Kitty and Jeff have new roles in Alien Diplomacy. They are the ambassadors for Centurion American and while they accept their their new roles neither is very happy. After being the center of all the action they are now in a much more passive job.  Someone else is doing his or her old jobs.  Kitty is regulated to taking classes like Washington Wife’s.  A class that is suppose to school her in proper behavior for a Ambassador’s wife.  Of course she ranks at the bottom of the class.  Just when she thinks she will die of boredom a new threat arrives.  Word is that there will be an assassination during the Presidents Ball and the AC’s are trying to find out who the target is so they can stop it from happening.

It is fun to see Kitty in a support role.  I know I liked her much better in this book than I did in the last.  While she is always fun her I know it all and I am the only one who comes up with any good ideas attitude in the last book kind of got on my nerves.  She still has good ideas but is not rubbing everyone’s nose it.  For most of the book she is as clueless as everyone else.

I also like Jeff’s change of attitude.  His jealousy was also stepping on a few of my nerves.  That was toned down a lot.  What made the jealousy so bad was the fact that there was never any reason for him to be jealous.  He is Kitty’s one and only.

There are a great group of new characters and some of the side characters for previous books have an expanded role in Alien Diplomacy.  I especially liked seeing how Mister Joel Oliver, the little snoop,  has a more important part in the story.

The plot is very exciting but does not have as much over the top action as previous books.  The pacing was much calmer with everything building to the big climax.  It was not so calm that I could stand to put the books down.  In fact I stayed up late to finish it.  Of course at the end Kitty played a major role. 

Little Jamie –Kat at age 3 months also had a big part to play.  By the time she is one she may be able rule the world if she wanted. 

Now I have to wait until December for the next book, Alien VS Alien, which I already have on pre-order. 

Alien Diplomacy can stand-alone but I recommend reading the series in order.  If you don’t you will miss out on  a lot of fun.  

DAW published Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch in 2012.

Stacking the Shelves, August 4, 2012

Welcome to my Stacking The Shelves post!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews so follow the link and check out what other stacked on their shelves this week.  

Stacking The Shelves is all about the books I am adding to my shelves each week, sharing with you my excitement for my newest books.

From Amazon Vine:

The Pigeon Pie Mystery  by Julia Stuart

Won:

Night Beat by Gini Koch
Skein of Shadows by Marsheila Rockwell
Priestess of Eggstone by Jaleta Clegg

Purchased:

Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter

Book Beginnings on Friday August 3, 2012

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include  include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

I am traveling so this is a quick post with no links.  My Book Beginning is from The Night Beat, From The Necropolis Enforcement Files by Gini Koch.  This is a paranormal mystery and one of the books I am reading for Review Copy Cleanup. 

"We pulled up to the scene of the crime.  Such as it was.  An alleyway in downtown, filled with trashcans and darkness."

Teaser Tuesday May 22, 2012

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.

My teaser today is from Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch, the next book on my TBR pile.  This is from page 17.

"Fluffy  purred loudly while I petted it and relaxed a little.  The Poofs had been among the cool thing we'd gotten during Operation Invasion, or as others insisted on calling it, my wedding."
 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


I have to wait until December for the latest Kitty Kat adventure.

Alien Super-Being Exterminator Kitty Katt is expecting her first baby. But the alien attacks are getting more dangerous, and now Kitty and her Alpha Centaurion husband, Jeff, have to find out who's behind the conspiracy to kill Kitty's secret agent mom and what caused Kitty's transformation into a superhuman-and they've got to do it all before the baby shower...

Love and Rockets edited by Martin H Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes

Science Fiction Romance

Love and Rockets contains short stories by a variety of authors.  The book came to my attention when Gini Koch mentioned that a story she had written under another pen name was included in the book.  I am not that much of a short story reader but I purchased the book and enjoyed all the stories.  I also am developing a real appreciation for short story writers.  It takes a lot of work to get the plot, character development and world building in a story with so few words.

When I started reading I did not remember the name Gini Koch was writing under.  As I read the stories I tried to decide which one she wrote.    Some were easy to eliminate.  Two were by a team of writers; several were by men, one by Jody Lynn Nye, one of Kristine Kathryn Rusch.  That still left several possibilities.  I finally decided it must by Wanted by Anita Ensal.  When I went to Gini’s web page I found that I had chosen correctly.

There is a lot of really good writing and story telling in Love and Rockets.  While there is never enough good SFR out there Love and Rockets is full of good stories and is a great choice for SFR fans.

DAW published Love and Rockets edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes in 2010.  

Author Interview with Gini Koch

Gini Koch's second book, Alien Tango, was released two days ago and today I have the opportunity to ask Gini several questions about how she writes and manages her very busy day plus a bonus look at what we can expect from Alien Tango.  If you have not read Gini's first book, Touched by An Alien, you have missed a real treat.  Click here for my recommendation posted on May 27, 2010.


Jo: I get your emails, check your web site and read your blog. You are a super busy person. When do you write? Do you have a clone? Ok that is two questions but I still have 2 to go.


Gini:  LOL. No, sadly, no clone. And yes, I’m very busy. Time management becomes a huge factor when you have a lot going on, and it’s no different when you’re an author. I also don’t sleep a lot, so I think that helps. Sorta. Frankly, there are many days when I ask myself how I’m getting it done.


I did get some good advice about this from author Christina Skye -- she said that everyone has a certain set of hours that are their most creative times, when, if you’re an author, your writing mind is working at its peak. She says to identify those hours and keep them safe, because you’ll get more done in those 2-4 hours than if you were trying to write all day long.


I’ve found that she’s right, and I’m moving my schedule around to protect my main writing hours. I’ve seen a dramatic increase in my number of words written, as well as words retained, so, you know, the “do what the multi-published author suggests and get positive results plan” is working for me!


Jo: I love all the facts that are part of the dialog in Touched by an Alien and how they keep everything moving. Did you have to do a lot of research while writing the books?


Gini:  I’m glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I do research. I don’t know if I’d call it a lot -- it’s a lot less than research I’ve done for other things, but still, there’s plenty. For most of the A-C traits, however, those came from the characters, as opposed to research. It’s a blend; there’s almost nothing I’ve ever written that didn’t require at least a modicum of research. Some books need more, some less, but research will always be there.


Jo: I am fascinated by the craft of writing and the different approaches authors take. How do you structure your novels and what is you typical writing day like?


Gini:  What is this structure of which you speak? LOL. I’m an extreme linear writer. I start with the title and the first line and then go from there until the end, and I just “know” when it’s the end. I don’t structure so much as just roll with it and let the characters tell me what’s going on.


However, my novels do tend to fall along a 4-act structure. I thought I was 3-act for the longest time, but then realized I’m really working on four acts. I do it naturally. Basically, I finish the third act and realize I have another part to tell for the book to be complete.


My typical writing day is my typical day, pretty much day in and day out, unless I’m traveling or at a con of some kind. Then it’s all go-go-go.


The alarm goes off and I hit the snooze button anywhere from 5 to 15 times. (Seriously.) I then drag out of bed with one of the older and more sluggish larks. I give the Killer Kitties and the Canine Death Squad their breakfast, while getting a cup of coffee that my wonderful husband has already brewed. I choke down something for breakfast while I peruse my email, blog, Twitter, and Facebook. If there are things of interest going on, I do a Hook Me Up! email and a blog; I answer anything from my agent or editor, check in with my crit partner, cover all other business-related issues, and then it’s about lunch time. I eat something (usually anyway) then it’s writing time, because my best hours are (shocking to me, the Queen of the Night Owls) between 2-6pm. Then it’s dinner time. If Castle is on I’ll watch it. Then it’s back to writing, promotion and other business-related pursuits. In bed somewhere between 1am and 3am. And then the whole thing starts all over.


Sometimes, to mess it up and keep the body guessing, I go to the Post Office, the market, the massage spa, a doctor’s appointment, or the vet’s office. I’m occasionally dragged off to lunch by friends I treasure not only for their company but because they’re dragging me off for lunch. Other than that, I’m pretty boring, apparently. I put all the interesting stuff into my books, so it seems to be working for me!


Jo:  Castle is one of my favorites too.  I try to never miss it but on to the next question.  What can we expect from "Alien Tango"?


Gini:  From the science fiction side, we see much more of Centaurion Division that we did before, including more of how they work with government agencies. We also see Alpha Team under a variety of deadly attacks. A good portion of the action takes place in Florida at and around the Space Center, and we have a different kind of alien involved, as well as a different kind of enemy.


From the romantic side, in addition to some conspiracies that catch everyone pretty much by surprise, Kitty and Martini are having the ever-present relationship challenge of “does your family like me, and why not?” I think everyone can relate to that issue and the desire to impress the family of the person you love. Plus there’s a romantic rival that Martini may have seen coming, but not like this, and whose presence could change everything for Kitty.


Jo:  Gini, Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me today.  With all of that bonus information I'm off to check my mail box to see if Alien Tango has arrived so I can start reading. 


 If you would like to know more about Gini go to her web site, http://www.ginikoch.com.