'Alien vs Alien' international give away! One week only!

'Alien vs Alien' is the new, stellar space opera from Gini Koch - the sixth book in her epic 'Katherine "Kitty" Katt' series.

I loved this book so much, and I was very lucky to receive two uncorrected proof copies of the novel! So if you can't stand the hair-pulling wait until 'Alien vs Alien' is released on December 4 - never fear! I'm going to give away my extra copy of the book to one lucky follower.

All you have to do is follow the instructions below, and answer me this question: 

Which two famous aliens would you like to see battle it out?

★

How to enter: 

★ Become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already)

★ Leave a comment on this blog post, answering the question: "Which two famous aliens would you like to see battle it out?"

★ Include a way to contact you (e-mail addy is fine) additionally, you can also leave your twitter handle if you check that more often than your email.

★ One post per entrant

★ This is an international give away - so anyone can enter!

★ Contest closes November 7th - it's a very quick, week-long give away to ensure a copy of the book arrives before the official December 4 release date (otherwise, what's the point?) For this reason, if the first winner I draw doesn't get in contact with me within 24-hours, I will have to re-draw and find a new winner.

★ I will announce the lucky winner on November 9th

'Alien vs Alien' Katherine 'Kitty' Katt #6 by Gini Koch

 Received from the Publisher

From the BLURB:

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.

This review contains spoilers of all other books in the 'Katherine "Kitty" Katt' series

Kitty Katt-Martini is finally settling into her new life as Ambassador’s wife and member of the American Centaurion Diplomatic Corps. Yes, Kitty’s settling right into politics – she’s dodging calls from nosy senators, sweet-talking paparazzi and soon finds herself embroiled in a sex scandal with her best friend, Chuckie. It’s just another day in Washington, really, and the helter-skelter life of Katherine ‘Kitty’ Katt.

Except Kitty and Chuckie’s ‘scandal’ is a complete lie based around very convincing photoshop pictures. And Jeff (normally King of Jealousy Town) isn’t even mad or suspicious. This might have something to do with the fact that he’s had to stay away from his family while Jamie-Kat’s been teething, and Jeff’s astute empathy skills have been causing him no end of trouble where his daughter’s pain is concerned. Or it might be due to the fact that Jeff, Chuckie and Christopher have bigger fish to fry. Like escalating international tensions, evil androids and unexpected visitors from ‘out of town’.

But just when things can’t get any worse for Kitty & Co – Chuckie and Jeff go missing while at the International One World Festival. Suddenly androids, birds and blackmail photos seem paltry in comparison to finding Kitty’s husband and best friend. In fact, the fate of the world may very well depend on it.

‘Alien vs. Alien’ is the sixth book in Gini Koch’s blockbuster series, ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’.

I know summer is near in Australia when the flip-flops are slipped on, the smell of barbeques fills the air and I have a hot new Gini Koch novel in my hands.

We’re now six books into this epic, intergalactic series and Koch keeps the curveballs coming and the action jam-packed. ‘Alien vs. Alien’ is a particularly interesting instalment in the series because it’s really kind of the Katherine “Kitty” Katt show; what with her husband, the indescribably scrumptious Jeff Martini, kidnapped and whereabouts unknown. We really haven’t ever read Kitty on her own – since she and Martini have been a two-for-one kind of deal from book one ‘Touched by an Alien’. It’s really nice to remember that while Jeff has been her hunky alien protector for five books now, when Kitty’s in dire straits she can also hold her own; simultaneously pulling off a missing-persons search and working to prevent intergalactic/earthly warfare.

“It’s a tremendous security breach, not to mention culturally frowned upon, so I can understand why the four of you don’t want it shared with the world. But since the secret you’re trying to hide isn’t related to interstellar security and the fate of the world, the four of you can relax.”
“Interstellar?” Jakob said. “Did I hear you correctly? You were serious about an alien invasion?”
“Yes,” Franklin said. “Based on everything that’s happened, much of which has involved all of you, I’m prepared to break any number of protocols and bring you up to speed. Because I think we need to focus on saving our would more than my career.”

I would say that each of Koch’s books has been slowly expanding Kitty’s (and the readers) understanding of the galaxy from which the Centaurion Division herald. We know that they were forced to flee across space and are still wary of being found here on earth. With these remembered tid-bits from past books in mind, ‘Alien vs. Alien’ is really interesting for what Koch reveals about what is out there – in the galaxy unknown.

But don’t go thinking that this sixth book is all doom and gloom and kidnappings. As much as Koch is expanding the ‘Kitty Katt’ universe, she’s also very much grounded in exploring the relationships between her characters. Expect some highly amusing scenes concerning Christopher and Amy and what it’s like to have a parents-in-law who are, literally, from outer space. Chuckie may or may not also have a very interesting development in the romance department. . . . But I refuse to give anything away!

‘Alien vs. Alien’ is another resounding triumph for Gini Koch and her crazily wonderful ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’ space opera series. It has everything you want from summer blockbuster reading; an impending alien invasion, lovers torn apart, the fate of the world in a mother’s hands and a Washington sex scandal. Terrific!

5/5

'Alien vs Alien' is released on December 4

'10 Tips for a Healthy Interspecies Relationship' by Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini

 

★

I’m so pleased that my two favorite aliens, Kitty Katt-Martini and her husband Jeff Martini, were able to take time out from their world-saving to come over to Alpha Rader and speak to me. I’m especially grateful to them (and their creator, Gini Koch) because I know their sixth book ‘Alien vs. Alien’ is released on December 4th and they’re no doubt gearing up for a very busy festive season! 

So without further ado – I give you ….

★

10 Tips for a Healthy Interspecies Relationship
By Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini

Hi, I’m Katherine “Kitty” Katt-Martini, and I narrate the true-life adventures of what it’s like to live and work with the most gorgeous, talented, and out of this world folks around. Heavy emphasis on “out of this world”. Because they’re originally from another world -- Alpha Four of the Alpha Centauri system.

Along the way I, and many others, have fallen in love with a special someone who’s got a lot of special under the hood, so to speak. And, for some reason, everyone’s looking to me for advice about how to ensure that their beloved remains their beloved forever and ever. (No, I’m not sure why, either, but I roll with it.)

So, to help everyone out, let’s get the advice flowing! To be fair, I’ve asked my main squeeze, Jeff Martini, to help me out.

Jeff: Main squeeze? I’m your husband.

Kitty: Right you are! So, what’s your first tip?

Jeff: Never refer to your spouse as your ‘main squeeze’. Because it indicates there are subsidiary and secondary squeezes.

Kitty: Only to the overly jealous, like you.

Jeff: Thanks for proving my point.

Kitty: Okay, we’ll go with, “Be sensitive to your special someone’s needs, particularly if your special someone is a really strong empath with serious jealousy issues.”

Jeff: I’ll take it. I’d add that sometimes a person needs their own space, and you should be understanding about it.

Kitty: When have I, or you, for that matter, needed our own space?

Jeff: You did way back when.

Kitty: Okay, we’re contracted with Alpha Reader here for ten tips, so I’ll take it. That’s Tip Two, folks, space! Accept that your mate will be considered the hottest thing on two legs by everyone, everywhere, and try not to worry about fading into the woodwork when standing next to them.

Jeff: Right, because we A-Cs don’t care about looks.

Kitty: Well the gals, or Dazzlers, as I call them, sure don’t. Brains and brain capacity, that’s their thing. To a scary degree.

Jeff: A-C men prefer a brainy girl to a pretty one. I just happened to score the sexiest and smartest girl in the galaxy.

Kitty: Tip Four would be to lay on the compliments, because that kind of stuff never gets old.

Jeff: Hey, it’s true. I like how you slid Tip Three in while no one was looking, baby.

Kitty: Thanks, I thought it was pretty slick, myself. So, next up would be to dump any prejudices you might want to cart along, because A-Cs have no sexual orientation or skin color hang-ups. Or age hang-ups. And most of the religious issues are being handled -- convert, don’t convert, everyone’s okay with it now.

Jeff: Most everyone. Not all. But I do agree that in many things, we’re far more liberal and relaxed than humans. But not everything.

Kitty: True enough, which brings me to our next tip -- get used to seeing your male spouse in a black Armani suit, white shirt, and black tie for the rest of your life. And if your spouse is female, she’ll be in the white Oxford button-down and a black slim skirt forever. A-Cs love their formality and their Armani, not necessarily in that order.

Jeff: I like the suit. I’m comfortable in the suit.

Kitty: I know. Believe me, I know. So, Tip Seven is to remember that even if your alien mate was born on Earth, like my man was, they were probably schooled within the A-C community, so there are still areas where they act very alien, and also don’t get human reactions or terminology.

Jeff: Same goes for humans not understanding us.

Kitty: I suppose. Tip Eight is that almost no A-C can lie believably to any human. There are a few who can, but they have their own special clubhouse. The rest of them? Cannot lie to save their or anyone else’s lives. They get around this problem by not telling you the whole story. But pay attention and you’ll soon easily spot your mate’s tells. After that, go to town.

Jeff: I don’t have tells.

Kitty: OMG, Jeff, you have more tells than anyone else on Earth.

Jeff: Thanks for that. Okay, two more tips, let’s make them count. I’ve got the tips your dad gave me when we were getting married. The main one being a happy wife is a happy life.

Kitty: My dad’s the greatest, isn’t he? Okay, last tip, Tip Ten -- be willing to risk your life for your alien mate, because they’ll be willing to risk theirs for you. And remember that, due to their double-hearts and increased stamina, they are sexual gods and goddesses, making all that life and limb risking beyond totally worth it.

Jeff: I went for the sweet, caring last tip, and you went for life risking and sex. What does that say about us?

Kitty: Whoops, time’s up! That’s all the tips for today, folks! We now return you to our regularly scheduled Alpha Reader!

Get ready to read Jeff and Kitty Martini in their new book 'Alien vs Alien' out on December 4!

Waiting on Wednesday: 'Alien VS Alien'

 "Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming release that we're eagerly anticipating.

 

 TITLE: 'Alien VS Alien' Katherine "Kitty" Katt #6

AUTHOR: Gini Koch

RELEASE DATE: December 4th 2012

BLURB:

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.

WHY I'M EXCITED: Um, because it's Gini Koch?! Need I say more? It became quite clear in 'Alien Diplomacy' that baby on-board has taken this series on a whole new and thoroughly thrilling trajectory. And the always gorgeous Dan Dos Santos cover-art is another hit - how cute does baby Jamie look?!

'Alien Diplomacy' Katherine "Kitty" Katt #5 by Gini Koch

Received from the Author

From the BLURB:

Being newlyweds and new parents is challenging enough. But Jeff and Kitty Martini are also giving up their roles as super-being exterminators and Commanders in Centaurion Division while mastering the political landscape as the new heads of Centaurion's Diplomatic Corps. Enter a shadowy assassination plot and a new set of anti-alien conspirators, and nothing will ever be the same...

Katherine ‘Kitty’ Katt isn’t fitting too comfortably into her new role as Mrs. Martini. Ever since Jeff became an ambassador, Kitty has had to swap her favourite band t-shirts for frocks, and learn how to host dignified soirees instead of her much preferred rock-fests. But Kitty is trying – she is attending a ‘Washington Wife’ class and learning the proper way to meet and greet Russian dignitaries without embarrassing Jeff or her fellow countrymen.

As hard as being a perfect little wifey is for Kitty, she and Jeff have both found their feet as parents to little Jamie (affectionately known as Jamie-Kat). Baby Jamie is doted on by the whole of the Centaurion Division, not to mention her friends in the C.I.A. and her powerful royal (and deadly) grandparents.

But all is not well in Washington. The President’s Ball looms, and on top of learning how to dance, avoid enraging the Koreans and needing to pick out a killer (but classy) dress, Kitty and Martini are hearing rumours that there’s going to be violence at the Ball, against an unknown target.

Assassins are swarming Washington, and already Kitty and Jamie have been caught in the crosshairs . . . but are they the targets?

‘Alien Diplomacy’ is the fifth book in Gini Koch’s explosive space opera ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’ series.

Gini Koch’s beloved sci-fi series has hit so many high-notes in recent books that fans could be forgiven for thinking that things might calm down in this fifth instalment . . . after all, how could Ms Koch possibly compete with some of the jaw-dropping, pedal-to-the-metal helter-skletering plots of yesteryear? ‘Alien in the Family’ included a wild wedding, while ‘Alien Proliferation’ welcomed the birth of a much-anticipated alien-human bubs. Some may think that ‘Alien Diplomacy’ is the come down, if you like, from all those larger-than-life plots and story thrill rides. But fans should not be deterred or concerned, because Jeff and Kitty are not settling into sedate family life just yet . . . not when assassins are descending on Washington and Jamie-Kat is showing every sign of being an above-average A-C baby.

I got the Long-Suffering Doctor look. "You, Jamie, and Jeff are scheduled for tests today."
We were? "Tests? What tests?"
He gave the Long-Suffering Doctor sigh. "The standard tests we do monthly to ensure the three of you are ... progressing properly."
"Oh, you mean the ones where we make sure we're still more like the X-Men than the Thing?"

The central focus of ‘Diplomacy’ is on the rumour of an assassination attempt, planned for the President’s Ball against an unknown target (though common sense points to the president. . . ) but when Jamie and Kitty get caught up in the assassination plot, everybody starts second-guessing the original targets.

This central ‘whodunit’ storyline is pretty intense, and will keep you guessing. But as well as offering up an adrenaline shot, the plot also serves to introduce readers to Jeff and Kitty’s new Washington setting (what with Jeff being an ambassador and all). We learn just how badly Kitty is fitting into her post-pregnancy time off . . . floating between ‘Washington Wife’ and a ‘Mummy and Me’ class. It’s safe to say that our girl Kitty is missing the good old days of screaming Aerosmith while pumping some fuglies full of lead (and hairspray). I loved the fact that just because our heroine got her happily-ever-after (complete with handsome hubby and sweet baby girl) it doesn’t mean she wants to stop kicking ass. And ‘Diplomacy’ is really about Kitty’s push-and-pull, between her duties as a wife and mother, and her urge to be out in the field watching Jeff’s back and saving the world.

‘Diplomacy’ continues to expand on Koch’s fantastical world. We meet a great cast of new characters like the mysterious Malcolm Buchanan, and we revisit some old favourites (including Kyle and Len, reformed football players, now bodyguards). We also meet someone from Kitty’s past, her old sorority sister Caroline Chase, who has some hilarious stories to share about Kitty’s college years;

Caroline stared at me. "You married a space alien?" she asked finally.
I gave her a bright smile. "Jeff was born on Earth. He's a legal U.S. resident with all the rights thereof. And he's a prince." Hey, it had mattered to my other sorority sisters.
Caroline shook her head. "You never change."
"I didn't date aliens before!"
"Or royalty. However, if there was a way to work in the bizarre naturally, you were always our go-to girl."

And for those of you who were cheering and fist-pumping at the revelations in ‘Proliferation’, concerning Christopher’s character . . . rest assured, Amy is sticking around and there’s a very sweet scene towards the end of ‘Diplomacy’ – I love these two!

Gini Koch’s fifth ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’ is a wonderful instalment in this kick-butt series. Our girl Kitty may be happily settled down with a (sexy) ball and chain, she may be loving motherhood and ‘Mummy and Me’ time. . . but that doesn’t mean she isn’t hankering for an ass-kickin’, and ‘Diplomacy’ is really all about her conflicting emotions between being a mother and being a hero. Another awesome instalment in an incredible series, and proof-positive that even when the story includes diaper-changes and poof baby bodyguards, Koch still has plenty of action and adventure for Jeff and Kitty!

5/5

INTERVIEW with the characters of 'Katherine "Kitty" Katt' series

Hello Darling Readers,

I have an itty-bitty obsession. It all started last year, when I sunk my teeth in 'Touched by an Alien' by Gini Koch. It was my first taste of the intergalactic space-opera with Armani-wearing aliens and a kick-butt, heavy-metal adoring heroine. I was hooked. And since then I have become a devout and dedicated member of the Alien Collective.

So when the book's creator, Gini Koch herself, told me that the stars of her space-book series were willing to sit down with me for a chat ... well, I reached embarrassingly high levels of fan-girl squealing.

I was very lucky to sit down with Jeff Martini and his wife Katherine 'Kitty' Katt. As well as Martini's right-hand-man and cousin, Christopher, and head-honcho of the C.I.A.'s Extra-Terrestrial Division, Charles 'Chuckie' Reynolds.

I was especially lucky to nab them for an interview now, before the whirlwind tour of their latest book 'Alien Proliferation', out on December 6th. So, with sweaty palms and racing heart (hey, the guys look really good in Armani) I present to you - the characters of the 'Katherine "Kitty" Katt' series! Woooooooo!!!

Q: Welcome everyone! Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here! Although, Kitty, I notice is a little less busy and more bed-bound than the three men. How are you coping with bed rest, Mrs Katt-Martini?

Kitty: I hate it.

Martini: She’s doing great.

Kitty: I really, really hate it.

Martini: But it’s important for your health and the health of our baby.

Kitty: I didn’t say it wasn’t. But the question was ‘how am I handling it’ and my answer is that I hate it.

Chuckie: She’s not handling it with a lot of grace.

Martini: You don’t get to say what my wife does or doesn’t handle.

Christopher: Jeff, he’s right.

Martini: Why are you taking his side?

Christopher: Because he’s right. Kitty’s a pain to be around right now.

Kitty: Next question…please!

Q: Jeff and Kitty, congratulations are in order (double the congrats, in fact!). First the wedding extravaganza (seriously, is Reader thinking of switching professions and entering into the wedding planner gig?) not to mention the bundle of joy is well and truly on the way! First things first - what was your favourite moment from your big day?

Kitty: That we weren’t invaded and that a superbeing didn’t form. And James says he’s not changing careers, but he’s pretty amazing, so you never can tell.

Martini: I was going to say when you said ‘I do’. And I’m ignoring you, once again, giving my gay friend more props than you give me.

Kitty: That part was great. But I was also very happy that we weren’t invaded. And I give you props all the time, Jeff, especially in the bedroom.

Martini: Well, that’s alright then.

Christopher: I’m with Kitty. I really expected at least one superbeing formation.

Chuckie: I think my favorite part was you two running around the room.

Kitty: Thanks for bringing that up.

Martini: You looked great, baby.

Kitty: I’ll stick with your answers, then, Jeff.

Q: And are you nervous about the baby? How's the morning sickness? Do you know the gender? What brand stroller have you chosen (you know Posh and Becks went for the iCandy multi-mode system stroller, in lilac. Just a suggestion).

Kitty: No, not too much. It sucks. We’re not allowed to find out the baby’s sex by A-C law. *whispers* But I have a good guess.

Martini: What was that?

Kitty: I said I wanted a Guess stroller!

Martini: Huh. That’s not what it sounded like.

Kitty: It’s what I said. So, answer the questions, Jeff.

Martini: Okay. I’m excited about the baby, not nervous. Kitty’s a real champ in dealing with her morning sickness. As she said, we don’t find out the sex until birth. And I think the overdone strollers are too much for a baby.

Kitty: I don’t feel like hearing your ‘simple things are good things’ lecture, Jeff.

Martini: She asked.

Kitty: Next!

Q: So, Jeff, no longer a bachelor. You are off the shelf. Officially. You've got the old ball and chain. You're spoken for. Taken. *subtly wipes a tear away*. So! That's great, and everything. That you're married! To Kitty! No longer single! How is married life treating you so far? All good? No problems?

Martini: Well, you know, married life is great. But here’s a signed picture, for you especially.

Kitty: Let me see that. Chuckie, grab it from him.

Chuckie: Interesting choice, Martini. You’re against wearing shirts when being photographed?

Martini: Ah…

Kitty: ‘To Danielle, with all my love, your Jeff’. Really, Jeff? Again? You do this for every interview where the interviewer likes you.

Martini: I’m just being nice. She’s a nice girl, pretty, too. It’s only polite.

Kitty: Wow, and yet you’re the one with the jealousy problem.

Martini: Ah, next question, please.

Q: Chuckie and Christopher - I hear congratulations are in order for you too! Larissa over at 'Larissa's Bookish Life' recently ranked you two in her 'Best Rejected Love Interests' poll. How does that feel? And I know quite a few lovely readers are eager to pass their phone numbers onto you two lovelorn underdogs .

Christopher: Yeah, that’s a poll I was dying to win.

Chuckie: I’m with White, here. We’re tops in the ‘can’t land your girl’ category? My ego hasn’t felt this good since high school.

Kitty: Geez, you two. It’s a compliment! I saw some other blogs, like Bibliognome, had listed you two as well. It means people think you’re hot and cool and sexy.

Chuckie: Fine, I’ll take it.

Christopher: Me too. I suppose. Did you give her our numbers?

Chuckie: I sent them over before the interview even started.

Christopher: I see why Kitty thinks you’re the smartest guy around.

Q: But, seriously. Chuckie and Christopher - are either of you thinking about settling down? Getting serious with someone special? What with wedding-fever and now the baby-bonanza? Are you two feeling clucky?

Chuckie: Clucky?

Kitty: Clucky Chuckie. It’s got a cute ring.

Chuckie: Say that again and I’ll conveniently forget you’re a pregnant woman and strangle you. No, I’m not feeling ‘clucky’ or anything else like that.

Christopher: For the record, I’ve never felt ‘clucky’ in my life, and I’m not looking to settle down any time soon.

Chuckie: Me either. We’d both like some time to at least consider playing the field.

Martini: My wife isn’t available.

Chuckie: We know, Martini. Believe me, we know. We’re clear. We were both at your wedding, remember?

Kitty: Boys, don’t start. You don’t want me flashing the rack during the interview, do you?

Chuckie: Well --

Martini: Next question!

Q; This next question is a bit of a sensitive one . I have sources that say tensions are rife between the C.I.A. and Centaurion Division. That there's some *ahem* frictions between the two authorities. Care to comment on these vicious rumors? Should the people of earth be concerned that there's a rift between alien-human security relations?

Chuckie: We’re not at liberty to say. However, I can assure you that all measures are in place to protect the people of this world.

Martini: What he said.

Christopher: And if anything happens, it won’t be the fault of Centaurion Division.

Chuckie: White, what part of ‘not at liberty to say’ escapes you?

Martini: Reynolds is right, Christopher. We’re good here, folks, nothing more to say.

Kitty: You know you’re not getting anything else if they’re in agreement. But keep your eyes on Paraguay. And Paris. And all the other places that begin with ‘P’, too, just in case.

Q: So the new book 'Alien Proliferation' is out on December 6th. Can you all tell us a little bit about this new installment to your intergalactic adventures?

Kitty: Per The Creator, we’re not at liberty to say much.

Martini: I’d like to mention that, again, I’m put into situations that, in the hands of a kinder Creator, would be less horrible. But in the hands of OUR Creator, they’re beyond life-threatening.

Christopher: I’m in those situations, too.

Chuckie: As am I.

Kitty: The Creator loves all of you.

Martini: I question her love, for me, especially.

Chuckie: You got the girl. The Creator loves you best.

Martini: Yeah? You’re not the one who has to have a huge needle slammed into your hearts pretty much every book, are you?

Christopher: Well, I know what’s going to happen to me, and it’s not any prettier.

Kitty: Boys, The Creator does NOT want us talking about this. Danielle, I can say that there’s lots of action, exotic locales, and some surprising folks get in on the action. My new partner, in particular.

Martini: I thought you said no spoilers.

Kitty: That wasn’t a spoiler, that was a teaser. The Creator’s all over teasers.

Martini: And adrenaline harpoons.

Kitty: Aww, poor baby.

Q; And then after that it's 'Alien Diplomacy' coming out April next year. But your creator, Ms Koch, has had some really good news regarding her DAW book deal. Can you tell us how many more installments readers will get of the amazing 'Katherine "Kitty" Katt' series? And are you happy about the extended book deal?

Kitty: Well, right now, we’re contracted through Book 8 and I’m totally jazzed about it. However, I can promise you that we won’t run out of excitement, so I’m hoping we keep on going forever!

Martini: I was good with us stopping at Book 1.

Christopher: Really?

Martini: Yeah. I almost died, more than once, but I got the girl and was on a beautiful beach. I was happy.

Kitty: But the other adventures were so fun and exciting.

Martini: Yeah? I’d like to mention the adrenaline harpoon, and the fact that it seems like I almost died in every book so far. Several times per book.

Chuckie: You got the girl. It evens out.

Martini: Yeah, but with this Creator, who knows how long that’ll last?

Christopher: I’m with Reynolds, I think The Creator likes you best, Jeff.

Martini: Hah. I happen to know she loves Reynolds more than me.

Chuckie: And yet, you got the girl.

Christopher: I get tortured, too, and I didn’t get the girl.

Kitty: Boys, really, bitter much? The point isn’t who got whom --

Chuckie: Yes it is.

Kitty: Okay, but that’s not the whole point. The point is that we save the world from the fugly monsters and insane politicos trying to destroy it. If some adrenaline needs to be slammed into someone’s heart, or some others don’t get their first, or even second, dream girl, really, it’s all for the greater good of entertaining the readers, so we should be happy with a job continuously well done.

Chuckie: That short marketing career of yours continues to pay off, again and again, doesn’t it?

Kitty: I’m not gracing that with a response.

Q; Well, that's all we have time for. Thank you all for stopping by and taking the time out to do this interview. Do you each have some final parting words you'd like to say?

Chuckie: Per my position, I’m required to say that we were never here, this interview never happened, and aliens do not, point in fact, exist.

Christopher: Great being here, thanks for having us, even though, per Mister Spy here, we weren’t here and you’ve never seen us.

Martini: I have those pictures in wallets as well as bigger blowups, and a calendar, too, if you’re interested.

Kitty: They’re all so cute, aren’t they? In that ‘just wanna pinch your cheeks and really thump you one on the head’ way. Thanks for having us, Danielle, we had a blast, and next time, maybe you want to have Reader along to keep everyone else in line. Love you and see you all in the pages of our next book!

Big thanks to Martini (I sleep with your picture under my pillow), Kitty, Christopher and Chuckie. But especially Gini Koch!

'Alien Proliferation' Katherine "Kitty" Katt #4 by Gini Koch

Received from the Author

From the BLURB:

After the wildest wedding ever, Katherine “Kitty” Katt-Martini and her Alpha Centaurion husband Jeff are hoping life will settle down. But alien attacks are on the increase, and someone is testing a dangerous new drug on unwilling subjects within their group. As if that’s not enough, Kitty and a number of the A-C women are expecting their first babies.

No one is certain what this baby boom will lead to, but after almost losing Kitty in childbirth, they discover that their newborn’s talents are off the charts – and potentially dangerous. And just to add to their worries – the bad guys want their baby.

The last thing anyone in Centaurion Division needs after that is a conspiracy to kill the heads of the C.I.A.’s Extra-Terrestrial Division and the Presidential Terrorism Control Unit, otherwise known as Charles Reynolds and Kitty’s mother, Angela Katt.

Then, suddenly, key members of Alpha and Airborne start vanishing.

Can Kitty, her remaining team members, friends old and new, and a totally unexpected new partner rescue everyone and figure out how and why Kitty’s become a superhuman? Most importantly, can they pull it all off before the event Kitty dreads most – her Alpha Centaurion baby shower?

Following the events of ‘Alien in the Family’, Katherine “Kitty” Katt is now officially Mrs Jeff Katt-Martini, and enjoying wedded bliss to her Alpha alien honey. But hot on the heels of Jeff and Kitty’s nuptials was more joyful news of a baby on the way.

With baby and baby shower looming, Kitty is holed up on bed rest and hating every minute of it. Carrying an alien baby means Kitty’s breasts are turning to torpedoes and baby’s kicks are rocket-powered.

Kitty also hates having to take to bed while Jeff and his cousin, Christopher, go off on all the dangerous missions and shoot-up’s. It’s little consolation that in her bed-ridden state, Kitty has been meeting with her best friend, Chuckie, and discussing ways to improve the C.I.A.’s Extra-Terrestrial Division (headed by Chuckie himself).

But then a phone call in the middle of the night throws Kitty’s maternity leave into a tail-spin. . .

Her best friend from high school, Amy, is running around the Paris Métro, being chased by twenty thugs. Jeff and Christopher swoop in to rescue Kitty’s bestie – but Amy brings more trouble upon her safe return. Like hints of a mole in the A-C division, and rumours of an assassination-in-the-making for Chuckie and the head of the Presidential Terrorism Control Unit (a.k.a: Kitty’s mum!).

Contractions are three minutes apart, there’s a spy in the team and alien agents are disappearing. As Kitty would say, Welcome to DEFCON Worse.

‘Alien Proliferation’ is the fourth book in Gini Koch’s astronomically cool ‘Katherine “Kitty”(-Martini) Katt’ series.

The new ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’ book is always a treat. My ARC (advanced reader copy) arrives in the mail and I turn into a jittering junkie until I can become safely ensconced in bed and get stuck into the latest blasting adventure of Kitty and Martini. ‘Alien Proliferation’ was a particularly hard book to wait for . . . ever since Daniel Dos Santos’s (drool-worthy) cover-art was revealed with a swaddled baby cradled in Jeff’s arms. The wait has been hard, but the pay-off is totally worth it.

I’ll start by answering the question burning in most fan’s minds . . . yes, baby is born. Daniel Dos Santos wasn’t just playing a mean trick on us, and Koch isn’t doing a three-seasons-long soap-opera maternity trick. Kitty is at the end of her pregnancy when the book opens, we read a labour to rival Bella’s in ‘Breaking Dawn’ and the rest of the book is all the bad guys and gun-toting drama we’ve come to love . . . plus baby!

Never fear though, motherhood hasn’t softened Kitty (much). She’s still as kick-ass as ever, but now she’s just kicking butt and taking names with a Snugli baby strapped to her! Jeff in daddy-mode is gorgeous and doubly Alpha; his goal in life now is to take care of his family, and beat the living daylights out of anything that tries to hurt his wife or baby. It’s super swoon-inducing to read Jeff be all sexy baby-daddy. And I love that Koch is doing what so many paranormal/fantasy writers are reluctant to do . . . build a family for her protagonist. Koch’s series was unique enough for having Jeff and Kitty get together early on in book one (pretty much from page three onwards, lol). Now we’re reading Kitty and Jeff’s evolving happily-ever-after, complete with bundle of joy. If ‘Proliferation’ is any indication, it will be really fascinating to read all the usual drama, explosions and conspiracies that Jeff and Kitty deal with, but now with baby in tow. Not to mention the implications of what has happened to Kitty's post-baby body (dun, dunnn, DUN!) Bring it on!

Christopher is a big focus in this book (I can hear his fan-girls squealing in the background. . . ) Poor Christopher is the ultimate lovelorn underdog. His first love, Lissa, died before she could properly choose him over Jeff. Then Christopher went and fell for Kitty, when she was firmly Jeff’s girl. In ‘Proliferation’ both Christopher and Kitty address the previous awkwardness of his romantic feelings for her – and it’s a cathartic discussion, for both of them. We needed this, especially after Chuckie came on the scene and sent Jeff’s jealous-streak into overdrive. Jeff’s he-man antics over Chuckie are still very much lingering, so it’s nice that at least one of Kity’s previous admirers can be put to bed (so to speak). It also helps that motherhood has given Kitty a new, somewhat clucky, perspective. She loves Christopher, and she wants him to be looked after and loved. Their scenes together are heart-meltingly sweet and long overdue;

I managed not to shriek. Good, good. I was calm, cool, and collected.
“Yeah.” He swallowed. “Is this the part where I make that horrible laugh and turn evil and then try to kill everyone I love, right before you and Jeff kill me to save the world?” He was serious, and trying not to cry.
“Oh, honey, no.” I hugged him as best I could, stroked his hair, and kissed his forehead. “Having power is one thing. Using it unwisely is another. Honey, you’ve always been powerful. And all you and Jeff have done with that power is protect people and worlds, and you both could have taken over without even trying hard. Chuckie thinks you and Jeff were already genetic evolutionary steps.”

But the real big draw-card of ‘Proliferation’ for Christopher fans is the introduction of his very own honey . . . that’s right, Christopher gets his very own happily-ever-after and it’s sexy, sweet and smouldering! I refuse to give anything away about the who, what and where. But I will say that I look forward to reading Christopher and ____ being loved-up and cute in upcoming books!

Just when you think Gini Koch’s ‘Kitty Katt’ series can’t get any better – the explosions can’t be bigger, the stakes higher or the alien men hotter – she wallops readers with ‘Alien Proliferation’ . . . and you realize that Gini Koch has a lot more blockbuster fun up her sleeve. Bring on ‘Alien Diplomacy’, pronto!

5/5

'Alien Proliferation' will be released December 6th 2011

★ 'Alien Tango' winner! ★

★

Congratulations to Ina!

★

You have won a copy of Gini Koch's fabulous 'Alien Tango' book! Woo-Hoo!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and Gini Koch herself for a wicked Q&A session!

'Alien in the Family' Katherine 'Kitty' Katt #3 by Gini KOCH

Received from the Author

From the BLURB:

Super-Being Exterminator Kitty Katt and the Alpha Centaurian she loves, Jeff Martini, should be finalizing their wedding plans. But that was before she discovers Jeff is in line to become Emperor back on his home world. Kitty knows she is everything a royal family wouldn't approve of, and is bracing herself for the worst. As it turns out, the royal family is just the beginning. Especially when extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists are determined to start and end Kitty and Jeff's nuptial festivities with a bang.

** Contains spoilers of ‘Alien Tango’ **

Kitty’s back, and so is her Armani alien army.

Following the events of ‘Alien Tango’, Katherine ‘Kitty’ Katt and her fiancée, Jeff Martini, are planning the wedding of the galaxy, literally. For Kitty and co it’s going to be a case of something old, something blue, something borrowed and some inter-galactic wedding crashers...

‘Alien in the Family’ is the third book in Gini Koch’s space-spectacular ‘Katherine “Kitty” Katt’ series.

I won’t lie to you, I squealed a little when my letterbox revealed this advanced reader copy for my perusal. And since I'm being honest, I’ll admit that there may have been some happy-dancing involved too. And it turns out that all that squealing happy-dancing was well deserved, because Ms Koch has done it again...

So much happened in the last book. ‘Alien Tango’ introduced us to the wider Alpha Centauri alien race, including Martini’s (dysfunctional) family. A big focus of that book was the social norms and prejudices of the A-C’s, including the perceived prejudice of alien/human couplings. ‘Alien in the Family’ brings the book back to Kitty and Martini, while also expanding the universe. Gini Koch is introducing a whole new crop of characters in this third instalment – from Amazonian assassins to space corgis. She’s also putting Kitty and Martini’s relationship to the test, before they tie the knot.

“I want it in writing, and I’ll be going over it for loopholes.”

He laughed. “Not a problem.” He looked back at Martini. “Okay?”

“No, but we’ll deal with it. Officially, Centuarion unwillingly concedes the C.I.A’s limited authority during a time of interworld crisis.”

“And unofficially?” Chuckie sounded supportive, not challenging.

Martini closed his eyes. “Unofficially,” he opened his eyes, “help us. Please.”

In ‘Alien Tango’, Koch introduced us to the character of Chuckie. Chuckie is Kitty’s best friend from high school, who was mentioned in ‘Touched by an Alien’, but made his first appearance in ‘Tango’. For a long time Kitty thought of Chuckie as her rich, globetrotting bestie – the man she had one (spectacular) one-night-stand with, and was perhaps even maybe subconsciously pining for. Until Jeffrey Martini came along – in all his suited Neanderthal glory. But much was revealed in ‘Tango’, about Chuckie’s occupation, and his feelings for Kitty – which resulted in a marriage proposal, and one very unhappy Martini.

I love Chuckie’s character, both for his very Kitty-like sense of humour, and the role he plays in causing some delicious tension between Kitty and Martini. One of the best things about ‘Touched by an Alien’ was the immediate intimacy between Kitty and Martini. Martini was literally proposing to Kitty from the get-go, and they’ve both been mutually infatuated ever since. It’s a rather unusual coupling for a series – that the protagonist has found her true love and is sticking with him, no matter what. There’s no will-they-or-won’t-they to Kitty and Martini. There’s just love. That’s not to say there isn’t any tension . . . Koch has written Martini as a deliciously territorial Neanderthal, and Kitty is an alien-magnet who has attracted her fair share of crushes (including Martini’s cousin, Christopher). But Chuckie poses an entirely new set of jealous problems for Martini. Chuckie has known Kitty for longer, they have a romantic history, and in light of recent inter-galactic wedding complications, the human Chuckie could potentially be an easier relationship for Kitty.

I really love that Koch has found new ways to explore and strengthen Kitty and Martini’s relationship. Not only is Chuckie a hilarious addition to the cast (seriously, Martini’s responses to him are priceless!), but his presence has triggered a whole new dynamic between Kitty and Martini.

I thought Koch outdid herself in ‘Alien Tango’ when she introduced a whole cachet of fascinating secondary characters – from alien consciousness ‘ACE’ to hottie agent Kevin. But Koch absolutely goes above and beyond in ‘Family’. Expect to see some very drunk, but very helpful college footballers and a new human addition to the A-C team. But best of all are the fun and furry new characters, named ‘Poofs’. Yes, the name sounds awful out of context, but these alien fur-balls are total scene-stealers, and you’ll finish the book wishing these was a plush Poof doll tie-in.

The stand-out of any Kitty Katt novel is the relationship of Kitty and Martini. These two are the hottest couple in the universe – the Brangelina of outer space, if you will. I am happy to report that Kitty and Martini meet their smut quota in ‘Family’, but readers should also be prepared for some sweet romantic moments that require tissues. Plus, there’s a bonus musical appearance that will send you head over heels.

At this point in the series it should be apparent that Gini Koch can do no wrong. ‘Alien in the Family’ is yet another book-blockbuster of fantastic proportions. Kitty and Martini have one of the most envious fictional relationships and Kitty is the most rockin ass-kicker to grace the space-opera genre. This third instalment is phenomenal, but fans should be warned that an ‘OMIGOD!’ ending will make the months drag by until the December release of ‘Alien Proliferation’.

5/5

'Alien in the Family' is released April 5th 2011