The READ THIS! BotM Announced, New Release, & More!

Happy November! October was a whirlwind of family stuff (which was a nice change from a whirlwind of con stuff) but now November is here and with it, my favorite holiday. The next READ THIS! Book of the Month is also here, as is a new release, and more, so let's get to it, shall we? We shall!

It's Alive!

Planets, Power Plays, and Pets. Kitty's Got This.   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...

Read Out Loud! Do you have your copy of the Touched by an Alien audiobook yet? If not, don't wait! Grab yours today and start your year right!

Speaking of Reading Out Loud... Graphic Audio has renewed the contract for The Legend of Belladonna, Part 1: Natural Born Outlaws, by moi writing as A.E. Stanton. If you haven't grabbed this fantastic audiobook, don't delay, grab it today!

READ THIS! A Book Club by Moi for All Y'all Welcome to READ THIS! A Book Club by Gini Koch. This is my chance to introduce you to some great authors that I love and know you will, too. Every month I'll spotlight a book and, even better...every month I'll host a live discussion with the author, that all y'all can join! I know, it's too happy to be true, but true it is!

November 2025 READ THIS! Selection

The READ THIS! Selection for November 2025 is:  All I Want For Christmas Is A Reaper by Liana Brooks Gini's Take: The second in Brooks' "All I Want" series is as fun as the first one. Don't miss this fast, breezy, enjoyable, romantic read, a great set up for the holiday season! About the Author: Liana Brooks is an American author who writes science fiction and sci-fi romance for people who like fast ships, big guns, witty one-liners, and happy endings. She enjoys writing science fiction in every form, from sprawling space operas (Fleet of Malik) to the antics of a superhero family (Heroes and Villains), as well as paranormal romances (All I Want For Christmas). When she’s not exploring the sprawling realms of fiction she is a busy mother of four, traveler, language learner, and eclectic hobbyist who enjoys everything from woodworking and photography to cooking and embroidery. She lives somewhere between the bookshelves, quilts, and canvases with her wonderful husband, their beautiful pets, and all the children that want to be at home right now. https://www.lianabrooks.com/

November 2025 READ THIS! Author Q&A

So, you've read the READ THIS! selection and you want to share what you thought with the author, hang out with them and Gini, and generally talk books for an hour. Well, guess what? You can! The third Thursday of every month will be READ THIS! Author Q&A time. The event will be held utilizing Discord, and the invitation to Gini's READ THIS! room will come out in the week prior to the chat. And that's not all! Near the end of each Q&A session, we'll be doing a raffle and one lucky winner will get a copy of the next month's READ THIS! selection! (You must be present in the Q&A to win. Physical book prizes will be U.S. only. Ebook prizes will be worldwide.)

November's READ THIS! author Q&A  featuring Author Liana Brooks will be on Thursday, November 20, 2024 from 9pm-10pm Eastern. Access to Discord is available worldwide, and everyone is invited to attend!

December's READ THIS! Selection   And Remember: One Lucky Q&A Participant can win it early!

The READ THIS! Selection for December 2025 is:  Something Wicked By Gini Koch & Bebe Bayliss

THE YAP IN CHARGE!   We've got some new yapping over at ConTinual! Check out Hot Off The Press #141, Hot Off The Press #144, Hot Off The Press #145, Hot Off The Press #146, and Comedy Horror, wherein my fellow panelists and I have a lot of fun while sharing a lot of learning, our wild and varied opinions, and yapping about our new bookie wookies! And don't miss the other Yaps over at The Yap In Charge.

In case you missed it, the first 11 books in the Alien Series are now available from Ginger Blue Publishing in ebook, trade paperback, hardback, and trophy hardback! And Book 12/Alien in Chief could be available before the next newsletter!

Ginger Blue is trucking along and getting the Alien Series re-released just as fast as they can. The situation with how the hardbacks go out is still the same - you can get the new versions in ebook, trade paperback, hardback, and trophy hardback complete with a snazzy dust cover! The trophy hardback is from B&N.com only, as a reminder, and the regular hardback is from Amazon only. The searching via Amazon and B&N.com remains spotty, in no small part because those two distributors still have some mass market copies they're determined to sell. So, as suggested for Touched and Tango, and as recommended for every book coming through 16/Aliens Abroad, go to the Ginger Blue Releases page, click on the cover of your choosing, and choose which option or options you want. The links on GBP's website will take you to the right spots at B&N and Amazon to get the version you want. Confusing? Yes. Ultimately manageable? Sure. It's only adding a step to what you'd normally do. Now for the old reviews status. On B&N all the review seem to have stuck. Not so on  Amazon -- they were there for all and, suddenly, they were not. SO, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien in the House, and Alien Research do not have all their reviews connected to the new versions. We have no idea why. Yes, they may connect at a later date, we have no idea if that will or won't happen, and if they do connect, if they'll actually remain. SO, please review early and often on either site, but particularly on Amazon, since, as we well know, reviews matter, especially at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads. So, officially, now the first eleven books are live everywhere! And the twelfth will probably be live before the next newsletter! Huzzah!

So many bookie wookies, so much time to catch up on all of them while waiting for The Alien Collection, Aliens Like Us, Aliens Like Them, and the next READ THIS! selection. Check out my Bookstore for all the things!

That's it for today but, never fear, another Update, including the Discord Q&A chat invitation, will be arriving in a couple of weeks! In the meantime, stay safe and healthy, remember we're all in this together, be kind to one another, give love and support to all those who are on the front lines in any capacity, and let's be readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side! Love, Gini

Easter Reviews Roundup

Happy Easter, Hook Me Up! Gang! Well, it's not necessarily as exciting as cover reveals and new releases and the Yap (humor me), but I like to share the reviews with all y'all, and I'm terribly behind. So let's rectify that, shall we? We shall!

First up, though, a few more recent things. I and the rest of the Paranormal Romance Dream Team (aka Erin Quinn, Erin Kellison, and Caris Roane) will be doing a live chat over at Night Owl Reviews on Monday, March 28 (aka tomorrow) at 5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern. You can RSVP HERE. The RSVP gives you entry into the evening's prizes (must be an active chatter at the event), and a reminder email around 30 minutes before the event starts. But you can still get prizes if you don't RSVP, so come one and come all! And, you know, someone might just score a copy of Plush Life early at the chat. And that someone could be you!
 
Speaking of Plush Life, a reminder that it's up for pre-order right now at Amazon and Smashwords and will go live on sale on this Friday, April 1.

The Kickstarter for Unidentified Funny Objects 5 is almost over, and we're not funded yet! Trust me, you want to get this next in a series of really fun and funny science fiction and fantasy shot stories, and not just because you'll want to find out what "The Problem With Poofs" is.

I went to see the Fall Out Boy concert on Friday and some of my pics made the arena's photo album. Once you've checked out all that fun, check out my review of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 at Pop Culture Geeks. 

Then see which series Bibliognome and Books in Brogan are recommending.

Now, for all the catching up. Firstly, Barnes and Noble chose Alien in Chief as one of it's top picks for December, which was a pretty cool way to end last year! And because I'm running so very, very late, check out the rest of the December releases from DAW Books.

After that, see what Bibliognome thought of Alien in Chief, as well as what her Favorite Lines from the book were. Then check out what Feeling Fictional, Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!, and Under the Covers thought of it!

Next up, see what Xtreme Delusions thought of Alien Separation. Then see what Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! thought of Universal Alien. And then see what Blake's Gaming Adventures thought of Alien vs. Alien.



But we're not done yet! Next up, check out what Theresa Derwin's Terror Tree thought of Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, and Alien Proliferation. Then see what The Heroine Bookstore had to say about Alien Tango.


Not to be outdone, see the awesome review The Times-News gave to Touched by an Alien, as well as what Back Chatting Books thought of it. Plus, check out the Science Fiction Romance novels/series being recommended by Omni Reboot.

Matthew Bright reviews Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets, alligators and aneurysms reviews A Cup of Joe by moi writing as Anita Ensal, and Bibliognome gives you a sentence sneak peak and a review of Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by moi writing as G.J. Koch.

Amazingly enough, that's it for today. But as always, more's on the way. So let's be hard boiled egg enjoying readers out there and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

Winning Come Lately

Hey there! I know, I know, I'm late and was on unexpected radio silence. But, you know how it goes when the deadlines pile up. And if you don't, it goes like this -- I tend to be way behind. So let's get caught up, shall we? We shall!

First off, let's start with some reviews. Check out what Books 'N' Kisses thought of Alien Separation. Then see what I thought of SPECTRE over at Slice of SciFi and join the discussion over at Slice! After that, head over to Pearls Cast Before a McPig and check out her Teaser Tuesday for Alien in Chief!

Speaking of Alien in Chief, I have a very special announcement! In addition to receiving a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews, Alien in Chief is also up for an RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award in the Urban Fantasy category! It's up against books from nobodies like Patty Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Devon Monk, Nicole Peeler, and Lisa Shearin, so I know it's not winning, but it's a thrill to be nominated in their company!

Want a preview of what you're getting in about 2 weeks? Then head over to the Deathless Prose page and check out the prologue and first chapter of Alien in Chief!

A fast Tuscon Comic-Con recap. It was great. Got to panel with awesome authors T.L. Smith, Alan Black, and Sharon Skinner. Got to visit with many peeps, hang out a bit with authors Marsheila Rockwell, Jeff Mariotte, Austin Aslan, and Thomax Green, and grabbed an awesome painting from Chaos in Color as well as a cool Catwoman (circa Michelle Pfeiffer) mask that I wore to the Joshua Tree Gala the next weekend. For more on TCC, check out the recording, interviews, and pictures from Ragnarok and Roll and Creative Play and Podcast Network. Also had a great deal of fun at the Free Fall Writer's Workshop in Scottsdale, where I got to run the yap and hang out with cool authors, fans, and aspiring authors. So it's been a busy couple of weekends, but they've been worth it!

Next up and just in time for the holidays and all that jazz, you can now get the Martian Alliance Chronicles 1-3 in one volume! And for those of you who don't e-read, rejoice -- the physical copy is available at Create Space.

A reminder that Touched by an Alien is trying to earn votes and attention over at the If List so if you'd care to cast your vote for it to get made into a TV show or movie (hey, we can dream, right?), and also suggest who should play what, please do! The more attention, the better the chances!

Now for some science, because per blastr NASA spotted something coming OUT of a black hole! Algar's really hoping it's not the Black Hole Universe's Sheriff's Department, but only time will tell. ;-D

And now, finally and a week late, it's time to announce the winner of the edited galley for Universal Alien.

Beth Stevens

Many congrats! Winner has until November 20th to claim their prize. After that time, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice, I mean, winner.

But you know...I was planning to announce Beth as the winner over a week ago, and then launch another contest. But deadlines have meant that I've run out of time and am going to be out of time for the foreseeable future. SO, rather than do another contest right now, it's Oprah Time, and the Gods of Random and I are just going to hand out prizes to those who entered to win this last edited galley 'cause we can!

Michael Creager -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Giedre Sliumba -- you've won an e-copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Hope Taylor -- you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Linda Larrson -- you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Peggy Preiss --  you've won an ecopy of Unidentified Funny Objects 3 AND 4!
Amanda Tamayo -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Viki S. -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Debbie Joyce -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!
Shawn Sumrall -- you've won a physical copy of Unidentified Funny Objects 4!

These winners also have until November 20th to claim their prizes. You know how capricious the Gods of Random can be. One day, they're giving generously, the next they're snatching away, so don't give them a chance to take your prize!

A reminder about my confirmed book tour stops for Alien in Chief:
Tuesday, December 1st
It’s the Release Day Signing & Party for Alien in Chief
Cake and prizes!
7:00pm
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd., #101
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone:(480) 947-2974
Toll Free: (888) 560-9919
No Food With Fans event but we WILL have cake, and that's just as good, right? Of course right!

Saturday, December 5th
Signing Alien in Chief
Mass Signing of the Amazing Wyked Writers
Cake and prizes!
2:00pm
Barnes & Noble Henderson
567 North Stephanie
Henderson, NV 89014
702-434-1533
Food With Fans immediately after the signing

Saturday, December 12th
Signing Alien in Chief
Cake and prizes!
2:00pm
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
5943 Balboa Avenue, Suite #100
San Diego, CA 92111
858-268-4747
Food With Fans immediately after the signing

That's it for today (and probably this week), but as always, more's on the way! Congrats to all the winners, chin up there will be more chances coming soon to those who didn't win this time, and let's all be readers out there. Peace out my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

And On To The Next

Happy Thursday! Hope everyone's weeks have been going great and we're all ready for the weekend. I know I am!

First up, I'm excited for tomorrow, actually, because I'll be presenting "Make ‘Em Laugh – How to Put Humor Into Your Writing" at Dog-Eared Pages' Friday Night Writes event, 5:30-7:00, 16428 N. 32nd St., Suite 111, Phoenix, AZ 85032, 602-283-5423. $5 entry fee. Come on down and see the me!

Next up, the winner of the edited galley of Alien in the House is:

Gef Fox

Many congrats! 

Winner has until until October 7th to claim their prize. After that time, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice, I mean, winner.
 

Now, I know what all y'all are thinking: is there another contest coming? Why yes, there is. But first, we have other business to attend to.


Because it's time for some reviews! Check out what Alien Romances thought of Alien Separation and the Alien series as a whole.

Then, see what Chica Reader thought of Touched by an Alien and Alien Tango, what Tiana Lagrone and Once Upon a Chapter thought of Touched by an Alien, and what Books in Brogan thought of Alien in the Family, Universal Alien, and Alien Separation.

Then see what Tangent has to say about Unidentified Funny Objects 4 -- hint: it's even better than UFO3, and they loved UFO3.

 Another reminder that A Bug's Life, A Study in Starlets, The X-Files: Trust No One anthology featuring my story, "Sewers", and the Temporally Out of Order anthology featuring "Alien Time Warp", which takes place during Alien Separation, are all available now for purchase. (Want to know what was going on with the All Seeing Mountain? Find out in Temporally Out of Order.) Don't miss out having these great reads as you head into the weekend! BTW, Temporally Out of Order hit in the Amazon Top 25. So don't miss out on what's clearly one of the best anthologies going right now!

Next, check out what science fiction romances cool author Darlene Reilley recommends over at Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal. And catch up on a late San Diego Comic-Con update (and mine was late, so no judging going on here!) from the Autograph Hound.

This Friday isn't the only chance to see the me coming up. In fact, you have plenty of chances in the next few months. Check out the Datebook for details, including my appearances at Comic Media Expo in Mesa, AZ (Oct. 16-18), AZ Consortium of the Arts' Fall Festival of the Arts (Oct. 25), Tucson Comic Con (Nov. 6-8), Free Fall Writer's Workshop (Nov. 14). And December is, of course, book tour for Alien in Chief, and more details and stops will be announced soon.

But now, what you've been patiently reading to get to has arrived. Look, it's another contest! 

That's right, we're continuing to clean my office and this time the edited galley for Alien Collective is what's up for grabs! The Rafflecopter is below the signature line. This contest is for Hook Me Up! subscribers only. If you're not on yet, get on now, because this is just one of many contests coming down for the rest of this year. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and you'll be in and able to win, win, win.

Contest will run from today, October 1, 2015 through Thursday, October 15, 2015. Winner will be announced by October 20th and will have until October 26th to claim their prize. After that time, the Gods of Random will snatch back the prize and demand a new sacrifice, I mean, winner. Contest is open internationally. And yes, if you've won in recent contests you can still enter this one. The Gods of Random enjoy being generous sometimes, and you never know when it'll be your time to score more than once!

That's it for today, but as always, more's on the way. So enjoy the slide into the weekend and let's be winning readers out there. Peace out, my li'l gangstas, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,
Gini

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