Skye MacKinnon's Blog

Explore Scotland Through Skye’s Stories

Scotland has always been more than just a setting in my stories. It’s part of their very heart. From Stirling, where I studied, to the islands I love to visit, to the west coast where I live now, I’ve woven its landscapes, history, and magic into so many of my books. You’ll find Scotland’s past in Saving His Queen, telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots, its present in Frozen Heart with life on Edinburgh’s streets, and even its future in The Mars Diaries with a vision of “Scottish Mars.” I love capturing not only its beauty but also its quirks. Like midges, which I couldn’t resist turning into tiny demons in the Daughter of Winter series.

From the misty Calanais Standing Stones to the rugged Cairngorms, from the romance of the Isle of Skye to the mysterious depths of Loch Ness and St Kilda, each location adds its own character to the tales. My map of Scotland is dotted with stories—Starlight Mermen in Orkney and Glasgow, Guardians of Winter in the Cairngorms, Alien Abduction for Unicorns in Stirling, and Saving His Queen along the Solway Firth.

Sometimes I feel like Scotland itself has become a recurring character, shaping the adventures, dangers, and love stories within my pages.

Have you been to Scotland? What places would you love to visit?

Books/Series set on Scotland
Starlight Mermen – Orkney & Glasgow
Storm Witch – Westray
Daughter of Winter – Calanais Standing Stones
Seven Wardens – St. Kilda
Alien Abduction for Pirates – Isle of Skye
Claiming Her Bears – Inchbrath
Through the Storms – Ben Vair
Starlight Highlanders – Glasgow
Starlight Vikings – Glasgow & Cairngorms
Saving His Queen – Solway Firth
Seven Wardens – Loch Ness
Loving Heart – Balmoral
Guardians of Winter – Cairngorms
Alien Abduction for Unicorns – Stirling
Winter Princess – Edinburgh
Frozen Heart – Edinburgh
Broken Spirit – Edinburgh

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A Makeover for Defiance

Sometimes, everyone needs a makeover – even books. I’ve been wanting to revamp the Defiance series for a while, but there were always so many other things to do. But now, finally, the three Defiance books have a new look inside and out.

If you don’t know the series yet, it’s three standalone contemporary reverse harem romances connected by setting and side characters. In Frozen Heart, Emily is homeless on the streets of Edinburgh when a stranger offers her a place to stay – but can she trust him? Loving Heart is the sequel where Emily and her three guys have to solve a mystery for the Royal family. And in Broken Spirit, Laya is trapped in an abusive cult, until three new recruits bring her new hope of a better life. I started writing the series back in 2018 and it will always have a special place in my heart because of the way it combines difficult topics with my favourite kind of romance.

I decided to not only give the books new covers, but also new formatting. They now have a beautiful interior as well as black/white illustrated edges. These edges are not sprayed as with my Starlight Monsters special editions, but ‘forced’ by printing thin borders on all the pages which then turns into an image along the edge. They are much easier to print and produce than sprayed edges, which is why I can offer these paperbacks at normal prices despite the fancy features.

The ebook and audiobook versions also got new covers – if you already have the books, you might have to delete them and download them again from whatever device you read on in order to get the new look.

Here’s what the edges look like in real life:

 

@skyemackinnonauthor What do you think of my new covers? I looooove the edges! #booktok #whychoose #reverseharem #contemporaryromance #romanticsuspense #spicybooks #bookrec #romancebooks #specialeditionbooks #skyemackinnon ♬ MAYBACH – MGEE & BM

Fun fact: This is Frozen Heart’s fourth cover! It was first published as Streets of Winter in an anthology, then as a standalone novel as Abandoned Heart before becoming Frozen Heart. I’m hoping this will be its final look for a while – but trends change and you never know…

Let me know what you think of the new covers!

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New Pre-Order: Pets in Space 10

Get ready to fall in love all over again — with Pets in Space® 10! This tenth-anniversary edition brings you nine brand-new science fiction romances, nineteen unforgettable pets, and a whole galaxy’s worth of swoon, danger, and charm.
Whether it’s cybernetic armadillos, tiny dragons, or mischievous alien companions, these pets don’t just steal the scene — they save the day.

Here’s what awaits you inside this limited-release collection:

Nine Interstellar Tales.Nine Unforgettable Romances.Nineteen Adorably Badass Pets.

In this tenth-anniversary edition of PETS IN SPACE, you’ll find smart-mouthed birds, cyber armadillos, tiny dragons, and alien creatures who steal the show — and sometimes save it. Across distant planets, space stations, and magical realms, unlikely
heroes and heroines are drawn together by danger, fate… and the meddling of their pet sidekicks. These stories blend swoon-worthy romance with thrilling sci-fi adventure in a way only PETS IN SPACE can deliver.

Preorder now and blast off into a galaxy of heart, heat, and heroic pets: Pets in Space 10

Featuring New Novellas by These Stellar Authors:

● Carol Van Natta – Kinetic Effect (Central Galactic Concordance)
● EG Manetti – Hunted (Nightingale)
● Honey Phillips – High Noon Cyborg (Cyborgs on Mars)
● Michelle Howard – Bad Deal
● Pauline Baird Jones – Echoes Beneath (Project Enterprise)
● S. J. Pajonas – Rosa’s New Game (The Kimura Sisters Series)
● S.E. Smith – The Lost Ring (Rings of Power #2)
● Skye MacKinnon – My Big Grumpy Alien Dragon (Starlight Monsters #4)
● Veronica Scott – Star Cruise: Lucky Charm

A Story Collection That Gives Back

As always, we’re proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org — a nonprofit that places specially trained service dogs with U.S. veterans and first responders. Over the past nine years, Pets in Space® readers and authors have donated nearly $20,000 to this incredible cause. 10% of all preorders and the first month’s profits from Pets in Space 10 will go directly to Hero-Dogs.
So when you preorder, you’re not just getting 800+ pages of starry-eyed adventure — you’re helping change lives.

P.S. Use hashtag #PetsInSpace on social media to join the celebration, share your excitement, and show us your favorite interstellar pet pairings!

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Introducing: Smashwords

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love giving readers choices. Whether you devour books on your Kindle, Kobo, or your trusty phone, I want you to be able to find my stories wherever it suits you best. One of the lesser-known gems in the indie book world is Smashwords—a platform I hold close to my heart because it was actually the first place I ever self-published.

Back in 2013, I was just starting out, feeling my way through formatting headaches and metadata mysteries. Smashwords welcomed me—and thousands of other new authors—with open arms. What makes it stand out even today is that warm indie spirit, paired with the kind of flexibility that’s harder to find elsewhere. On Smashwords, readers can download books in whichever format they like—EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and more. And there’s no DRM, which means you really own your copy and can enjoy it on any device you prefer. It’s reader-first in the best way.

And speaking of reader-first… now is the perfect time to check it out. Every July, Smashwords hosts a huge Summer/Winter Sale, and this year’s event is in full swing until July 31st. Thousands of indie books—including most of mine—are available at steep discounts. We’re talking 25%, 50%, even 75% off, and yes, some are completely free! It’s a celebration of indie publishing, and whether you’re new to Smashwords or a long-time supporter, it’s the ideal excuse to stock up on books. You can browse by genre, filter by discount, or simply lose yourself in the sea of shiny covers and unexpected discoveries.

What I personally love about this sale is that it’s not just another marketing push—it’s a genuine community moment. Authors can choose exactly how they want to participate, setting custom discounts and showcasing their stories alongside others from around the world. Readers get direct access to our books without middlemen, and that connection—author to reader—feels especially strong on Smashwords.

So if you’re in the mood to try something new, revisit an author you love, or just grab a bargain (or five), now’s the time. You’ll find all the discounted books here: Smashwords Summer Sale. It’s a great way to explore new voices, support indie storytellers, and maybe discover a hidden favourite.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next bookish obsession there—mine certainly started that way.

In this series, I introduce various book retailers and services to help you find the best book deals and reading experiences. Check out the previous posts.

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Introducing: BookBub

If you love discovering new books and snagging amazing deals, BookBub is the perfect platform for you! Whether you’re hunting for fresh reads or waiting for the perfect discount, following me on BookBub ensures you never miss a book release or sale.

Why BookBub Is a Must-Have for ReadersInstant Notifications on Sales & New Releases
When you follow me on BookBub, you’ll get automatic alerts whenever one of my books goes on sale or a new title is released. No more missing out on limited-time discounts or exciting book launches—you’ll always be the first to know! And you can specify your favourite retailer, meaning you won’t get notifications if a book is only on sale on a platform you don’t use.Exclusive Deals Tailored to You
BookBub specialises in highlighting e-books at fantastic prices, often featuring free or deeply discounted books across various genres. By following your favourite authors, you ensure that your personal book recommendations align perfectly with your reading tastes.Easy & Free to Use
Signing up for BookBub is completely free, and once you’ve followed an author, the platform does the rest—sending you notifications so you don’t have to check manually.

How to Follow Me on BookBub

It’s simple! Just head over to my BookBub profile, hit the Follow button, and you’ll be set to receive alerts whenever I have a new release or special promotion. This way, you won’t have to keep track of sale announcements—I’ll show up in your inbox whenever there’s an exciting update!

So, if you want exclusive access to deals, first dibs on new releases, and a streamlined way to build your perfect reading list, BookBub is the ideal tool.

 

In this series, I introduce various book retailers and services to help you find the best book deals and reading experiences. Check out the previous posts.

The post Introducing: BookBub appeared first on Skye MacKinnon.

Introducing: Barnes & Noble

If you’re passionate about reading and love having a variety of options at your fingertips, then Barnes & Noble (B&N) should be at the top of your list. As one of the most established and beloved book retailers in the U.S., B&N offers a seamless shopping experience for book enthusiasts who appreciate detailed categories, diverse formats, and specialised recommendations.

Just like Kobo, B&N only sell books and they are specialists at it. I love their extensive and detailed book categorisation—arguably the most comprehensive of any major book retailer. Whether you’re looking for alien romance, romantasy, enemies-to-lovers, or even niche tropes such as ‘captured, indented and enslaved‘ (a personal favourite of mine, it’s so specific), B&N’s categorisation ensures you can find exactly what you’re looking for without endlessly scrolling through unrelated titles. If you love discovering new reads within highly specific genres, this platform is a goldmine.

One of the biggest advantages of shopping with B&N is the variety of book formats available. Whether you prefer the classic feel of a print book, the convenience of a digital eBook, or the immersive experience of an audiobook, you can get all three here.

For those who love eBooks, B&N offers an exclusive line of Nook e-readers, designed for seamless digital reading. With high-resolution displays, user-friendly interfaces, and special features like adjustable lighting for comfortable reading in any environment, Nook devices provide a fantastic alternative to traditional tablets or phones. If you enjoy digital reading but want a distraction-free experience, a Nook e-reader could be the perfect match. Or get their mobile app to read on your phone!

Barnes & Noble also offers a loyalty membership program that provides discounts, special promotions, and early access to deals—making it a great option for avid readers who frequently purchase books. Additionally, B&N’s brick-and-mortar stores offer cosy atmospheres where you can browse shelves, discover new books, and enjoy a truly immersive bookstore experience.

While Barnes & Noble’s vast collection and superior browsing options make it a fantastic retailer, it’s important to note that it is only available to readers in the U.S.. So, if you’re based in the States, you’re in luck! If you’re not (like me), take a look at one of the other retailers I have written blog posts about!

In this series, I introduce various book retailers and services to help you find the best book deals and reading experiences. Check out the previous posts.

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New Release: Claimed by Aliens

Embark on an intergalactic journey with Claimed by Aliens, a limited-time collection of ten sizzling alien romances! These stories brim with fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and protective alpha heroes who meet their match in bold, resilient heroines. From alien warriors and cyborg cowboys to prison escapes and star-crossed lovers, each tale is packed with passion, danger, and heart-stopping twists. Discover new series, explore unforgettable characters, and lose yourself in this bold, fiery collection from bestselling authors. Don’t wait—claim your copy of Claimed by Aliens today and let these cosmic love stories sweep you off your feet!

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Introducing: Radish

According to a Goodreads survey, almost 4 in 10 readers use their phone to read books – which is why today I’d like to introduce you to Radish, an app for serialised fiction where you can read bite-sized stories published by some of the most popular and established writers across the web. I like to call it the ‘Netflix for books’ because books are split into episodes that go live over time. Most of the stories on the platform are romance, ranging from sweet to very spicy and from contemporary to paranormal. Radish is available on iOS and Android.

So, why should you check out Radish? Here are a few reasons readers are falling in love with this app:

Bite-Sized Reading on the Go: Radish is perfect for busy readers who want to fit a dose of escapism into their hectic schedules. With serialised stories delivered chapter by chapter, you can dive into a great tale while waiting for your coffee, commuting, or winding down for the night.Interactive and Engaging Experience: Unlike traditional reading, Radish lets you connect with stories on a whole new level. You can leave comments, discuss chapters with other readers, and join a community of fans who share your excitement. By the way, as an author, I love getting comments on my episodes and interacting with readers!Flexible Coin System: Radish uses a convenient coin system, making it easy to unlock chapters as you go. You can top up coins to keep following the stories you love, and it’s a great way to support the authors who bring these tales to life.Special Promos and Perks: Keep an eye out for Radish’s special promotions, like their popular “Gift Box” feature, which often includes free coins, discounted chapters, or exclusive access to premium content. It’s an opportunity to enjoy even more stories without stretching your budget.

Most of my books are available on Radish – but if you’ve read my work before, you might notice that some of the titles are a little different. Don’t worry, though—these are the same stories you know and love, just adapted for the platform. For those who are new to my books, this is your chance to discover my stories in an exciting new format.

I’m so excited to connect with more readers through Radish, and I hope you’ll give it a try. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering my work for the first time, this app offers a fresh way to immerse yourself in unforgettable tales.

Ready to start reading? Download the Radish app and search for my books—you might just find your new favorite story waiting for you!

If you haven’t read my Starlight Monsters series yet, I’m giving you 3 FREE Radish coins to use on this series. I am planning to post My Big Scaly Alien Naga there before it’s published as a book.

PS Radish have just opened applications for their Influencer program – find out more here.

In this series, I introduce various book retailers and services to help you find the best book deals and reading experiences. Check out the previous posts.

The post Introducing: Radish appeared first on Skye MacKinnon.

Introducing: Spotify

When you think of Spotify, your mind might immediately jump to music and podcasts—but did you know it’s also becoming a fantastic platform for audiobooks? With an ever-expanding library of compelling reads, Spotify is making it easier than ever to dive into immersive storytelling, whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or multitasking.

Why I love Spotify

Seamless Listening Experience – Enjoy audiobooks just like you do with music or podcasts, all in one app.
No Need for Extra Accounts – If you’re already a Spotify user, you don’t have to sign up elsewhere—your audiobooks are right alongside your favourite playlists.
Flexibility in Access – Choose between one-time purchases or Spotify Premium benefits, depending on availability.
Multi-Device Compatibility – Listen on your phone, tablet, desktop, or smart speaker without interruptions.
Curated Audiobook Library – Discover bestsellers, indie gems, and exclusive releases, all optimised for seamless listening.

And of course all my audiobooks are on Spotify! I made a playlist to make it easier for you to find them.

Getting started is simple—just search for your favourite audiobooks within Spotify’s audiobook section and hit play. Spotify offers audiobooks through individual purchases, meaning you buy only what you want—no subscription required. They quite often have discounts, for example, right now you can get Meow for free and the next two books in the series for only $2.99 each.

And if you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber, you get access to hourly listening credits, allowing you to enjoy 15 hours of audiobooks for free every month.

If you’re already using Spotify to soundtrack your daily routine, why not add an audiobook to the mix? Check out my audiobooks on Spotify today, and let the adventure begin!

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Big Audiobook Sale

Pounce on this Audiobook Deal: Catnip Assassins Sale!

Calling all lovers of feline mayhem, thrilling assassins, and heart-pounding adventure! The Catnip Assassins series is on sale, and it’s the perfect time to dive into this unique, action-packed world.

Meow – FREE
Scratch & Purrr – $2.99 each
Thud – $1.99

This sale runs from today until April 14th, so don’t miss your chance to grab these audiobooks at a steal.

The Catnip Assassins series delivers a fierce and witty heroine, gripping twists, a why choose romance, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re new to the series or eager to complete your collection, this is the moment to leap in!

Get your audiobooks from my own little store, Kobo, Chirp (North America only), Apple Books, Google Play, Spotify and Barnes & Noble (US only).

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