Tycoon’s One-Night Revenge by Bronwyn Jameson

This Silhouette Desire novel was my introduction to Ms Jameson’s work. After reading the back blurb, I was a bit leery, since amnesia is one of those plot devices that tend to get on my nerves rather quick. After researching a bit (of the “reading reviews online” variety), I decided to give it a try. I’m happy to report that I don’t regret it at all.

Here’s the somewhat-accurate back cover blurb:

Revenge at last
Amnesia had stolen millionaire businessman Donovan Keane’s memory. But one look at treacherous beauty Susannah Horton, and Van could picture every delicious detail of the weekend they’d spent in his bed. She’d staged their affair to ruin an important deal—a deal about to go to her fiancé. Not that Van would let that happen. During one hot night, he’d destroy her engagement, take back the deal and walk away with all the memories he’d need. Good thing, because he’d never be able to get her out of his mind.
The tycoon was vengeance-bound… but the beauty in question was truly innocent.

As far as I can tell, this tycoon wasn’t looking for revenge, but then neither had he lost all his memory… Ah well, I really should stop looking at these things. Here’s the skinny according to moi:

Donovan Keane is the victim of a vicious attack by muggers, which results in injuries serious enough to land him in the hospital for months. After waking up from a short coma, he realizes that he also is missing most of his memories from the days before the attack. Not long after that, he is informed that a major deal he was working on during those missing days has fallen through, and in a rather puzzling manner. Around the same time, he learns something completely unexpected about his own past, which prompts him to try to recreate those missing days. (more…)

(nota bene: As I said yesterday, this is the very first time I attempt interviewing anyone, please be kind, okay? Thanks!)

Shiloh, thank you so much for agreeing to be my guinea pig… erm, for being with us today. You have a new book, Through the Veil, coming out next Tuesday from Berkley Sensation, and I’m going to ask all sorts of questions about it later on, but first I’d like to be nosy about other things, if you don’t mind?

As long as you don’t ask about my sex life, how much money I make…. Fire away, Aztec.

Although it may seem a bit too coincidental to ask this now, it’s something I’ve been long curious about… How did you come to choose your nom du plume?

Well, it’s Scottish and I love anything Irish, Scottish, Celtic… I don’t know why but when I was trying to pick a name out, Walker just sort of jumped into my mind. Then I needed to find a first name. I’d see Cheyenne McCray’s books on EC, and I loved the feel of her name, so to speak, and was thinking of something with a similar feel, I guess. I was skimming the internet for something, I don’t even remember what, and SHILOH sort of jumped out at me. It was in reference to a church, a city, something, I can’t remember. Started thinking… SHILOH WALKER… huh, I like that.

So voilà…! Shiloh Walker was born.

You’ve said elsewhere that you don’t like having your picture taken and posted online. Would you give us the Cliff Notes of why this is so?

(more…)

As my loyal readers will know, we did the Ferfelabat AKA Cindy Cruciger Pretends To Hate Karen Scott/Smart Bitches/Dear Author thing last summer. It was highly entertaining for me, and I’m sure it was for Cindy also.

I kindly gave her a way out, out of the teeny tiny hole she’d dug for herself, and we agreed, to stay out of each other’s part of the blogosphere, because even then, I knew that this was a relationship that was not meant to be. I did try telling Cindy that I just wasn’t into her that way, but alas, I fear I may have broken her tender heart by my rejection.

Well, Cindy stayed away from me for a while, then a few of months later, she lovingly decided to make fun of my inability to conceive children. She wrote:

Let’s check in, shall we? Earlier Karen Scott was having dreams about breaking every bone in a baby’s body. Last year we learned that she only has her period once every six months or so and, in addition to making it impossible for her to reproduce (a good thing given that she dreams about abusing babies), when it happens, it is apparently so profound that she requires tent sized undies to contain it.

Awww, her love really knows no bounds. What a darling, darling girl. Mind you, I suspect her friend Ann Vremont might have been a little in love with me also, seeing as she went one step further and produced a beautiful caricature of me with bloodied, dying babies. I must admit, I did question Dear Ann’s mental state, but I realised that this work of art stemmed from a desire to show me just how much she cared. Sweet, sweet girl.

Over the months, I’ve been alerted to various posts where Cindy’s been talking about me. The reverence with which she wrote these posts were truly touching. I think she called me evil a few times, but that was obviously just in jest.

I know that those posts came from a place of deep, deep love. She just wants me to acknowledge her, and I think she feels rejected when I take no notice of her. Ahhh, the misery of unrequited love and affection.

Anyway, I just received news via e-mail that proves her love beyond measure. I was so very moved. That wonderful woman has dedicated a whole post to me and my evil wonderful blogging style. Truly scrumptious. The post was so complimentary that I’ve decided to give her what she craves. I’ve decided to give her my undivided attention.

People, I hope you feel suitably sorry for me, because being me is bloody hard, especially when everybody wants me, as badly as Cindy Cruciger obviously does. What can I say, when you’ve got it, you’ve got it.

Anyway Cindy, bottoms up to you my lovely, and I hope that this dedication makes you feel all warm and toasty inside.

Hugs and Kisses

Your bezzie mate Karen Scott
Age 33 years old. xxxxx

From Anne at Let’s Gab, this just in:

The ladies are spotlighting Shiloh Walker’s upcoming release of Through the Veil, and giving away two copies of the book to people who comment there over the week. You can read all about it here.

Ask Shiloh questions, post your opinions on her books, gush… and the more you participate, the more chances you have of getting your very own copy!

How cool is that?

So, go forth and chat with Shiloh today, and go back there tomorrow and Friday for more Through the Veil conversation.

Don’t forget to come back here tomorrow, though, for our very own interview with her

(nota bene: this is the very first time I even attempt to interview anyone, so be gentle :puppy eyes: pretty please? Thank you kindly.)

Will you be going to see the movie? (warning: music on site)

I must admit, I’ve been looking forward to seeing this, ever since I heard they were making the movie.

Myself and my best gal friends had yet another Sex and The City fest earlier this month (we’ve had many of these). We watched the entire Season 6 DVD, to prepare us for the movie. It was like seeing old friends again.

Of course we went through the obligatory ‘Which SATC gal are you most like?’ I think I’m most like Miranda. Cutting, sarcastic, a tad bitchy, but very loyal. None of my friends owned up to being like Samantha, but we agreed that her *ahem* liberal attitude to sex was enviable. *g*

Which SATC gal are you most like?

Unbelievable.

a live interview, FOX Contributor Liz Trotta jokingly wished for the assassination of Sen. Barack Obama.

This latest incident from FOX News continues the trend in violent rhetoric about Sen. Obama from pundits, politicians, and entertainers.

Grinning While Joking About Killing A Candidate
The incident happen in an exchange with the FOX News anchor. When asked her opinion of the recent scandal surrounding some comments made by Sen. Hillary Clinton, which Trotta described by saying that, “some are reading [it] as a suggestion that somebody knock off Osama.” Hemmer quickly corrected Trotta, having noticed that she had said “Osama” when she meant “Obama.” At this point, Trotta said, “Obama. Well…both if we could!” Trotta then laughed gleefully.

Not only does she refer to him as Osama, but she jokingly suggests that he be assassinated along with Bin Laden. Oh my word.

It’s bad enough that there is so much hate in the world, but to have to put up with this kind of blatantly racist and violent rhetoric from a news network, is beyond comprehension.

If a news anchor or anybody in any kind of official role had made those same remarks in Britain, they’d have to resign. No ifs, no buts. Thank God I live in England, that’s all I can say.

Thanks to Jane, for the Huffington Post link.

I really do love these Author Talk interviews, Jill Monroe and Gena Showalter are just so funny.  Jill really should be on TV, she’s such a natural.  Anyway, here they are interviewing one of my ex-autobuys, Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall:

Sharon Sala looks well doesn’t she?

Remember my April 10th post, where I was sent an e-mail alleging that Kristi Studts, disgraced ex-owner of Triskelion Press may have opened up a new publishing company under the name of Mystic Moon Press?

Well, I had the CEO of Mystic Press over on the blog last night to set the record straight. The problem? She also sent across a number of her henchmen authors to tell me off for spreading scurrilous rumours. (Yes, I know we’ve been here before, but bear with me.)

Anyway, Ceo Jennifer Mitchell wrote:

Hello My name is Jennifer Mitchell, I am the CEO and owner of Mystic Moon Press.

All I can say is that Kristi has nothing to do with our company other then she is a cover artist. It saddens me to know that by hiring a cover artist who claims to be male and involved with a woman I have garnered bad press because of it.

Those that doubt please feel free to check out my personal writing webpage www.jenniferraemitchell.com

or by all means go to Writing.com which is where I got my start www.writing.com/author/gen13

both places have pictures of myself and my family and my book covers.

I originally started this company with a good friend of mine, who has passed away, her name was Keeley McGreggor, to help me run the company now is an author by the name of Kristina Chartrand.

I am offended that I have not had one query to the matter of the real identity of Magickal Media is to myself or Kristina, there is no fact to base this on other then that Kristi “Magickal Media” is a cover artist for me and my company. At this point without knowing the truth I will stand behind my employee, but if I do find out that I have been decieved then I will take the appropriate actions.

It saddens me that things in the E-publishing business have gotten a bad name. Mystic Moon Press, was a dream of my dear friend and one that I want to continue to share. We are small, new and family like. We endevour to treat our authors fairly and I will go to bat for any of them.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Mitchell
CEO of Mystic Moon Press, LLC
jen@mysticmoonpress.com

You’ll note Dear Readers, her use of the phrase “We are small, new, and family like”. This is a familiar refrain is it not?

Anyway, fair enough she wanted to set the record straight, but then Ana Star, one of the authors at MMP also posted:

Hi everyone,

My name is ana star and I’ve been a published author for almost a year with mystic moon press. I never had any problems what so ever with this company. Alot of the authors at mmp came from writing.com and some others came from other companies.

As I was reading the comments, there is absolutely no proof as to what you are accusing. Also I am not sure why this post is even here in the first place…sounds like rumours of people who have nothing else better to do than start bs.

Who ever this kristy is, she isnt in your life anymore so be a grown up and move on…

As for the covers, all covers of every company look alike. If you go to fictionwise, you have the largest example of similar covers. Everyone uses the same images and same programs to make them…

I have no doubt that Jennifer Mitchell put out a call to arms for her authors to come over and give the blogger what-for, for spreading malicious gossip, but as per usual, they’ve gone off the deep end without actually, A, doing any research of their own, and B, without taking the time to find out the kind of blog this is. Happy days for Karen.

Now, let me address that fucktard Ana Star.

Ana, you are indeed a fucktard. You know why? Because after all that’s happened with e-publisher after e-publisher imploding and screwing over their authors royally, you dare come on here and say “Who ever this kristy is, she isnt in your life anymore so be a grown up and move on…”

That statement, my dear friend, ensures that you wear the crown of Fucktard of The Week. You must be so proud.

This statement:

As I was reading the comments, there is absolutely no proof as to what you are accusing. Also I am not sure why this post is even here in the first place…sounds like rumours of people who have nothing else better to do than start bs.

Merely cements your fucktardly status.

I wouldn’t be so incredulous had she not admitted in a later post to having already been shafted and “taken advantage by a company who turned out to be fraudulent.”

Loyalty is an admirable trait. Blind loyalty such as the one that she displays, will no doubt ensure that she will be fucked over more than once, by her present/future e-publishers.

Anyway, somebody called Jim Richards, (another one of Dear Jen’s authors) also had his tuppence worth, but he stated his piece and nothing in his comment annoyed me. Although, if they ever go tits-up, you know I’ll be reposting his comments right?

Anyway, the original post was a ‘Rumour Has It’ post, with a request for more information. I suspect though that the authors didn’t bother reading it, and just launched straight into their staunch defence of Mystic Moon Press.

Will these people ever learn?

I was reading the I Love Harlequin Presents blog earlier today, when I came across this post on the quintessential Greek alpha heroes, and why readers love them.

Annie West, HQ Presents author, writes:

One of the things I’ve always loved about Harlequin Presents stories is that I can travel to exciting and glamorous locations all around the world, without leaving the comfort of my own home. In each country there are so many wonderful heroes, each one different, each one fascinating. I love them all: British and Brazilian, American and Italian, Spanish and Australian.

And of course, Greek. As a reader I automatically reach for titles that promise a passionate Greek hero. Recently I’ve found myself writing some of those stories too, and thinking about why they’re so attractive. Here are a few thoughts:

She then goes on to name the following attributes (I’ve paraphrased):

Their dark good looks. (K:Has she ever met a real live Greek man? They’re not really dark.

They’re usually wealthy (shipping magnates, and the likes) (K:*Headdesk*)

They all have a great sense of familial responsibility and enduring loyalty. (K:AKA Mummy’s boys, totally unable to function without help)

She then goes on to add:

Perhaps best of all, I know that when I pick up a Presents story no two Greek heroes will be the same.

Total bollocks. They are all much of the same muchness. The HP Greek hero ’scowls’ constantly, they have a habit of ‘glancing coldly’ at the heroine. They also always seem to have icicles where their hearts should be, right up until the last couple of pages when they discover their undying love for the woman they’ve treated like shit for months. Actually, that kinda sounds like most HP books.

I’ve read these books, and even when I didn’t know any better, they still left me feeling angry and annoyed, because they mostly featured virgins who were treated like crap by the Greek hero, who felt it necessary to be as assholic as possible to the heroine because they either, A, believed her to be a gold-digging whore (even though it seemed beyond obvious that the heroine had no idea what her vagina is for), or B, because of some imagined slight to his masculinity.

Every now and again, the reader is also treated to a secret baby plot, and when the hero eventually finds out, he almost always proceeds to use the baby as a bargaining tool. Oh, and then there’s the ever popular marriage of convenience.

Don’t believe me? Well check out this blurb for a HP book called The Greek Tycoon’s Unexpected Wife

Stavros Denakis is furious when Tessa Marlowe turns up without warning. Weary and cynical through his experience with women, Stavros suspects the wife he hardly knows is a gold digger—surely she’s here to claim her share of the Denakis millions. But Tessa is a temptation that he can’t resist….

Bedded by her gorgeous Greek husband, Tessa realizes she has fallen in love with him, and longs for their marriage to become real. Only, Stavros, though he may be passionate in private, remains cold in public, and is determined they stay wedded only in name….

I still can’t believe that the author named the hero Stavros. That’s the equivalent of naming a Middle Eastern hero, Ali Baba.

Anyway, I can’t remember the name of the book, but I once read a Mills and Boon Modern Romance (HQ Presents to you Americans) where the heroine basically cried all the way through the story, because the hero was so damn cruel to her. I remember my young borderline-feminist senses going crazy at the hero’s treatment of the heroine.

Admittedly, it’s been well over a year, maybe even two, since I last read an HQ Presents book with a Greek millionaire hero, so things may have changed.

But judging from the above blurb, I seriously doubt that.

What do you guys find so appealing about The HQ Presents Greek Alpha Hero?

After an incident filled race, Lewis kept his head while all around him were losing theirs, and drove to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix, just like his idol, Ayrton Senna.

Well done Lewis!!