April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Maude Allen

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120 comments posted.

Re: Return Of The Border Warrior (7:38pm October 17, 2012):

My secret treasure is music. It keeps me sane and many times on track. My favorite is Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band and Randy Rogers. All three are from Texas.

Re: One Wrong Move (5:14pm September 12, 2012):

Loved the excerpt. Would love to read it.

Re: Wild Texas Rose (6:17pm August 6, 2012):

Jodi, I am to read your latest & I know you won't
disappoint. Congrats on 35 & hope you have that many
more.

Re: Sins Of The Angels (3:25pm June 24, 2012):

Surprised, not in the least. You write what you see in your head and we as readers eat it up. Thanks for the stories and the enjoyment.

Re: Homefront Hero (4:56pm April 25, 2012):

I like the reluctant hero. The ones who do what needs to be done without fanfare. They do not think of themselves as heroes, just ordinary men who did what they had to. I find this is what draws me to them.

Re: The Legacy Of Eden (4:54pm February 20, 2012):

I've traveled all over the world from the confines of my leather chair, all because I used my imagination. The author supplied the story my mind did the rest. So yes I most certainly believe that your imagination can take you places.

Re: Touch Me (8:27pm January 31, 2012):

I like them all. So sue me!!! I like a story that keeps me engaged and laughing.

Re: Scrumptious (1:10pm January 16, 2012):

Bits and pieces way my way. I'm still learning things and finding new paths that give me joy and rewards.

Re: Sweet Reward (11:28am January 2, 2012):

I do like a tortured hero. They must learn to overcome the past to have a future. They learn to open themselves up after years of being closed off and I love watching this transformation. I look forward to reading this book.

Re: A Promise Of Safekeeping (7:16pm January 1, 2012):

Depression glass creamers. Love the pinks, greens and gold colors.

Re: The King's Mistress (6:27pm December 17, 2011):

Thanks for the info. Who knew it was dung on a twig. My mother hung mistletoe in our house every year at Christmas.

Re: Shield of Fire (5:55pm December 9, 2011):

Since our family only has boys, I've never gotten to buy girl presents for Christmas. Every year I give Barbie Dolls to the Brown Santa and Toys for Tots. My nephew finally had a little girl and I'm now waiting not so patiently for her to turn 3 so I can give her firts Barbie.

Re: Hot Zone (6:42pm December 1, 2011):

There is nothing I'm dying to have. I'll be extremely happy with my son being home and my sister's family with us.

Re: The Highlander's Heart (4:53pm November 16, 2011):

I like it both ways depending on the story and the h/h. It's up to the writer. I'm the reader and enjoy either.

Re: Shadowlander (1:17pm November 13, 2011):

Jamie Fraser, Sam Starrett and the TS men, BDB, Acheron are just a few of the characters that stand out to me.

Re: North of Need (12:03pm November 6, 2011):

Thank you for the info and this is a book I would love to read.

Re: The Virtuoso (11:36am November 2, 2011):

Thanks for the info on what your characters taught you. I'm amazed at what we can learn from different experiences.

Re: Enchanted Destiny (10:56am November 1, 2011):

I love these quick interviews that introduce us to new authors. I will check out your website and books.

Re: Ecstasy Untamed (6:36pm October 26, 2011):

I don't go to movies much. Apparently I exude a pheremone that draws every nutjob and idiot within a 20 mile radius but I can answer your question. Lord of the Rings and the Naria series come to mind.

Re: Attracted to Fire (5:46pm October 18, 2011):

I live in Central Texas on the ranch my Great, Great Grandfather founded in 1852. So I know a thing or two about horses, cowboys, scorpions, rattlesnakes and jalapeños. Love our state and its rich history.

Re: Wilder (6:35pm October 12, 2011):

What a different story line. It's one that has captured my attention. Would love to read this story.

Re: The Norse King's Daughter (5:18pm September 29, 2011):

Love your Viking books, they make me laugh out loud while reading. I look forward to your latest.

Re: Out in Blue (1:07pm September 13, 2011):

Your comments now have me wondering about wings. Hadn 't thought of them as sexy. I'm gonna have to check yours out. Thanks for the info and would love a chance to read yours.

Re: The Wedding Affair (7:27pm September 6, 2011):

No idea where to get a teeny tiney maid with a teeny tiney Swiffer. Good luck on finding that one. On another note, I live in a historic home built in 1852 by my great, great grandfather. It was made with native limestone here in Central Texas.

Re: Deadly Descent (6:10pm September 5, 2011):

I'm a big fan of Suzanne Brockmann and Catherine Mann. I've known about the PJ's for a long time and man they are truely a tough bunch.

Re: Diaries Of An Urban Panther (6:37pm August 31, 2011):

I would do the one truely honorable thing a woman can do....Scream like a girl then run like hell. Yep, that's what I would do.

Re: Red's Hot Cowboy (6:19pm August 24, 2011):

The cowboys do it for me every time and I know what you mean when you say how much you got done when driving in West Texas. We lived there for almost 20 years and you can't believe what I got done while in the car.

Re: The Edge Of Grace (5:53pm August 21, 2011):

I can't understand why everyone isn't a published writer. You make it sound so easy...LOL just kidding. Thanks for the funny list of how to get published.

Re: The Landlord's Black-Eyed Daughter (5:44pm August 10, 2011):

I love them. In the real world, things don't always conclude with a happy ending so when I sit down to read I want one.

Re: Too Hot To Touch (11:59pm August 3, 2011):

Was the best friend of my cousin. He was a hotty back then and as the years went by he aged very, very well.

Re: What A Goddess Wants (12:20pm July 28, 2011):

Can you say multitasking. That's what working mothers do. Kudos to you for doing what you must, and really, who cares if the toilet doesn't get cleaned or the laundry folded. We eventually get it done.

Re: Touch If You Dare (4:59pm July 21, 2011):

Your top ten make me want to read your books. They look wonderful.

Re: Break Out (12:16pm July 4, 2011):

I enjoy the crossing of genres. It gives the reader a run for their money.

Re: When Tony Met Adam (8:59pm June 12, 2011):

Read all your books and so look forward to this story. I celebrate the repel of DADT along with you.

Re: Money Shot (4:21pm June 11, 2011):

I love dialogue but the descriptions need to be there. Paint me a picture. My mind will do the rest.

Re: Cover of Darkness (12:27pm June 5, 2011):

Suzanne Brockmann is one of the Queens of SEALs romantic suspense. I've read all of her books and this blog makes me want to find and read yours.

Re: Forced to Kill (6:55pm June 4, 2011):

Sounds great. Would love to read it.

Re: Mind Games (7:00pm May 25, 2011):

I too agree, voice is everything. SEP has it in spades, so do does Suzanne Brockman and many, many others. I too have traveled miles, slogged through thunder, hail and snow storms to see my favorite authors. I'm going to download your book. They sound wonderful.

Re: It Happened On Maple Street (1:20pm May 19, 2011):

By speaking out, time after time, you are making a difference. You may not see it today or tomorrow but your words and those of Tim's are taking hold in the minds of people. You both are planting seeds and the results will astound and humble you. Keep doing what your doing.

Re: Awaken The Highland Warrior (6:58pm May 18, 2011):

I believe that it depends on the author and on what they want the characters to do. Your book sounds wonderful. I'll have to look for it the next time I'm out.

Re: Grimoire (5:29pm May 15, 2011):

I love the way secondary characters add to the main plot line. The twists and turns they bring are enjoyable and ususally make me laugh. Bring them on....

Re: Already Home (3:42pm May 11, 2011):

Love to cook but working all day puts a big damper on it. I want something easy to fix that tastes good. So love the Taste of Home Cookbooks. They use ingredients that most everyone has in their pantry or frig. I hate recipes that require a special trip to the store for expensive food items. Keep it simple.

Re: A Family Affair (7:02pm May 6, 2011):

I always thought that family is everything and that my family would never do anything to hurt me but that illusion was busted over four years ago by my brother. These past four years has strengthen my relationship with my sister. We've gotten closer and we gotten farther away from my brother. It's truely sad what can happen to a family in crisis.

Re: Love Drunk Cowboy (5:51pm May 4, 2011):

Boots have always been my first choice but I do wear high heels on special occasions. I'm a 5 generation Texan with my own ranch and cowboys hold a special place in my heart. Your books sound wonderful and I look forward to reading them.

Re: The Legend Of Michael (6:46pm May 2, 2011):

Strong but one who is willing to learn who and what he is and what he truely wants. Your books sounds great. Would love a chance to read it.

Re: Tangled Threads (10:10pm April 18, 2011):

Greys Anatomy, Criminal Minds, NCIS. My absolute favorite guilty pleasure is new shoes and dark chocolate. Who needs therapy and drugs when there are new shoes to be brought home. The dark chocolate is the icing on the cake.

Re: A Marriage of Inconvenience (6:32am April 16, 2011):

I'm not a total control freak but I do like my personal things to be in order, ie. computer desk, closet, bathroom. Chaos is usually the order of the day and I'm ok with that. Learning to adapt is good for us. Thanks for the blog. I'll look for your book the next time I buy.

Re: Cowboy Fever (12:25pm April 14, 2011):

I really can't think of a character at this exact moment but reading about Cowboy Fever, I know I must read this book. Any book that has a goat that causes devilment is a must read. As an owner of goats, I know what trouble they can cause and what laughter the evoke. I have a picture of my young buck with his head caught in a feeder. When I found him running around the pen with his head stuck in the feeder top, it was all I could do to take the picture with a steady hand. I was laughing so hard, I had tears running down my face.

Re: Haunting Desire (1:55pm April 6, 2011):

Mine involve the Tuatha Dé Danann. The cover is absolutely wonderful.

Re: The Shadow Guard (12:07pm April 5, 2011):

Sam Starret of Suzanne Brockmann's TS series. I know exactly what he looks like in my mind. I seriously know that my version differs from everyone else and isn't that what a writer wants. Words that bring a character to life.

Re: Laird of Darkness (9:37pm March 23, 2011):

The ones who are strong and have minds and wills of their own making are the best. They make reading enjoyable. Thank you for sharing.

Re: Hummingbird Lake (7:05pm March 22, 2011):

Gotta love a fellow Aggie. I'm class of 80. I too mourn their lose. Can't wait to check out your series. Cheer for the women to win....

Re: Highland Heat (6:44pm March 21, 2011):

Thanks for the insight into this couple. It sounds like a wonderful book and I would love to read it.

Re: Angel's Rest (5:01pm March 13, 2011):

Stopping and trying something new was a brave thing to do. Most people tend to stay with what is safe. It is refreshing to see someone stop and then find their passion agian.

Re: What I Did For A Duke (10:26pm March 10, 2011):

See what happens when you don't look at your email until late in the evening. You miss out on not one but two trivia contest. Dang. Can't wait to read this one.

Re: Scandal of the Year (11:09am March 4, 2011):

What an interesting way to keep things fresh. Makes me want to read your books.

Re: Treasure Me (10:37am March 3, 2011):

I enjoy hearing a writer talk about their process when writing. What one writer loves another hates and so forth. Thanks for the insight.

Re: Love Me If You Dare (7:16pm February 14, 2011):

My mother made sure our Valentine's Day were special. Every year during college she would send us a heart shaped box filled with fudge, divinity, pecan patties and other chocolate goodies that she made. She then packaged them and wrote a note to the carrier on the box telling them that this was a "Special Package" & would they please take special care with it. I always enjoyed getting those packages from my mom. I wish she was still with us. It's a special memory of my Mom that I hold dear.

Re: Burning Darkness (5:27pm January 31, 2011):

Rape, abuse of innocence, adultery are deal breakers for hero and heroine.

Re: Eternal Prey (7:11pm January 26, 2011):

Like you, I love Jamie. From the first moment he showed up, I was hooked. Sam Starret and Kenny from Suzanne Brockmann's TS series, are two that I adore. They make me laugh and want to cry all at the same time. They both had to learn a lot to get their HEA.

Re: The Fire In Ember (5:50pm January 10, 2011):

I love historicals. They take us to a place we couldn't possibly have a chance to vist. We get to do it through reading.

Re: I Dream of Genies (4:55pm January 5, 2011):

A little bit of magic is always a good thing. This new series sounds fun.

Re: Real Vampires Have More To Love (10:42am January 4, 2011):

I would love to read these books. I'm always looking for something new to read.

Re: Master Of Smoke (10:41am January 4, 2011):

Reading this I felt like a yoyo. Add this, add this, add this. Sound very interesting. I'll look for this the next time I'm out buying books.

Re: Deadly Identity (6:33pm December 30, 2010):

Thanks for the amazing information. It was informative and interesting.

Re: Haunted Honeymoon (6:29pm December 27, 2010):

Right now anything sound good, yours included. My TBR pile is gone and I need to his BN. Got a giftcard for Christmas. I can hear the books calling my name.....

Re: Pay Up (6:59pm December 23, 2010):

TSTL heroines are my absolute deal breaker. I'll quite reading those. I love reading women who are strong, confident and know what they want.

Re: Double Cross (7:00pm December 22, 2010):

I'm a detail person. I sometimes drive my family crazy with the notes I've written. Plaster them with paper, that's my motto. Your books sounds so interesting. Would love to win the copy.

Re: The Winter Sea (2:30pm December 20, 2010):

I'm amazed at the amount of research authors do in bring a book to print. This sounds interesting.

Re: Outrageously Yours (6:29pm December 1, 2010):

A man with a brain is sexy as all get out. Your latest sounds like it will be a blast.

Re: Second Chances (5:34pm November 30, 2010):

Second chances in romance can be a great big crap shoot. If the two people have grown and changed the problems that kept them apart, great, if not, then it's just a second trip on the breakup ride. In life second chances are a gift we don't usually get. When it does, you need to grab a hold and run with it.

Re: Honky Tonk Christmas (4:41pm November 19, 2010):

Music has the ability to inspire, to heal, to soothe and so many other things. Thanks for sharing your story.

Re: Somewhere Along the Way (5:31pm November 17, 2010):

Dear Jodi,
I just finished Somewhere Along the Way and can't wait for the next installment from Harmony. You've again written a story that keeps my turning the pages and hoping that I don't come to the end.

Re: The Christmas Clock (6:45pm November 15, 2010):

I always love hearing how a story comes about and what triggers the story. Thanks for sharing yours.

Re: Holiday Affair (7:31pm November 1, 2010):

I am so not Martha Stewart. Last yr I had a meltdown in the parking lot of Academy. My sister talked me off the ledge and told me to get her hubby a bottle of liquor. That got me laughing. With our family it's about family, not the decorations. We usually gather and have fun and then fix something fabulous for dinner. On yr it was fajitas with all the works. We haven't decided on this years menu. But back to Martha, I think she's and alien clone from some freaky planet...

Re: Simply Irresistible (6:36pm October 29, 2010):

These sisters sound wonderful. Would love to read them.

Re: Pinned for Murder (5:43pm October 26, 2010):

I love watching and reading characters who grow and open up to us. It's like you said, opening up a present and being so amazed at what's there.

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (6:21pm October 20, 2010):

When you take me places I've never been. Tell a story that captivates and keeps me turning the page, then you've done a good job....

Re: Grave Witch (6:12pm October 16, 2010):

This is a book that sound interesting. I'll bet you had fun writing it. Would love to read it.

Re: Backstage Pass (4:50pm October 13, 2010):

The title hooked me. Now I want to read your book. Laughing, as I think of herding cats....

Re: The Spurned Viscountess (3:44pm September 30, 2010):

I enjoy the a dash or paranormanl with my historicals. Just write me a good story and I'm there....

Re: For the King's Favor (5:28pm September 22, 2010):

I too love historical novels. I'm always impressed with a writer how takes real people and writes a story about them.

Re: Secrets Volume 29 Indulge Your Fantasies (6:38pm September 21, 2010):

My hubby and I have dream vacations. His is Australia and mine is Scotland. Hopefully when our son graduates from college, will get to do both. Our roots are from Scotland and Ireland and it's always had a pull that defied words.

Re: Warrior (6:35pm September 6, 2010):

Sounds like something I would love to read. Congrats on the new release.

Re: The Smuggler And The Society Bride (6:46pm August 4, 2010):

Congrats on the release. What I love is the whole story. The falling, learning, adapting and sometimes change to get what you truely want.

Re: The Goddess of Fried Okra (3:07pm August 3, 2010):

I was raised by my family to believe that I could do anything. The power we have as women is humbling and strong. I give thanks for all my girlfriends. They encourage and support me as I do them.

Re: The Wild Irish Sea (6:53pm July 8, 2010):

My TBR pile is extremely low and I've been looking for something new to read. Your new book looks like it will fit the bill. I can't wait to read it. Thank you for sharing your top ten list.

Re: Unchained (5:57pm July 5, 2010):

My absolute favorite family traditon is done on Christmas Eve and Christmas. You try to be the first person to say "Christmas Eve Gift" or Christmas Gift to each family member on those days. We've even resorted to texting each other at Midnight. We always end up laughing and remembering how much or parents enjoyed the tradition.

Re: The Fire Lord's Lover (6:43pm June 30, 2010):

That was truely interesting to hear the difference in all the clothing. Your book sounds interesting too.

Re: Sworn To Protect (7:21pm June 25, 2010):

My parents always told us we could do anything we wanted to do. We believed and we did. Thanks for writing about strong women.

Re: Smooth Talking Stranger (1:27pm June 20, 2010):

For Fathers day this year we are having pork ribs, cole slaw, potato salad and brown beans. It's one of my dh favorite meals.

Re: Dragon Unmasked (3:51pm June 16, 2010):

After the sudden death of my mother, I went for four months where I couldn't read. I wanted to badly. I too, like getting lost in the pages of a good book. Every time I tried to read the words got fuzzy and I couldnt find the pleasure in it. My way back was to write. The voices of my characters urged me to put words to paper. This in turn brought back my reading.

Re: Ancient Whispers (7:11pm May 31, 2010):

Congrats on your deput novel. It must feel wonderful after all your hard work. Three years ago, my dh and I both gave up our jobs and moved 400 miles away with only one part time job between us. We were definitely way outside our comfort zone. We've had lots of days we looked at each other and wondered what we had gotten into. We have great sucess and things are now great.

Re: Sex And The Single Earl (7:00pm May 19, 2010):

Absolutely love the small town. Yes, everyone knows what everyone else is doing but they are friendly, will do anything to help and give you the shirt off their back if you need it. Big City traffic is a nightmare of epic proportions that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Yep, give me small town living.

Re: The Jaguar Prince (4:45pm May 7, 2010):

Karen, if you want peace and quiet don't move to the country. I've got youn goats who bleat everytime you step outside, a roosters, whose life mission is to crow from 4am till sunset. A dog who has waged a running war with the squirrels in the oak trees and all sorts of birds who call at all times of the day. Need peace and quiet, your not going to get it here. This series sounds interesting.

Re: Rule's Bride (5:58pm April 23, 2010):

Waiting for Rule's story. Absolutely loved Reese's story.

Re: Demonkeepers (7:45pm April 14, 2010):

The Warden and all the Cellies have been raving about your books for sooooo long. I will freely admit that I haven't read them. I was reluctant to start buying a new author but a few days ago, I really wanted something to read and the only book that was remotely interesting was your latest. I just started it and I now realize that I've got to go and get the others before I can finish reading Demon Keepers.

Re: On Shadow Beach (7:05pm April 6, 2010):

A gorgeous cover will usually grab me and then I'm either reading the first few pages or the back blurb. I love covers that match the story. My least fav are ones that have absolutely nothing to do with the story. My all time least favorite is from a few years ago. It was the running man & woman. It seems that every book had that same couple either running from or to on their books. I really glad that stopped.

Re: A Certain Wolfish Charm (6:50pm March 31, 2010):

I'll have that with a beer chaser. I've ready just about anything as long as I get my HEA

Re: Something About You (10:39pm March 19, 2010):

I now have to go and buy your latest book. It sounds like a really great read. I look forward to reading it.

Re: The Highlander's Sword (5:21pm March 17, 2010):

Happy St Patricks Day. I love stories set in the Highlands. They somehow jump into my hands and I happily take them home.

Re: The You I Never Knew (4:46pm March 14, 2010):

It usually depends on my mood. Some authors I know are going to make me laugh. Then there are authors who totally surpise me by making me cry. It's usually a left field move that makes me cry and then I'm satisfied with the HEA. I totally with you on Rachel Gibson. She has absolutely some of the funniest lines I've ever read.

Re: SEALed with a Ring (7:14pm March 5, 2010):

I enjoyed your blog and what a lovely story. I'll bet your dance instructor was thrilled with your gift. I love hearing stories from writer on the stuff it takes to get the story in their head onto the page. Thank you for the story.

Re: Accidentally Demonic (7:40pm February 18, 2010):

I'm always amazed that you can' make me laugh. I love an author who can do that and you deliver in spades.

Re: Catch Of A Lifetime (6:47pm February 2, 2010):

Judi, I've read your two previous and laughed through both of them. I can't wait to read Angel's story to see what kind of trouble she stirs up.

Re: The Keepers Of Sulbreth (7:33pm January 15, 2010):

Usually the title is what grabs me. I then turn it over and read the back blurb. I love when the name fits the character and it really blows to have a character who's name is off. It drags the story and I usually give him a name that fits. When I see his name my brain automatically fills in the one I gave him.

Re: My Dearest Mr. Darcy (4:18pm January 7, 2010):

I've used Prissy line thousands of times when I don't know how to do something. I just recently told my hubby this when our goats started kidding. I've learned that I do know something about birthing babies. The kids are so beautiful. I marvel at the miracle of birth and the drive of mothers whether human or animal to take care of their young. Congrats on your latest. They sound so interesting.

Re: Come Hell Or High Water (11:28pm January 6, 2010):

You put us all on the spot. I like most of the commenters cant think of a mistake that turned out great except in cooking. I ususally don't use a recipe. I just throw things in and it comes out great.

Re: Dangerous Highlander (6:44pm January 4, 2010):

It amazes and stuns me that some authors don't have any control over the title of their own work. I've read some books who had truely horrible titles but the authors are favs and I dove in anyway. I just refused to look at the title or cover. It's the bad covers that get me. I always wonder what yoyo did this and why does he or she still have a job? Congrats on your new release they look very interesting.

Re: Safe By His Side (5:38pm December 21, 2009):

My current love/hate is christmas shopping. I would absofreakinglutely love to finish my shopping but every time the phone rings I hate to answer it b/c I know I'm being called into work and I then know that I won't get to finish my shopping today.

Re: Safe By His Side (5:35pm December 21, 2009):

I have a serious love/hate thing right now for Christmas Shopping. Yes, I know it's December 21. I would absofreakingloutely love to finish my shopping but I haven't been able to. So I'm hating every time the phone rings and I'm called into work, when I should be off shopping....That's my current love/hate thing.

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (6:21pm November 18, 2009):

I too love holiday traditions. Growing up we celebrated Christmas eve with my mother's family. Every year my dad would take myself and my sister to Scarbroughs. He would buy my mother perfume and for us we got fresh roasted cashews. We would drive around the capital and look at all the Xmas lights. When I turned 16, he didn't take me. I was so disappointed until the next morning, when I opened my own bottle of perfume. He's been gone for 15 years but my sister and I still cherish those moments we had with him.

Re: Dark Legacy (6:12pm November 18, 2009):

I absolutely loved the line where you state that we were born into this world to bring something only we can add to it. So very true. What a great blog.

Re: Wild Blue Under (7:10pm November 9, 2009):

That was funny. Your books are now something I need to read.

Re: Out Of The Darkness (1:56pm October 8, 2009):

Your new book sounds like something that I would really enjoy reading. I'm going to have to add it to my TBR pile.
Thanks.

Re: A Dark Love (6:46pm September 30, 2009):

Congrats on your new release. I've always watch how people treat those that serve them ie. waiters, bartenders, valets, maids etc. How they treat these people is a darn sure way to see his or her true character.

Re: The Shortest Distance Between Two Women (3:35pm September 7, 2009):

Radishland, what a hoot.

Re: The Cowboy From Christmas Past (7:00pm September 4, 2009):

It never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I hear stories of scruffy unwanted animals becoming a true gift from God. They become family and bring joy.

Re: Tie Me Down (6:47pm September 4, 2009):

Cafe Du Monde is a long time favorite of mine. What I wouldn't give for beignets and a cafe au lait. Now I'm going to make a poor imitation of a cup and drink to you.

Re: Seduce Me (6:17pm July 29, 2009):

This post was so interesting. As you said the best love scences are those where conflict is a major component.