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Twists of Fate #1
Connected
A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
142 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 3, 2012
Jolyn Palliata has a very creative imagination. Her story was extremely different and clever and I simply adore reading a unique take on a romance.
Addison and Rhys both die at the same moment. Although, they are strangers and die separately, Addison comes back, however, Rhys does not. His perception of the afterlife was so frightening that he panics and his soul somehow becomes connected to Addison's. Once she returns to consciousness, an undeniable male voice is summoning her to notice him. At first, she thinks she has truly lost her mind but slowly, Addison realizes the unbelieveable truth. Rhys' soul is inside her. She can hear his thoughts, sense his feelings and when she concentrates hard enough, even feel his touch...
This was an entertaining escape from the normal romance book I typically read. It's a great novella to sink your teeth into while keeping cool on a hot summer day, or sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter's evening. It was witty, it was sexy, it was amusing and it was even profound at times; all of which left a relentless smile on my face.
Addison and Rhys both die at the same moment. Although, they are strangers and die separately, Addison comes back, however, Rhys does not. His perception of the afterlife was so frightening that he panics and his soul somehow becomes connected to Addison's. Once she returns to consciousness, an undeniable male voice is summoning her to notice him. At first, she thinks she has truly lost her mind but slowly, Addison realizes the unbelieveable truth. Rhys' soul is inside her. She can hear his thoughts, sense his feelings and when she concentrates hard enough, even feel his touch...
This was an entertaining escape from the normal romance book I typically read. It's a great novella to sink your teeth into while keeping cool on a hot summer day, or sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter's evening. It was witty, it was sexy, it was amusing and it was even profound at times; all of which left a relentless smile on my face.
April 17, 2012
Looking at some of the reviews for this book, I think the general consensus is that most of the readers thought they wouldn’t enjoy this story. I will admit I was doubtful myself. Actually, I was downright scared to read it. After scanning the blurb I thought “no way”. I like my Happily Ever Afters and I didn’t see a way this story could get one. I am so glad I listened to my friends and read this book anyway, it was fantastic.
I’m not going to go into details about the plot—so many other readers have already done that. I am going to tell you instead how I felt reading it.
First two chapters: Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive and thought I wouldn’t like it. The writing was good and I could picture what was happening, but I thought the storyline was a little far-fetched. Still, I kept reading.
Third Chapter to about the halfway point: I started giggling out loud at some of the dialogue. I loved the way the characters interacted with each other. I went from thinking the story line was far-fetched to thinking it was really unique. It is amazing that all of what happens is basically taking place inside the heroine’s head. I am amazed that the author kept me engaged. Not only that, I don’t know when exactly it happened but I started needing to find out how it was going to end.
Halfway through to the end: I was hooked. I had to know how the story was going to finish. I truly believed that the hero and heroine had found their soul mates. I felt connected to their characters and craved the Happily Ever After. At one point when Addison was saying goodbye to Rhys, I bawled. I couldn’t help but think of Sarah McLaughlin’s voice singing “I will remember you”, and there I sat with Goosebumps rising along my arms crying like a baby.
Unbelievable, the range of emotions I felt reading this story, I almost never experience that in a novella. I usually finish a novella thinking something is missing, it’s either lacking a bit on character development, the romance is too quick, or the plot’s a little rushed. With Connected, I really felt like nothing was missing. It was an excellent read and very emotional. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a really sweet romantic story with a unique twist.
I’m not going to go into details about the plot—so many other readers have already done that. I am going to tell you instead how I felt reading it.
First two chapters: Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive and thought I wouldn’t like it. The writing was good and I could picture what was happening, but I thought the storyline was a little far-fetched. Still, I kept reading.
Third Chapter to about the halfway point: I started giggling out loud at some of the dialogue. I loved the way the characters interacted with each other. I went from thinking the story line was far-fetched to thinking it was really unique. It is amazing that all of what happens is basically taking place inside the heroine’s head. I am amazed that the author kept me engaged. Not only that, I don’t know when exactly it happened but I started needing to find out how it was going to end.
Halfway through to the end: I was hooked. I had to know how the story was going to finish. I truly believed that the hero and heroine had found their soul mates. I felt connected to their characters and craved the Happily Ever After. At one point when Addison was saying goodbye to Rhys, I bawled. I couldn’t help but think of Sarah McLaughlin’s voice singing “I will remember you”, and there I sat with Goosebumps rising along my arms crying like a baby.
Unbelievable, the range of emotions I felt reading this story, I almost never experience that in a novella. I usually finish a novella thinking something is missing, it’s either lacking a bit on character development, the romance is too quick, or the plot’s a little rushed. With Connected, I really felt like nothing was missing. It was an excellent read and very emotional. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a really sweet romantic story with a unique twist.
November 4, 2022
Omg this is one of the most unique books I've ever read!! Addison and Rhys both die at the same time—she dies in the middle of surgery and he dies in a plane crash.
Luckily, Addison is resuscitated by the doctors. But when she wakes up, she realizes that Rhys's spirit is bound to her. Now, they can hear each other's thoughts, talk to each other, and feel each other's emotions.
Right off the bat, this reminded me of a romance version of the episode Unearthed from Fringe. Despite dealing with death and grief, this book is so unexpectedly funny. Since the hero and heroine have never met in person, their chemistry relies heavily on banter. And I'm happy to report that the banter is *chef's kiss* 🤌🏽
I'm honestly very impressed with how the author wrote this story. Addison and Rhys have such good chemistry even though they had never met in person. Their banter and their conversations are both so natural despite the very unnatural circumstances. Even though this is an unconventional story, it was easy to understand how their minds are connected and how they can communicate with each other in different ways.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I didn't mind that there were a couple of typos here and there. I was so invested in finding out how Addison and Rhys would live happily ever after. I loved the ending, but I could've used an epilogue as the cherry on top.
Luckily, Addison is resuscitated by the doctors. But when she wakes up, she realizes that Rhys's spirit is bound to her. Now, they can hear each other's thoughts, talk to each other, and feel each other's emotions.
Right off the bat, this reminded me of a romance version of the episode Unearthed from Fringe. Despite dealing with death and grief, this book is so unexpectedly funny. Since the hero and heroine have never met in person, their chemistry relies heavily on banter. And I'm happy to report that the banter is *chef's kiss* 🤌🏽
I'm honestly very impressed with how the author wrote this story. Addison and Rhys have such good chemistry even though they had never met in person. Their banter and their conversations are both so natural despite the very unnatural circumstances. Even though this is an unconventional story, it was easy to understand how their minds are connected and how they can communicate with each other in different ways.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I didn't mind that there were a couple of typos here and there. I was so invested in finding out how Addison and Rhys would live happily ever after. I loved the ending, but I could've used an epilogue as the cherry on top.
January 1, 2014
This story is crazy! I mean come on....the girl dies on the operating table & when they bring her back the spirit of a dead rock star latch's onto her. That should totally not work...right??...right???....WRONG!
I'll be honest it took me a chapter and a bit to get past Rhys talking in Addision's head.
But once I let it go & just let myself enjoy the words & the story it happened.....I fell in love.
I fell in love with Jolyn Palliata.....her writing style, her characters, the way she weaves a story along.
For me to think a romance is great (note the 'great' not good) they need to meet the following criteria:
Did I laugh out loud at the funny parts........................check
Did I shed a tear at the sad parts..............................Check
Was I grinning like an idiot at the gooey lovey dovey parts.....Check
Was the female character likable...............................Check
Was the male character swoon worthy..............................Check
Was I shouting at the characters in frustration to get it together already...Check
Will I read it again.............................................Check
Was I impressed enough to read more by this author....already done..on finishing the last word and sitting there with a stupid grin on my face I went & downloaded A Modern Love Story!
Jolyn you have a gift....Thank you for sharing it with us :)
I'll be honest it took me a chapter and a bit to get past Rhys talking in Addision's head.
But once I let it go & just let myself enjoy the words & the story it happened.....I fell in love.
I fell in love with Jolyn Palliata.....her writing style, her characters, the way she weaves a story along.
For me to think a romance is great (note the 'great' not good) they need to meet the following criteria:
Did I laugh out loud at the funny parts........................check
Did I shed a tear at the sad parts..............................Check
Was I grinning like an idiot at the gooey lovey dovey parts.....Check
Was the female character likable...............................Check
Was the male character swoon worthy..............................Check
Was I shouting at the characters in frustration to get it together already...Check
Will I read it again.............................................Check
Was I impressed enough to read more by this author....already done..on finishing the last word and sitting there with a stupid grin on my face I went & downloaded A Modern Love Story!
Jolyn you have a gift....Thank you for sharing it with us :)
March 29, 2012
What can I say – I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Rock stars – check
Paranormal – check
Tugging on the heart-strings – check
Sharp, laugh-out-loud-funny dialogue – check
Addison is waking up from an operation when she realises she can hear a voice in her head.
She was alone. Completely alone.
“Hello?” she whispered.
Jesus. It’s about damn time you acknowledge me. I mean, what the fuck? Are you deaf or what?
“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.” She held her head, certain she was hearing the voice in her own mind now.
No freaking way!
Ah, yeah… I don’t think God had anything to do with this, but what do I know. She could practically hear the mental shrug. Maybe he did.
And then she remembers the weird dream she had, the one where she was floating somewhere in the darkness and another person was there… a guy…
His voice still carried the smugness of ‘I told you so’ since she’d received confirmation of her death and resuscitation. And then he’d rubbed her face in it as she came around to one indisputable realization: she had some guy’s soul stuck inside her.
Of course, as a lapsed Catholic, she decides to ask a priest for help.
Oh this ought to be good.
She imagined him kicked back in her head with a bag of popcorn, waiting for the show to begin. As the panel between her and the priest slid open, she panicked. What was the protocol? Was she even allowed to be in there?
She does the only thing she can. Tries to cope with having a strange guy take up residence in her head. She nicknames him the Afterlife Leech and tries, with some success, to block his thoughts and emotions. That is, until he nags her into Googling him.
“Who the hell are you, Rhys?”
Got a lot of hits, did you? The pride in his voice was clear. I’m a bit famous.
“Don’t bother with the feigned humility. It doesn’t suit you,” Addison stated dryly. “So, you are…”
A rock star.
Rhys Alexander played rhythm guitar for the massive rock band Black Codex, alongside his brother, Xavier. And now that he’s trapped somewhere in the afterlife, he wants to contact his brother, to say his goodbyes. Addison is convinced it’s a bad idea, that Xavier will write her off as another demented fan but she gives in to his nagging and sends an email. When Xavier phones, she has no idea how to respond.
Rhys started to yell, to really holler in her mind. His string of obscenities was so loud she only managed to catch a word here and there, and through it all, she felt his desperation and fear.
“He recognized your voice,” she blurted out, wanting to stop the onslaught in her head.
Her ears pulsed in the sudden silence, but then she heard Xavier’s response, his voice dark and controlled.
“Who, exactly, recognized my voice?”
Xavier insists on meeting her, to determine if she’s a fake, or just another “crazy-assed-bitch.” And that’s when it gets even stranger.
It felt like someone had fisted her shirt and was pulling her near. And that pull was coming from Xavier’s general direction.
Wait. Something was wrong. She felt… empty.
Rhys?
Panic flooded her as her eyes flew open and locked on Xavier. He stared at her with a horrified expression on his face, his mouth moving soundlessly. Then his gaze darted from side-to-side as his hands gripped his head.
Her breath caught as the realization slammed into her. “Rhys,” she whispered, reaching out to Xavier as if he held an element of her soul she couldn’t breathe without.
Of course, sometime during the weeks they spent ‘together’, she started to fall for him.
“Rhys?”
Mmmm. He sounded lazy, relaxed. And for whatever reason, she pictured his big, strong body all kicked back into a mass of fluffy pillows… with his shirt off, a hint of stubble across his jaw, dark hair tousled, and a deep sensuality shadowing his eyes as he flipped the top button of his jeans open…
But how can a normal girl have any kind of relationship with a dead guy? You’ll have to take my word how fabulous this book is, and read it for yourself < smug smile >
I was captivated from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. I just wish it had been longer. Thankfully, Jolyn Palliata intends more in the Twists of Fate series – the sooner the better for me :-)
A very definite 5 out of 5.
Rock stars – check
Paranormal – check
Tugging on the heart-strings – check
Sharp, laugh-out-loud-funny dialogue – check
Addison is waking up from an operation when she realises she can hear a voice in her head.
She was alone. Completely alone.
“Hello?” she whispered.
Jesus. It’s about damn time you acknowledge me. I mean, what the fuck? Are you deaf or what?
“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.” She held her head, certain she was hearing the voice in her own mind now.
No freaking way!
Ah, yeah… I don’t think God had anything to do with this, but what do I know. She could practically hear the mental shrug. Maybe he did.
And then she remembers the weird dream she had, the one where she was floating somewhere in the darkness and another person was there… a guy…
His voice still carried the smugness of ‘I told you so’ since she’d received confirmation of her death and resuscitation. And then he’d rubbed her face in it as she came around to one indisputable realization: she had some guy’s soul stuck inside her.
Of course, as a lapsed Catholic, she decides to ask a priest for help.
Oh this ought to be good.
She imagined him kicked back in her head with a bag of popcorn, waiting for the show to begin. As the panel between her and the priest slid open, she panicked. What was the protocol? Was she even allowed to be in there?
She does the only thing she can. Tries to cope with having a strange guy take up residence in her head. She nicknames him the Afterlife Leech and tries, with some success, to block his thoughts and emotions. That is, until he nags her into Googling him.
“Who the hell are you, Rhys?”
Got a lot of hits, did you? The pride in his voice was clear. I’m a bit famous.
“Don’t bother with the feigned humility. It doesn’t suit you,” Addison stated dryly. “So, you are…”
A rock star.
Rhys Alexander played rhythm guitar for the massive rock band Black Codex, alongside his brother, Xavier. And now that he’s trapped somewhere in the afterlife, he wants to contact his brother, to say his goodbyes. Addison is convinced it’s a bad idea, that Xavier will write her off as another demented fan but she gives in to his nagging and sends an email. When Xavier phones, she has no idea how to respond.
Rhys started to yell, to really holler in her mind. His string of obscenities was so loud she only managed to catch a word here and there, and through it all, she felt his desperation and fear.
“He recognized your voice,” she blurted out, wanting to stop the onslaught in her head.
Her ears pulsed in the sudden silence, but then she heard Xavier’s response, his voice dark and controlled.
“Who, exactly, recognized my voice?”
Xavier insists on meeting her, to determine if she’s a fake, or just another “crazy-assed-bitch.” And that’s when it gets even stranger.
It felt like someone had fisted her shirt and was pulling her near. And that pull was coming from Xavier’s general direction.
Wait. Something was wrong. She felt… empty.
Rhys?
Panic flooded her as her eyes flew open and locked on Xavier. He stared at her with a horrified expression on his face, his mouth moving soundlessly. Then his gaze darted from side-to-side as his hands gripped his head.
Her breath caught as the realization slammed into her. “Rhys,” she whispered, reaching out to Xavier as if he held an element of her soul she couldn’t breathe without.
Of course, sometime during the weeks they spent ‘together’, she started to fall for him.
“Rhys?”
Mmmm. He sounded lazy, relaxed. And for whatever reason, she pictured his big, strong body all kicked back into a mass of fluffy pillows… with his shirt off, a hint of stubble across his jaw, dark hair tousled, and a deep sensuality shadowing his eyes as he flipped the top button of his jeans open…
But how can a normal girl have any kind of relationship with a dead guy? You’ll have to take my word how fabulous this book is, and read it for yourself < smug smile >
I was captivated from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. I just wish it had been longer. Thankfully, Jolyn Palliata intends more in the Twists of Fate series – the sooner the better for me :-)
A very definite 5 out of 5.
January 9, 2012
Book Description:
A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
My Thoughts:
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Jolyn Palliata did a masterful job conveying an amazingly emotional and romantic tale. The story was well paced; the characters, Rhys and Addison, were multidimensional and interesting; the emotions were real, raw, and powerful.
The story tugged on my heart because it was such a well crafted journey of life, loss, and the power of love.
Bravo!!! Read it...love it!
A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
My Thoughts:
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Jolyn Palliata did a masterful job conveying an amazingly emotional and romantic tale. The story was well paced; the characters, Rhys and Addison, were multidimensional and interesting; the emotions were real, raw, and powerful.
The story tugged on my heart because it was such a well crafted journey of life, loss, and the power of love.
Bravo!!! Read it...love it!
April 24, 2012
I can't believe how much I loved this book.
A crazy plot but the story was well told. You can obviously guess the ending but it doesn't detract from the overall story.
The author did a great job with Rhys. I read his conversations with Addy & laughed & completely believed they were something a guy would say!
I really enjoyed feeling their relationship grow. Rhys's "Challenged Accepted" attitude toward Addison's date night was hysterical!
This book was funny, sexy, entertaining, and UNBELIEVABLY .. FREE!
A crazy plot but the story was well told. You can obviously guess the ending but it doesn't detract from the overall story.
The author did a great job with Rhys. I read his conversations with Addy & laughed & completely believed they were something a guy would say!
I really enjoyed feeling their relationship grow. Rhys's "Challenged Accepted" attitude toward Addison's date night was hysterical!
This book was funny, sexy, entertaining, and UNBELIEVABLY .. FREE!
April 2, 2012
A book for my favorites shelf! Great Romantic read.
Description:
A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure what I was going to be reading based on the blurp but based on her other book 'Modern Love Story' I figured I would give it a go. I don't know why I was so surprised that I LOVED it. I knew Jolyn was a talented writer and can craft characters who you absolutely fall in love with. She has a way with a love story that sets her apart from her piers and takes the reader to a whole new level. Her originality was a treat for this somewhat jaded reader. I liked the fact that she told the story from both Rys POV and Addison's POV it allowed you to feel everything they were experiencing the love, the joy, the sadness, the desperation. I would love to see Xavier get his story too, he was perfect as Rys's gruff brother.
I can't wait for book two in this intriguing new series. A solid 5 star read and a recommendation to all lovers of Romance. Great job Jolyn!
Description:
A rock group’s rhythm guitarist, Rhys Alexander, dies and finds himself bound inside the body of a woman he’s never met. Can she help him move on to the other side, or will he end up finding the love of his life…after his has already ended?
My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure what I was going to be reading based on the blurp but based on her other book 'Modern Love Story' I figured I would give it a go. I don't know why I was so surprised that I LOVED it. I knew Jolyn was a talented writer and can craft characters who you absolutely fall in love with. She has a way with a love story that sets her apart from her piers and takes the reader to a whole new level. Her originality was a treat for this somewhat jaded reader. I liked the fact that she told the story from both Rys POV and Addison's POV it allowed you to feel everything they were experiencing the love, the joy, the sadness, the desperation. I would love to see Xavier get his story too, he was perfect as Rys's gruff brother.
I can't wait for book two in this intriguing new series. A solid 5 star read and a recommendation to all lovers of Romance. Great job Jolyn!
February 13, 2012
Curses no half stars - I'd give this 4.5stars.
As photographer Addison Calomino revives from the twilight of her surgery, she realizes she isn't insane she really is hearing voices in her head. She is now sharing her body & mind with rock star Rhys Alexander who has apparently died and latched onto her instead of moving on. I honestly didn't think I would like this when I started but as I continued to read, I found the story to be an original. It was a heartbreakingly emotional & touchingly romantic, witty, funny and cleverly woven novella. Told alternately in Addi & Rhys's voices while trying to help Rhys find closure, we get a glimpse of their effect on each other and a chance to care about each.
I am on board for book two of this series. Kudos Ms. Palliata!
As photographer Addison Calomino revives from the twilight of her surgery, she realizes she isn't insane she really is hearing voices in her head. She is now sharing her body & mind with rock star Rhys Alexander who has apparently died and latched onto her instead of moving on. I honestly didn't think I would like this when I started but as I continued to read, I found the story to be an original. It was a heartbreakingly emotional & touchingly romantic, witty, funny and cleverly woven novella. Told alternately in Addi & Rhys's voices while trying to help Rhys find closure, we get a glimpse of their effect on each other and a chance to care about each.
I am on board for book two of this series. Kudos Ms. Palliata!
April 23, 2012
This book was amazing. I love the concept and the story line, it had me in suspense as to what the ending would be, and my gut was in knots over it. Addison is so independent and strong, and Rhys was/is the ultimate bad boy that has to realize what he's lost to be able to appreciate it. Connected had me laughing, lusting, crying, and rejoicing. The way this author is capable of conveying emotions is astounding. I guess the only complaint I had was that it was too short, I wanted the story to go on and on! So at this point I am waiting for the next book in the series and hoping to see more of Addison and Rhys...
December 10, 2011
This book was so awesome, so many different emotions flowing through me as i read it. It was one of the best books i have ever read. I loved it and couldn't put it down.
January 4, 2012
Ok! This book rocked! While the pun is not intended, it fits as well because our Hero is a rock musician. Our Heroine is more difiicult to define. She is a photographer, but we get very little information about her vocation. This is most likely because this is a novella rather than a full novel. Waaaaaa. I want the full novel!
Short and simple, Addie dies during a medical procedure. While waiting in limbo to move on to the afterlife she detects another spirit waiting nearby. They meet momentarily, but then the medical team resusitates Addie and she returns to her body. The other spirit, fealing being alone, latches on and returns with her. Now Addie has two souls inside her body. Addie and Rhys decide that Rhys can leave as soon as he settles his affairs; so she reluctantly contacts Rhys' brother who immediately suspects a scam.
Now admittedly, this is a common theme and I was very skeptical that it could be better than the average one. However, I was very wrong. Palliata creates two very distinct characters and never loses sight of which one is which when speaking. She draws the reader in and grabs hold and refused to let go, not that I wanted to let go.
I have two small points of contention. First, we don't have a defined setting. Again, this may be the result of it being a novella. We see nothing of what is going on around Addie.She is either in her apartment or in a hotel room, except for a brief time in an airplane. No matter where she is, the discription of her surroundings is sketchy. As part of this issue, there are no other characters except Addie, Rhys, and his brother, Xavier. Personally, I would have liked to see some interaction with others, expecially with Rhys' wicked sense of humour.
Second, and I know this has been mentioned in other reviews from me but I felt the coarse language was overdone. I don't believe that this is standard language for most people today. Certainly, coming from the world of rock bands, I was unsurprised by some of the language, but Addie rarely uses much language and not once does she confront Rhys, no matter how coarse he gets. I feel this was used to help keep the two characters clearly separate, and it ended up feeling just minutely contrived.
However, these two issues were so small that I would have only deducted 1/2 star and there is no way to score just 4 1/2 stars. Since I didn't feel these two issues deserved an entire star, I gave it all 5. I await the sequals with excitement and hope that Palliata can keep her other characters as exciting as these two were.
I got this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Short and simple, Addie dies during a medical procedure. While waiting in limbo to move on to the afterlife she detects another spirit waiting nearby. They meet momentarily, but then the medical team resusitates Addie and she returns to her body. The other spirit, fealing being alone, latches on and returns with her. Now Addie has two souls inside her body. Addie and Rhys decide that Rhys can leave as soon as he settles his affairs; so she reluctantly contacts Rhys' brother who immediately suspects a scam.
Now admittedly, this is a common theme and I was very skeptical that it could be better than the average one. However, I was very wrong. Palliata creates two very distinct characters and never loses sight of which one is which when speaking. She draws the reader in and grabs hold and refused to let go, not that I wanted to let go.
I have two small points of contention. First, we don't have a defined setting. Again, this may be the result of it being a novella. We see nothing of what is going on around Addie.She is either in her apartment or in a hotel room, except for a brief time in an airplane. No matter where she is, the discription of her surroundings is sketchy. As part of this issue, there are no other characters except Addie, Rhys, and his brother, Xavier. Personally, I would have liked to see some interaction with others, expecially with Rhys' wicked sense of humour.
Second, and I know this has been mentioned in other reviews from me but I felt the coarse language was overdone. I don't believe that this is standard language for most people today. Certainly, coming from the world of rock bands, I was unsurprised by some of the language, but Addie rarely uses much language and not once does she confront Rhys, no matter how coarse he gets. I feel this was used to help keep the two characters clearly separate, and it ended up feeling just minutely contrived.
However, these two issues were so small that I would have only deducted 1/2 star and there is no way to score just 4 1/2 stars. Since I didn't feel these two issues deserved an entire star, I gave it all 5. I await the sequals with excitement and hope that Palliata can keep her other characters as exciting as these two were.
I got this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
April 12, 2012
I was really not sure when I started reading this book. It seemed like a bit of a daft storyline... I mean I know it's fiction, but come on a dead rock star attaching himself to a woman and talking to her in her head hmmm? Then as I was going through, I kept thinking there is no way there can be an HEA for this book, he's dead, he can't come back to life (that would be even more daft) LOL! BUT, I kept reading and it got a whole lot better; once I knew more about the characters and started to be able to guess a bit where the plot might go, I allowed myself to connect with the characters then, and I settled into the book.
This was another amazingly well written book by Jolyn Palliata, who is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. She writes so effortlessly, fluently and with great passion that comes across in her work. In both of the books I've read from her, I havn't been able to guess where the plot was going until really late in the book, and I like that element of suspense, (although in this story I was so glad to find out there was a HEA and no big cliff-hangar)!
Jolyn writes really interesting characters, and ones that you can relate to and grow to love and once again I liked the characters in this book, including the secondary characters. I'd like to read more about Rhys's brother and wonder if he will appear in future books?
This was a very original idea, and I loved the humour and wit throughout the story and how the speech matched the characters so well; this is something Jolyn is particuarly good at IMO, you can almost hear them in your head (whoops bit ironic that given the story huh LOL)!. You can always imagine the characters using the dialogue she writes. This was a sweet love-story and yes, even with a dead guy featuring, Jolyn still managed to sneak in some great Hot, saucy love scenes just to make it interesting....
So, I didn't like this book as much as A Modern Love Story (AMLS) but I think my initial dislike may have been because I read this book straight after reading AMLS, and I was still reeling from the emotion and love story in that book which maybe affected how I had difficulty relating to these new characters and storyline. By the end, however, I really enjoyed the read, and I will definitely be reading the sequels as soon as they are available. Well done Jolyn, another well deserved 4 stars from me just for your pure genius!
This was another amazingly well written book by Jolyn Palliata, who is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. She writes so effortlessly, fluently and with great passion that comes across in her work. In both of the books I've read from her, I havn't been able to guess where the plot was going until really late in the book, and I like that element of suspense, (although in this story I was so glad to find out there was a HEA and no big cliff-hangar)!
Jolyn writes really interesting characters, and ones that you can relate to and grow to love and once again I liked the characters in this book, including the secondary characters. I'd like to read more about Rhys's brother and wonder if he will appear in future books?
This was a very original idea, and I loved the humour and wit throughout the story and how the speech matched the characters so well; this is something Jolyn is particuarly good at IMO, you can almost hear them in your head (whoops bit ironic that given the story huh LOL)!. You can always imagine the characters using the dialogue she writes. This was a sweet love-story and yes, even with a dead guy featuring, Jolyn still managed to sneak in some great Hot, saucy love scenes just to make it interesting....
So, I didn't like this book as much as A Modern Love Story (AMLS) but I think my initial dislike may have been because I read this book straight after reading AMLS, and I was still reeling from the emotion and love story in that book which maybe affected how I had difficulty relating to these new characters and storyline. By the end, however, I really enjoyed the read, and I will definitely be reading the sequels as soon as they are available. Well done Jolyn, another well deserved 4 stars from me just for your pure genius!
September 13, 2012
Addison goes in for a somewhat normal surgery only to find out she not only died on the operating table but someone else came back with her. The problem is that she can't decide if she's crazy, possessed or if this is real.
I have to admit that I wanted to read this story after reading another of the author's books, A Modern Love Story. I knew she wouldn't be afraid to take chances and do something different and I wasn't disappointed. It just takes a bit to get there.
It took me awhile to get into the story because I couldn't stop trying to figure out how the author was going to work out a relationship with two people being in the same body. It's kind of funny because it did make me think of the movie, Ghost, and the characters even mention it. Their relationship takes on that emotional connection so well.
Addison is really smart but she is more sensitive and cautious than Rhys and really helps him get a hold on things. You don't get to know everything about her all at once and that's very intriguing.
Rhys is hilarious...typical bad boy rock star and wants what he wants NOW. Thank goodness he has Addison to help him. I loved it when he saw what she really looked like and how he acted when she was with Jonathan.
I was really interested in Rhys' brother, Xavier, aka Zander. I loved their relationship and how they worked on songs for their band together. I will definitely be looking forward to reading his book and more about the other members of the band, Black Codex.
I was really surprised at all the little things in this story. I wasn't expecting many of the little twists and turns...it was just so much more than I thought. Especially towards the end when it had me crying!! And the ending? Fantastic!! I'm not going to give anything away but you will be happy.
Favorite quotes:
♥ I love you, baby. I love you so much my soul aches for you.
♥ My Addison. In death, I found you…the love of my life.
I have to admit that I wanted to read this story after reading another of the author's books, A Modern Love Story. I knew she wouldn't be afraid to take chances and do something different and I wasn't disappointed. It just takes a bit to get there.
It took me awhile to get into the story because I couldn't stop trying to figure out how the author was going to work out a relationship with two people being in the same body. It's kind of funny because it did make me think of the movie, Ghost, and the characters even mention it. Their relationship takes on that emotional connection so well.
Addison is really smart but she is more sensitive and cautious than Rhys and really helps him get a hold on things. You don't get to know everything about her all at once and that's very intriguing.
Rhys is hilarious...typical bad boy rock star and wants what he wants NOW. Thank goodness he has Addison to help him. I loved it when he saw what she really looked like and how he acted when she was with Jonathan.
I was really interested in Rhys' brother, Xavier, aka Zander. I loved their relationship and how they worked on songs for their band together. I will definitely be looking forward to reading his book and more about the other members of the band, Black Codex.
I was really surprised at all the little things in this story. I wasn't expecting many of the little twists and turns...it was just so much more than I thought. Especially towards the end when it had me crying!! And the ending? Fantastic!! I'm not going to give anything away but you will be happy.
Favorite quotes:
♥ I love you, baby. I love you so much my soul aches for you.
♥ My Addison. In death, I found you…the love of my life.
July 15, 2014
This was more of a 4.5/5 for me. It was really unique and a lot of fun. Its a interesting situation for a man to be sharing a woman's body. They could hear each other's thoughts, and only with concentration could they have any privacy. Also with concentration Rhys could hear, see, or taste what Addison heard, saw, or tasted. He could not take over her body, but when she slept, he could slip into her dreams.
A man in a woman's body can be a nightmare or a dream come true. He knew exactly how he made her feel, which is extremely satisfying, especially for a man with Rhys' ego. But he also had to feel what it was like to kiss a man when Addison went on a date, which made him sick, and in turn made Addison sick.
Rhys was hilarious and he was extremely heavy on the profanity. He was always yelling at Addison about something. It was very entertaining. He made so many rants and I laughed out laugh a lot. I wish I could read more about them. They were a great pair. And the way their feelings for each other changed felt so natural. It was beautiful and it had a great ending! It reminded me a bit of the movie Just Like Heaven, and also of another short ebook, Sleeping Handsome.
A man in a woman's body can be a nightmare or a dream come true. He knew exactly how he made her feel, which is extremely satisfying, especially for a man with Rhys' ego. But he also had to feel what it was like to kiss a man when Addison went on a date, which made him sick, and in turn made Addison sick.
Rhys was hilarious and he was extremely heavy on the profanity. He was always yelling at Addison about something. It was very entertaining. He made so many rants and I laughed out laugh a lot. I wish I could read more about them. They were a great pair. And the way their feelings for each other changed felt so natural. It was beautiful and it had a great ending! It reminded me a bit of the movie Just Like Heaven, and also of another short ebook, Sleeping Handsome.
January 11, 2012
I wasn't too sure at the start if I'd like it or not but I ended up loving it. The characters are so feisty it made me laugh but then I got an overwhelming feel of dread. I couldn't see this ending happily ever after but I kept at it with an open mind. I felt sorry for Addison being stuck with a stuck up rock star who took pride in being a complete ass at the worst moments lol. It had humour, love & fear in it, all in the name of love & it just flowed so well together. Not to mention giving me a very weird dream last night seeing there was a name used that I swore I would use for a baby boy. Very weird seeing it's to do with my Pa & a variation of his middle name. I dreamt I had a baby boy & called him that. I then woke up & felt sad I didn't really have a baby boy...I mean... WTH??? unless im the born again Virgin Mary, it's not gonna happen :p
But read it, it's a beautiful story & I am privileged to have had 3 awesome authors that helped break in my kindle & each one has been wroth the many sleepless hours ;)
But read it, it's a beautiful story & I am privileged to have had 3 awesome authors that helped break in my kindle & each one has been wroth the many sleepless hours ;)
May 8, 2012
Okay i didnt really like the start cause i thought it was a bit far fetched and honestly Addison took it too well with the whole hearing Rhys in her head (personally id check myself into a mental institution). But as the book continued that were it has gained its 4.5 rating.
I actually managed tears with this story! The part where Rhys is saying goodbye to her, i got tearful and i really didnt expect too but boy did it pull at my heart strings!
Its a beautiful short love story and I did love the lead character of Rhys and I was so happy they found each other properly in the end cause i was rooting for them to be together somehow! :'). I think i cried with joy when i knew he was alive!
Loved the book its not a 5 star rating only cause of the start and also Addison is a bit on the boring side, but i guess makes her relatable to the average day person on a level :)
I actually managed tears with this story! The part where Rhys is saying goodbye to her, i got tearful and i really didnt expect too but boy did it pull at my heart strings!
Its a beautiful short love story and I did love the lead character of Rhys and I was so happy they found each other properly in the end cause i was rooting for them to be together somehow! :'). I think i cried with joy when i knew he was alive!
Loved the book its not a 5 star rating only cause of the start and also Addison is a bit on the boring side, but i guess makes her relatable to the average day person on a level :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2012
Addison Calamino and Rhys Alexander are two most unlikely people. She's a photographer and he's a member of the Black Codex Band. Just how did they meet, it's because they both died. Rhys's spirit is connected to Addison's spirit and body but neither is sure why. What happens between these two people is fascinating. They discover just how much they need one another. Rhys wants Addison to talk to his brother Xavier about the band. Addison resists the idea for awhile but eventually gives in to what Rhys's wants. Addison meets Xavier and tells him about Rhys. What will happen with Xavier? What will happen between Addison and Rhys? Can Rhys stay with Addison? Your answers await you in Connected.
January 4, 2012
I have accomplished nothing in the last several hours simply because I could not stop reading. I read the first chapter as a teaser posted online and was dying to read the rest. Let me just say I was not disappointed.
I'm amazed at Jolyn's ability to make the characters so intense, so real (and in Rhys's case)totally swoon-worthy in such a short amount of time. I was hooked from page one. The plot is compelling and unique with a twist at the end. An absolutely fantastic page-turner for your must-read list.
I'm amazed at Jolyn's ability to make the characters so intense, so real (and in Rhys's case)totally swoon-worthy in such a short amount of time. I was hooked from page one. The plot is compelling and unique with a twist at the end. An absolutely fantastic page-turner for your must-read list.
December 30, 2011
Reading this book meant that two days of my life passed in a blur as I was so immersed in this novel, that I couldn't concentrate on anything but it. Jolyn has come up with a unique and interesting plot that will leave you flicking through the pages in too short a period of time! I enjoyed reading this and loved the twist. I cannot wait for the next novel in the series to be available for buying. Jolyn's incredible talent for writing is evident in this novel and I am excited for, what is bound to be, a prosperous future for her writing.
January 4, 2012
The begining grips us with beautiful imagery as Addison had an interesting near death experience. When they bring her back she thinks she's gone crazy, she hears a voice in her head, and finds herself stuck with another soul in her body...the soul of a rock star with unfinished business. The story goes along with humor, and much emotion and yes romance. This book of course I would say is geared towards adults as it does have content and language I would not recommend for a young adult. But it is beautifuly written with an ending I did not expect. The characters are rich and full of life.
April 2, 2012
I never would have thought that I would give 5 stars to a novella, but in this case it is well deserved. What a beautifully written short story. Ms. Palliata managed to suck me in from moment one and I was genuinely "Connected" to these characters. What an interesting story concept, very believable and heartfelt. A truly beautiful love story. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. I can't wait to read more books by this author. I am moving A Modern Love Story way up on my TBR list after this.
Read
November 9, 2011Written by my dear friend Jolyn, this is a hot, hot, hot novella about Addison and Rhys, two souls who experience death and share some intense intimacy together both in the spiritual world and the physical world. Very clever premise and a quick read. For adult readers who love an intense romance, enjoy!
December 22, 2011
This book continues to blow my mind.
I've read it three times so far. The characters are so strong and realistic, the plot is catchy and the overall feel of the book is fresh. I feel like it was a breath of fresh air. With every one of Jolyn's book, my love for reading gets stronger and stronger. I cannot wait until a new book of hers comes out. I highly suggest you read this one!
I've read it three times so far. The characters are so strong and realistic, the plot is catchy and the overall feel of the book is fresh. I feel like it was a breath of fresh air. With every one of Jolyn's book, my love for reading gets stronger and stronger. I cannot wait until a new book of hers comes out. I highly suggest you read this one!
September 27, 2015
4.5 stars.
Loved it!
Full review on BookOaths
Loved it!
Full review on BookOaths
May 15, 2025
2 stars | I enjoyed it but it had a lot of problems. This came up when I was searching for the “body swap” trope, so I loved the premise but the execution was lacking. The constant misogynistic quips and casual sexism in general really aged it. MMC is a dick to her when he finds out she’s “not hot”. But when she loses the glasses, lets her hair down and wears something revealing she is transformed into a bombshell and therefore worthy of his interest. We only ever find out what she looks like through the lens of how the MMC, and later his brother, views her.
My other main issue was how the MMC pulled a 180 and tried to make her hate him as they said goodbye. Both MC’s believed he was slipping away forever and the author thought it was in character for the MMC to suddenly be straight up heinous to the FMC, the woman he loves? So that it will be easier for her to move on from him when he’s gone? What the actual fuck? Imagine choosing to be cruel to the love of your life in your final moments on earth. Saying awful things you don’t mean. That they will have to live with forever because you’re dead. He ended up confessing and his actual last words were loving but that was such a shit decision by the author. It felt very out of character —just a way to add extra drama at the end.
There were other plot holes, typos and not much depth between characters but it was a fun quick read.
My other main issue was how the MMC pulled a 180 and tried to make her hate him as they said goodbye. Both MC’s believed he was slipping away forever and the author thought it was in character for the MMC to suddenly be straight up heinous to the FMC, the woman he loves? So that it will be easier for her to move on from him when he’s gone? What the actual fuck? Imagine choosing to be cruel to the love of your life in your final moments on earth. Saying awful things you don’t mean. That they will have to live with forever because you’re dead. He ended up confessing and his actual last words were loving but that was such a shit decision by the author. It felt very out of character —just a way to add extra drama at the end.
There were other plot holes, typos and not much depth between characters but it was a fun quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
This was short but sweet. I very much enjoyed reading it and I wish it was longer.
May 6, 2021
4.5 stars. I forgot how much this made me cry the first time I read it. Lawwwd.
June 30, 2014
I am so glad I didn’t read the summary before I read this book, otherwise I may not have read this title. I picked this book up on Amazon purely from a recommendation of a Goodreads friend. She had seen that I liked the Sinners on Tour by Olivia Cunning and told me I would love this title too and she was right! I did!
From the beginning you are sucked into the story. We start out in a haze where Addison’s energy meets Rhys’s energy in the afterlife. Rhys not wanting to be left behind grabs onto Addison’s energy as she leaves the haze and she takes his essence or soul back with her into life, well her into life, and him as a voice or essence in her head. Addison wakes up from surgery finding out that she had died and has a voice in her head. Of course she thinks she is going crazy, it takes Rhys a little while to convince her otherwise but once she is on the same page as him they really get entertaining.
Rhys is a total smarta$$, his comments will have you cracking up. Addison in the past wouldn’t have kept up, but something about Rhys allows her to let go and give as good as she gets. Being in each other’s head leaves little room for shyness and secrets so they get past normal boundaries really quickly. After a little while they learn to block each other but they mostly remain open to each other. This forced intimacy causes feeling to develop between these two that they have no business developing. Rhys is certain he is dead, so he doesn’t have a life to give Addison, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
We quickly find out that Rhys is actually a famous guitarist and a popular band, which adds a fun rock and roll vibe to this tale. I love when Rhys sings to Addison to help her sleep. When Addison is researching Rhys’s death for him, they find that his brother Xavier is planning on ending the band. This gets Rhys’s really upset, he knows that the band is his brother’s life and it would kill him to not have his music any longer. Rhys realizes that his brother is his “unfinished business” and sets Addison on Xavier to convince him to keep the band together. We meet Xavier and his heartache for his departed brother is tangible.
Towards the end of the book, I was literallycrying! Addison and Rhys had me so tied up that I was moved to tears. This doesn’t happen often but when it does it shows me how much I had come to care about the characters and story. I am so glad I gave this story a try and I cannot wait for the next in the series. I hope that it comes soon and we aren’t left hanging.
Rating: 5
From the beginning you are sucked into the story. We start out in a haze where Addison’s energy meets Rhys’s energy in the afterlife. Rhys not wanting to be left behind grabs onto Addison’s energy as she leaves the haze and she takes his essence or soul back with her into life, well her into life, and him as a voice or essence in her head. Addison wakes up from surgery finding out that she had died and has a voice in her head. Of course she thinks she is going crazy, it takes Rhys a little while to convince her otherwise but once she is on the same page as him they really get entertaining.
Rhys is a total smarta$$, his comments will have you cracking up. Addison in the past wouldn’t have kept up, but something about Rhys allows her to let go and give as good as she gets. Being in each other’s head leaves little room for shyness and secrets so they get past normal boundaries really quickly. After a little while they learn to block each other but they mostly remain open to each other. This forced intimacy causes feeling to develop between these two that they have no business developing. Rhys is certain he is dead, so he doesn’t have a life to give Addison, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
We quickly find out that Rhys is actually a famous guitarist and a popular band, which adds a fun rock and roll vibe to this tale. I love when Rhys sings to Addison to help her sleep. When Addison is researching Rhys’s death for him, they find that his brother Xavier is planning on ending the band. This gets Rhys’s really upset, he knows that the band is his brother’s life and it would kill him to not have his music any longer. Rhys realizes that his brother is his “unfinished business” and sets Addison on Xavier to convince him to keep the band together. We meet Xavier and his heartache for his departed brother is tangible.
Towards the end of the book, I was literallycrying! Addison and Rhys had me so tied up that I was moved to tears. This doesn’t happen often but when it does it shows me how much I had come to care about the characters and story. I am so glad I gave this story a try and I cannot wait for the next in the series. I hope that it comes soon and we aren’t left hanging.
Rating: 5
April 3, 2012
I am a sucker for a good love story and that is exactly what one gets out if this short novella.
The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybe 5 hours total to read. Yet it is exactly the type of story I was in the mood for. A sweet, good, well written tale that had me rooting for the characters and completely interested on their story.
I like how it feels like Rhys seems to be the main character even though the story is told from Addison’s POV. The story only shifts POV whenever Rhys himself is shifting, and it is his character the one that has the most growth within the pages.
But enough with the spoilers; the bottom line is that it’s very enjoyable story, easy and fast to read. It is a great beginning to a new series.
PS: if you do choose to read the novella, stick to it until after it ends. The letter shown at the end is written by none other than Fate himself (yes, you read that correctly, Fate); I was smiling through the whole thing, which is not too long, but still.
ETA: The author read my review and clarified a minor detailed that I got wrong; Fate is a MAN! Yeap, he is. When I read the intro for book 2 it sounded to me like a girl was talking; however, this throws a new an interesting curve ball ^.^
This review also appears in Journey with Words.
The book is short enough that it took me about 4, maybe 5 hours total to read. Yet it is exactly the type of story I was in the mood for. A sweet, good, well written tale that had me rooting for the characters and completely interested on their story.
I like how it feels like Rhys seems to be the main character even though the story is told from Addison’s POV. The story only shifts POV whenever Rhys himself is shifting, and it is his character the one that has the most growth within the pages.
But enough with the spoilers; the bottom line is that it’s very enjoyable story, easy and fast to read. It is a great beginning to a new series.
PS: if you do choose to read the novella, stick to it until after it ends. The letter shown at the end is written by none other than Fate himself (yes, you read that correctly, Fate); I was smiling through the whole thing, which is not too long, but still.
ETA: The author read my review and clarified a minor detailed that I got wrong; Fate is a MAN! Yeap, he is. When I read the intro for book 2 it sounded to me like a girl was talking; however, this throws a new an interesting curve ball ^.^
This review also appears in Journey with Words.
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