At the end of January I received an email from Jolyn saying a friend told her about my blog and that I liked to feature Wisconsin Authors, which of course I do. Then I read the next line of the email and got a little nervous because Jolyn writes paranormal romance. By now you all know my feelings, nice ghosts and witches are o.k., vampires, werewolves, and zombies not my thing. After a trip to Amazon.com to check out her books, I found one that sounded like something I would like. So I wrote back to her and said I would give Amber Eyes a try, no promises, and that I probably wouldn’t get to it until mid-February. The book arrived, Jolyn sent me her bio (which I will share), and then I left her up in the air until last week. I told her I had read the book, my review would appear today, not to worry and thanked her for sending me the book I am now going to tell you about. I did tell her what I thought of the book too. I am not that mean.
She will even be stopping by to answer any questions or comments so please show her some love!!
Amber Eyes (Entwined Souls Trilogy – Book One)
Lexi survives a horrible accident, her best friend is not so lucky. After trying to deal with her grief with the help of her friends and family, her life starts to get back on track when she meets Dez, a new guy at school. He has the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen, she can’t help but gaze into them. She seems to have so much in common with Dez it is almost unbelievable. Then Lexi starts to have the most vivid dreams that seem to drag her back in time and into the arms of a very familiar stranger, Dez. Lexi shares her dreams with him and he changes her world forever with two simple words. Soul Mates.
Lexi feels so safe with Dez, things have never been better, but lingering in the shadows in something evil. Something that is a threat to her very existence and to a love she knows has transcended through time.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Hold on to your seats because I am surprised as you are, I LOVED this story.
It is beautifully written and went in a direction I didn’t truly expect. I know the book cover says Entwined Souls but it was surprising to me where the author takes us. I have to be careful because part of the charm of this book is the surprises.
These high school age characters wormed their way right into my heart and wouldn’t let go. The range of emotions so vast and vivid. The setting, here in Wisconsin, places a native will recognize, even though the exact place in not named added to my enjoyment. I also loved the kitty in the story. One particular part had me laughing out loud.
I do not usually read young adult or much paranormal but it is books like this that have me changing my reading comfort level. If you are fan of these genres this a book to pick up today. If like me you are usually not comfortable in those areas this is the book and the author that will have you second guessing yourself. I am calling this one a must read and a perfect escape!!!
About This Author
Jolyn’s writing career began in 2009 when she looked across the sea of cubicles at work, and thought, “I was meant for something more than this.” That thought was immediately followed by, “I wonder if I can write a novel.” Four novels and one novella later, that question has been answered. She started with Amber Eyes (Entwined Souls Trilogy – Book One),
Jolyn has absolutely no qualifications whatsoever to be a writer, other than a knack and a passion. The knack she worked hard for through betas, critique partners, writer sites, editors, etc, but the passion she’s had since she was in middle school.
Being married, and mother to one very precocious six-year-old, doesn’t leave her with a whole heckofalot of time to write – not to mention working full-time – but that is where lack of sleep comes in very handy. Jolyn has a gift of functioning on minimal sleep when totally absorbed by a writing project…although she crashes like dead weight when it’s fully completed/edited (usually 2-3 months later).
Her currently listing of published books includes:
- Amber Eyes (Entwined Souls Trilogy – Book One)
- Connected: a Twists of Fate novella
– paranormal romance
- A Modern Love Story
– contemporary romance
Random information and quirks about Jolyn (because everyone has them):
- She likes to listen to loud music. Period. But especially when she has a headache (helps to drown it out).
- When she’s overtired, she gets slaphappy. (Heaven help those around her.)
- She titles a book before she writes it, because she’s anal enough to where that would bother her.
- She can’t walk into a Barnes and Noble without buying a book. Even if she has a pile of unread books at home (which she does), it just doesn’t seem right to leave empty-handed.
Now for a true treat and surprise!!! Jolyn is letting me give a copy of this wonderful book away!!!! Interested???
U.S. RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.
Leave a comment for Jolyn for 5 Bonus Entries.
Tell your friends and family about this book!
If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End March 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I am not much into paranormal, but I trust Dollycas and would love to give this a try!
Good morning, everyone! I look forward to chatting with you, and I appreciate you taking the time to visit. Please, don’t be shy. I love the interaction!
Thank you, Dollycas, for the wonderful review, and for having me as your guest. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! I’ll be sure to send you Crimson Eyes & Onyx Eyes when they are released as well! Ya know, you’re the second person I’ve converted (or at least nudged) to the “paranormal side” with this book. Perhaps I’ve found my new mission in life. 😉
Have a great day, everyone! I’ll be checking back for comments/questions. 🙂
@Lisa Garrett I hope you do, Lisa! And I hope you enjoy it just as much as Dollycas did. 🙂 Thank you!
I have read several YA paranormal books and found them enjoyable, without the adult sex scenes that often accompanies some of the “regular” books. So I am looking forward to trying this new series. Thanks.
@Linda Kuzminczuk Hi Linda! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I also write romance for adults (with the “necessary” sex scenes), but YA proves to be my escape as well. I’ve found that sometimes I can get a deeper emotional connection with my readers because there isn’t “all that other stuff” that complicates the plot/situation. YA love and relationships (in their purest, most innocent form) can be both enjoyable and refreshing.
I hope you enjoy the book!
This book sounds great! Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity. I love the cover too.
@Sandy Wolters Hi Sandy!
Thanks so much – for the compliment on the plot, and the cover. Funny thing about the cover… A friend of mine made it for me with a random picture she found on the internet. I wanted to use it when it came time for publication, only…I didn’t have the royalty rights. *insert desperate internet search here* Long story, short: I found the artist/photographer in Italy (Sweetheart of a lady!), and not only did she give me permission to use the amber eye for the cover, she also helped me with the Italian translations I have in the book! Win-Win!!
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the giveaway! 🙂
I’m of the same mind as Dollycas–that ghosts are OK, but werewolves, vampires and especially zombies are out but with the good recommendation of Dollycas and the fact that it is set in neighboring Wisconsin, I’m ready to try this book. I like romance, but not all the sex scenes, so that’s a big plus, too. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
i read and love both ya and paranormal, so this sounds like a great book to add to my list : ) thanks for the giveaway!!
@Sue Farrell Hi Sue! I appreciate you stopping by. (You’re a Midwest neighbor, huh?) 🙂
I promise – no werewolves, vampires or zombies in this one! Or any one that I’ve published…thus far. (Never say never. LOL Although, I think zombies are definitely out.) I really enjoy exploring “the other side” of paranormal. It’s a more gentle approach, and a really fun way to spin the hum-drum of life. Instead of creating something that is entirely unbelievable, and then pushing my readers to be believers, I try to create worlds of “what could be” if our reality was just a little bit skewed. It makes for an interesting journey, I think, and lets the reader lead the way, rather than me.
I hope you enjoy the story when you get a chance to read it. And I wish you the best of luck in the giveaway! Take care!
The story sounds terrific! And, I am glad there are no werewolves, vampires or zombies because I don’t care for those books.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
@alicia marie Hi Alicia!
Sounds like Amber Eyes will be right up your alley! I hope you enjoy it as much as you think you will. Although I *might* be biased, my guess is you will. 😉
Good luck with the giveaway!
@Linda Kish Hi Linda!
I’ll be honest, I don’t have anything against werewolves and/or vampires (the jury is still out on zombies because I haven’t read any zombie books), but they’ve all be done…and then some. I like venturing into new territory – something I haven’t read a 100 times before. I figure if I’m going to write to entertain, then the least I can do is be original about it. LOL It makes the writing so much more fun, and the reading for you, too!
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck with the giveaway!
This book looks amazing! I can’t wait to read it!
Hi Jolyn,
Your book sounds wonderful and intriguing! I can’t wait to read it! It’s now on my TBR list! It’s nice to see something different out – it gives me the giddy goosebumps!! 😀
@Amber Hi Amber!
Thank you so much! I hope it provides you with a great escape! It certainly did for me when I wrote it. 😉
Good luck in the giveaway, and thanks for stopping by!
@Gena Robertson Hi Gena! Thanks for stopping by!
Giddy goosebumps – I love it!! And thank you so much for the kind words! I definitely did try to infuse a bit of intrigue in the book, and to take you (the reader) on a journey to where you’re discovering what’s going on right along with the characters. I find that’s the best way to engage (trap, pull, hold hostage – take your pick) my readers into a book. 😉 You become more invested in what’s going on.
Enjoy!! And good luck!
Hi Jolyn! GREAT review…LOVED the book blurb! I love paranormal romance so, this is right up my alley and I can’t wait to read more! I’ve put it on my wish list! Beautiful cover too, btw! Thx for the giveaway op! 🙂
barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com
@Barbara Hi Barbara!
Thank you so much for the compliments! I wrote what I would enjoy reading myself, and since I’m a big fan of PNR (paranormal romance)…well, that might help you decide what to expect. What is it about PNR that can just draw a person in?? Even though I write it, I’m still trying to figure that one out! 😉
Thanks for stopping by to chat, and good luck with the giveaway!
Your book realy looks like a great read. I will definitely but this on my pile to buy and read.
I enjoy reading YA books. I pass them on to my granddaughter’s when I’m done. This sounds good and I’m looking forward to reading it.
@Judy Cox Hi Judy!!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it once you get to it. (I know how those TBR piles can get overwhelming.) 🙂
Good luck with the giveaway, and thanks for stopping by!
@Carol M Hi Carol! Thanks for stopping by!
I love that you hand down your books to your granddaughters! I bet you have a lot of fun bonding over books. That’s awesome!
Good luck in the giveaway! Take care!
I love paranormal books. I have not read very many young adult books. Love books with surprises.
@katsrus
Well, you’re in for a treat then! Amber Eyes has lots of surprises! To be perfectly honest, most of the paranormal romance I read are geared towards adults, too. But, if it’s written the right way, I can totally sink into one geared towards young adults. 🙂 I hope you find that to be the case with Amber Eyes!
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
I don’t typically read paranormal but this doeas sound like a good read. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
@mamabunny13
Hmm…maybe I can turn your head towards paranormal, too. As I said to Dollycas, I might just make this my new life’s ambition. 😉
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck with the giveaway!
I am so excited to find you! I’m in Wisc Rapids and love to read stories about places I’ve been, that are local!
@melissa call
Hi Melissa, my fellow Wisconsinite! You’re not to far from me – small world!! Hope you enjoy the book! I’m curious if you’ll be able to identify with the WI setting as Dollycas did. Somehow I think you will. 🙂
Good luck in the giveaway, and thank you for stopping by!
I am sooo excited about this story and I haven’t even read it (yet) 🙂 Loved the review and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
yadkny@hotmail.com
Love your site… pretty nice. Interesting books especially this giveaway. Love paranormal and would love to read this.
@Yadira A.
Hi Yadira! I’m so excited that the story appeals to you! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck to you!!
@Jennifer
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by, and participating in the giveaway. Hope you enjoy the book when you get a chance to read it. If you love paranormal, this book is right up your alley. 😉
Good luck!!
I have to say that I agree with you completely on your review! This book had me surprised, laughing and crying all at once. It was beautifully written and I can’t wait for the next one! 🙂
@Stefany
Awww…thanks, Stefany! You’re so sweet! As you’re well aware, Crimson Eyes is outlined and ready to go – I just need to sit down and finish writing it. Soon! Very soon! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!!
This sounds like a very interesting book.
@bn100
Thanks so much! Once you get a chance to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the giveaway!
Love the title and cover! I kinda dig the dreams of times past thing. Would love to read this.
@Kelli
Hi Kelli! Thanks so much for the kind words! The “amber eye” was provided by a talented artist in Italy (Giulia Manchi), who also helped me with some Italian translations in the book. I had a lot of fun with the dreams of the past. Hopefully that is relayed to you as you read it. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the giveaway!
I can’t believe I almost passed up on this. I saw the cover and said to myself – No that’s not going to interest me. But after reading the excerpt, I changed my mind. You cannot alway judge a book by its cover. Don’t be afraid to give a book a try. Thank you so much. I look forward to reading.
Lynn
lareynolds0316@gmail.com
@Lynn A. Reynolds
Thanks for checking out the description, Lynn. I’m glad it made you change your mind. Hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to read it! 🙂
Good luck in the giveaway!
Amber Eyes sounds really good. I am searching for a book that makes soul mates believable in my imagination and this certainly sounds like it meets the bill. Thank you for taking the time to share with us and for the lovely giveaway opportunity.
@Denise Z
Hi Denise! I hope you enjoy the book! I tried to make the whole concept of soul mates as believable and as embedded in reality as I could. It’s paranormal, but not outlandishly so. 😉
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in the giveaway!
I’m glad I found your blog. I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
@Carolsue
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy the read once you get your hands on it. 😉
Good luck in the giveaway!!