Tonight's Chat with Jennifer Osborn, Author of The Dawning of Scarlett

We had our first live chat tonight at What's Beyond Forks?. I'm so glad to have had Jennifer Osborn with us tonight to reveal her new cover of The Dawning of Scarlett! This was an exciting night, and even though we learned which chatroom we won't be using in the future, I think we all had a good time. In case you missed the chat, you can catch up below. 

Don't forget to enter to win an ebook of The Dawning of Scarlett too! Three are up for grabs!

Thank you to Jen, and everyone who participated in the chat room and through Facebook! 

Exclusive Cover Reveal!! The Dawning of Scarlett by Jennifer Osborn, Plus a Review!

The Dawning of Scarlett by Jennifer Osborn
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Date Published: April 28, 2016 Pre-order!
Publisher: Self

If you missed the chat with author, Jennifer Osborn, you can catch up here!

As a pale revenant—the vampire faction believing all life is sacred—sixteen-year-old Scarlett Ellis has learned to hide in the human world.  She goes to night-school, works at a coffee shop, and her uncle Chasem trains her in martial arts. No matter what, she has to be prepared, because when she turns seventeen, she’ll be of Dawning age—and her biological father Apollo vows to see her dead first. 

Expecting her Dawning to be impossible, she accepts the fact that she will become a rogue, forever hunted by revenant renegades and outcast by her own people. Scarlett thinks she’s prepared for this—until the curly-haired Nicholas Lightener walks into her life and asks her out on a date.

Torn between her feelings for Nick and the danger of the revenant world, Scarlett’s strange life is turned inside-out when she’s kidnapped and forced to do the one thing she swore she’d never do. Plus, she has no idea whose memories keep appearing in her dreams, or if they can even help her. Determined to free herself from a death sentence, Scarlett must fight to become who she was born to be.

How about that cover? Looks lovely doesn't it? The book is pretty amazing too. Scarlett is quite an emotionally complex character, and she is brought to life so well within this story. She felt real while I read, and there were times where I felt what she felt. She knows how to use her strengths, but at the same time there were moments where I could see she still had her "high school girl" mentality. Again, she's very realistically written. Each character brought something to the story. The tension between Scarlett and Apollo is palpable. So much so, it hurt to read at times. Chasem was interesting. I'd love to learn more about him. He has me very intrigued.

I also learned something in this book. I always thought revenants were zombie or ghost like undead creatures. I didn't know they could also be vampires or a form of vampire. Through a little research after reading the book, and thank you to the author too for her information. We sent each other info back and forth about it. So, I learned something new. I love when a book teaches me... especially when it has to do with mythological/fantasy creatures. It adds to the adventure of reading.

I would like to say many things about the ending, but I can't for fear of revealing too much. Let me just say it was emotional in a way I never expected.

The Dawning of Scarlett is a story with so much to offer its readers. Its fast paced action, complex characters and situations, romance, revenants.. and not to mention the emotions that fly all over the place while you read. It's definitely a book I'd recommend for anyone who likes a little bite in their reading. I'm ready for more!

The ARC of The Dawning of Scarlett by Jennifer Osborn was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

Also check out my review of another book by Jennifer Osborn!!

Jennifer Osborn was born and raised in South Eastern Kentucky and transplanted to the Cincinnati, Ohio area where she continues to live.

Having grown up with characters freely roaming around in her head, she gave into the compulsion to write them on paper and give them a voice.

Through out high school, her stories were passed around from friend to friend, which fueled the desire for more.

As an adult she is continuing to pursue her love of writing, both in books, short stories and poetry form.

To learn more about Jennifer Osborn and her books, visit her website & blog.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Top Ten Week! My Favorite Book Covers of 2014

You probably already know this, but I'm cover crazy. It's very hard for me not to judge a book by it's cover, but how can you blame me? Look at all the breathtakingly, beautiful covers out there!

Below, are my favorite covers of 2014 in no particular order.

(click the image for my review)

Top Ten Week!
Monday: My Favorite Books of 2014

Tuesday: My Favorite Book Quotes of 2014
Wednesday: My Favorite Book Covers of 2014

Thursday: My Favorite Book Boyfriends of 2014

Friday: Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2014

Top Ten Week!! My Favorite Books of 2014

This is probably one of  the things I look forward to most on my blog each year. Every year I pick out my Top Tens. In the past, I've done it as part of a group with bunches of other blogs, which I love, but they post before the New Year, and I like for the year to be over before I pick out my favorites. Remember last year? I had to go back and add a book that I'd finished in between making my lists and the New Year. (There was no way I was letting Unreap My Heart go unmentioned.) So this year, I decided to wait and do my lists during the first full week of January. This way, 2014 is officially over! Nothing last minute to sneak in. *wink*

Here are my Top Ten Favorite Books I've read in 2014!!

(in no particular order)

Wonderfully Wicked (The Dreamcaster Series #1) 
by C.J. Burright 
Genre: Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Date Published: May 13, 2014
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Why did I love this book?
Wonderfully Wicked was dark, and seductive, and very unexpected. I loved it! The author couldn't have picked a more perfect name for this book, because Wonderfully Wicked is exactly what it is!

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Genre: Young Adult (Dystopian/Romance)
Date Published: June 5, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Why did I love this book?
I love, love, loved this book. I loved the whole trilogy, and I'm sad that it's over, but everything was wrapped up nicely. I don't have any lingering questions. You find out so much about the true character of the characters. Some of them were surprising. There are more rebel attacks and some unexpected allies. Not to mention the romance. Things heat up quite a bit.

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Nocte (The Nocte Trilogy #1) by Courtney Cole 

Genre: New Adult (Contemporary Romance)

Date Published: November 3, 2014

Publisher: Lakehouse Press Inc

Why did I love this book?

The story was suspenseful and dark with characters that are damaged and haunted. This is one of those books that you need to read knowing almost nothing about the story. The less you know going in, the better.

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

The Legacy (Legacy Series, #1) by Melissa Delport

Genre: Adult Fiction (Dystopian)

Date Published: July 2014

Publisher: Tracey McDonald Publishers

Why did I love this book?

Rebecca is hands down one of the bravest, gutsy-est, and strongest female main characters I've ever read about. The story was fast paced with heaps of action. Whether they were running for their lives, fighting, or steaming up the pages, the story kept my adrenalin pumping while pulling at my heart. 

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Darkside Sun (Mortal Machine, #1) by Jocelyn Adams 

Genre: New Adult (Paranormal Romance)
Date Published: March 10, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Embrace (Entangled Publishing)

Why did I love this book?

This novel was stuffed to the brim with everything I like to find in a story, and I simply couldn't get enough of it. The premise and paranormal aspects were unique. I can't say I've ever read anything like it, and I loved that. The characters were so real. Even though I mentally argued with both Addison and Asher several times, I grew to really love them. 

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Forever Layla by Melissa Turner Lee

Genre: New Adult (Science Fiction/ Romance)
Date Published: May 27, 2014
Publisher: AltWit Press

Why did I love this book?

The plot was gripping and flowed nicely. Layla & David were characters you could really grab onto. I believed them and their story. I felt entirely immersed into their lives as I read. I wanted it to be real. 

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal Romance/Dystopian)

Date Published: February 5, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Why did I love this book?

I'm so sad that this was the last book. It's a fantastic trilogy! There's so much to say, but since this is the final book, I can't say much without spoilers, so go read this trilogy!

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Bloodmark (Bloodmark Saga #1) by Aurora Whittet
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: November 1, 2013

Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing

Why did I love this book?

This book was so good in so many ways. It brought out a new spin on Werewolves and Bloodsuckers. We get to see a lot of the pack dynamic among the wolves which was interesting to say the least. They have some old world views on things. The main characters and even some of the supporting characters have a lush & interesting history. This book was packed with passion, suspense, danger, and a touch of humor. It was hard to put down!

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Broken (Redemption #1) by Lauren Layne 

Genre: New Adult (Contemporary Romance/Fractured Fairytale)

Date Published: Sept. 2, 2014

Publisher: Flirt

Why did I love this book?

This is a story of two broken people trying to live. It has addictive bantering, tension that will make you weak in the knees, and a story that pulls you right into the lives of the characters. Broken was an exceptional re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, and it kept me lost in its world until the very last page.

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Hemlock Veils by Jennie Davenport
Genre: Adult (Paranormal Romance/Fractured Fairy Tale)
Date Published: November 25th 2014

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Why did I love this book?
As you can see, I love fairy tale re-tellings, and this was a wonderful spin on Beauty and the Beast. The author created characters and a story that felt real and original. Even if you know the original Beauty and the Beast, Hemlock Veils will still keep you in suspense with it twists and surprises.

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Honorable Mention!!

The Veiled - Expanded Edition (The Shilund Saga #1) by Jennifer Osborn

Genre: Adult (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: October 5, 2014
Publisher: Indescribable Publishing

Why did I love this book?

I finished this book a day or so before the New Year. It's still fresh on my mind making it definitely worthy of an honorable mention! There was action, romance, danger, and a touch of horror. Plus we have Shilunds!

Click here for the blurb and my full review!

Top Ten Week!
Monday: My Favorite Books of 2014

Tuesday: My Favorite Book Quotes of 2014
Wednesday: My Favorite Book Covers of 2014

Thursday: My Favorite Book Boyfriends of 2014

Friday: Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2015

Book Review: The Veiled - Expanded Edition by Jennifer Osborn

The Veiled - Expanded Edition (The Shilund Saga #1) by Jennifer Osborn
Genre: Adult (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: October 5, 2014
Publisher: Indescribable Publishing

Danger lurks in the dark woods that surround the small town of Presque Isle. Legends passed down from generation to generation, cautioned all to avoid the woods or risk losing your life. It was rumored that throughout the years, many who did not heed the warning went missing, right before the sighting of human like creatures, never to be heard of again. Jack dismissed the lure as the urban myths that accompany all small towns. Until on a camping trip with two of his friends, the unthinkable happens, leaving his friends dead and him imprisoned by a mysterious girl named Serena. Her strange eyes and stories of others of her kind intrigue him, leaving him defenseless to her. He discovers that his small town was nothing like he thought and that his life and those around him would be better than he could ever imagine, if he would only believe

The Veiled is the first book in the Shilund Saga by Jennifer Osborn. I'm not sure what was added or changed in the expanded edition that was or wasn't in the first version, but I'm so glad the author offered the expanded edition to me, because I couldn't imagine any tid bit from this book to be missing from the story. There was action, romance, danger, and a touch of horror. I immediately connected with the characters. I could feel Serena's feelings of being an outsider and being okay with it yet longing to belong at the same time. She was easy to relate to. Jack was believable too. They have an instant attraction, but he's cautious of Serena and wasn't quick to trust her. He knew she wasn't human, but didn't know what a Shilund was either. What is a Shilund you ask? In the beginning I thought it would be bigfoot or something similar, but as I read... I'm not so sure, so I googled it. I couldn't find anything about a Shilund that wasn't related to this book so, it seems to be a creature of the author's imagination. I love that about them. They are something unique to this saga. They are intriguing, and I'm anxious to learn more. To know more about these creatures, you'll just have to read the book too.

The Veiled by Jennifer Osborn was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

Gazing to look out the window, he could see the sun filtering through the trees in sharp rays.  Their golden light breaking the darkness apart.  As he studies the dust dancing in the light, a feral face appeared before him, gazing at him with a snarl.

Jack recoiled back so quickly that he landed with a thud on his backside.  With a delft quickness, the creature was inside the cabin and on top of Jack, pounding him into the floor.  Jack responded by swinging up to the figure and striking it in its face hard.  That succeeded in momentarily stunning it.   His eyes were exactly like Serena’s, only his irises were a mint green.

Jack could see it was a Shilund, like Serena, but decidedly male.  His canines were bigger, and his body was all muscled and stern.  The male growled at Jack and pulled back to strike again, when suddenly his weight was off of Jack.  It was a blur of movement as the Shilund male was thrown across the room, and a rumble echoed off the walls.

Jack looked up to see Serena standing in front of him in a protective stance, bearing her fangs to the male laying across the room.   She was impressive…and scary.  Jack stood up, only to be held back by Serena.

“Remain still!” she ordered and Jack nodded okay.

The male was up in a moment, his chest heaving with anger.

“What is this?”  The male demanded through gritted teeth.  “You have a human here!”

“This does not concern you Rafhey!”  Serena spat, holding her stance before Jack.

“I can-“ Jack began.

“Quiet!” Serena screamed.

Okay, so he’d try to keep his mouth shut.

“Doesn’t concern me?  Are you crazy Serena!”  Rafhey began to pace slightly.  “You have this human here with you.  You are breaking the law!”

“No one needs to know this,” Serena began, “you can turn and leave exactly as you came.” She indicated the door with an incline of her head.

The room became quiet, only the heavy panting of Serena and Rafhey.  Jack could hear his own heart beat in his ears.

Rafhey took a step forward, and Jack found himself attempting to get in front of Serena and pull her behind him.  Whatever was going to happen, he didn’t want her hurt.  Not for anything.

Serena frustrated pulled Jack back and whinnied, “Stop that! He won’t hurt me!”

Jack tried not to be moved, but Serena pulled him easily behind her.  Man was she strong.

Rafhey moved another step closer and threatened, “Baden will rain down hell on this place knowing a human is here…alive.   You know the law.  This will not pass.”

“Baden need not know.”  Serena walked closer to Rafhey, “You can keep this to yourself.  The human is only here long enough to heal and leave.”

Rafhey looked Jack up and down disdainfully, “He looks well enough now.  Are you sure it was only to let him heal? “

Serena seemed taken back.  “Of course that is all.  Why else would I allow a human here?”

“I don’t know Serena.  You tell me?”   His fierce eyes glowed suspicion.

Cue the jeopardy music.  Neither party moved, but seemed to stare each other down, each poised for conflict.

Rafhey shifted slightly, his hand moving toward the inside of his robe, slowly revealing a gleaming blade.

Her movement was so fast; Jack could not track it.  One moment Serena was with him, and the next she had Rafhey against the wall holding him by his throat, his legs dangling in mid air.  The blade dropped harmlessly to the ground.

The noise coming from her was animalistic and low.

“You. Will. Not. Touch. Him.” The menace was clear.  Serena pushed Rafhey further up the wall, waiting for him to respond.   He could only manage to scratch at her hand to loosen it, but was unsuccessful.

Rafhey struggled, his voice a whisper. “—Let….me….go.”

Serena continued to growl as she held him, squeezing her hand tighter, which only succeeded in sending a panicked look on Rafhey’s face as all air was completely cut off.   He began to lose consciousness.

“Serena!” Jack shouted, hoping to catch her attention.  He didn't want to see her kill him, even though he could care less for Rafhey.  This was all about Serena.

Serena’s eyes flickered toward Jack's direction in acknowledgement of her name, and she released Rafhey.  He landed in a tangled mess.

Rafhey struggled for breath, pulling in the air as deeply as he could through coughs.  Grasping onto his throat, he glared up at Serena.

Serena squatted down in front of him and spoke between clenched teeth.  “Get out of my house.   And if you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will gut you.  Do you understand?”

Rafhey stared at her, still attempting to breathe.  He made no attempt to answer her.

Serena grabbed the blade from the floor and held it to his throat.  Rafhey froze.

“I asked, do you understand?” She glared at him unflinchingly.

“Yes.” He whispered.

“Good.”  She replied as she stood and dropped the blade at his feet.  “Now get out.”

Rafhey gathered himself, weaving like a drunk and paused at the front door.  “One day Serena, you will answer for this.  Mark my words.”

Her only response was to snarl again at him as she stood in front of Jack to protect him.  Rafhey reluctantly turned and disappeared into the golden sunlight streaming in through the door.

Jack felt himself relax, and he sat back on the bed.  What had just happened here?  He couldn't figure out why this Rafhey character was so on edge, like someone had just peed in his Wheaties.

Jennifer Osborn was born and raised in South Eastern Kentucky and transplanted to the Cincinnati, Ohio area where she continues to live.

Having grown up with characters freely roaming around in her head, she gave into the compulsion to write them on paper and give them a voice.

Through out high school, her stories were passed around from friend to friend, which fueled the desire for more.

As an adult she is continuing to pursue her love of writing, both in books, short stories and poetry form.

To learn more about Jennifer Osborn and her books, visit her website & blog.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.