Fabulous and Brunette
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A Lifestyle blog that focuses on all things from fashion to beauty; fitness to weight loss; recipes to coupons; books to movies; travels to entertainment; and everything in between.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
The Poseidon Project by E. William Podojil - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
The Poseidon Project
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
The Nephilim's Fate
by Eliza Hampstead
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GENRE: Fantasy Romance
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BOOK BLURB:
She will find a way, even if it leads to a war between Heaven and Hell.
In the heart of London, Alissia's ordinary life takes a thrilling turn when she is attacked by bloodthirsty vampires. When Nate, the man she dreamed about for years, swoops in to save her, her reality shatters as she discovers a shocking truth: she's a witch, and he's a Nephilim. But their love is cursed, forbidden by ancient laws that threaten to tear their world apart.
As old rivalries resurface and dark secrets come to light, Alissia and Nate must confront their deepest fears and fight for their love, even if it means igniting a war between Heaven and Hell.
With unforgettable characters, steamy romance, and gripping plot twists, this captivating new fantasy series by award-winning author Eliza Hampstead delves into a world of angels and demons, forbidden love, and the inexorable power of fate.
If you crave the intensity of Shadowhunters with an added dose of spice, don't miss out on this spellbinding series!
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EXCERPT TWO:
My heart stopped for a moment before resuming its work at double speed. I gulped. Now was the time for the truth. Seraphina stood up and walked to her desk; when she turned back, she held a photo in her hand. My heart was beating frantically as Seraphina held out the picture. I nearly didn’t take it. I suddenly wanted to live in ignorance, yet my body reacted before I could decide and took the photo. I looked at a woman who resembled me a great deal. She also had dark hair and green eyes, her nose was a bit longer than mine, and her lips were thinner. However, it was clear that she was my kin.
“Her name was Keira Shepard. Your father is still unknown; the coven thinks he was a human and unimportant to her. She never told anybody about him.”
Keira Shepard. A beautiful name that fitted her. I wanted to know everything about her, right now. “What do you know of her? Is her family an old witch family? Did she leave anything behind?”
“She was from an old family. To our knowledge, it had died with her until now. Her belongings went to the coven after her mother—your grandmother—died ten years ago. Her file states she could glimpse into the future. She was much into the second sight. If you want to, I can ask for the whole file, including the documentation about her going missing.”
“That would be splendid. Thank you.” I tried to say more, but my thoughts were spinning. I had the name and face of my birth mother and a thousand questions.
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GUEST POST:
Tell Us About the Villain in The Nephilim's Fate and the Inspiration Behind Their Development
Every great story needs a compelling villain, and for The Nephilim's Fate, Victorija fills this role perfectly. Ruthless, cunning, and relentless, Victorija is the leader of the vampires, a faction constantly struggling for more power. At first glance, she may seem like the classic villain—merciless and dangerous—but like most complex characters, there’s much more beneath the surface.
In The Nephilim's Fate, Victorija's introduction portrays her as a terrifying force. She kidnaps young witches, a heartless act that signals her willingness to do whatever it takes to advance her own power. The witches, who in this world hold significant magical abilities, suppress the vampires because they view them as a dangerous threat. Meanwhile, the Nephilim—powerful beings of divine and mortal descent—actively fight and kill vampires to keep them from rising in influence. This places Victorija in a difficult position where her entire race is oppressed, giving her motivations for being ruthless.
Victorija’s initial portrayal as a cold, heartless antagonist is vital for setting the tone in book 1. She is the perfect villain for Alissia and Nate to face, embodying everything they need to overcome. Her lack of mercy stands in direct contrast to their personal journeys, and her actions create high stakes that drive the tension throughout the story.
But as the series progresses, and particularly in The Nephilim's Finesse (book 3), we start to see a different side of Victorija. Readers learn about her tragic backstory and the events that have shaped her into the villain she is in The Nephilim's Fate. Suppressed by witches, hunted by Nephilim, Victorija’s ruthless tactics are a product of survival. She has endured immense loss and betrayal, and these experiences have hardened her. What appears to be sheer cruelty is actually a well-guarded defense mechanism.
Victorija’s complexity as a villain is key to her development. She’s not just evil for evil’s sake; she’s a product of a broken world, fighting for her people, much like Alissia is fighting for hers. This duality creates a nuanced dynamic in the series, where the line between hero and villain isn’t always clear. It allows readers to feel empathy for her, even as she commits unspeakable acts.
The inspiration for Victorija’s character came from a desire to create a villain that not only challenges the protagonists but also the readers’ understanding of what makes someone “bad.” By giving her layers of motivation, I wanted to remind readers that everyone has a story, and sometimes those who seem the most ruthless are the ones carrying the deepest wounds.
Victorija represents the struggle for power and the consequences of oppression, but she also reflects a theme that runs throughout the War of the Nephilim series: that every villain is the hero of their own story.
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AUTHOR BIO:
Award winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she's always planning her next adventure.
Sign up for Eliza’s newsletter to get exclusive updates on new releases, behind-the-scenes author news, and exciting extras like character interviews, maps, playlists, and bonus chapters that bring the books even more to life!
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CONNECT WITH ELIZA:
AMAZON BUY LINKS:
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GIVEAWAY:
Eliza will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
The Roots Run Deep by C.M. Forest - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
The Roots Run Deep
by C.M. Forest
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GENRE: Horror Short Story Collection
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BOOK BLURB:
Dug from the twisted mind of C.M. Forest, the acclaimed author of Infested, comes a collection of 15 horror stories that will drag you into the abyss of fear and despair.
A fast-food playland with a nightmarish secret, a greenhouse with a bug problem, a busload of kids lost in the woods, a trip through the solar system to investigate a strange comet, and many more.
Brace yourself for an unrelenting journey through a world where evil knows no bounds, and darkness consumes all.
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EXCERPT TWO:
The truck door swung open with a painful groan. Gordon kept his gaze locked on the barn as he climbed out. A cool breeze wafted across the field to grab and tussle his long, unkempt hair. Ahead, the barn door swayed as if in anticipation.
In the bed of the truck were two gas cans. The fuel sloshed as he pulled the red, plastic containers free. The weight of the cans felt comforting as he approached the structure.
He caught the barn door with his foot and kicked it open enough to enter. He thought he might feel a twinge of nostalgia, or maybe even horror, at returning to the old building, but the truth was, it looked just like every other barn he had ever been in. Spinning the caps off one of the cans, he began dumping the gasoline.
A low, creaking sound pulled him away from his work. He stared around the darkened structure, trying damn hard to convince himself it was just the wind, but failing. Despite his darkest imaginings, he could not wrap his head around what could be living within the old, warped walls of the barn. What malevolent force was animating the ancient boards and struts?
When nothing materialized from the gloom, he returned to his business.
With both cans empty, Gordon stood in the door and fished around in his pocket for his lighter. As soon as it was free, he began thumbing the flint wheel. A few angry sparks jumped from the end, but the flame was stubbornly absent. Once again, he heard the creaking. This time, it seemed to come from everywhere all at once. With his lighter forgotten, Gordon stared ahead as something started moving, opening, along the floor. A spike of cold fear chilled him to the bone. He turned to run.
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GUEST POST:
Create a Playlist That Inspired The Roots Run Deep
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AUTHOR BIO:
C.M. Forest, also known as Christian Laforet, is the author of the novel Infested, the novella We All Fall Before the Harvest, the short story collection The Space Between Houses, as well as the co-author of the short-story collection No Light Tomorrow. His short fiction has been featured in several anthologies across multiple genres. A self-proclaimed horror movie expert, he spent an embarrassing amount of his youth watching scary movies. When not writing, he lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife, kids, three cats and a pandemic dog named Sully who has an ongoing love affair with a blanket.
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CONNECT WITH C.M. FOREST:
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GIVEAWAY:
C.M. Forest will be awarding a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, October 14, 2024
Spirience by Mahāmahopādhyāya Bhadreshdas Swami, V.I. Lakshmanan, & S. Kalyanasundaram - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Spirience: Experiencing Peace and Prosperity through Spirituality and Science is a unique and comprehensive look at the importance of spirituality and science to guide our day-to-day living at a personal level, and to achieve peace and prosperity at a global. The term 'spirience' is a blend of two words: spirituality and science. It captures the essence of spirituality in its prefix "spiri-," and the domain of science in its suffix "-ence".
The importance of such a work lies in the challenges faced by the world today, conflicts between nations and ideologies at the global level and the explosion of mental health issues at a personal level. The book will first set the scene to understand the challenges faced by humanity today and the tools that we have to overcome them. An in-depth look at the treasure trove of texts from India's Vedic past, highlighting the spiritual as well as scientific aspects, will be complemented by a study of the evolution of mankind over the past millennia, changes in the way of life and the current levels of extreme discontinuity brought on by an onrush of technological innovations.
Recommendations for going forward will be presented for the readers to ponder and hopefully incorporate in their personal, professional and social lives. The book will be of great value to anyone interested in or active in personal well-being and global peace and prosperity.
EXCERPT ONE:
Spirience: A Fusion of Experiences
Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.1.4
Spirience is an experience. It’s my experience, your experience, everyone’s experience. It is an experience that celebrates the solidarity between spirituality and science. Spirituality and science are like flowers and their fragrance; they share an inseparable bond. When it comes to prosperity and achieving inner peace, integrating these two fields proves immensely beneficial. Any discovery or reflection that strays from life proves fruitless. The union of spirituality and science forms a magnificent connection to life’s more profound experiences. While our bodies are crafted from “star stuff,” our souls seek peace and prosperity. We’ve all observed how deeply woven they are into the fabric of our existence, even if only in simple ways.
Today, we live in an era where understanding the interwoven relationship between spirituality and science has become essential. Our connections have extended beyond our families to include those of the larger world. We are even exploring life on other planets, signifying our desire to expand our relationships even further. Our existence now extends from our homes to the cosmos. Today’s human beings see themselves as part of the universe. The ancient Indian scriptures often mention pinḍeṣu brahmāṇḍeṣu—likening the individual self to the cosmos. The microcosm of humankind is reflected in the macrocosm of the universe and vice versa.
The term “spirience” is a blend of two words: spirituality and science. It captures the essence of spirituality in its prefix “spiri-,” and the domain of science in its suffix “-ence.” This innovative term goes beyond its grammatical structure to emphasize the sentiments integrated within. It represents a harmonious fusion of life’s two great streams encapsulated in a single word that symbolizes the profound interconnection between these two realms.
My Journey with Spirience
My journey with the title Spirience is deeply intertwined with a few experiences I’ve had. The concept and title of this book took shape last year when I was in America. I had the fortunate opportunity to witness the creation of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Akshardham is a beacon of spirituality and culture. While observing its construction, I was captivated by the seamless blend of spirituality and science that expressed itself. It was as though they were intertwined in dance to co-create a rejuvenating spring of inspiration for all of society. It repeatedly felt as though science had lifted spirituality on its shoulders or spirituality had extended a welcoming invitation to science.
About the Authors:
Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami
An esteemed Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and Head of the BAPS Research Institute in New Delhi, Bhadreshdas Swami’s scholarly work Svāminārāyaṇabhāṣya is a profound Sanskrit commentary on the Prasthānatrayī. With a Ph.D. in Sanskrit and multiple honorary degrees, his contributions to the field are widely recognized.
V. I. Lakshmanan, O.C., Ph.D.
Co-founder of Process Research ORTECH and a leader in sustainable technology, Lakshmanan holds numerous patents and has published over 150 scientific works. His accolades include being named an Officer of the Order of Canada and receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India.
S. Kalyanasundaram
With 25 years of experience in advanced technologies for telecommunication networks and serving as the former Executive Director of the Canada India Foundation, Kalyanasundaram enriches the book’s exploration of the synergy between ancient knowledge and modern science.
Spirience is available through major retailers. Discover how this book’s unique integration of spirituality and science can guide you toward a more peaceful and prosperous life.
AMAZON BUY LINK:
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
https://www.amazon.com/Spirience-Experiencing-Prosperity-through-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B0DG17QF5S
Thursday, October 10, 2024
One Little Witch by Crystal Beach - Book Tour - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
One Little Witchby Crystal Beach
GENRE: Children's
BOOK BLURB:
EXCERPT THREE:
MY BOOK REVIEW:
AUTHOR BIO:
CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL:
GIVEAWAY:
Crystal will be awarding a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Playing High by Beth Pellino-Dudzic - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!
Gina Will Do Anything to Protect Her Husband and Her Band
Perfection is one of the hottest bands on the rock n’ roll scene and they are being wooed into the seductive pitfalls that come with fame. How will they continue to rise when temptation is all around them?
Lead singer, Gina, is seen as The Sexy Siren of Rock for her onstage heat and glamour, but her true love is offstage—as wife to guitarist Trevor, and mother to their miracle baby, Roxanne.
Keeping a family together while touring with the band is hard enough, but Gina is faced with an even more sinister challenge. Trevor’s old friend, Brian Mayfield is hell bent on separating the couple—using drugs, alcohol, and women as his weapons. But why is he so driven to destroy them? How far will tough-as-nails Gina go to protect the ones she loves?
EXCERPT TWO:
Trevor noticed Gina was a bit weepy and had to find out what exactly was bothering her. Trevor asked, “Babe, we are getting married again tomorrow, so please, tell me what’s wrong, because I know as soon as Lisa told you she was pregnant, your face just got teary so—”
Gina stammered, “I’ve been keeping a secret from you for about three weeks. I’m late, and sure that I’m pregnant. I didn’t want to say anything, writing music and all this shit. I was afraid to tell you. I wasn’t sure how you would feel because we didn’t plan it. I’m about six weeks along. I figured out that the baby’s due date would be around early June. I still need to see a doctor. I’m not sure how tight my body-hugging wedding dress will fit and I’m scared about your reaction.” She paused to wipe the tears falling freely from her eyes. “Trevor, please say something.”
Trevor had tears in his eyes too. “We’re going to have a baby. That’s what you’re saying?”
“Yes, absolutely. No mistake. You didn’t realize I haven’t had my period?”
“I don’t count the days or watch for that stuff. But why not tell me sooner? Was it this wedding thing?”
“I didn’t want it getting out until after. I was afraid one of us would slip. I’m so sorry. This should be the happiest moment in our life, and I ruined it.”
AUTHOR BIO:
CONNECT WITH BETH:
Website: