Book Blast - The Obscura Syndicate by Raven Storme

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Raven Storme will be awarding a signed paperback and book plate to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lira was meant to die for the throne.

Cassian Vale was trained to be the blade that ended her.

But the moment he hesitates—one heartbeat, one breath—everything forbidden ignites.

Now the deadliest man in the Syndicate is the only thing standing between Lira and a prophecy that demands her blood. He should fear her. He should kill her. Instead… he can’t stop wanting her.

She’s the girl marked for sacrifice.
He’s the weapon shaped to obey.

Together, they become the spark that threatens to burn Obscura to ashes

As Lira’s power awakens and the throne tightens its grip, their desire becomes its own kind of danger—raw, consuming, and impossible to survive untouched. Enemies hunt them. Shadows follow them. And the kingdom whispers one truth:

If Cassian doesn’t ruin her, she’ll ruin him.

A dark, seductive story of prophecy, power, and a love so intense it could topple a kingdom.

Read an Excerpt

“You shouldn’t look at me like that,” Cassian said.

I didn’t stop.

“How should I look at you?” I asked, stepping closer, close enough to feel the heat rolling off his body. “Like a monster?”

His jaw clenched. “Like someone who can ruin you.”

I smiled. “You already have.”

His hand came up fast, pinning me to the wall—not violent, but unyielding. His body crowded mine, every inch of him a warning I ignored willingly.

“You don’t understand what you’re inviting,” he murmured.

“I understand exactly,” I said, fingers sliding into his coat, finding the steady thrum of his heart. “You don’t touch things you don’t intend to keep.”

His breath stuttered.

“Say that again,” he said.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

That was the moment he lost control.

His mouth crushed to mine, all restraint burned away, and the world narrowed to breath, skin, and the terrifying certainty that neither of us would walk away unchanged.

About the Author:

Raven 🐦‍⬛ Storme writes dark, smut-heavy romance for readers who crave obsession, power struggles, and secrets whispered in the dark. Living in Pennsylvania, she’s been married for fourteen years and shares her life with fourteen dogs—because calm has never been her aesthetic. Her debut series, The Obscura Syndicate, dives into forbidden desire, shadowy loyalties, and characters who blur every moral line. Raven believes love is messy, passion is dangerous, and the best stories live in the dark.

Website: http://Ravenstorme.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raven.storme
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravenstormeauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smut.luvin.books

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Obscura-Syndicate-Dark-Gothic-Romance-ebook/dp/B0GH2HS8PW/ref=sr_1_1

VBT - Stone of Destiny by Margaret Izard

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Margaret Izard will be awarding a Stone of Destiny Swag Box to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Bound by destiny, torn by fate—their love stood unbroken, victorious over all.

Kat MacArthur still feels the loss of her brother to another time. Seeking solace, she stumbles upon Ceallach, a Fae warrior, she’s had feelings for ever since she met him. The emotion grows stronger whenever they are together. Yet he warns her to stay away from the upcoming gathering for the Iona Stones. Kat refuses—she needs to be there to help her family and Ceallach.

Ceallach is torn between duty, magic, and the ache for mortal love. His Fae soul is sworn to protect the Iona Stones during the Gathering, but his heart is lost to Kat. With the prophecy looming, he cannot promise her forever—no matter how much he longs to. The maiden of the Iona Stones now faces sacrifice, and he fears if his beloved gets too close, he cannot save her.

When dark forces rise to take the Iona Stones along with their powers, Ceallach is forced into an impossible decision—to defy destiny or surrender to love?

Read an Excerpt

Still wearing a grin, he strode forward with confidence, and a sensuality Kat had not forgotten. The man still took her breath away with one look. Ceallach arrived before her, a smile playing on his lips. As his eyes swept across her face, the expression faltered. His brows knitted together in a frown, shadowing the sudden tension in his gaze. Reaching with his finger, he lifted a tear from her cheek, gripped his fist hard, and when opened, a small, clear teardrop-shaped gemstone sat in his palm.

“Dry yer tears, sweet Kat. Yer face is much prettier without them.” He took her hand and, with his other placed the gemstone in her palm. “When ye hold the gem, yer tears will fade, and happy thoughts shall fill yer heart.” When the stone touched her skin, her mind cleared, and a sense of ease washed over her.

Ceallach released her hand and strode past her to the doors.

Kat turned, calling after him. “Wait, why are ye here?”

The attractive Fae stopped and turned. “Dagda sent me. I’ve come to meet with the guardian of the stones. All the stones have returned. The gathering and battle of good vs evil is upon us. The gods have called, and we must answer.”

He opened the heavy oak doors without effort and strode through. The doors weight closed them, leaving Kat in the shadows again. She blinked, almost not believing her eyes and the truth before her. Her secret love had just casually strolled back into her life. Gripping the gem, he’d shaped from her tears, warmth washed over her. Ceallach was here. A smile crossed her face.

Ceallach was here.

How about an Interview?

1. Describe yourself in three words.

Fearless — I write straight into emotional and mythic fire, willing to face grief, sacrifice, desire, and power head-on without sanding down the edges for comfort.

Imaginative — my mind builds living worlds where history, folklore, Fae, and love braid together into something immersive, emotional, and purposeful.

Relentless — I finish what I start, I show up even when it’s hard, and I keep going until life gives everything promised.

2. Cast your book. Tell us who would play the main characters in a movie and why.

Theo James for Ceallach and Emilia Clarke for Kat MacArthur 

3. What’s your favorite love scene from a movie?

I’m going to have to go with Romeo and Juliet. In High School English class we had to watch the movie and the same day we saw the window scene my boyfriend broke up with me right before that class. I cried the whole class, and was never the same. No one does drama better than Shakespeare. 

Fun Fact: I have his gravestone rubbing framed and hung in my bedroom. As a child it hung in the wet bar area of our home and from a young age I could read it.

Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blest be the man that spares these stones,
And curst be he that moves my bones.. 

4. What’s your wildest fantasy?

I always wanted to be the girl on Whitesnake’s Jaguar XJS convertible in Here I go Again on my Own.

Or the bride in Guns and Roses November Rain – but when I mentioned it to my husband he reminded me, she dies in the video. And in real life, she married Axel Rose only to divorce him later. 

But deep down inside, I just want someone to deep clean my house so I don’t have to!

5. If you were to lose one of your senses, which would you rather lose and why?

Smell, while it’s part of taste, I’d still keep taste and that would be fine with me. Something’s I’ve smelled in my life, I could have done without smelling 😊 

6. What is the naughtiest thing you did as a kid?
As a teenager, before I even had a driver’s license at fifteen, I used to sneak out the go-cart. A boyfriend showed me how to rig a string to the governor switch so I could get full power, and every time I brought it back, I lined it up in the garage just right so my father would never notice.

One afternoon I burned my arm on the muffler. When my father asked what happened, I panicked and blamed the toaster. He didn’t question it for a second—he called the toaster company, chewed them out, and promptly bought a new one.

I let that lie stand for years. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties, sitting at Easter dinner with my husband and kids, that I finally confessed. Until that moment, my father genuinely believed the toaster had burned me. The confession did not go quietly. There’s nothing quite like getting chewed out by your father at Easter supper—especially in front of your spouse and children.

Quickies: These are hysterical!

Boxers or Briefs?

My man wears boxers, I wear woman’s briefs
Top or Bottom?

Both!
Pajamas or nude?

Sleeping = Tshirt but I love laying naked with my man.
Hairy chests or smooth?

My husband may kill me for this, but for a long time he had little chest hair. It didn’t come in till later. So, I like both. FYI, we’ve been married for 33 years.
Alpha or Beta?

If you ask my husband, I’m the alpha but really deep down, beta.

About the Author

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Her latest awards are 2024 Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention for Stone of Love and 2024 Spring BookFest Silver Award for the same title. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her desire for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets.

Website: http://www.margaretizardauthor.com
Buy Links: https://linktr.ee/mizardauthor
Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/mizardauthor

VBT - Stone of Destiny by Margaret Izard

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Margaret Izard will be awarding a Stone of Destiny Swag Box to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Bound by destiny, torn by fate—their love stood unbroken, victorious over all.

Kat MacArthur still feels the loss of her brother to another time. Seeking solace, she stumbles upon Ceallach, a Fae warrior, she’s had feelings for ever since she met him. The emotion grows stronger whenever they are together. Yet he warns her to stay away from the upcoming gathering for the Iona Stones. Kat refuses—she needs to be there to help her family and Ceallach.

Ceallach is torn between duty, magic, and the ache for mortal love. His Fae soul is sworn to protect the Iona Stones during the Gathering, but his heart is lost to Kat. With the prophecy looming, he cannot promise her forever—no matter how much he longs to. The maiden of the Iona Stones now faces sacrifice, and he fears if his beloved gets too close, he cannot save her.

When dark forces rise to take the Iona Stones along with their powers, Ceallach is forced into an impossible decision—to defy destiny or surrender to love?

Read an Excerpt

Still wearing a grin, he strode forward with confidence, and a sensuality Kat had not forgotten. The man still took her breath away with one look. Ceallach arrived before her, a smile playing on his lips. As his eyes swept across her face, the expression faltered. His brows knitted together in a frown, shadowing the sudden tension in his gaze. Reaching with his finger, he lifted a tear from her cheek, gripped his fist hard, and when opened, a small, clear teardrop-shaped gemstone sat in his palm.

“Dry yer tears, sweet Kat. Yer face is much prettier without them.” He took her hand and, with his other placed the gemstone in her palm. “When ye hold the gem, yer tears will fade, and happy thoughts shall fill yer heart.” When the stone touched her skin, her mind cleared, and a sense of ease washed over her.

Ceallach released her hand and strode past her to the doors.

Kat turned, calling after him. “Wait, why are ye here?”

The attractive Fae stopped and turned. “Dagda sent me. I’ve come to meet with the guardian of the stones. All the stones have returned. The gathering and battle of good vs evil is upon us. The gods have called, and we must answer.”

He opened the heavy oak doors without effort and strode through. The doors weight closed them, leaving Kat in the shadows again. She blinked, almost not believing her eyes and the truth before her. Her secret love had just casually strolled back into her life. Gripping the gem, he’d shaped from her tears, warmth washed over her. Ceallach was here. A smile crossed her face.

Ceallach was here.

About the Author

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Her latest awards are 2024 Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention for Stone of Love and 2024 Spring BookFest Silver Award for the same title. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her desire for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets.

Website: http://www.margaretizardauthor.com
Buy Links: https://linktr.ee/mizardauthor
Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/mizardauthor

Book Blast - LOVE, LIFE AND MOTHER NATURE by James C Glassford

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. James C. Glassford will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture in the lonely shore,
There is a society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but nature more.
– Lord Byron

These poems reflect the healing powers of nature both without and within. It can amaze you and comfort you, rejuvenate and rehabilitate you— if you let it.

Discover its powers—read on!

Read an Excerpt

Summer Sunrise

Sunrise in the mountains is a majestic and moving sight

It undresses the cloak of darkness and brings the world light To the east a rosy blush begins as earth embraces the dawn Curtains of night are lifted and its shadows soon withdrawn

Tendrils of light steal down the cavernous canyons tall Like fingers of liquid lava running down a volcano wall

Caressing the cliffs and painting a sheen on their snowy faces An artist’s hand and a pastel palette touching many places

Tree by tree tree the forest takes on a new found tinge The seas too are painted from their centre to their fringe

A kaleidoscope of colour as you watch the masterpiece unfold With subtle grace and beauty like an alluring dream untold

Rays of sunlight kiss the soft belly of the fluffy clouds Brushing them with chameleon colours endlessly endowed The world awakens in the sun’s tender soft-hued glow, Each ray a promise, a new day of heartfelt hope to sow.

From darkness to light, there is a magical transition A celestial ballet in a splendid and stately exhibition The wind seems to whisper softly dispelling all fears As a chorus of songbirds add their comforting cheers

The sun ascends faster now as purples turn to gold Bringing its welcoming warmth and dispelling the cold The sky is suddenly ablaze with the early morning light Finally vanquishing the demons of the daunting night

Enjoy Nature’s peace and grandeur as it percolates within Let your heart be touched and feel a solemn serenity begin Cast aside your worries, your troubles and your woes
As renewal begins and a blissful energy soon flows

  About the Author: I am a retired physician who has been blessed with the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on earth: Vancouver Island. Throughout my life I have remained intimately connected to nature. I consider it an alternate classroom and a timeless and thought-provoking teacher. It has taught me many enduring life lessons.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240661898-love-life-and-mother-nature
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1834182123

Blurb Blitz - Undisciplined Catalyst by Gail Koger

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Koger will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

I was sixteen when I found out not only am I an alien hybrid, but monsters called the Tai-Kok were getting ready to invade our world. Guess who gets to stop them? Me! How?

My uncle, the mad scientist, created a machine called the portal that instantaneously sends a test subject from one location to another by converting them into energy. His idea is to port me onto a Tai-Kok ship. All I have to do is leave a bomb, hit the retrieval button on my spiffy traveler’s belt and poof! I’m back on Earth before the Tai-Kok ship goes kaboom. Sounds simple, right?

Wrong. Uncle Ben doesn’t have a clue where I’ll actually appear on the ship. It could be the engine room, the crew quarters, or even the bridge. It’s like playing Russian roulette. The Tai-Kok don’t like surprises or uninvited guests.

To make things even more fun, I have an alien battle commander stuck in my head and I’m related to a powerful Coletti warlord. Yippee. The chances of me living to see eighteen aren’t good.

Read an Excerpt

“Give ‘em hell.” A wild look in his eyes, Uncle Ben tapped on the console.

The circles of light surrounded me, but this time it felt like a zillion fire ants were crawling over my body. Holy hell! Something had gone wrong! I appeared in midair and dropped like a rock. Smack! I slammed into someone, and my Glock went flying.

My eyes bugged. I was on the bridge of a futuristic warship, and the viewscreen showed one hell of a space battle going on. To make things even more fun, I was lying across the lap of a huge, muscle-bound male wearing black battle armor. Since he was sitting in the captain’s chair, I was assuming he was the boss.

A very angry-looking boss. I blinked. Holy cow was he good-looking, if you were into the whole merciless predator thing. Huh? The red chains woven into his black warrior’s braids matched the communication device on his left wrist. Who knew aliens accessorized and why did I care? I took a deep breath trying to control the panic streaking through me.

A low growl rumbled in his chest.

One look into his disturbingly hostile amber eyes and I knew I was in big trouble. I reached for my retrieval button.

His arms clamped around me painfully, and he spat a bunch of gobbledygook.

“Sorry, I don’t speak that language,” I replied mentally. Somehow, I knew he was psychic.

A harsh voice sounded in my head, “How did you get through our shields.”

“Dunno. My uncle is the scientific genius, not me. I’m just the delivery girl.”

“What do you deliver?”

Did I look stupid? The minute I told him bombs; he’d kill me. I pasted a friendly smile on my face. “Stuff. I’m Lexi and you are?”

“Battle Commander Kaelen. I serve Zarek the Coletti Overlord.”

About the Author: I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1598719.Gail_Koger
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Askole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colettiwarlordbooks/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Koger/e/B001K838BY
Website: https://www.gailkoger.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Undisciplined-Catalyst-Coletti-Warlord-Book-ebook/dp/B0G3D5M4L5