Crimson Jewel Book Tour

Crimson Jewel by A. Gordon
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retelling
Format: eARC
Source: Provided as part of book tour
Goodreads

A Deadly Game of Dating.
Choose One.
FEE. FIE. FOE. FUM.

Bea spends her days fighting to stay alive in post-apocalyptic Alaska. She doesn’t have time to believe in giants, true love, or fairy tales. That is, until she uses a strange staircase concealed in the forest to escape the latest predator trying to kill her. While hiding, she’s caught by Raiden, a giant with stormy eyes and disturbingly sexy fangs. For trespassing, he forces her up the stairs to his realm.

Upon arrival in the Fiefdom, she discovers that she’s the key to unlocking an ancient prophecy. Desperate for her to stay, the giants offer a deal—if she agrees to marry a First-Born son of nobility and become queen, they promise sanctuary to her family. Determined to give her loved ones a better life, Bea signs a blood oath that gives her four weeks to choose a husband from the Fiefdom’s most eligible bachelors.

But some giants want her dead. To survive, she’ll need to navigate a web of lies, discern friend from foe, and thwart multiple assassination attempts, all while balancing a complicated social life. Will she make it to the altar before she loses her life—or her heart?

Crimson Jewel

By A Gordon

 

About the Book:

Publication Date: June 18, 2025

Genre: Romantasy (Fantasy and Romance)

A Deadly Game of Dating.

Choose One.

FEE. FIE. FOE. FUM.

Ruby spends her days fighting to stay alive in post-apocalyptic Alaska. She doesn’t have time to believe in giants, true love, or fairy tales. That is, until she uses a strange staircase concealed in the forest to escape the latest predator trying to kill her. While hiding, she’s caught by Raiden, a giant with stormy eyes and disturbingly sexy fangs. For trespassing, he forces her up the stairs to his realm. 

Upon arrival in the Fiefdom, she discovers that she’s the key to unlocking an ancient prophecy. Desperate for her to stay, the giants offer a deal—if she agrees to marry a First-Born son of nobility and become queen, they promise sanctuary to her family. Determined to give her loved ones a better life, Ruby signs a blood oath that gives her four weeks to choose a husband from the Fiefdom’s most eligible bachelors.  

But some giants want her dead. To survive, she’ll need to navigate a web of lies, discern friend from foe, and thwart multiple assassination attempts, all while balancing a complicated social life. Will she make it to the altar before she loses her life—or her heart?

 

Purchase Links:

 

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

Books-A-Million

 

Excerpt:

 

Sitting down on the bed, I stared at the heels. They were the final straw of imposter syndrome. You could clean me up, dress me in fancy clothes, and decorate me in jewels, and I still wouldn’t fit in. But it was better than starvation or being eaten by a pack of wolves, so I pulled on the ridiculous shoes. Unsteady as a newborn filly, I wobbled over to the full-length mirror. I yanked on the crop top, trying to make the fabric longer.

I glanced at Sid, who was watching me intently. “No, judgment,” I chided, not used to so much exposed skin.

Together, we peered out the door, confirming the hallway was empty. With a hand pressed against the wall for balance, my stilettos and I teetered along. I was about to give up and go back to the room to find a different mode of transportation when somebody chuckled. Recognizing the deep timbre, my irritation flared and heat crawled up my cheeks.

I spun around as fast as possible without falling on my derriere. “What? You don’t have anything better to do than laugh at me? Don’t worry, I’m headed back to the room to change out of these stupid shoes.”

“No, I’m sorry. I apologize.” Raiden held up a hand. “You’re just so fierce most of the time, I didn’t think a stupid pair of shoes would be your demise.”

I had to give him an A for effort. He was trying to control his laughter.

“Everyone has their kryptonite,” I said.

His gaze slid down the length of my body. “That they do.” He sounded resigned.

I was surprised he understood the reference, but I didn’t have time to ask before my ankle buckled. 

Raiden caught me under both arms, gripping almost my entire ribcage with his hands. The weight of my breasts rested on his thumbs. An uncomfortable warmth pooled in my stomach, and shivers skated over my skin. He didn’t seem to notice.

“Are you okay?” His gray eyes were level with mine. The pulse in his neck, right above the open collar of his shirt, thumped in rhythm with the rapid beat of my heart. 

I took a deep breath and released it slow. “Yes. Thank you.”

He helped me stand, then let go, leaving behind tingling imprints of his hands around my chest. “Do you think if I escort you, you can walk in those things?”

“Yeah, but can’t I just go change?” I whined. I didn’t like relying on anyone. Besides, being close to him made me feel weird. The force was strong in this one. It wasn’t the same as being around
Loch—he made me feel self-conscious, like a peasant around a prince.

He glanced down and checked his silver watch. “You can, but being late is heavily frowned upon around here.”

“Okay,” I said, not wanting to be rude.

He held out an elbow, and when I looped it with my own, his skin was searing hot against mine.

“Do you feel okay?” I touched his arm with my free hand. 

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re so hot.”

A charming but cocky smirk curled his lips. “Thank you.”

I smacked his arm lightly. “No. That’s not what I meant and you know it. It’s like you have a fever.”

“We naturally run hotter than humans.”

Funny, my temperature ran around 100 degrees, which I’d always thought odd, but my mom had assured me it was normal. She’d convinced me a lot of strange things were normal. Like taking vials of mine and Kevin’s blood to work with her. She said she did it because of her job.

“Earlier, you referred to me as a young lady, and now I’ve been demoted to human again?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, about that. I owe you an apology. I was mad. You interrupted my investigation and I let my irritation get the better of me.”

“Is human a derogatory term?”

“It can be. Some giants don’t like humans. Others, well . . . they like them a little too much.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Redness crept up his neck, staining his face pink. “Oh, for Fie’s sake. I’m just making this worse.”

I didn’t argue.

“I don’t dislike humans,” he clarified.

“Dude, should I get you a shovel so you can dig this hole deeper?”

He snorted, then choked out a laugh, his deep-set eyes all but disappearing behind his wide smile. “Yes, please, so I can finish burying myself.” 

 

What Readers Are Saying:

OMG, YOU GUYS!!

If you love romantasy, DON’T SLEEP ON THIS ONE! It’s on KU, but with a cover like that, I had to order a paperback for my shelf.

FEE FIE FOE FUM. Jack and the Beanstalk for grown-ups with a Bachelorette twist? Yeah, count me in.

Bump it to the top of your TBR…STAT.

Crimson Jewel was an amazing read from beginning to end! Immersive, lush world-building, high stakes, and scorching spice had me turning the pages and staying up late just to see what would happen next!

Bea is a strong, savvy FMC that you instantly root for. Each decision she makes is relatable… whether for good or not so good.

Crimson Jewel is a fresh take on romantasy. It’s unique, cleverly plotted, and the writing is vivid, bringing the world to life in cinematic fashion.  I loved this book from start to finish and very, very highly recommend it!

Alex Gordon you knocked it out of the park! – A.A. DaSilva (Award Winning Author of Periphery)

Like any good millennial, romantasy books are my secret guilty pleasure. I’ll be the first to
admit I thought the ACOTAR series was top tier in this category- until I read this book. Forget fairy bat boys, this book unlocked a fantasy I didn’t even know I had- getting smashed by giants.

Action, romance, sass, adventure, this book has it all. The characters are raw and real and this is a brilliant take on an old nursery rhyme. I read it in two days, I couldn’t put it down and I’m definitely adding A Gordon to my list of favorite authors so I don’t miss any of her next works. (PLEASE tell me there will be a next work!)

Seriously run, don’t walk, to buy this book. 10/10 recommend.

If you put together Jack and the Beanstalk with a genderbent The Bachelor you get this refreshing
and spicy fantasy romance with GIANTS, prophecies, magical kingdoms and HOT bachelors that will keep you turning pages – Anonymous

 

 Julie’s Review:

The Crimson Jewel can be described as a deadly reverse Bachelor / Jack and the Beanstalk retelling.

The action was non stop from the start, following Bea as she attempts to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where her parents disappeared when she was a child. She accidentally triggers a gate to the realm of the giants, and is basically kidnapped to explain herself to the Fiefdom (yes – Fee, Fie, Foe, and Fum being the factions of the giant Fiefdom). There, it is revealed that she fits the prophecy, and she gets tricked into complying because the only thing she cares about are her family and friends she is protecting back in the underground bunker of her life in the human realm.

Bea makes a lot of mistakes, understandable for a character in her early 20s, but she strives to do the right thing no matter what. The MMCs – yes, there are 5 of them – are each unique and lovable in their own ways. But she must choose a “first son” or die. Oh, and not only that, but others are trying to kill her just for playing along. She can’t win! I lost count of how many times she almost dies. But hey, if she survives these “trials” and picks her king, she gets to be queen.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding of the Fiefdom and all the lovely creatures (like Pegasus – yes!) and how different each of the four factions of the giant world are. I enjoyed seeing Bea’s powers develop as she spent more time in the giant realm fighting for her life. While I did see the ending coming, I mean there really was no other way this could end without me rioting, I liked how it all came together.

If you like these tropes, you will enjoy the book:

• Standalone Romantasy
• Choose your fate adventure
• Multiple MMCs and Spicy times
• Found Family
• Strong FMC
• Chosen One/ Prophecies
• Forced Proximity
• Strangers/Enemies/Friends to Lovers
• Alpha Males (Touch her and Die)

 

 

Author Interview

At what point did you decide to be an author, and what was your path to publication?

1. All of my life, I’ve been an avid reader, though I never thought about writing until a friend bought me a psychic reading for my birthday. I’m a bit of a skeptic, but I thought it would be fun. I went to the reading and she told me I was destined to become an author. When I left, I figured she wasn’t a very good psychic. Apparently, I was wrong. Once I had a few books written, I started the querying process. I stopped counting at 75 rejections, but eventually got the coveted My YA series is traditionally published, but my newest book, Crimson Jewel, I decided to publish on my own. I wanted complete control. (Weird, huh!) First of all, I break a pretty big romance rule and second, I had a specific design I wanted for the cover. Overall, I’m pleased with my decision and plan to publish my next one as well.

What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?

2. I would love to chase the squirrel but I know better! So, most of the time I write the idea down, plot it in my head when I should be sleeping, and finish my current project first.

Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding of your attention and detail as a writer?

3. I don’t have a favorite character to write. I love that all of them are different because I get bored easily— (aka “UP syndrome!”)

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot, and plan, or is your writing more organic?

4. I’m a pantser (write by the seat of you pants) with a plan. I have a map of the beginning, the middle, and the end—but how I get there is an off-road adventure.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

5. My favorite book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Action, adventure, time-travel, violence, history, romance, and men in kilts all held together by a bad-ass FMC and my original, and still my favorite, book boyfriend. I feel like that pretty much covers everything important.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing romance.

6. Weaving romantic tension into a story is delicious—plus, I’m a sucker for a HEA.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing romance?

7. The spicy scenes are my least favorite thing to write.

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in your jobs/education in your writing?

8. As a former hairdresser, my experience with people is spread throughout my stories. (And yes, my former clients/friends are well aware! Lol) I’m always concerned with believability in my characters decisions. There must be a reason why they make certain choices—whether it’s past trauma, or naivety. And after so many years behind the chair, I think it’s one of my strengths as a writer. I know people.

Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?

9. Ruby is determined, impulsive, and her love language is sarcasm and protection. I identify with all of those. She’s also tall, trusting, and emotionally unavailable because of her life situation. I’m not any of those things, though I’d love to be tall.

Describe the book or series in 10 words or less for people just learning about it.

10. Spicy retelling of The Bachelorette meets Jack and the Beanstalk.

Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

11. The heart of this book is learning how to trust yourself even after you’ve made bad decisions. (Because we’ve never done that!)

Do you have any odd (writing) habits?

12. I outline after the book is finished.

What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?

13. I’m not sure it was the toughest criticism I’ve received, but one of my beta readers told me I sounded like a chick writing a dude. I laughed, because she wasn’t wrong. And the best compliments are the good reviews.

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?

14. Finish the book and listen to your gut. There’s a lot of noise out there on how everyone thinks things should be done—well, you’re not everyone, so do it your way. See previous statement😊

What is your favorite line from your book?

15. “So you’re saying that just because I’m surrounded by roses, I can’t think a red lily is beautiful too?”

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

16. Chapter 45 in Crimson Jewel is my absolute favorite…

What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real-life men” impossibly high?

17. I love my book-boyfriends. I guess it depends on your expectations of a man whether they exist or not. And again, it depends on what you read if the expectations are set impossibly high—or dangerously low!

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

18. When I get writers block, I go for a walk or sit down with my real book boyfriend (aka the husband) and we talk through it. He comes up with amazing ideas and has a knack for finding plot holes.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

19. I love to hike and travel, every adventure inspires a story!

 

About the Author:

A. Gordon/Alex Gordon writes Fantasy Romance and YA/NA Paranormal Romance. She’s a bit of a wanderer, having lived in Washington, Montana, Germany, Alaska, and Tennessee where she currently resides with her husband and two rescued German shepherds. When not writing, you can probably find her hiking, or if she’s lucky—fishing, though she’s not opposed to camping on the couch with dessert and bingeing murder mysteries.

Contact Links:

Website: https://www.alexgordonauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexgordonauthor/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexgordonauthor

 

Giveaway:

 

Crimson Jewel eBook Giveaway

 

Hosted By:

Subscribe to Chapter Break posts.