Saturday, October 11, 2025

Review ~ Crimson Jewel by A Gordon

 

 Book Tour

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.”

 



You will need a solid five cups of tea and your favorite hot beverage for this book! This is an amazing romantic twist on Jack and the Beanstalk. Here we have Ruby, who falls into a magical staircase that leads her to a world known as Fiefdom. To save her family, she signs a blood contract that allows her four weeks to choose a husband from the most eligible bachelors of giants. She has to navigate a new world and weed out those bachelors who want to kill her. Can she survive and find a husband? 

This was a very creative story. A Gordon did a wonderful job developing the characters from the beginning to the end. The plot keeps you reading page after page, and you can't help but root for Ruby. The world-building is amazing! I would highly recommend this tale! 

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 grownups 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

 

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

 

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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Release Blitz ~ Campus of Shadows: A Psychic Battle for the Soul by Jo Loveday



 Release Blitz

Campus of Shadows

A Psychic Battle for the Soul in a Supernatural Thriller

By

Jo Loveday

 

About the Book:

Publication Date: September 23, 2025

Genre: New Adult College Dark Academia Supernatural Thriller - Psychological Horror.

 

Something dark has followed Dave Everest to college—something hungry.

A neurodivergent freshman desperate for independence, Dave arrives at the University of Mann with high hopes and a shaky sense of self. But his new freedom quickly spirals into chaos when he's drawn into the orbit of his dangerously magnetic, party-obsessed roommate, Zane Maddox.

While Dave chases acceptance in all the wrong places, his childhood friend Maria Vasquez warns of forces far beyond hangovers and heartbreak. Gifted with psychic insight—and carrying a heavy burden of guilt—Maria senses something ancient and malevolent stalking him, like a vulture waiting for its moment.

Zane mocks Maria as a "crazy religious freak," but his grudge is personal, not spiritual. And as Dave's loneliness deepens, he reaches into the void—and something answers. A whispering voice named Ivan slides into his consciousness, awakening memories soaked in addiction, violence, and rage.

As family tensions boil over during Thanksgiving break and reality begins to fracture, the line between madness and possession blurs. Ivan's grip tightens. And the vulture circles closer.
Maria may be Dave's last chance at salvation. But will she reach him before the darkness does?

A dark academia pyschological horror pulsing with paranormal suspense and coming-of-age dread. Perfect for fans of Donna Tartt and Shirley Jackson.

It's The Shining meets The Exorcist.

 


Purchase Links:

Amazon Kindle

Goodreads

BookBub

Indigo

Books2Read

BookFunnel

  

Excerpt:


“You’re not getting this car out anytime soon. Come on. I’m ready to spark one.” Zane starts walking.

“Here?”

“Not right here in plain view. I have a nicely landscaped courtyard over there.” He does a sweeping motion to the right, then walks away with Ian in tow.

Thirty feet from the car, Zane and Ian duck behind a tall hedge planted to hide a row of air conditioners.

I stop. “This is sketchy, dude. Campus PD will smell that shit a mile away.”

Zane steps back in view, hands on his hips. “I’ll stand out here and watch while you and Ian take a rip, then you be lookout.”

“I plan to chill right here by my car.” 

“Whatever. Just whistle if you see someone coming.” He disappears behind the bushes.

I head back to my car and run my fingers over the huge gash in the paint, thinking about how Dad is going to kill me. 

A minute later, they are both looking at the gouge close up.

“It’ll cost at least four hundred dollars to fix it,” concludes Zane.

“I hope not.”

“At least your car doesn’t look like that.” Ian points to a dusty beater with missing hubcaps.

“That guy would not have the same problem.” I huff. “There is no paint left.”

“I can see you driving that tank, Ian.” Zane laughs.

Ian squats like he is behind a steering wheel. They both crack up.

“It’d be going chug, chug.” He lurches forward and back. The two of them find this hilarious.

“You can always sell your sperm, Dave.” Zane laughs. “Lucy seems to find it valuable.”

There’s mad belly laughter.

“Very funny.” I scan the road in hopes of finding someone walking this way, perhaps the owner of the car blocking mine. My fingers go back to the scratch, feel its depth. Another scar I have endured since I got here. A long sigh seeps out. Go ahead, you will feel better echoes through my mind. “Where is that pipe?”

“There’s my man.” Zane thumps me on the back and looks over his shoulder. “Nobody’s coming. We can all go.”

We cram ourselves into the small hidden space, and I breathe out the last molecule of oxygen before inhaling. I pray it fills every tiny air sac I have.

A sick headrush hits me, followed by odd, rolling laughter.

I peek through the bushes but see nothing.

Footsteps on the road catch my attention while we emerge from the bushes. My heart rockets when the profile appears.

“Hello, Professor.”

 

Audio Excerpt:

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5grlkl2eyq


What Readers Are Saying:

"Jo Loveday blends personal and actual demons, capturing the intense pressures young people face from family, peers, and the shadows within."   - Angela Douglas, Author of Every Fall  

Campus Shadows is a dark academia, psychological suspense story that keeps you alert.  [ ]  I enjoyed how raw and honest the plot is, and the campus setting drew me in.” - Leanne Reads and Reviews

"From the first haunting sentence, Campus of Shadows grips you with the quiet unraveling of a college freshman’s mind and it doesn’t let go until the last unforgettable line. I loved this book. It belongs on everyone’s bookshelf.” — Jeffrey Phillips, author of The Past That Kills and the Jesse Stoker Mystery Series.

“After a football injury derails his plans, freshman Dave Everest transfers at the last minute to his father’s old alma mater. But strange things start happening from the moment he arrives—a priest recoils at his touch, a vulture appears to stalk him, and his new roommate Zane immediately leads him into trouble. Campus Shadows is a chilling paranormal tale that explores the grip of dark possession, perfect for readers who enjoy eerie twists and sleepless nights.” -        Deborah Shlian, MD, MBA, award-winning author of Silent Survivor and the Sammy Greene Thriller Series

 

About the Author:

Jo Loveday is the award-winning author of the thriller, Terminal Lucidity, and soon to be released, Campus of Shadows. With years of experience as a registered nurse, she brings uncanny insight into the human condition—both its fragility and its resilience. A dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., Jo splits her time between Florida, Georgia, and frequent pilgrimages to Winnipeg.

 

 





Contact Links:

Website: https://www.joloveday.com

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D9ZY19XZ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51022629.Jo_Loveday?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558518271734

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

X: https://x.com/JoLoveday

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jolovedayb

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JoLovedayBooks/books-and-such/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolovedayb

 

Hosted By:

Quill and Ink Book Tours

https://quillandinkbooktours.com/

 


Saturday, August 9, 2025

Book Tour & Review ~ Futility of Defense - Book 2 of A Paladin's Journey by Bryan Cole

 

 Futility of Defense

Book 2 of A Paladin’s Journey

By

Bryan Cole

 

About the Book:

Genres: Fantasy, Heroic Fantasy, Hero’s Journey

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Publication Date: June 30, 2023

 

Paladins are nothing but trouble. When Krell, an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea, hears the call from ReckNor, the capricious god of the seas and skies, the attention of the rich and powerful turn their gaze toward him. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don't worship their deity.

When Krell stands against the might of the sea devils and emerges victorious, concern and interest turn to fear—fear of their secrets and plans being revealed and exposed, of the ruin that often follows in a paladin's wake. Now he stands in defense of a pitiful town at the edge of nowhere, even as the sea devil menace grows more dire for each day that passes.

For as deadly as the sea devils are to Krell, his past choices and the consequences of his actions may be deadlier still . . .

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Smashwords

Goodreads


Excerpt:

The commander’s face relaxed into an expression of superiority. He looked down his nose at Krell. “I have little reason to worry, Krell. My men are expertly trained soldiers of His Grace Mavram Hudderly, long may he reign, and servants of His Majesty King Fideon the Second, long may he reign. Whatever peril you have faced is now over.”

“I see,” said Krell.

“Me too,” said Dorn. He turned to Krell, pointing at the commander. “He’s an idiot.”

Krell nodded in agreement, while the commander’s face flushed in anger.

“Commander, the sea devils are predators, swift and violent. Their claws and teeth are like daggers, and they use them freely. When they smell blood, they fly into a berserk frenzy. If you run, you die as they catch you from behind. Your horses are of little use against them, since they would simply cut them down. Then eat them.” Krell shook his head. “Have you or your men ever faced sea devils before?”   

 



Another fantastic tale from Bryan Cole. I read his first book in this series and absolutely loved it, and couldn't wait to see what happens next. Well, this book did not disappoint. Here we meet the hero of our tale, Krell, a paladin who has been summoned by his commander to battle against the sea creatures. He does victoriously, but along the way, he has to deal with inner demons as well. The world-building in this tale is phenomenal. The creatures are so thought out and so vividly described that you feel they might come right out from the page. Cole has a gift for weaving a tale and keeping the reader engaged and feel as if they are a part of the tale. If you love a good fantasy, where battles are always on the horizon, creatures of all types abound, and a hero that is broken yet victorious in the end, against the enemy and the battles within, then this is definitely the book for you. 


What Readers Are Saying:

A fantasy saga filled with interesting, complex characters, and dynamic relationships alongside captivating battles and systems of magic, Bryan Cole's FUTILITY OF DEFENSE is a worthy and ambitious sequel that takes Krell's story in an intriguing direction. ~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader

"Packed with engaging action and a fellowship of entertaining characters, this is a classic yet original hero's journey laced with fresh magical rules and immersive storytelling, which is ideal for long-time fans of high fantasy, offering a familiar fantasy landscape while carving its own path due to Cole's detailed attention to character-building." Self-Publishing Review,


About the Author:

Bryan Cole is the author of the Paladin’s Journey series. New to the writing world, he spent years working in the enterprise software space, focused on quality assurance and delivery of software applications. Which is weird, because that has nothing to do with writing fiction.

For that, we need to go back – way back – to his first experience with Dungeons & Dragons. His friend Chris brought over the box set for Myth Drannor, eager to play. Together, they realized they had no idea what they were doing, because neither of them owned a copy of the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, or the Monster Manual.

From those incredibly awkward beginnings, a lifelong passion for epic science fiction and high fantasy adventure was born. Everything from his grade 4 teacher letting him stay after school to play a video game where you were the wizard on a quest, defeating monsters by answering math problems, to some truly memorable movies like Willow that showed him a world bigger and more exciting than the real one.

Of course, Star Wars and Star Trek have had a major influence on him. Want to get in good with Bryan? Lead with a Star Wars meme.

From one of the good movies. Otherwise your plan will backfire.

Bryan is also an avid gamer, and enjoys video games, board games, and tabletop roleplaying games.

These days, he lives in Toronto with his wife and daughter, and his adorable cat.

 

Contact Links:

Email - fat.paladin.contact@gmail.com

Website - https://www.fatpaladin.ca/

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BFV7T7PR

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FatPaladin

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fatpaladinbooks/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22517522

 

Giveaway:



 

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Book Tour ~ Inverted Reality by Fran Lewis

 

Inverted Reality by Fran Lewis Banner

INVERTED REALITY

by Fran Lewis

July 21-25, 2025 Book Blast

Synopsis:

Inverted Reality by Fran Lewis

Inverted Reality is a compilation of five books that teach people, through the characters involved, the consequences of doing harmful, dangerous or mean things to others. The person will face in some cases the “mirror” that will replay their wrongdoing and then ask if they will repent. If not, the mirror will decide their fate for them.

Each story has different characters who have done something wrong or evil to someone else. Some of the stories have voices that have been silenced and can no longer be heard. One story describes someone who was wrongly accused. The last part “The Third Choice” is Fran’s favorite. It tells a story about people who do not repent, and fate or consequences will be inflicted, but she won’t tell you how.

Some of the stories are fiction while others are true and factual. You, the reader, will decide whether the story is true or false as you enter the world of Inverted Reality. You can decide what your own definition of the title means, and how you would react if you had to face the mirror or the third choice for what you might have done. You decide if it really happened and how you would react.

It’s good vs. evil, and consciousness vs. unconscionable.

Praise for Inverted Reality:

"Actions Have Consequences! Inverted Reality by Fran Lewis is a chilling look at bad people committing horrific deeds."
~ Irma Fritz, author of novels and short stories

Book Details:

Genre: Horror, Short Stories, Suspense and Thrillers
Published by: Just Reviews
Publication Date: May 13, 2025
Number of Pages: 219
ISBN: May 13, 2025
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

 

Author Bio:

Fran Lewis

Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who's Who of America's Teachers and Who's Who of America's Executives from Cambridge.‬‬

Fran is the author of more than 14 titles including three children's books. She has written several books on Alzheimer's disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure. These include Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s Story and Sharp as a Tack and Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain?. She also wrote A Daughter’s Promise about her walk through the disease with her mother. ‪Fran is the author of the Faces Behind the Stones series, a middle school series featuring stories growing up in the Bronx with her sister and MJ magazine. Voices from Beyond is her latest book which was preceded by Mirror Image, What If?, Population Zero, and Accusations.‬

Catch Up With Fran Lewis:
Just Reviews
Amazon Author
Goodreads
BookBub
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram - @ferndine49
X - @franellena
YouTube - @franlewis8

 

 

Tour Participants:

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This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Fran Lewis. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
INVERTED REALITY by Fran Lewis (Print Books)

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