1–What is the title of your latest release?
2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
A woman hiding her identity, who works as a fortune teller at a magical circus, plots to help free a mysterious man with deadly powers and no memory of his past, when he’s brought in as an unwilling side attraction. A forbidden-yet-destined romance in a fantasy world with immortal queens and elemental magic.
3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I knew I wanted to create my own fantasy world for this novel. Many of the settings are inspired by real places I have visited on my travels and living in Montreal—the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil and one of the best places in the world to learn the circus arts—made me want to write a book that featured a circus. Seeing a show like Cirque du Soleil already feels like magic, so it wasn’t hard to imagine fantastical elements for the characters and their performances.
4–Would you hang out with your protagonists in real life?
Definitely. After all we’ve been through together, I feel like we know each other pretty well. I would especially love to have tea with Harrow in her caravan and get her to do a reading on me and predict my future!
5–What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Intuitive. Compassionate. Strong-willed.
6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I originally decided to write fantasy because I wanted the freedom to create my own world without too many rules imposed upon me. But I soon realized that in order to build a fantasy world, you not only have to follow rules, but you have to create the rules first! It was more work than I anticipated, but also so much fun.
7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I do a lot of editing as I draft, but I don’t have a regimented system. If inspiration takes me, I’ll get as many chapters written as I can while the words are flowing. But if I’m blocked, it’s often a sign that I may have gone in the wrong direction at some point. So I’ll go back and read over the preceding chapters to try to find where the story is stuck. Luckily I love reading, because if I’m near the end of the book and this happens, I end up read the whole thing over and over until I fix the plot.
8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Espresso. I have a fancy barista setup at home, so my writing routine always includes an oat-milk latte. Also chocolate. There is no substitute for fairtrade, organic dark chocolate. It gives me life.
9–Describe your writing space/office!
I’m lucky to have a cozy little writing nook. (Don’t all readers love nooks? They’re the best.) My desk is beside a window overlooking our backyard, and I have a bookshelf with my favorite books in front of me. I also have a bunch of plants.
10–Who is an author you admire?
I am in love with Kresley Cole’s Immortal After Dark series. It will never stop amazing me how she weaves so many different story lines together throughout all the books.
11–Is there a book that changed your life?
JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. These were the first romances I ever read, and the moment I stumbled upon them, I knew I would never be the same.
12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
I had my eye on Entangled for a while, so when I heard back from them saying that they were interested in my book, I was absolutely thrilled. I was even more excited when they created the Red Tower imprint and asked if I wanted Sanctuary to be included in their first round of releases.
13–What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance! Any and all types of romance, though I’m especially into fantasy and paranormal romance, and I love a good spicy scene.
14–What’s your favorite movie?
I definitely have a few, but the first one that comes to mind is The Shape of Water.
15–What is your favorite season?
I have a deep and abiding love for the ocean, and I love swimming, so naturally, I’m a fan of summer. But we’re lucky in Canada to have four very distinct seasons, and there are things I love about all of them.
16–How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
My husband spoils me and we celebrate “birthday week.” We do fun things for an entire week, and there is always chocolate cake involved.
17–What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I Am Not An Easy Man. This is a French movie (watch with subtitles) about an alternate universe where male/female societal roles are flipped, and it’s extremely eye-opening.
18–What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Indian! I’ve traveled in India lots, and as a vegetarian, there’s just nothing else as delicious and nutritious, and with so many rich flavors.
19–What do you do when you have free time?
I love to read. Surprise, surprise. I also play keyboards in a band, and I love to travel—especially going on road trips in my campervan.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
Harrow and Raith’s adventure in SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW is just the beginning! I have at least two more books in this series already in the works. I’m also currently writing the sixth book in my paranormal romance series, Hell Bent, so keep an eye out for that. After that, we’ll see what inspires me. I have a few ideas, but most of that is still a secret…for now.
SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW by Aurora Ascher
Enter at your own risk—and discover the greatest show unearthed in this explosive, darkly imaginative debut fantasy…
For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, though, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years.
Until he arrives.
A strange new attraction with no name, no memory of who—or even what—he is, let alone an explanation for his odd yet deadly powers. But beneath the layers of anger and isolation, one glimpse into his inky eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in her own.
And so she chooses him.
Harrow is drawn to the darkness, to her insatiable need to soothe the beast who threatens their very existence. But with every secret she unlocks from his past, another from hers whispers free as well—luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s afraid she’s given them the perfect weapon against her…because he’s not what he seems.
But maybe it’s time they finally learn—neither is she
Romance Fantasy [Entangled: Red Tower Books, On Sale: January 9, 2024, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781649374110 / eISBN: 9781649373113]
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About Aurora Ascher
Paranormal & fantasy romance author Aurora Ascher loves misunderstood mythical monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.
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