A Kiss of Crimson Ash
Inspired by medieval India’s most epic love stories, this debut romantasy blends rich storytelling, lush worldbuilding, and spice of every variety. Perfect for fans of Nisha J. Tuli and Tasha Suri.
Nandapore is a city of secrets and spellcasters where seduction reigns and a power-hungry king is never satisfied, plotting to unleash a weapon that has only lived in myth… until now.
To stop him, an ancient goddess seeks out a newly crowned queen, a heartsick prince, a common thief, and a courtesan with magic in her blood. Together, they chart a course through brothels, temples, taverns, and palaces, setting a trap for the empire’s most powerful men.
Linked by desire, destiny, and a dangerous foe, they each must decide…
What will they risk for a weapon worth dying for, and a love worth staying alive?
COMING MAY 26, 2026
About
Anuja Varghese
Anuja Varghese (she/her) is an award-winning writer of literary fiction, fantasy, and erotica/romance – and combinations of all three – where women of color get leading roles!
Her debut novel A KISS OF CRIMSON ASH is the first book in a lush new romantasy trilogy inspired by medieval India, following a naïve young queen, a heartsick prince, a streetwise thief, and a courtesan with magic in her blood who join forces with an ancient goddess to challenge the empire’s most powerful men. Pitched as Dungeons & Dragons x Bollywood’s most epic love stories, AKOCA is forthcoming in early 2026 with Penguin Random House Canada, Orbit US, and Orbit UK.
Latest News & Events
October 2, 7:30pm – FREE UNB Art Centre, Memorial Hall (9 Bailey Dr. Fredericton, NB) Anuja will be the visiting
September 30, 6:30pm – FREE Epic Books (226 Locke St. S. Hamilton, ON) Anuja joins Gary Barwin and Veena Gokhale
James Street North, Hamilton, ON Saturday, September 13, 7pm FREE Note: this event is outdoors Anuja will be chatting
Pre-order A Kiss of Crimson Ash at Barnes & Noble at this link using the code PREORDER25 25% off pre-orders for