Carissa Broadbent - #1 NYT Bestselling Romantasy Author Discusses New Release in Ventura
A long line forms on the corner of E Main St and S Evergreen Dr. It’s August 5, 2025, a Tuesday evening. The people? Some are Ventura County locals, others hail from Los Angeles, Orange County, and even as far as Arizona. The occasion? A sold-out book release and author signing event hosted by Smitten for “The Fallen & The Kiss of Dusk” by Carissa Broadbent.
Smitten is romance & women’s literature bookstore located in Downtown Ventura, and 1 of only a handful of romance-dedicated bookstores in California. Carissa Broadbent is a New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation whose latest release is the fourth addition to her Crowns of Nyaxia series.
“I’ve been freaking out teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since I was roughly nine years old. Since then, my stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, I write fantasy novels with a heaping dose of badass ladies and a big pinch of romance. My books include the Crowns of Nyaxia series, the War of Lost Hearts series, and hopefully many more to come!” (source: carissabroadbentbooks.com)
The event began with an introduction by Smitten owner Mae Tingstrom, followed by a discussion + Q&A hosted by author and Bookstagrammer Tina Mars, and concluded with an author signing + photo-op. Among the attendees was Nikki of @niks.booktalk.
Carissa (Left) and Nikki (Right)
“This was my first time attending an event hosted by Smitten Bookstore, and it was such a wonderful experience. The event was held at Ven Ven in Ventura, and from the moment we arrived, everything was so well put together. Check-in was seamless, and the decorations created such a welcoming and bookish atmosphere. The staff from both Smitten and Ven Ven were incredibly kind and helpful, always ready to answer questions and make sure everyone felt comfortable. The venue itself was spacious, with rows set up in a way that allowed us to sit comfortably without feeling crowded, yet still made the room feel full and lively! There was even a section for merch being sold which is always nice.”
“The signing portion was especially well organized, with a smooth flow that let us get our books signed and then immediately have a photo opportunity at a beautifully set backdrop next to the table. Carissa and her moderator, Tina, had such natural chemistry, keeping us engaged as they discussed the Crowns of Nyaxia series and teased what’s to come. It was easy to see and hear them, which made the conversation even more enjoyable. Beyond the event itself, one of the best parts was connecting with fellow readers who share the same love for Romantasy stories and the way these books give us such a magical escape. Overall, it was such a memorable evening, and I can’t wait to attend more Smitten Bookstore events in the future!”
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