Author Interview: Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

Whimsical, romantic, and just a little bit dangerous, Carnival Fantastico sweeps readers into a magical traveling carnival where second chances, old wounds, and unexpected wonders collide. We’re thrilled to feature an interview with Angela Montoya to talk about food-first carnival priorities, banter-filled second-chance romance, and the real-life inspirations (yes, including a deeply unsettling monkey) that helped bring this fantastical world to life. Check it out below and pick up Carnival Fantastico, out now!

Carnival Fantástico (Joy Revolution)

by Angela Montoya
Published by: Joy Revolution
on February 3, 2026
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
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“Witty, charming, and a little sinister, this is a real showstopper.” —Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Starlight

An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears.

Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King’s army.

Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father’s corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father’s trail of lies is the only girl he’s ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.

Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she’ll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don’t die easily, and the commander’s secret isn’t the only thing they’ll need to confront.

Interview with Angela Montoya

A magical traveling carnival feels alive and full of wonder. If you could actually step into Carnival Fantástico for a day, what would be the first thing you’d want to experience or try?”

Anytime I go anywhere, my priority is food. I want to find out where the best snacks are and try everything. Carnival Fantástico has some wild food options, so I would absolutely go to all the vendors and sample everything I could––unless it might turn me into a chicken (which does happen in the story).

Esmeralda and Ignacio’s second-chance romance blends magic with old wounds. Did you have any fun or unexpected moments writing their dynamic, especially when they had to balance feelings with their bigger goals?

I had so much fun writing these two characters. I really wanted to explore Esmeralda’s chaotic energy alongside Ignacio’s more stoic demeanor, and to highlight how much he truly cares for her, even though she can sometimes be difficult to deal with. They both know each other through and through, which makes their breakup in the past hurt even more. That hurt, mixed with their deep love, made for some truly fun, banter-filled scenes to write. 

Carnivals are already wild and whimsical in real life. What real world carnival memory or quirky detail inspired any part of the fantastical world in this book?”

Esmeralda’s mistrust for Rosco the monkey is completely inspired by me. I’ve had a deep aversion for monkeys ever since I watched one reading a magazine at the zoo. Something about it creeped me out. I can’t explain why. The monkey looked me right in the eyes when it flipped the pages, too. 

As far as carnivals are concerned, every bit of them inspired me, from the magic and death-defying acts to some of the seedy workers smoking cigars behind the kiddie rides. I love it all!