We chat with author Catharina Maura about Mine For A Moment, which is a brand new spicy, high-angst romance—the highly anticipated, standalone spin-off of the Windsors series.
Hi, Catharina! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Of course! I’m Catharina Maura, and I absolutely love writing angsty, fast-paced contemporary romance that’s guaranteed to break your heart before piecing it back together with a well-deserved happily ever after. I currently live in Hong Kong with my wonderful husband and my ever-growing collection of houseplants. When I’m not lost in the worlds of my characters, you can usually find me out exploring new places and seeking out fresh adventures—there’s always something new to inspire the next story!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I discovered my love for writing and storytelling at a very young age, and I used to write silly little stories as a child. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t writing, but I just never had the courage to publish anything until the pandemic. What started as a personal challenge during the pandemic quickly became a career, and now I get to share my stories with all of you, which is honestly a dream come true!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The BFG by Roald Dahl
- The one that made you want to become an author: Harry Potter
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Your latest novel, Mine for a Moment, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
If I had to describe Mine for a Moment in just five words, they’d be: Angst, Spice, Drama, Lessons, (To-do) Lists. It wouldn’t be a Catharina Maura book without some heartbreak, steamy tension, and some grovelling.
What can readers expect?
Mine for a Moment shakes things up a bit from my recent books. There’s no arranged marriage or marriage of convenience this time, but I stuck with a billionaire romance and some delicious forced proximity. So if you love a rich, grumpy billionaire stuck with a talented woman who turns his world upside down, you’re going to love this one!
Where did the inspiration for Mine for a Moment come from?
I always pull inspiration from experiences that hit close to home, and Archer and Serenity’s story is no different. This book is for those who’ve been on the edge of giving up on love after heartbreak. It’s about that feeling we’ve all had—whether it’s unrequited love, a painful breakup, or just that lonely season of wondering if love is even out there for you. Writing this book was a reminder to myself and my readers that love can find you when you least expect it.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Absolutely! I had so much fun diving into Serenity’s passion for art and her list-making obsession (seriously, she has a list for everything). And Archer? Oh, I just loved exploring his tough exterior slowly cracking as he begins to realize that he needs Serenity as much as she needs him.
Why romance?
Romance is my happy place. It’s where I can explore the full range of emotions—love, heartbreak, healing—all wrapped up in a beautiful, satisfying ending. Plus, there’s something so powerful about love stories that show people at their most vulnerable and yet finding strength in each other. I think that’s why I keep coming back to romance—it’s about hope, and we all need a bit of that.
What’s next for you?
There’s always something new brewing with Team Cat! While I might take a short break before officially locking in any release dates, I’ve already started brainstorming my next project. Hint: it’s going to be Valeria’s story, and I can’t wait to explore this new universe. There are some very exciting projects coming up that I’ll announce as soon as Team Cat gives me the all-clear!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
Oh, so many! I’ve been loving Fourth Wing—who doesn’t love dragons and enemies-to-lovers vibes? And I cannot wait to get my hands on the Bridgerton Illumicrate sets! It’s been on my wish-list forever!
