You can expect angst, spice, and drama galore in Catharina Maura's book, "Mine for a Moment."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I always pull inspiration from moments that have deeply touched me in my own life, and Archer & Serenity’s story is no exception. It’s a book that speaks to those tough times when you’re on the verge of giving up on love. We’ve all had those moments — whether it’s heartache, unrequited love, or just a time when we feel alone — and it can be really hard to keep hoping that someone will come along who truly sees, values, and supports you. It’s incredibly hard to keep putting yourself out there, hoping for that connection.
Writing this book was a way to remind myself and my readers that love often finds us when we least expect it. Mr. Maura, the real-life person who inspired many of my characters, especially the heroes, has been my anchor. He’s the one who always believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. In many ways, he’s my own version of a book boyfriend come to life, and I wanted to pour that energy into Archer’s character — someone who helps Serenity see her worth and reconnect with her own hobby when she’s lost sight of it.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, Reading Rainbow means feeling empowered to pick up the books you love without feeling ashamed of your taste, and being proud of your identity and stories that either reflect who you are or expand your understanding of love in all its forms. It’s about being proud to read inclusive stories that speak to you, whether they reflect your own experiences or broaden your understanding of others, and enjoying the safe escape fiction can often bring.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Representation is everything because stories contribute to how we see ourselves. Growing up as a BIPOC writer with Indian origins, I often read books where the characters neither looked like me nor shared my experiences, and that made me feel a little invisible. I always wondered why I never saw anyone like me on the pages of books I loved so much, and it almost felt like I just didn’t deserve to be part of those stories. That’s why, when I started writing, I knew I wanted to include characters of all backgrounds — so readers from all walks of life could see themselves on the page.
It’s not just about adding diversity for the sake of it; it’s about reflecting the world we live in, which is rich and varied. For example, a lot of my readers emailed me after the release of The Secret Fiancée to thank me for doing something as simple as including a character wearing a hijab, when that is a normal reality for most of us — the people we see in our daily lives deserve to be on the page too. I want every reader to feel seen, understood, and represented in my stories. Whether it’s characters of color, LGBTQ+ representation, or different body types, these stories need to be told. It’s essential that readers can find someone they relate to in the pages of a book. That sense of belonging is what makes storytelling so powerful.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
The book follows Serenity, a recent graduate who’s excited to start her internship alongside her best friend — who is also her secret crush. Serenity’s world is all about art and lists; she uses them to keep her life in order. But when things don’t go as planned, and her carefully crafted lists start falling apart, she’s left feeling lost and heartbroken. She finds unexpected comfort in her brother’s best friend, who also happens to be her boss. The two embark on a spicy, thrilling journey together that heals them and gives them everything they never even dared hope for.
This story is all about letting go of the past, finding strength after tragedy, and finding real love in the process. I wanted to write this for anyone who feels like they’re not enough, or for those who might be losing hope in love. In many ways, it’s a reminder that love can surprise us when we least expect it.
What can fans expect from your book?
When you pick up one of my books, you can expect all the feels — angst, spice, and drama galore — that’s my signature! I like to create emotionally intense stories that really pull readers in. While I can't reveal too much without giving away all the juicy details, I will say this: if you love stories with passionate characters, a backdrop of art and culture, and the kind of forbidden tension that keeps you turning the pages, this book may be for you. Serenity, the heroine, is a strong BIPOC character who brings her own fierce energy to the story, while Archer, her billionaire boss, is everything you’d expect in a swoon-worthy leading man. Their dynamic is filled with that electric "we shouldn't, but we can’t stop" kind of energy. Expect plenty of heartfelt moments, and steamy scenes!
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
There’s always something brewing! I haven’t made any final decisions yet, but Team Cat and I are constantly brainstorming fresh ideas. I do think I’ll take a little time for myself before diving headfirst into the next project. But — and this is a bit of a teaser — I’ve already started brainstorming the rough outline for my next book, and it’s going to be Valeria’s story! I’m really excited about exploring her story and creating a brand-new series with both new and old beloved characters. With the support of Team Cat, I’m optimistic that we’ll bring some amazing new projects to life that readers will love. So, while I can’t say exactly what’s coming next, I can promise that there’s a lot more on the horizon! Of course, I’ll announce everything on my socials as soon as Team Cat gives me the green light — there’s so much more to come!
