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Maria-Claire Payne

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13 Reasons To Stop By My Blog!

13 Reasons To Stop By My Blog!

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for this week's Thursday Thirteen! Here are thirteen reasons you should pop by my blog before February 4th: 1. Victoria Bisse 2. Natasha Blackthorne 3. Mina Dorian 4. Ranae Rose 5. S. Dora 6. Nichelle Gregory 7. Beverley...

Man To Man

Man To Man

Hi, everyone! Hope your Monday has been a good one thus far! One holiday gift for me came early this year: right around Thanksgiving, I received a contract on my second novella for Total-E-Bound! That's an awesome feeling 🙂 SOUNDING THE DEPTHS has a scheduled...

That Sherman Tank In My Tree

That Sherman Tank In My Tree

Good morning! Right now, it's a few minutes after 4:00 a.m. in my time zone. Three of my five current four-legged housemates are in my lap, on my desk, and by my feet, respectively. I do work full-time during the standard work hours but I've always required...

Introducing Maria-Claire Payne

Introducing Maria-Claire Payne

Hello to all the Coffee Thoughts readers! I'm thrilled to be here as a guest on CTR's blog today, and I appreciate you stopping by! Since I am still quite new to the world of erotic romance as an author, I thought I'd start  by asking you to take a...

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Find your perfect summer read 😎📚 https://bit.ly/46267fI

Pick Your Poison: Summer Reading Edition

Whether you want to spend summer cozying up indoors or running toward adventure, we’ve got a book for you.

4 Epistolary Crime Thrillers That Use Letters to Build Suspense

Because letters aren’t just storytelling tools, they’re weapons, too. And in crime fiction, that’s exactly what makes them so thrilling.

6 Must-Read Novels That Blend Mystery and Fantasy Perfectly

If you love your mysteries with a fantastical flair or your fantasies with a mysterious murder, here are six books for you.

For a limited time only, receive this exclusive Harlan Coben x Novel Suspects collaboration, including a hardcover copy of Harlan Coben’s newest thriller, Nobody’s Fool and high-quality Novel Suspects canvas tote bag perfect for your toting needs.

Learn More

New Releases in Crime

SHOP NOW

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Find your perfect summer read 😎📚 https://bit.ly/46267fI Pick Your Poison: Summer Reading Edition Whether you want to spend summer cozying up indoors or running toward adventure, we’ve got a book for you. 4 Epistolary Crime Thrillers That Use Letters to Build Suspense Because letters aren’t just storytelling tools, they’re weapons, too. And in crime fiction, that’s exactly what makes them so thrilling. 6 Must-Read Novels That Blend Mystery and Fantasy Perfectly If you love your mysteries with a fantastical flair or your fantasies with a mysterious murder, here are six books for you. For a limited time only, receive this exclusive Harlan Coben x Novel Suspects collaboration, including a hardcover copy of Harlan Coben’s newest thriller, Nobody’s Fool and high-quality Novel Suspects canvas tote bag perfect for your toting needs. Learn More New Releases in Crime SHOP NOW SHOP NOW SHOP NOW

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Giveaways: Ella Quinn & Cheryl Bolen https://bit.ly/3ZweuMR

It’s your lucky month! A must-read book could be yours!

Spies, Spinsters & Heart-Shaped Shades from Cheryl Bolen!

Enter Cheryl`s Giveaway

Rogues, Rakes & a $10 Romance Treat from Ella Quinn!

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Giveaways: Ella Quinn & Cheryl Bolen https://bit.ly/3ZweuMR It’s your lucky month! A must-read book could be yours! Spies, Spinsters & Heart-Shaped Shades from Cheryl Bolen! Enter Cheryl's Giveaway Rogues, Rakes & a $10 Romance Treat from Ella Quinn!

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Insta-Coffee Coffee Time Romance & More
##releases ##new ##book

https://coffeetimeromance.com/?p=281387

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Insta-Coffee Coffee Time Romance & More ##releases ##new ##book https://coffeetimeromance.com/?p=281387

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Insta-Coffee SHEAR MURDER, my wedding mystery, was inspired by a visit to Harry P. Leu Gardens in Winter Park, Florida. This lovely nature park hosts many weddings, so the sight of a bride being photographed among the trees is a common one Its fifty acres includes a camellia collection, a formal rose garden, a historical house dating from the 1880`s, a tropical rainforest, a vegetable garden, plus palm, bamboo and cycad sections, and even a cemetery. The main building has a coffee shop and reception rooms.

For my story, I transformed the gardens into an imaginary nature park relocated in Miami. Welcome to the fictional Orchid Isle, where Marla Shore, my intrepid sleuth and hairdresser, is a bridesmaid at her friend Jill’s wedding prior to her own nuptials. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and disaster ensues.

I had to learn a bit about orchids for this story. Anytime I get one as a gift, I care for it to the best of my ability, but it soon dies. I’m afraid I don’t have a knack for growing plants. But if you’re a gardening enthusiast, you can pick up a seedling at a local orchid show or buy a blooming plant at a farmer’s market. From what I’ve read, initially you’ll need fertilizer to feed the plant. Additional supplies may include insecticide, fungicide, stakes and clips, and potting materials.

What are the types of orchids for you to grow? Cattleyas are corsage orchids, probably the most familiar variety. Phalenopsis have pretty, delicate blooms, while Dendrobiums have long spikes of smaller flowers. Or Vandas, which are the most common, might appeal to you. If you really get into it, you can attend orchid shows and join orchid societies.

How can you tell a rare variety? Nancy J. Cohen
##mystery ##cozy #@nancyjcohen

https://coffeetimeromance.com/?p=281213

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Open post by ctrstaffer with ID 17899106382091659
Insta-Coffee SHEAR MURDER, my wedding mystery, was inspired by a visit to Harry P. Leu Gardens in Winter Park, Florida. This lovely nature park hosts many weddings, so the sight of a bride being photographed among the trees is a common one Its fifty acres includes a camellia collection, a formal rose garden, a historical house dating from the 1880's, a tropical rainforest, a vegetable garden, plus palm, bamboo and cycad sections, and even a cemetery. The main building has a coffee shop and reception rooms. For my story, I transformed the gardens into an imaginary nature park relocated in Miami. Welcome to the fictional Orchid Isle, where Marla Shore, my intrepid sleuth and hairdresser, is a bridesmaid at her friend Jill’s wedding prior to her own nuptials. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned and disaster ensues. I had to learn a bit about orchids for this story. Anytime I get one as a gift, I care for it to the best of my ability, but it soon dies. I’m afraid I don’t have a knack for growing plants. But if you’re a gardening enthusiast, you can pick up a seedling at a local orchid show or buy a blooming plant at a farmer’s market. From what I’ve read, initially you’ll need fertilizer to feed the plant. Additional supplies may include insecticide, fungicide, stakes and clips, and potting materials. What are the types of orchids for you to grow? Cattleyas are corsage orchids, probably the most familiar variety. Phalenopsis have pretty, delicate blooms, while Dendrobiums have long spikes of smaller flowers. Or Vandas, which are the most common, might appeal to you. If you really get into it, you can attend orchid shows and join orchid societies. How can you tell a rare variety? Nancy J. Cohen ##mystery ##cozy #@nancyjcohen https://coffeetimeromance.com/?p=281213

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Insta-Coffee Welcome, and today I’m talking with Ilana Long who is here on Coffee Time Romance to tell us about her Romantic Comedy, Pickleballers. But Ilana is not only a writer. She’s also a stand up comedian, a singer, an actor, a teacher, a sportswoman and passionate pickleballer, so take it away, Ilana. Tell us more.

Let’s begin with Pickleballers: what makes this sport something you’d like to share with romance readers?

Pickleball is loaded with humor and friendship. I’ve met so many friends I would never have met under other circumstances. The sport is so fun and low-pressure that many people are making pickleball a first date and also meeting people on the courts. I hear that story from players all the time.

How did you make the leap from stand up comedy to writing?

I love having control over writing. Stand-up can be stressful—getting gigs, practicing, memorizing. I’ve always enjoyed writing comedy—since high school and college, where I wrote humorous articles, and when my twins were born, I wrote a yet-to-be-published funny “momoir.” Writing PICKLEBALLERS and PICKLE PERFECT (coming October 2025) was a natural progression.

Is writing comedy easier or more difficult than writing comedy for a live audience? In what way is it different?

It’s both easier and harder (how’s that for hedging my bets?) Easier in that there isn’t the stress of needing the laugh to know it’s funny, and harder because you don’t hear the laugh to validate that it’s funny.

Working in front of a live audience is both a frightening and heady experience. Do you get the same kick from writing, or do you appreciate the lack of stress? J. Arlene Culiner
#@IlanaLong ##Romance ##contemporary

https://coffeetimeromance.com/ilana-long/

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Open post by ctrstaffer with ID 18301595491175289
Insta-Coffee Welcome, and today I’m talking with Ilana Long who is here on Coffee Time Romance to tell us about her Romantic Comedy, Pickleballers. But Ilana is not only a writer. She’s also a stand up comedian, a singer, an actor, a teacher, a sportswoman and passionate pickleballer, so take it away, Ilana. Tell us more. Let’s begin with Pickleballers: what makes this sport something you’d like to share with romance readers? Pickleball is loaded with humor and friendship. I’ve met so many friends I would never have met under other circumstances. The sport is so fun and low-pressure that many people are making pickleball a first date and also meeting people on the courts. I hear that story from players all the time. How did you make the leap from stand up comedy to writing? I love having control over writing. Stand-up can be stressful—getting gigs, practicing, memorizing. I’ve always enjoyed writing comedy—since high school and college, where I wrote humorous articles, and when my twins were born, I wrote a yet-to-be-published funny “momoir.” Writing PICKLEBALLERS and PICKLE PERFECT (coming October 2025) was a natural progression. Is writing comedy easier or more difficult than writing comedy for a live audience? In what way is it different? It’s both easier and harder (how’s that for hedging my bets?) Easier in that there isn’t the stress of needing the laugh to know it’s funny, and harder because you don’t hear the laugh to validate that it’s funny. Working in front of a live audience is both a frightening and heady experience. Do you get the same kick from writing, or do you appreciate the lack of stress? J. Arlene Culiner #@IlanaLong ##Romance ##contemporary https://coffeetimeromance.com/ilana-long/

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Insta-Coffee http://coffeetimeromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wildcardbyangelaknight.mp4

Passion’s the pot when Rowan Kerr draws the Wildcard.

Though she lives in a world of Beyonce and iPhones, Indra Fox thinks she may be an alien. She’s too strong, too fast, and heals too quickly to be merely human. But she doesn’t know for sure, because her parents refused to tell her. Nor would they explain why she -- and her equally superhuman best friend, Diana Newman -- were raised to be warriors.

When their families are murdered, Indra and Diana seek revenge on their killers, Satan’s Horsemen. Then Diana is kidnapped, and Indra goes undercover at a strip club the gang owns to discover where her friend has been taken.

But when Rowan Kerr walks into the club, Indra realizes he’s even more powerful than she is. Rowan says he knows who she really is and what she was created to do, but she must go with him to learn the truth.

Indra will do anything to save Diana. Including embracing her destiny as something more than human.

Rowan thinks Indra could be the teammate -- and lover -- he dreams of. But she’s mad as hell about being kept in ignorance, and she’s convinced that she’s been betrayed by the woman he works for. What’s worse, she’s not wrong. Can he convince her to take a chance on him? And can Indra and Rowan defeat the very real aliens who are behind Diana’s abduction?

They’d better, or humanity will pay the price for their failure.

Amazon

https://coffeetimeromance.com/angela-knight-november-2024/

https://coffeetimeromance.com/wildcard-by-angela-knight/ Coffee Time Romance & More
#@angelaknight ##Romance ##scifi

https://coffeetimeromance.com/wildcard-by-angela-knight-3/

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Open post by ctrstaffer with ID 18068922901953945
Insta-Coffee http://coffeetimeromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wildcardbyangelaknight.mp4 Passion’s the pot when Rowan Kerr draws the Wildcard. Though she lives in a world of Beyonce and iPhones, Indra Fox thinks she may be an alien. She’s too strong, too fast, and heals too quickly to be merely human. But she doesn’t know for sure, because her parents refused to tell her. Nor would they explain why she -- and her equally superhuman best friend, Diana Newman -- were raised to be warriors. When their families are murdered, Indra and Diana seek revenge on their killers, Satan’s Horsemen. Then Diana is kidnapped, and Indra goes undercover at a strip club the gang owns to discover where her friend has been taken. But when Rowan Kerr walks into the club, Indra realizes he’s even more powerful than she is. Rowan says he knows who she really is and what she was created to do, but she must go with him to learn the truth. Indra will do anything to save Diana. Including embracing her destiny as something more than human. Rowan thinks Indra could be the teammate -- and lover -- he dreams of. But she’s mad as hell about being kept in ignorance, and she’s convinced that she’s been betrayed by the woman he works for. What’s worse, she’s not wrong. Can he convince her to take a chance on him? And can Indra and Rowan defeat the very real aliens who are behind Diana’s abduction? They’d better, or humanity will pay the price for their failure. Amazon https://coffeetimeromance.com/angela-knight-november-2024/ https://coffeetimeromance.com/wildcard-by-angela-knight/ Coffee Time Romance & More #@angelaknight ##Romance ##scifi https://coffeetimeromance.com/wildcard-by-angela-knight-3/

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Insta-Coffee Heart of a Devil is a standalone dark Mafia, best friend`s dad, age gap romance with very dark themes, please check your triggers before reading.

You can’t outrun your past—or so they tell me. It doesn’t stop me from trying though, and that’s how I end up here in London, a far cry from the Los Angeles sunshine and the weight of my family’s name. And hopefully far enough away from my past that it can only haunt me in dreams.

Things are going well so far. My life is pretty normal, and normal—a little calm after the chaos—is exactly what I need right now.

Enter Sebastian Donovan. All easy charm and Daddy Dom energy, with a smile that could melt panties at twenty paces. It’s a pity he’s off-limits—not because he’s a serial womanizer with a trail of broken hearts all over London, but because he’s my best friend’s dad. That’s too messy, and I like to avoid mess. I’ll stick to my no-strings arrangements, no matter how unfulfilling they’ve been lately.
But what if we could have just one night? One debauched, filthy encounter that will still make me smile when I’m eighty? That can’t hurt, right?

Wrong. Very, very wrong.

Sebastian Donovan isn’t the kind of man I can just up and walk away from the next morning. He unlocks something deep inside me, something I buried a long time ago. If my tastes run a little on the dark side, Sebastian’s run darker. He’s the first man who’s ever managed to tap into exactly what I want, and he’s not afraid to give it to me.

But those demons I’m running from—
They’re about to catch up with me, and now I don’t know who I can trust. The one thing I need to be certain of is whether I can trust him. Coffee Time Romance & More
##contemporary #@sadiekincaid ##agegap #alpha

https://coffeetimeromance.com/heart-of-a-devil-by-sadie-kincaid/

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Open post by ctrstaffer with ID 18055718570259256
Insta-Coffee Heart of a Devil is a standalone dark Mafia, best friend's dad, age gap romance with very dark themes, please check your triggers before reading. You can’t outrun your past—or so they tell me. It doesn’t stop me from trying though, and that’s how I end up here in London, a far cry from the Los Angeles sunshine and the weight of my family’s name. And hopefully far enough away from my past that it can only haunt me in dreams. Things are going well so far. My life is pretty normal, and normal—a little calm after the chaos—is exactly what I need right now. Enter Sebastian Donovan. All easy charm and Daddy Dom energy, with a smile that could melt panties at twenty paces. It’s a pity he’s off-limits—not because he’s a serial womanizer with a trail of broken hearts all over London, but because he’s my best friend’s dad. That’s too messy, and I like to avoid mess. I’ll stick to my no-strings arrangements, no matter how unfulfilling they’ve been lately. But what if we could have just one night? One debauched, filthy encounter that will still make me smile when I’m eighty? That can’t hurt, right? Wrong. Very, very wrong. Sebastian Donovan isn’t the kind of man I can just up and walk away from the next morning. He unlocks something deep inside me, something I buried a long time ago. If my tastes run a little on the dark side, Sebastian’s run darker. He’s the first man who’s ever managed to tap into exactly what I want, and he’s not afraid to give it to me. But those demons I’m running from— They’re about to catch up with me, and now I don’t know who I can trust. The one thing I need to be certain of is whether I can trust him. Coffee Time Romance & More ##contemporary #@sadiekincaid ##agegap #alpha https://coffeetimeromance.com/heart-of-a-devil-by-sadie-kincaid/

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