Fresh Fiction Blog | Christine d’Abo | It's all about Espresso!

Brrr! I'm sitting here finding it quite hard to believe that it is December and that 2011 is almost at a close. The chilly weather is keeping me soundly indoors where I can get lots of writing done.

Now I'm the first to admit that I'm not much of a winter person. Ironic, as the universe has seen it fit for me to be born Canadian. But winter does bring with it the holidays, and Christmas is a personal favorite celebration for me. Not because of the presents, but for the wonderful opportunities that the holidays give us to spend with family and friends. Those opportunities are wonderful, even if our family can drive us around the bend on occasion.

I love building those familial connections in my stories. This fall, I have been very fortunate to have been able to share the Long family with you. Three siblings, each with their own challenges, scars and hang-up, each one looking for love while they run their coffee shop, Pulled Long. This way my first go at really trying to show the strength that people can draw from their families. Not to mention, I loved being able to give each of them a steamy partner to make their family even larger.

What better way to warm up on a cold December evening than with a cup of hot coffee and a book of steamy sex?

Speaking of coffee, I thought it might be fun to share with you the coffee recipes that are the titles for each of the Long Shot stories. You are a fan of coffee, you might want to give them a try!

Double Shot

To make a Double Espresso, pull two espresso shots (about 3 ounces total) using an espresso machine. A double espresso is best served in a slightly oversized demitasse or in a Cappuccino cup. Do not add hot water.

A Shot in the Dark

To make a Shot-In-the-Dark, pull one shot ofespresso and then add it to a cup of brewed coffee.

Pulled Long (Long Shot)

To make a Long Shot pour one shot of espresso "lungo" or "long." To do this the normal 1.5 ounces of water are dispensed through the compacted espresso grounds using a longer extraction time than usual. A typical long shot may be extracted for anywhere from twenty-five to forty seconds.

You can find more coffee ideas over at Espresso Drink Recipes.

Double Shot
Long Shots
#1
October 2011

A Shot In The Dark
Long Shots
#2
November 2011

Pulled Long
Long Shots
#3
December 2011

About Christine
Multipublished author Christine d'Abo loves exploring the human condition through a romantic lens. She takes her characters on fantastical journeys that change their hearts and expand their minds. A self-professed sci-fi junkie, Christine can often be found chatting about her favorite shows and movies. When she's not writing, she can be found chasing after her children, dogs or husband.

Christine is published with Carina Press, Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, Cleis Press and Berkley Heat. Please visit her at christinedabo.com and come chat with her at Twitter Christine_dAbo.

Comments

Coffee with my romance sounds like a great way to start or finish any day!
(Darci Paice 2:09am December 12, 2011)

Read all three stories and I thought they were great.
(Maria Munoz 9:33am December 12, 2011)

I love caramel coffee.... and it's terrific with a cozy romance and chocolates...
(May Pau 10:42am December 12, 2011)

Give me some Ameretto coffee and a good book---I'll be happy as a clam.
(Sue Farrell 11:17am December 12, 2011)

I am a romance reader with a coffee addiction. The series sounds like just the thing.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:29am December 12, 2011)

I love romance and a cup of snickerdoodle coffee. You got it, it tastes just like a snicker bar. A great book, and coffee that tastes like a chocolate bar. Am I in Heaven yet?
(Cheryl English 11:33am December 12, 2011)

FOR ME, THE WINNER IS FRENCH VANILLA WITH A SIDE OF FRENCH!
(Silvana Moscato 11:40am December 12, 2011)

I appreciate a fellow espresso drinker. I grew up on it, even have coffee
before I go to bed. You books sound as hot as the coffee I am brewing
right now.
(Carla Carlson 11:51am December 12, 2011)

I love cold weather, and your espresso sounds wonderful!
Blessings,
marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 12:45pm December 12, 2011)

For me a good white chocolate mocha is perfect.
(Sabrena Pattat 1:21pm December 12, 2011)

Not a big coffee fan. I love a chai tea though.
(Pam Howell 1:51pm December 12, 2011)

Something hot when it is cold out... great combo!
(Colleen Conklin 2:05pm December 12, 2011)

One of your books and a hot cup of organic tea sounds like a great relaxing afternoon.
(Julie Fine 2:21pm December 12, 2011)

I must admit a nice hot tea or chocolate and a decent book
make any winters day feel better.
(Ilona Fenton 2:37pm December 12, 2011)

I'm sitting here sipping my afternoon cup of hazelnut creme coffee as I read
this. Made me smile. I admit that I am a confirmed coffeeholic. MUST HAVE
COFFEE! Christine, I love the idea of your books being given coffee titles.
Sounds great! I cannot wait to read them.
(Connie Fischer 2:38pm December 12, 2011)

I drink plain old coffee,black. Only drink coffee in the morning but still enjoy it with the paper & book.
(Pat Wilson 2:59pm December 12, 2011)

I don't drink coffe, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying books with a coffee backdrop such as Cleo Coyle's mystery series.
(Anne Muller 3:25pm December 12, 2011)

Yes, Thanks so much for the great Coffee Recipes. We just
bought a new coffeemaker and look forward to trying some with
my Hubby. Please enter me in your great contest too. Thank
You. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 3:33pm December 12, 2011)

Right now I'm in the mood for a good diversion!! I'm overwhelmed from last minute things to do for Christmas preparations - mainly my Christmas cards!! I normally have them out, but got a major infection in my thumb, and was unable to hold a pen. To spare details, it's still draining and peeling from this weekend, so I have that to tend to. Once that is good to go, I have to start on my baking, and I have my knitting which has suffered, too. It did give me a chance to catch up on some reading, though, and your book will be no exception. I can't wait to read it with a cup of my mocha coffee!!
(Peggy Roberson 3:38pm December 12, 2011)

Just got a Tassimo, and I am finding it so wonderful for
making quick and yummy Hot Chocolate. I am not much for
coffee.
(Aimee Robison 4:45pm December 12, 2011)

Thanks for the yummy coffee recipes. A day is not a day without coffee
(Shirley Younger 5:50pm December 12, 2011)

I personally have been having a love affair with coffee for years. There are photos and movies of me at age 2 drinking from my Dads cup. So whats not to love about a steaming, strong cup of coffee. Dang, now I've got to go make one....
(Maude Allen 6:37pm December 12, 2011)

There is nothing like a great coffee & a great read.
(Mary Preston 6:59pm December 12, 2011)

I love the frozen flavored coffee drinks! Yummy!
(Jennifer Beyer 9:57pm December 12, 2011)

I read the blurb for Pulling Long and it sounds fantastic. I love m/m romances. I think this sounds like a great series. Regarding your post, I don't actually drink coffee. This is funny considering I just moved to Seattle where everyone drinks coffee. LOL
(Stacie Deramo 10:15pm December 12, 2011)

Oh my goodness another addiction for me. love this series.
(Tammy January 10:37pm December 12, 2011)

Although I love the aroma of coffee, I am a tea drinker. Love chai tea during the winter months.
(Mary C 10:39pm December 12, 2011)

i love the book do you do te bookm ark on them
(Desiree Reilly 11:31pm December 12, 2011)

I've been learning a little about the world of coffee - it's
more fascinating than I imagined!
(Michele Lawrence 11:43pm December 12, 2011)

I love a cup of coffee and a book in the morning.
(Patti Paonessa 11:56am December 13, 2011)

A good mug of hot coffee and a good book make winter bearable.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 2:55pm December 13, 2011)

I'm from "the South," so my beverage is sweet tea (preferably
in a mason jar). In the evenings, possibly spiked with Jack
Daniels. ;)
(Angeles W 3:56am December 14, 2011)

I'm more of a hot chocolate or tea drinker, but the smell of coffee makes my stomach growl. I think it's the anticipation of food coming hopefully soon. Thanks for the recipes on the fine art of coffee. Have you seen how some baristas can make a leaf out of the white foam on top. One coffeehouse had a latte throw contest where they had people come to drink the best for free since they made so many.
(Alyson Widen 5:20pm December 17, 2011)

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