Episode #89 Christina Braver – Hawaii for Two, Sex-Positive Romance & Writing Intimacy
In this episode of Miles Beyond the Page, host Michelle Miles welcomes romance author Christina Braver to discuss her contemporary romance Hawaii for Two and how her background in clinical psychology shapes the stories she tells. Christina shares how the novel combines beloved romance tropes—including forced proximity, fake dating, and only one bed—with thoughtful conversations about intimacy, communication, and personal growth.
Christina explains the inspiration behind Hawaii for Two, exploring her characters' emotional and sexual journeys with honesty and intention. She discusses writing realistic intimacy, incorporating accurate sexual health information into her novels, the importance of enthusiastic consent, and why romance fiction can help readers develop healthier expectations about relationships and communication.
Michelle and Christina also dive into Christina's journey from writing during the COVID pandemic to becoming an indie author, her unique "plotzer" approach that blends plotting and pantsing, the challenges of marketing in today's publishing landscape, and what success means beyond sales. Along the way, they share practical advice for writers navigating publishing while staying true to their creative vision.
🎧 Join Michelle and Christina for an insightful conversation about contemporary romance, writing authentic relationships, indie publishing, and creating stories with both heart and purpose.
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ABOUT CHRISTINA BRAVER:
Christina Braver is a published author of nine steamy, contemporary romances, and an advocating for real sex representation in the genre and sex education in general. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and pairs that knowledge with information from prominent sex experts to write character-driven stories described as “a little bit nerdy, a little bit dirty.” Her books bring toe-curling spice and real-life tips while addressing deeper issues such as endometriosis, difficulty orgasming, sexual stereotypes, and surviving sexual shame.
She lives outside Seattle and enjoys wine, mountain biking, laughing too loudly, and of course, reading.
WHERE TO FIND HER:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
WHERE TO FIND HER BOOKS: