In this thought-provoking and candid episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with author Christina Braver for a conversation as insightful as it is inspiring. Christina shares her winding journey from clinical psychologist and healthcare tech professional to becoming a romance novelist with a mission: to bring sex positivity, emotional depth, and real-world complexity into the stories we love to read. Christina talks about how her background in psychology informs the deeply human characters in her books, and how she weaves authentic experiences—including topics like endometriosis, sexual agency, and communication in relationships—into her stories. Desiree and Christina dive into the evolving world of romance novels, exploring how today’s stories shift away from outdated tropes to include diverse bodies, experiences, and sexualities—all while normalizing consent, vulnerability, and emotional healing. Whether you're a romance fan, a curious listener, or someone navigating your own journey of sexual wellness and self-discovery, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and a whole lot of heart.

Bio:

Christina Braver writes steamy, small-town, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are about strong heroes with softer sides, independent heroines with a bit of sass, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need.

She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and uses that knowledge to create well rounded character driven stories described as “a little bit nerdy and a little bit dirty.” Influenced by books and information from prominent sex therapists, her novels bring toe curling spice and real-life sexy tips, as well as address deeper issues such as women’s sexual health and sex positivity for everyone.

When she isn’t writing, Christina can be found laughing too loudly with friends, sipping wine, or reading. She lives outside Seattle with her husband who shares his bourbon, and two teenagers who don’t tell their friends what Mom writes.

Connect with Christina:

Email

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Books mentioned:

Your Two Lips: A Steamy Small-Town Contemporary Romance (Perry Harbor Book 1) by Christina Braver (Author)

Formula One Noel: A Steamy Contemporary Holiday Romance (Perry Harbor Standalone) by Christina Braver (Author)

Vegas Baby: A Steamy Contemporary Holiday Romance by Christina Braver (Author)

Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity by Peggy Orenstein (Author)

Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape by Peggy Orenstein (Author)

Coming Together: Embracing your Core Desires for Sexual Fulfillment and Long-Term Compatibility by Danielle Harel PhD (Author), Celeste Hirschman MA (Author)

Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. (Author)

Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers 1st Edition, by Peggy Kleinplatz (Author), A. Ménard (Author)

Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk About Sex After Sixty by Joan Price (Author)

Podcasts mentioned:

Shameless Sex Podcast

Ask A Sex Therapist

Pillow Talks

Please Me Podcast with Eve