We interview your favorite romance authors! Join your co-hosts, Cara Lockwood/Cara Tanamachi, a USA Today bestselling author of more than 40 books whose first novel, I Do (But I Don't) was made into a Lifetime Original movie, and her co-host, husband, and real-life romantic hero, PJ, (co-host of the Braving Business Podcast) as they get to know the writers behind your favorite Happily-Ever-Afters.
We'll skip to the good parts - of new books, backstories, and inspirations. Join us and add a little more Happily Ever After to your day!
Want to be on the show? Have questions or comments? Email Cara at caratanamachi@gmail.com!
Southern Mysteries, Small-Town Secrets, & Dolly Parton with Christy Scott Cashman
Award-winning author, actress, producer, and arts advocate Christy Scott Cashman joins Cara and PJ on Skip to the Good Part! Christy takes us inside her second novel, What Happened in Beulah, a twisty 1980s mystery set in the Smoky Mountains centered on town gentrification, missing persons, dark family secrets, and the magnetic pull of Dollywood's opening day. Christy opens up about transitioning from screenwriting and feature films (American Hustle, Joy) to novel writing, the power of letting characters take the wheel, and why reading creates a one-to-one emotional connection that movies simply can't match. Plus, Cara and Christy bond over childhood latchkey resilience, surviving the creative struggle, and plotting a dream writing retreat!
Pre-order your copy of What Happened in Beulah (out October 20th) and pick up The Truth About Horses wherever books are sold.
Visit Christy's official website: christycashman.com (https://christycashman.com) to find upcoming book events and join her newsletter.
Follow Christy on Instagram: @cashman_christy (https://www.instagram.com/cashman_christy/).
Order Kiss, Marry, Kill and explore all of Cara’s books at caratheauthor.com (https://caratheauthor.com).
13 Oct 2026
Cozy Romantasy, "Grumpy x Grumpy" Rivals, & D&D Magic with Kristen Vale
USA Today bestselling author Kristen Vale joins Cara and PJ to talk about her delightful world of queer, cozy romantasy! Kristen dives into her newest novel, A Spell of Heart and Havoc, introducing us to a half-dwarf thief, a disgraced noblewoman, and their deliciously chaotic "haters-to-lovers" romance. Plus, she shares how D&D and cooking inspire her whimsical world-building, what it really takes to balance a full-time publishing job with writing deadlines, and how a white stretch limo to the Renaissance Faire is the ultimate author move!
Grab your copies of A Tale of Mirth and Magic and A Spell of Heart and Havoc wherever books are sold.
Subscribe to Kristen’s Substack, You've Got Vale (https://kristenvalewrites.substack.com).
Follow Kristen on Instagram @kristenvalewrites (https://www.instagram.com/kristenvalewrites/).
Order Kiss, Marry, Kill and check out Cara’s latest books at caratheauthor.com (https://caratheauthor.com).
6 Oct 2026
Cara dives into your questions regarding "Kiss, Marry, Kill"!
Cara is answering your questions! In this special IndieBones Book Club episode, Cara takes us behind the scenes of Kiss, Marry, Kill - from blending romance, true crime, and laugh-out-loud humor to writing a fearless heroine and changing up the mystery mid-draft. We also get her dream movie cast, the story behind “Dr. Cheese,” a peek at her decidedly unglamorous writing routine, and a tease of Ella’s return in Truth or Dare. It’s “kissy kissy, stabby stabby,” with plenty of laughs along the way!
Buy Kiss, Marry, Kill on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Marry-Kill-Cara-Tanamachi/dp/1538779382?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GvXGrvBMlE4_Wk9sA_KemA.lPGyC3YZtns7NbsLqAs2SrCWRqoBrVhq15DbMYjlSX8&qid=1774185747&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl2&tag=caratheauthor-20&linkId=0d8d6c65eba81d737dbefeec1f500d38&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl).
Visit Cara’s website: caratheauthor.com (https://caratheauthor.com).
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
22
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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Guest appearances
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