Today I am joined by debut author Emily Locker to chat about her YA Rom Com, Running Mates! Take a listen as Emily and I chat about her journey to becoming a traditionally published author, romance novels, our love for independent bookstores, the fantastic characters and plot line, our swoony cinnamon role love interest, youth activism, star-crossed love, and more! The entire episode is spoiler free! A little about Running Mates: In the quaint yet politically charged town of Edgartown, North Carolina, two worlds are about to collide. Meet Annabelle Morningstar, an impassioned, quirky high school activist raised by her news anchor and surgeon mothers, both champions of progressive ideals. Across town, there's Gabe Delgado, the quintessential all-American boy, molded by his conservative, Cuban senator father. Edgartown is a town literally divided―the Liberal East and the Conservative North coexisting as neighbors but rarely as friends. But what happens when the two sides meet in the least likely of places: a local bookstore? When employees at Annabelle's favorite literary haven decide to unionize, she finds her path unexpectedly crossing with Gabe's. And then they're tossed together weekly as they get special training help for their beloved cross-country competitions. With their worlds thrown into disarray, the two high schoolers must navigate their complex feelings for each other while wrestling with their polarized upbringings. Can love bloom in the crossfire of political discord? A special thank you to Emily for coming on the podcast today. And a special thank you to Kathleen Carter at Kathleen Carter Communications for setting up the interview. Check out Emily's website Follow Emily on Instagram Purchase Running Mates Have a question about today's book or author? Have a book you want me to review on the podcast? Just want to say hi? Send me an email at [email protected] Don't forget to give the podcast a 5 star rating, and leave a review! Thank you for your support!