Episode Details

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Ever wondered what happens when Formula 1 gets launched into zero gravity — and thrown in a childhood-best-friends-to-lovers arc for good measure? Debut author Meredith Lanzen joins us to talk about her sci-fi sports romance, Formula Zero.

We dig into how a Drive to Survive rabbit hole turned into a book deal, why she wanted her leads to be equals on the racetrack, and her go-to recommendations for readers who love character-driven sci-fi, banter-heavy urban fantasy, and rom-coms with real emotional depth. If you love found family, slow-burn trust, and worlds that feel just a little bit magic around the edges, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Formula Zero by Meredith Lanzen — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Romance / Sports Romance | Audio ✅

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Romance | Audio ✅

The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards — Buy on Amazon | Urban Fantasy | Audio ✅

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Rom-Com | Audio ✅

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Fantasy Mystery | Audio ✅

⏱️Timestamps

• [00:00] Intro & welcome
• [01:00] Meredith's side quests: jigsaw puzzling, sourdough
• [02:00] The Formula 1 obsession begins
• [03:00] Discovering F1 via Drive to Survive; the writing journey starts
• [04:00] The idea for Formula Zero is born
• [06:00] Why she wanted her racers to be true equals
• [08:00] Formula Zero plot: Clark & Julian's fractured friendship
• [10:00] The fake-friendship PR twist
• [11:00] Favorite sci-fi elements & comfort rereads
• [13:00] Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
• [14:00] The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards
• [16:00] The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
• [19:00] Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
• [21:00] Where to find Meredith online

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