Laura Lascarso is the author of “Racing Hearts,” the popular young adult book series where two star-crossed lovers, with feuding families, compete against each other in a local car race. Check out our exclusive interview with Laura as she discusses her modern-day Romeo & Juliet story, and stay tuned for “Racing Hearts: Book Two” out now!

YE: What makes Racing Hearts different from other books like it?

Laura: Racecars! The passion and fire that Jesse and Brooke have for each other is escalated by their competing desire to be first place on the racetrack. Compound the competition with a bitter rivalry between their fathers and we have a modern-day Romeo & Juliet on wheels.

YE: Who would be cast in the movie?

Laura: For someone who can keep calm under pressure like Jesse, I’d choose the smoldering Aussie Bob Morley, who plays Bellamy Blake on the CW’s The 100. For a gal who’s not only insanely multi-talented but a hell raiser like Brooke, I’d choose Taylor Momsen, lead singer of the rock band The Pretty Reckless. I’d think twice before tangling with her.

YE: Favorite quote/excerpt from the book.

Laura: “I don’t think I can help you,” Jesse said.

Her eyes narrowed and her chest heaved, drawing his gaze to her cleavage. Did she do it on purpose? She stood and waltzed over to his car, swaying her hips back and forth. She laid both hands on the hood lovingly, reverently even.

“Must be expensive,” she said in a calculated way, “doing all this work to a car, just for one race. I’d pay you, of course, for your time and labor.”

Young adult book author Laura Lascarso.