How was your week? Mine was a bit up and down. I spent a lot of downtime enjoying my snow days by mostly hanging out in bed and reading or bingeing television. That tiny voice in the back of my head reminded me that I have books to plot and write. Still, it was nice giving myself a small break between writing More Than Friends and the super secret project I’m working on next.
How was your weather this past week? Did you do something fun? Let me know here.
Today, I’m sharing the playlist for Toby and Leilani’s friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, More Than Friends. I make playlists for every book I write. But the playlists are so much more meaningful in my Love & Music series, which follows the romantic and career adventures of music industry alumni of a school of the arts in Atlanta.
Leilani is a session singer who has a thing for classic jazz. Toby is the VP of A&R at a record label, and he’s obsessed with the Neo Soul music era. The full playlist reflects both eras with a few current songs thrown in that spoke to me when I was writing this story. Here are three songs I was a little obsessed with while writing More Than Friends.
This was one of the first songs that popped in my head once I realized that Toby adored the Neo Soul era of music as much as I do. Erykah Badu is one of my favorite artists of this subgenre. This song, which is on the soundtrack for the movie Brown Sugar (a friends-to-lovers romantic comedy), is a long-time fave.
I was seriously obsessed with the album Songs in A Minor when Alicia Keys first burst onto the scene. (Yep, totally dating myself here.) The song is an ode to the fluttery sensation you get when you realize you have feelings for someone. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album. And it fit the vibe of Toby and Leilani’s story. They’ve been best friends for more than half their lives. But suddenly, they each experience a reawakening of past feelings.
This is one of the few songs on the playlist that fits neither the Neo Soul nor classic jazz theme. But I was obsessed with this song about an admittedly flawed person who is looking for someone who will love and appreciate them, warts and all. The moment I heard it, I knew it was right for Leilani’s story. She is keenly aware of her quirks and failings. But she hopes to eventually find someone who truly appreciates what she brings to the relationship and will love her despite her flaws.
Click either playlist graphic or scan the QR Codes for the complete More Than Friends playlist.
In case you missed it, I shared Chapter One and Chapter Two of More Than Friends. Get your copy of Toby and Leilani’s story in e-book, paperback, or through Kindle Unlimited by clicking below. Try listening to the More Than Friends playlist while you read the story.
And if you’ve already read the book, thank you so much for buying and reading it! If you enjoyed it, I’d love it if you shared your honest review on your favorite review site.
Best friends. Only one bed. What’s the worst that could happen?
Leilani
Toby and I dated in high school. The romance didn’t last, but I got a friend for life. I’m a session singer, he’s an A&R rep, and we live on opposite coasts. Still, we’ve been best friends since high school. Okay, yes there’s occasionally some innocent flirting, but nothing serious. Neither of us would risk our friendship by getting involved again. But one long overdue destination wedding and a petty prank by his scheming ex and a little flirting turns into one incredible night. It was a mistake. And it definitely…probably…won’t happen again.
Toby
For a long time, I accepted that Leilani and I were better as friends than lovers. But lately, our “innocent” flirtations incite the filthiest thoughts, and I can’t stop wanting her. When playful teasing turns to a heated kiss, it ends in a night neither of us will ever forget. Leilani declares it a mistake, but I propose friendship with benefits, and she agrees. But the truth is I can’t ignore my growing feelings for her anymore. I’m determined to prove that we could be so much more than friends and that taking a chance on finding forever is worth the risk.
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