A little kissing between friends

In this wonderful sapphic romance, Higgins (D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding) portrays an upbeat and plausible friends-to-lovers relationship. Butch music producer Cyndi "Cyn Tha Starr" Thomas has known two things for most of her life: she's got undeniable musical talent and she's gay. Ambitious Cyn has always put professional success over personal relationships, including her friendship with her bestie Juleesa "Jucee" Jones. Femme Jucee is a single mother who eschews stereotype. Her passion for dancing didn't die with the birth of her son, and she's translated it into a successful career performing at Houston's hottest strip club. There are undeniable sparks between Cyn and Jucee, who Cyn calls her muse, but neither of them wants to endanger years of close friendship in pursuit of romance. The solution: casually hooking up, no feelings involved. But keeping their hearts out of the affair proves harder than either woman anticipated. Higgins paints a vivid picture of Houston, bolstering her lovable leads with a dynamic cast of locals. Friends to lovers may be a well-worn trope, but Higgins's take is fresh and exciting. Agent: Keisha Mennefee, Honey Magnolia Media. (May)

Two women worry that their newfound romance will ruin their yearslong friendship. Cyndi "Cyn Tha Starr" Thomas is a Houston-based rapper and music producer on the rise. She's finally experiencing the kind of success that she's been working for--creatively challenged, hired by influential musicians, and winning Grammys. All that success makes her an attractive hookup partner to the many beautiful women who are part of Houston's music scene, but it's Cyn's best friend, Juleesa Jones, that she can't stop thinking about. Jucee is a single mom and relative newcomer to the city, but Cyn's large extended family, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, have welcomed her and her son into the clan. Jucee is in high demand as a dancer at Sanity, the hottest strip club in town. Her son's father was a friend, and they fell into the easy relationship that made them parents, but it wasn't true love. This experience makes Jucee wary of the budding attraction she feels toward Cyn, because she knows better than anyone how sex can change a friendship. Jucee and Cyn finally give in to their attraction and spend a gloriously sexy night together, followed by a little bit of panic as they both worry about the long-term impact on their friendship. Higgins' likable characters are tender and vulnerable as they navigate the transition from friends to lovers, mistrusting themselves and each other. Their miscommunications and mistakes are frustrating but believable. A highlight of the book is the strong, vibrant community of friends and family that gently nudges Cyn and Jucee together, knowing the two are perfect for each other. A romance that highlights the complex challenge of transitioning from friends to lovers. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.