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)