A Little Kissing Between Friends

By: Chencia C. Higgins

Narrated by: Lauryn Nichols, J. Shani Michaels

“Triumphantly Black, queer and contemporary… The dialogue snaps and shimmers.” —New York Times Book Review on D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

Music producer on the rise Cyn Tha Starr knows what she likes, from her sickening beats in the studio to the flirty femmes she fools around with. Her ever-rotating roster has never been a problem until her latest fling clashes with Jucee, her best friend and the most popular dancer at strip club Sanity.

It makes Cyn see Jucee in a different light. One with far fewer boundaries and a lot more kissing.

Juleesa Jones makes great money dancing the early shift and spends most evenings with her son, her Sanity family or at Cyn’s house. Relationships are not high on the priority list—until she’s forced to admit that maybe friendship isn’t the only thing she wants from her bestie.

But hooking up with your ride-or-die is risky. Jucee isn’t just Cyn’s best friend—Jucee is her muse. When Cyn lays down her tracks, it’s Jucee she imagines in the club throwing it back to every note. If they aren’t careful, this could crash and burn…but isn’t real love worth it?

©2024 Chencia C. Higgins (P)2024 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Cute but….

Mild Spoilers Ahead



Listen, this was a nice story. I’m always happy to find more books with some black wlw love.
However, I’m giving this four stars, across-the-board for story and performance because there were several parts of the book where the actresses would repeat whole sentences or phrases as if they lost their place and it did take me out a bit a couple of times.
Also, I know that with the rise “Booktok” there is a pressure to have a story that is “spicy” and while the scenes were good I felt like there were a few too many when the leading ladies really just needed to have a moment to actually talk about how they felt.

On the ending…….

Spoiler


It was left, semi ambiguous with a positive tone, but, I feel like several threads from the earlier chapters weren’t addressed. Like the groupie, the incident at the strip club, what happened with the other musical artist? Also, there was never really confirmation that anything was going to change. I would’ve liked the book to end with them both firmly saying “OK yes XYNZ is happening and this is how we’re gonna move forward” rather than “yeah we have love for each other and we’re gonna work it out” , I guess sometimes don’t want to be unrealistic. Overall, I would definitely read more by this author, but this book probably won’t get a relisten from me..

a little kissing between friends

The writing was a amazing and the narration, the narrator voice was very seductive. i had to read this book in private

The depth of characters

Thank you Author! I often look for reads that my wife and I can share. It can be so difficult to find books that we can see ourselves in. Not only as lesbians but also as black women. This story was layered, erotic, honest, and so damn good! Looking forward to reading more.

I loved it

I enjoyed this a lot. Watching their relationship grow was so good. I look forward to more from this writer.

Black Queer Content

I enjoyed this story immensely. The author brought me into a world so familiar with people I felt like I knew, a strong sense of family and community held this story together and the sex/romance between the main characters was so hot! I'm looking forward to rewarding more from this author.

5⭐️

Five stars for real!!! This book gave real emotion. Everything that you're thinking in your head. This was simply a friend's to lovers book no gender involved. Really well written. The narrators we're on point. I'm about to go through all Chencia C. Higgins whole catalog.

Loved it!

This was a great read! It didn’t feel rushed nor did it seem drawn out. Great story that I really lost myself in. Loved it!!!

That was hot

I ordered the book because I’m a fan of the narrators who did a phenomenal job as usual. I didn’t know what the story was about I loved. I’m from Houston so it was cool recognizing the setting and some scenes

And though I’m straight, the author did an incredible job in building their love story. I found myself rooting for love.

Spoiler . I also like that the stud wasn’t the bravest or turning someone out or domineering

I loved that shedding the armor was each of their paths to amour (love)

Stellar Sapphic Romance

The audiobook version of A Little Kissing Between Friends is an absolute delight, thanks to the exceptional performances of the two narrators who bring Cyn Tha Starr and Juleesa "Jucee" Jones to life in a way that is both captivating and immersive.

From the first chapter, it’s clear that these narrators were perfectly cast. Their voices complement the characters so well, enhancing the authenticity and depth of Cyn and Jucee's journey. Cyn's narrator captures her confident, laid-back, and occasionally vulnerable nature with an effortless charm that makes you root for her from the start. The performance adds an extra layer of complexity to Cyn, making her both relatable and endearing.

Jucee's narrator is equally outstanding, embodying her strength, sass, and the tender moments with her son. The nuances in her voice perfectly convey Jucee's multifaceted personality, from her fierce independence to her moments of vulnerability. The narrators’ ability to switch between different tones and emotions so seamlessly makes the listening experience all the more engaging.

The chemistry between Cyn and Jucee is palpable through the narrators’ performances, bringing the heat and heart of their relationship to life in a way that feels genuine and deeply moving. The spicy scenes are narrated with just the right amount of intensity, while the more tender moments are delivered with heartfelt sincerity.

The narrators also do an excellent job with the supporting characters, adding richness to the story and making the world of Houston’s music and dance scene feel incredibly real. Their skillful storytelling and attention to detail enhance the themes of family, trust, and body positivity that Chencia C. Higgins so beautifully weaves into the narrative.

The Audiobook of A Little Kissing Between Friends is a stellar way to experience this remarkable story. The narrators' top-notch performances give Cyn and Jucee an additional level of complexity and authenticity, making this audiobook a must-listen. Whether you’re already a fan of the book or new to the story, this audiobook will leave you thoroughly impressed and deeply moved.