Enjoy a behind the scenes look at the inspirations and influences for Seductive Serenade.
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Extras
How did you come up with the idea for Seductive Serenade?
As I mentioned in my June newsletter, I came up with the idea for this series because I needed an unserious, horny palate cleanser from the long rom-coms I’d been writing in hopes of being traditionally published. The bonkers premise for Seductive Serenade (one twin mistaken for her sister by her crush) came to me almost immediately, and I knew it had to be the first book in the series.
Main Character Profiles
Cleo Lillian Maxwell
Physical Inspiration: Marina Moschen
Age: 29
Sun Sign: Pisces
Likes: cats (like, a lot!), poetry, word puzzles
Bio: Shy, reserved Cleo is the identical twin sister and personal assistant of world-famous pop star, Kennedy Maxwell. Cleo fears she’ll never get out of her sister’s shadow, and wants people to appreciate her in her own right. She loves words and writing, and is a big daydreamer. There’s no mistaking her love for cats.
Benjamin James “Benji” Prescott
Physical Inspiration: Rodrigo Guirao Díaz
Age: 31
Sun Sign: Capricorn (hence why I use earth energy to illustrate his creative process)
Likes: music, spending time by the water, surfing
Bio: Benji is one-third of the boy band, Electric Echo (along with his little brother, Isaac, and best friend, Ryan). Though they found much success, Benji left the group to pursue a solo career. After five years honing his musical skills, Benji’s ready to make a comeback, but his fear of failure holds him back.
What's up with these steamy scenes?
This is your *SPOILER ALERT* warning if you haven’t read Seductive Serenade; read on at your own risk. This book contains three steamy scenes (in chapters 5, 8, 10), and while they’re super sexy, they serve a purpose—in fact, all of my sex scenes do. One of the reasons I love writing steamy romance is because I can explore the juxtaposition of the personas people present in everyday life to how they show up during sex and intimate moments. Most of my characters use sex to empower themselves.
For example, my most trusted beta reader mentioned it’s a “pleasant and titillating surprise” that Benji is more aggressive than expected in Chapter 8’s sex scene. There’s a reason for that. In everyday life, Benji is frozen by his fear of failure, but during sex he’s confident and not afraid to take control. The sex scene on Benji’s patio is extremely important for Cleo as well because it forces her to be vocal about what she wants in a very public place. The sex scene in Chapter 10 (on the beach) takes it a step further.
Fun Fact: I always have one specific song that’s tied to each sex scene and embodies the vibe. ⬇️
- Chapter 5: “Fetish” – Selena Gomez ft. Gucci Mane
- Chapter 8: “Gorgeous” – X Ambassadors
- Chapter 10: “Rip Tides” – Scavenger Hunt
Official Playlist & Notes
Here’s the official playlist for the story. As much as I’d love to annotate the whole thing, it’s just shy of two hours and contains 35 songs, so I’ll highlight a few key songs and artists.
“Rush” – Emblem3
This was the very first song that came to me for this project. Whenever I think of Benji and Cleo together from Benji’s POV, this “Rush” just fits. It’s impassioned, anguished, and builds into a frenzy. The lyrics talk about not getting close enough, being swept up in a rush, and encourage the girl in the song to command what she wants…this is basically Seductive Serenade in a catchy four-minute pop-rock song.
“Atmosphere” – Drax Project
This song is vital to Benji’s character (and any Capricorn, really). To me it’s all about being not quite where you want to be at the moment, but knowing you’re meant for big things and they’re coming. This is true for Benji and why he puts so much pressure on himself. He’s willing to work hard to make his dreams come true.
“Ain’t Got Nothing Figured Out” – MAGIC!
I love this song (and MAGIC!) immensely. This song dropped into my life at a time where I really didn’t have anything figured out. It helped to know that there are other folks out there who don’t have everything figured out at their big age too, and that it’s alright. I know “Ain’t Got Nothing Figured Out” would resonate with Benji to his core.
“Go Your Own Way” – Prizm
While the original is my favorite Fleetwood Mac song, I like to think this cover is Cleo’s theme song. Even though the lyrics are about Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks’s tumultuous relationship, in some ways, they can be applied to Cleo and Kennedy’s relationship. Prizm’s version of the song is shimmery and effervescent—everything Cleo wishes she was, and how Benji sees her.
Carly Rae Jepsen
There’s several Carly Rae songs on this playlist because her brand of pop is fun, light-hearted, and earnest—characteristics I associate with Cleo. CRJ’s songs are the soundtrack to Cleo’s daydreams (“Want You in My Room”), her conscience (“Bad Thing Twice”), and her inner feelings (“I Really Like You”). And if Serenade was a movie, I could absolutely see “Surrender My Heart” playing in the last scene when Benji and Cleo leave together and over the credits.
The 1975
Look, I know Matty Healy hasn’t been on his best behavior recently, but The 1975 has some serious bangers that are perfect for touching moments (“Heart Out” and “I’m in Love with You”), and upbeat joyful ones (“Looking for Somebody (to Love)”) from Benji’s POV. I adore this cover of “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” by Roses & Revolutions for a tender moment from Cleo’s POV.
Boyband Inspiration
Electric Echo is based on Youngstown. I knew I wanted the group to be a trio, and though BBMak was the first to come to mind, I didn’t want my guys to play instruments. LFO gets honorable mention, RIP dudes.
For the record, my favorite boy band is ’N Sync. Honorable mention goes to Five (I know I’ve dated myself here). More recent boy bands I’ve been fangirling over include: One Direction, Why Don’t We, and of course, BTS.
More Songwriting Fun
Nashville
I absolutely loved Nashville when it was on the air. Soap opera-y drama that revolves around the music industry and highlights songwriters? Gimme. Because of this show, I intend to make a pilgrimage to the actual Bluebird Cafe in Nashville one day. My favorite songs: “Don’t Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet,” “I Ain’t Leaving Without Your Love,” and “Never Come Back Again.”
Stream it on Hulu.
Songland
This may be the only reality show I will rewatch—yes, I love it that much. Three of today’s top songwriters (Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally) work with aspiring songwriters to craft the perfect song for each week’s special guest. A number of cool artists have appeared on the show like Usher, Boyz II Men, Luis Fonsi, Jonas Brothers, Lady A, etc. I love that the public gets to see the songwriting process and what goes into creating a hit. A couple of my favorite songs: “Greenlight,” “Champagne Night,” “Solo Quiero (Somebody to Love).”
If someone knows where I can stream this, please let me know!
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