“Hung Up” by Madonna

This song might as well have been written for the book. Plus, I have listened to Confessions on the Dance Floor about three thousand times since my best friend and I hopped a plane and went to see Madonna when she played in LA. (We felt so decadent!)

“Last Year’s Troubles” by Suzanne Vega

“Here we have heroes of times that have passed now
But nobody these days has that kind of chin
Over there the petticoats of ladies of virtue
You can hardly tell them from the petticoats of sin.”

The lyrics to this song almost define historical romance. Or rather, they delve into the question of why we love it so much, why we can accept behavior and rules that today would make us balk. Check out the full lyrics–seriously!

“Soul Meets Body” by Death Cab for Cutie

One of my favorite songs to listen to while writing this book. Plus I love that they celebrate brown eyes.

“Everyday I Write the Book” by Elvis Costello & the Attractions

It’s what I keep telling myself. Now if I could only stick to my schedule…