This post was written by Simone Solani, author of Cross the Line.
Music plays a massive role in my writing process. Most days, I can’t sit down and start working on a project until I’ve listened to a few songs that put me in the right mindset. When I set out to write CROSS THE LINE, my sweet and spicy Formula 1 sports romance, I already had a few songs on the playlist. Sometimes, just one song can help me weave an entire story.
While the playlist I listened to while writing was nearly 100 songs long (a lot, I know!) here’s my curated top 10 that I think sum up the book perfectly.
In My Head (On My Mind) – MOTi
All I do is think about you
I’ve got you in my head, on my mind
Think about you all the time
Can’t escape, no relief
All I’m looking for is peace
According to Spotify, this was my #2 top played song in 2023. Considering I had it on repeat while writing CROSS THE LINE, that makes perfect sense. It’s the unofficial theme song.
There’s a lot of pining in this book. Lots of I can’t get you off my mind, no matter how hard I try. And both Willow and Dev, our MCs, are trying very hard not to think about each other, even though we all know it’s a lost cause!
willow – Taylor Swift
Wherever you stray, I follow
I’m begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That’s my man
While Willow wasn’t named after this song, I can’t deny that it’s fitting for her considering she’s following Dev around the world for all of his races. Her plans of staying in New York and finding a job there are wrecked when Dev presents her with an offer to work for him. So away she goes into the fast-paced world of Formula 1 with Dev holding her hand (both literally and metaphorically!)
Noorie – Bally Sagoo
This was the first song I added to the playlist when I started plotting CROSS THE LINE. The sheer pining! The soaring vocals! The remixed beat! It was perfect for the book, especially for how Dev—the Bollywood-loving boy that he is—feels about Willow.
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I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
And we kept everything professional
But something’s changed, it’s somethin’ I, I like
They keep watchful eyes on us
So it’s best that we move fast and keep quiet
Willow not only works for Dev as his social media manager, but she’s his best friend’s little sister, which means there’s definitely some sneaking around going on to keep people from finding out about their feelings for each other. This song is definitely the anthem for that.
Ajab Si (From Om Shanti Om) – KK
Bollywood movies play their own role in the book, but none more so than Om Shanti Om. Dev’s love for Shah Rukh Khan is only kind of a secret. And while he does prefer SRK’s slightly more melancholy films, this bright, wonderful look at Indian cinema is also one of his favorites. This sweeping song encapsulates how Willow makes him feel every time he looks at her.
Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
I want to be with you everywhere.
If Fleetwood Mac has one fan, it’s me. If Fleetwood Mac has zero fans, then I’m dead. Other than being a massive fan girl and knowing I needed to squeeze at least one of their songs on here, “Everywhere” is truly perfect for Willow and Dev. Because they really do want to be with each other everywhere.
Sparks Fly (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
‘Cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile
I’m sorry there are three Taylor songs on this playlist, but the woman has some bangers, what can I say! I couldn’t resist adding this for two reasons. One, Dev is known for his wide, charming smile, which Willow can’t resist. And two, the simple fact that F1 cars often have sparks flying out from underneath of them, caused by the floor scraping against the track surface. Plus, CROSS THE LINE is a romance—there are definitely sparks flying between our main characters!
Chaiyya Chaiyya (From Dil Se..) – Sukhwinder Singh, Sapna Awasthi
“I would dance on top of a train for you.” – Dev Anderson
If you’ve seen the movie Dil Se.. (or even just the scene with this song) you know exactly what he’s talking about. Dev views it as a way to say “I love you” without actually saying the words. Besides, dancing on top of a moving train must be hard! I’d take that as a love declaration any day.
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On Purpose – Sabrina Carpenter
But I don’t think I ever planned
For this helpless circumstance with you
My dreams running into your dreams
It’s as if we wished on the same star
And my time changing all of your time
It’s a butterfly effect on my heart
Despite Willow’s long-time crush on Dev, she never expects anything to come from it. This song definitely sums up the idea of a relationship developing unexpectedly but it blossoming into something meaningful. Plus, Willow and Dev are all about helping each other achieve their dreams, many of which they share.
Mundian To Bach Ke – Panjabi MC
This song is a wedding reception staple. In CROSS THE LINE, Dev’s sister is planning her wedding, and you can be sure this classic is on the reception party playlist. As Dev says to one of his friends, “You lose your mind every time Panjabi MC comes on.” I won’t admit that he might as well be talking about me…but he’s talking about me.
Hope this playlist gives you an idea of Cross the Line’s vibe! Happy listening!
Get your copy of Cross the Line by Simone Soltani here.