A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

By: Tia Williams

Narrated by: Mela Lee, Preston Butler

In this sexy modern-day fairytale from the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician share a soul mate connection told through the history, art, and the magic of Harlem.

The daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, Ricki Wilde is the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a different, more exciting life awaits her. When she moves into a Harlem brownstone, she leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. One evening Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.

Includes a Reading Group Guide.

Critic reviews

Praise for A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

“Tia Williams brilliantly captures the magic and romance of Harlem—past and present—while giving us a heroine we can all root for. I adore Ricki Wilde and was utterly enchanted by this epic love story. Prepare to be transported!”—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of "Meant to Be"

“This book reads like the best kind of love song: tender, smart and undeniably sexy. Tia Williams simply doesn’t miss.”—Leah Johnson, bestselling author of "You Should See Me in a Crown"

"Tia Williams writes instant classics, and A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is the perfect vehicle to demonstrate the rare range and insight that make her writing so special. At turns punchy and poignant, sweeping and yet so intimate, this story will steal your heart and surprise you. Make you ache. Make you laugh and cry and yearn. As Williams' most ambitious work to date with layers of romance and heartache and history and magic tucked between these pages, it is your next book of the year.”—Kennedy Ryan, bestselling author of "Before I Let Go"

"An enigmatic, enchanting, absolute gift of a love story that transcends time, place, and realm. Williams never ceases to surprise and delight!”—Robinne Lee, author of "The Idea of You"

"Elegantly blending past and present, romance and fantasy, Williams (Seven Days in June) delivers a gorgeous, transportive love letter to the Harlem Renaissance. What begins as a simple romance is elevated by rich history as the story flashes back through Harlem’s past, revealing both its glamor and its danger. This vast time span creates an epic feel that never overpowers the tender heat of the romance. It’s a showstopper."—Publishers Weekly

"[A Love Song for Ricki Wilde] is both a love letter to Harlem and a recognition of its history that gentrification cannot erase."—Library Journal

Praise for Seven Days in June - A New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick!

“[Seven Days in June is] filled with important observations and tidbits about Black life, giving the reader something that goes a step beyond the basic rom-com format.”

—USA Today

“While this is a sumptuous, fun, romantic story about two authors who reunite at a conference, it's also an ode to anyone who goes through life wishing they were more normal.”

—Good Morning America

“Steamy.”

—Essence

“Gutting, arousing, and sparklingly witty… a love story with depth.”—Vogue

“This summer’s best romance ... very well-rendered and plenty satisfying.”—Los Angeles Times

“An intense romance between troubled teens reignites when Eva and Shane reconnect years later as superstar authors. Full of wit, warmth, and passion.”—People

Why am I bawling on my lunch break?

Think Eves Bayou but make it an addictive love story written with the intention to keep you going further into the story. By far one of the best books I’ve listened to/ read in a while. Literally anything and everything you could want written in the smartest way possible intertwining black culture spanning decades, regions, and various art mediums. I will however be forwarding the author my next few invoices for spiritual consulting and therapy sessions needed to process this story.

character development

This is a love song to harlem, or a love story to Harlem. The characters are so well fleshed and thought out. Ricki Wilde is a magnetic and eccentric character that I feel like I could run into at any time living in New York City. Ezra, Ms Della, Tuesday all feel like characters that I can reach out and touch even within the themes of magical realism in the book. This is a fantastic novel. I literally could not stop listening to it. Tia Williams is amazing.

I Didn't See It Coming

The story moved at a good pace. The aurthor gave us enough back story for the characters. I began to piece things together but I had no idea. This book was all the things. It was a historical, mysterious, slightly eerie yet modern romance.

It all ties together.

At first I was disappointed. I was confused as to why the author chose to use certain slang, phrases, and shifts in time. But it all tied together for a beautiful love story.

Enjoyable romance

Good narration. Story was a little different and over the top, but enjoyable nonetheless. Gonna read this author again.