Guest post by The Last Love Song author Kalie Holford
Kalie Holford lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and two puppies. She loves Mamma Mia!, country music, and love songs and stories. Her passion is writing books about messy girls who make mistakes, learn to love, and grow alongside each other. The Last Love Song is her debut novel.
Sunshine and good books have always gone hand-in-hand for me. As a full-time university student and debut author, summer is the optimal and only time to really catch up on my never ending TBR (and re-organize my bookshelves for the thousandth time). This year, I’m excited to curl up with some amazing sapphic books during Pride Month and beyond!
True Love and Other Impossible Odds by Christina Li
True love, algorithms, and college YA? Sign me up! I’ve been waiting for this one since the first announcement and can’t stop staring at the beautiful cover. Christina Li is a powerhouse writer, and I’m so grateful for her amazing stories.
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
Mazey Eddings is an auto-buy author for me. She writes about love and neurodiversity in the most compassionate and beautiful way, and I find such a solace in her words as someone who’s still learning how to love and be kind to the unique way my brain works. Her books always contain real, lasting, and nuanced relationships, and Late Bloomer is no exception. Also the Jenifer Prince cover?! Gorgeous!
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
This is without a doubt one of my most anticipated 2024 debuts! Not only does the book have a stunning cover, sprayed edges, and the most lovely author, but the foodie romance and wonderful premise promise such a treat!
Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin
I don’t remember much about the first and only time I went to summer camp, but I am so ready to visit Fogridge. This not-quite-hate-to-love romance and the dynamic voice of Erin Baldwin’s debut have had me captivated since I got a sneak peek months ago.
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
Is anyone else a Christmas-in-July (or June) enthusiast? I love putting a little winter magic into my summer season, and Courtney Kae’s In the Event of Love encompasses that wonder completely. I’m not sure if I’m on my third or fourth read of this book, but I’ll keep returning to Fern Falls as often as I can.
Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
I read Adiba Jaigirdar’s The Dos and Donuts of Love last year, and it sky-rocketed onto my favorites list, so I can’t wait to meet Hani and Ishu! I’m a sucker for overachiever characters and love an opposites attract romance, and I’m also always looking for books that thoughtfully talk about bi erasure.
Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
Paperback re-releases with beautiful covers may just be my kryptonite, but so are sapphic music books, so I’m pretty sure I’m going to love this! The festival setting and weekend-long time frame add even more intrigue, and I can’t wait to dive in.
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
Becky Albertalli’s books mean more to me than I can express in a short space, and ever since I was fifteen, I’ve bought every single one to release. Imogen, Obviously pulled me in with its compassionate deconstruction of heteronormativity, and this book is definitely near the top of my Pride Month TBR.
Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
I am absolutely head over heels for this concept, which is an amalgamation of so many of my favorite things: rivals-to-lovers, books about creatives, and ambitious women driving (or drawing!) their own stories. I’ve got Outdrawn bookmarked as a plane read for my summer travels, and I already have an inkling that the long flight may just fly by with this book to keep me company.
The Last Love Song by Kalie Holford
I might be a little biased, but I think The Last Love Song is a sapphic read meant for summer! It has a scavenger hunt, coming-of-age themes, and childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance that all take place in a seaside town where dreams rise and set with the sun. And it comes with a perfect summer playlist!
So, that’s what I’ll be reading! I’m always excited to chat about books and share recommendations, and I’m sending all the best summer reading vibes to everyone.
Xoxo,
Kalie
