Guest post written by The Last Page author Katie Holt
Katie Holt is a New York City resident but a Tennessee native. She studied English with a concentration in creative writing at NYU and fought with every professor to prove that romance novels were worthy of their time. She’s a Nora Ephron fanatic, Swiftie, and warm chocolate chip cookie enthusiast. Katie is also the author of her highly-acclaimed debut Not in My Book.
About The Last Page: From the author of Not in My Book comes another irresistible, bookish contemporary romance. A bookseller with a dream of running her beloved bookstore vs. the owner’s out-of-touch grandson who inherits everything. Game on. Out May 12th 2026.
Ever since I moved to New York five years ago, I’ve kept a running list of my favorite places in the city. Whether they’re parks or bars or even little alleyways, I keep track of them nearly religiously. Although I’ve lived in New York for half a decade, I’m not a New Yorker (try as I might). But, whenever someone from back home visits me, I like to pretend I am as I pull out my lengthy lists of, in my opinion, some of New York’s greatest hits.
I fell in love with romcoms through Nora Ephron’s films, like so many, but I also fell in love with New York that way, too. Everyone wants to visit Katz’s Deli for that iconic scene in When Harry Met Sally. But what about, formerly, Shakespeare & Co., where Carrie Fisher hilariously delivers, “Someone is staring at you in personal growth.” Nora had such a way of making New York City feel like its own character and it’s one of my missions as I write my books.
Here’s a non-comprehensive list of my favorite NYC spots that made it into The Last Page:
Kingston Hall on 2nd Ave
I love the interior design of this bar. It’s the perfect amount of whimsical and mood lighting. Plus a nice pool table and BOGO beer on the weekend! I wrote a lot of The Last Page sitting on their outdoor deck. It felt like the perfect place for Ella and Henry to devise their plan to save the store. This is where they first start to believe that they could actually save the store and Leo’s legacy.
Museum of Natural History
Personally, I think this is one of the greatest first date spots. Ella and Henry really get to know each other here, wandering and talking for hours. This feels like a turning point where Henry realizes if he stays, it’s not for NYC, but for something or someone else.
Don Ceviche on 1st Ave
My friend lived above this Peruvian restaurant for years, so I was well fed by their delicious picarones. Peruvian food is the best food on the planet and a point of pride for Peruvians. Growing up in TN, Henry’s never had it before, so Ella takes him to her favorite hole in the wall spot.
Little Island
At this point in the novel, Ella and Henry have already faced their feelings, as much as they try to ignore it. The man made island has always made me a little homesick being surrounded by all that green. It felt like the perfect place for them to acknowledge there’s something between them, but something also holding them back.
Little Ruby’s Cafe – West 4th Street
Ella and Julia come here for a brunch moment, which I’ve admittedly done with my sister plenty of times. Their friendship was a lot of fun to write and no New York friendship is complete without at least one brunch and mimosa moment. (Their crispy rice bowl is the best thing on the menu!!)
