Picture a Pittsburgh dreamer who swapped sequins for stories, weaving romance and glamour into every page—meet Katie Delahanty! This former fashion designer turned novelist captures the sparkle of Hollywood and the heart of relatable heroines in her captivating books. From a serendipitous blog to bestselling series, Delahanty’s journey is as enchanting as her tales.
The Making of Katie Delahanty
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Katie Delahanty grew up immersed in old movies, costumes, and stacks of books, dreaming of a life in make-believe. After earning a BA in Communication Studies from UCLA to appease her practical parents, she chased her passion with a Professional Designation in Fashion Design from FIDM. For five years, she crafted romantic dresses sold at stores like Anthropologie and Nordstrom. But when an economic downturn shifted her path, she landed at In Bloom Lingerie, managing their e-commerce. Tasked with starting a company blog, she spun a fictional serial about a girl named Olivia Bloom—and discovered her true calling as a storyteller.
Katie Delahanty’s Unforgettable Stories
Delahanty’s debut, In Bloom (2014), launched the Brightside series, a romantic comedy saga blending fashion, celebrity life, and witty humor. The story follows Olivia Bloom, an aspiring costume designer navigating love with a rock star, Berkeley Dalton. Its sequels, Blushing (2015) and Believe (2016), deepen the drama with secret engagements and Hollywood intrigue, earning praise for their smart, quirky tone. Her standalone novel Keystone (2020) ventures into young adult dystopian fiction, exploring a social media-driven world where heroine Ella Karman trains as a Disconnect to steal secrets. Delahanty’s style shines with vivid settings, strong female leads, and a knack for blending romance with relatable struggles, making her books irresistible page-turners.
Her latest work, Waiting for a Girl Like You (releasing March 2025), is a romantic comedy about a bridesmaid-for-hire, promising more of her signature humor and heart. Delahanty’s ability to craft stories that feel both glamorous and grounded has cemented her as a beloved voice in contemporary romance and YA fiction.
Why Katie Delahanty Matters
Katie Delahanty’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel like they’re stepping into a dazzling yet approachable world. Her heroines, like Olivia and Ella, resonate with young women chasing dreams while navigating love and self-discovery. By blending fashion, pop culture, and heartfelt storytelling, she’s carved a niche in romance and YA genres, inspiring readers to embrace their own sparkle. Her transition from fashion to fiction also showcases the power of reinvention, proving it’s never too late to find your true passion.
- Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: In Bloom, Blushing, Believe, Keystone, Waiting for a Girl Like You
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Young Adult Dystopian
- Fun Fact: Her Brightside series began as a fictional blog for a lingerie company!
Snag In Bloom or pre-order Waiting for a Girl Like You and dive into Katie Delahanty’s dazzling world of romance and adventure!