Woman holds Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston; Sonic Sweet Topped Lemonades.
In a delightful fusion of romance and refreshment, bestselling author Ashley Poston has teamed up with Sonic to celebrate two of her great passions – books and beverages. Alongside fellow authors Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren, Poston is helping unveil Sonic’s new lineup of Sweet Topped Lemonades: Classic, Strawberry, and Blueberry Lavender. Launching first on the Sonic app starting May 27 and available nationwide by June 2, these summer-ready drinks aren’t just a treat – they also support a meaningful cause.
A portion of the proceeds will go toward First Book, a nonprofit that provides educational resources to underserved communities. The initiative aims to distribute over 100,000 books, nurturing a love of reading in children who need it most.
For Poston, whose next novel Sounds Like Love debuts June 17, the partnership feels deeply personal. “My aunt’s a public school teacher, and I’m passionate about young adult literature,” she told PEOPLE. “Helping kids access books is something I truly care about—it just felt like the perfect match.”
A South Carolina native, Poston recalls how summer and Sonic were inseparable parts of her teenage years. She even imagined which of her own characters would enjoy a Sonic stop. “Iwan from The Seven Year Slip, being from North Carolina, definitely grew up with Sonic,” she said with a smile. “I could see Florence and Ben from The Dead Romantics, or Elsy from A Novel Love Story, joining him too – everyone cooling down with lemonade on a hot day.”
But ultimately, it’s Lemon and Iwan from The Seven Year Slip who steal the scene. “They’d absolutely try the Sweet Topped Lemonade,” Poston added. “Iwan would be intrigued, and Lemon—well, the name alone makes it a must-try.”
As the fictional couple savors their drinks, Poston imagines their casual outing turning into a flirty, full-blown date – one worthy of a New York Times lifestyle piece.
Reflecting on her own Sonic memories, Poston says, “Cherry Limeades were my teenage summers. I’d cruise the backroads with music blasting and that limeade in hand. That’s the feeling I wanted to evoke in Sounds Like Love – a story about a burned – out songwriter and a forgotten musician who reconnect through a mysterious song. It’s about slowing down, finding joy in the little things, and chasing what makes you feel alive.”
Fans can dive into the story when Sounds Like Love drops June 17, available for preorder now from all major retailers.
And if you want to savor a taste of summer while you read? Grab a Sweet Topped Lemonade from Sonic’s app – chilled, fizzy, and full of heart.
