Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

December - Kady Cross

Kady Cross began her career as Kathryn Smith, writing best-selling, award-winning historical and paranormal romances. Over the course of more than 15 years she expanded into other genres and adopted several pseudonyms. It is unclear which, if any, is her 'real' name (maiden or married), and which are fictional, however the copyright statement in all her books is assigned to Kathryn Smith.

Kady has always enjoyed making things up — a trait that often got her into trouble as a child, but by which she enjoys making a living. Before writing fiction full time she worked as a cook, a journalist and in a photo finishing lab where she saw enough pictures of naked people to rival Hugh Hefner.

Her earliest novels were paranormal romances in an historical setting, written under the name Kathryn Smith. She was in her late 20s when her first book, Elusive Passion, was published in 2001. Over time she changed the direction of her writing, and turned to writing steampunk for young adults as Kady Cross and steampunk romances as Kate Cross.

After about 10 years she decided it was time to consider a career change. Her love of fantasy and the paranormal refused to leave her alone though, and one day, while sitting on the couch thinking of making a very scary career move, she started jotting down notes for a book she wanted to write just for the pure enjoyment of it; a book just for herself. That book became God Save the Queen, her first book published as Kate Locke. She also writes Suspense/Thrillers under the name Kate Kessler.

Regardless of what name she goes by, Kady loves stories that put character first, and enjoys exploring every side of the people she creates — even if it makes them less likeable. Like Xandra Vardan, the heroine in God Save the Queen, Kate values those she loves above all else, and has hair a color not typically found in nature. Unfortunately, Kate’s comes from a bottle. She’s married to a fabulous man who doesn’t seem to care what she does to her hair, puts up with her occasional craziness, helps her plot, and treats her like she’s the best thing since lipgloss.

An up-rooted Canadian, Kady lives in Connecticut with her husband, Steve and their pride of cats. When not writing, she enjoys reading, movies, makeup and poking around abandoned asylums.

Kady's GR pages can be found here: Kathryn Smith, Kady Cross, Kate Cross, Kate Locke, Kate Kessler, Kate McLaughlin


Challenge Task: Read one book written by our featured author, Kady Cross.
Challenge Duration: The whole month of December.

To sign up:
Post your interest and the book you are planning to read.

You must also signify if you are:
A - I'm a big fan! I'm excited to read another of her books.
B - Familiar with her work, and wouldn't mind reading her again.
C - Totally new to this author. Will see how I like it.
D - Didn't like the last one I've read, but willing to give it another chance.

To complete:
Post the date when you've completed your book.

You must also say if, after reading:
A - would definitely look at her other books, since I've enjoyed this one very much.
B - could take it or leave it. Was not an unpleasant experience but I'm not burning rubber to get to her other books.
C - Oh well, I tried. Definitely not my cup of tea.

A little review of the book read is welcomed but not required.

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I've read a series by Kathryn Smith and enjoyed it - I guess that makes me a A-/B+.

I think I will reread the first in that series, Be Mine Tonight - this time in audio!

I read God Save the Queen by Kate Locke and thought it was fantastic! I started out as a C and ended up an A!

I finished Be Mine Tonight by Kathryn Smith about a week ago and enjoyed it - again! I only remembered the bare bones of the book, so it was almost a new story for me with the odd twist of wondering when 'that part' was going to happen! 😂 The audio was a different experience since I read it before, I enjoyed that too.