Picture a Canadian storyteller who spun tales of passion, intrigue, and steampunk adventure—meet Kathryn Smith, better known to some as Kady Cross! A USA Today bestselling author, she’s captivated readers with her paranormal and historical romances, blending heart-pounding drama with rich historical settings. From her early days scribbling stories to crafting beloved series like the Ryland Brothers, Smith’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination.
With a knack for happy endings and a love for the supernatural, Smith has carved a unique niche in romance fiction. Whether writing as Kathryn Smith or Kady Cross, her stories pulse with vibrant characters and immersive worlds, inviting readers to lose themselves in love and adventure. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable author!
The Making of Kathryn Smith / Kady Cross
Born in 1971 in Canada, Kathryn Smith began writing at the tender age of eight, delighting teachers and classmates with her imaginative tales. Her love for storytelling grew, fueled by her mother’s bedtime stories and a fascination with soap operas. It wasn’t until her mid-twenties that she mustered the courage to pursue publishing, mailing a manuscript to a publisher and landing a contract four months later. Now living in Connecticut with her husband, Steve, and a pride of cats, Smith spends her days weaving plots that blend romance, history, and the supernatural.
Kathryn Smith / Kady Cross’s Unforgettable Stories
As Kathryn Smith, she’s best known for her historical and paranormal romance series, including the Ryland Brothers and Brotherhood of Blood. Elusive Passion (2001), the first Ryland Brothers novel, follows the Marquess of Wynter, Miles Christian, as he’s entangled in a murder mystery with the alluring Varya. The series is a masterclass in blending steamy romance with suspense, set against lush historical backdrops.
Under her Kady Cross pseudonym, Smith ventured into young adult steampunk with the Steampunk Chronicles. The Girl in the Steel Corset (2011) introduces Finley Jayne, a Victorian teen with a dual personality and superhuman strength, navigating a world of automatons and intrigue. The series, praised for its inventive blend of X-Men-esque characters and Victorian aesthetics, earned a starred review from Kirkus for its sequel, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. Smith’s writing shines with vivid settings, witty dialogue, and heroines who are as fierce as they are relatable.
Her versatility extends to other pseudonyms like Kate Cross for adult steampunk romances and Kate Locke for urban fantasy, showcasing her ability to adapt her voice to different genres while keeping romance at the heart of her work. Each story reflects her love for strong characters and emotional depth, making her a standout in romantic fiction.
Why Kathryn Smith / Kady Cross Matters
Kathryn Smith’s impact lies in her ability to breathe life into genres often dismissed as niche. Her historical romances offer escapism with substance, weaving feminist undertones into tales of love and adventure. As Kady Cross, she helped popularize steampunk for young adults, inspiring readers to embrace their inner strength and individuality. Her reinvention across pseudonyms demonstrates resilience, proving that authors can evolve and thrive in a competitive industry.
Smith’s stories resonate with readers who crave emotional connection and immersive worlds. Her work reminds us that romance isn’t just about love—it’s about courage, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. For fans of romance and speculative fiction, her books are a treasure trove of heart and imagination.
- Birth Year: 1971
- Key Works: Elusive Passion, The Girl in the Steel Corset, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
- Genres: Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult Steampunk
- Pseudonyms: Kady Cross, Kate Cross, Kate Locke
Ready to fall in love with Kathryn Smith’s world? Snag The Girl in the Steel Corset or Elusive Passion and dive into her thrilling blend of romance and adventure!