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Kat Girl

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Kat McDermott is in the middle of a career crisis—she has just lost her job to the boy’s club—when she meets Liam Wolf in a bar. After she leaves, he does her a life-changing favour that alters her future.

Months later, they are reunited on a building site. Liam is the property developer, and Kat is the heritage consultant. Sparks fly as their conflicting roles collide . . . but she owes him a favour.

Despite Liam’s loud, opinionated, and self-assured behaviour, he is surprisingly generous and protective of Kat. His growing affection makes it increasingly difficult for her to resist him. Soon, their professional relationship gets personal. When he decides it’s time to settle down and get married, he sets his sights on Kat. Twice divorced, she has other ideas.

A nuanced portrayal of love and the courage it takes to embrace it after heartache, Kat Girl will have you crying and laughing out loud.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

15 people are currently reading
1587 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Lahey

7 books66 followers
Author also writes as S.K. Lahey

Sarah Lahey is a designer, educator, and award-winning author. She teaches design, technology, and creative thinking at a university in Sydney, Australia. Her Heartless series of sci-fi novels have won the Chanticleer Book Awards, the American Fiction Awards, the Independent Publishers Award (IPPY), and the Indie Reader Discovery Award.

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5 stars
29 (63%)
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9 (19%)
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7 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Cris Alvarez.
96 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026


This book hit me right in the feelings.

Kat is smart, exhausted, and angry at a system that keeps shutting her out—and that frustration feels painfully real. Liam comes in loud and confident, almost too much at first, but underneath it all he’s generous, protective, and completely undone by Kat. Their connection is intense, messy, and impossible to ignore.

I loved the push and pull between them: the debt she owes, the professional conflict, and the way attraction keeps breaking through her defenses. When Liam decides he wants forever, and Kat refuses to bend her life to fit his plans, the emotional stakes really land.

It’s not just a romance—it’s about choosing yourself, trusting someone without losing your independence, and letting love grow without surrendering who you are. Short, sharp, and emotionally satisfying.
Profile Image for Chris O'neill.
201 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2024
I am glad I was able to read this novel thanks to BookSirens, the publisher and the author. Though it is set in Australia it is a universal tale and I really enjoyed reading it. It was intriguing because you know the main female character has had trauma in her life but it is slowly revealed in the book. Learned a lot about construction in a fun way and would love a sequel about the tile lady!
Profile Image for Kathy Church.
917 reviews36 followers
January 4, 2026
Wonderful

This book is so good. I loved every page. It has sad moments and laugh out loud moments and a love story that can't be beat.
Profile Image for Lincoln.
114 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2024
‘Kat Girl’ is not so much a sequel as an essential follow-up to Sarah Lahey’s first foray into rom-com ‘Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion’. Essential because of the intense curiosity mercilessly peaked in the first novel by multiple brief appearances by Ryan’s intriguing sister Kat. This was clearly a character who had her own story to tell. We simply had to find out more about her. Turns out there was lots to learn. Kat is complicated and comes with baggage. But it’s her very human failings on full display that make a blossoming relationship with the enigmatic Liam Wolf so much more interesting than the average romance. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rachel Barnard.
Author 13 books62 followers
September 23, 2024
First Reviewed through Reedsy Discovery.

“She had forgotten what it was like to be loved by a man, someone who wasn’t a friend or a family member. It was a different kind of love – it was fulfilling and reassuring and life-affirming.” Page 288

Kat works in the male-dominated construction space. After being made redundant at her company, she feels lost but quickly discovers an opportunity to work as a heritage consultant. Liam needs his construction project to work. When he meets Kat on the work site, he knows she is someone he wants to pursue. Kat is determined never to marry again but that is Liam’s single-minded focus, at least initially.

I love second-chance romance books and this one is a solid read. It has the perfect level of sizzle in the romantic department. The sex scenes were well-written and hot, yet still concise enough not to feel overpowering.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was up with Kat but I get the vibe that she might be neuro-divergent in the way that Christopher from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time appears neuro-divergent but no specific diagnosis is presented. Sometimes Kat reads social situations in a way that I think is neuro-divergent. She is also very levelheaded emotionally, emotionally, and physically capable of being independent and alone, and thinks through situations in a way that is often detailed and literal. Her perspective is fascinating. She is also working in a male-dominated industry but never appears to be intimated by her surroundings or peers. She is not overly confident or overly anxious. She is analytical and precise with specific opinions and preferences. I adore her and the way her tea must only be brewed for 20 seconds. She feels like a real person full of a complete personality and childhood.

Liam is also a character I love. I appreciated the gender role reversal with Liam and Kat and that both these romantic leads were fully fleshed characters with their hopes, dreams, and past baggage. Liam was equally as interesting as Kat, equally as real, and full of personality. I wanted both of them to be successful but also to stop being so stubborn! Because they are unique persons, they don’t always see eye-to-eye with each other and that’s where tension blooms. There is some miscommunication but it feels organic.

The level of detail for construction, business, buildings, and history was oftentimes over my level of knowledge but I appreciated the depth it added to the world-building of this book. I wouldn’t know any better but it felt genuine and like the author and characters knew what they were talking about.

I don’t always read books set in Australia and have never been to Australia, but I didn’t feel like this was a different place than any town in my own country where you can have a meet-cute in a bar, lose your job to the boy’s club takeover, or take a weekend to get away to the country.
Profile Image for Kayla Wilson.
174 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2024
Kat Girl: after losing her job, Kat starts a new path as a heritage consultant. One of these building projects reunites her with Liam, a man she met in a bar while her previous career was blowing up. Now they are forced to work closely together, and Liam makes his feelings for Kat very clear. But Kat is unsure. With a past full of sadness and an unhealed heart, she doesn’t know if she is ready to love again.

I was so happy to get my hands on this book. I loved the previous book in this series and can report that Kat Girl is just as good! Lahey’s writing is so intimate and she really showcases the vulnerability of her characters. You want to read her books when it is raining, if that makes any sense.

I loved so many aspects of Kat Girl, from the characters, to the descriptions of Kat’s house, to the general feeling of being fully enmeshed in Kat’s brain, but what I loved the most is that Kat and Liam are adults. Not only are the characters a little older than you generally see in romance, but they openly and honestly talk about their feelings, what they want, and what they desire. They do not have an easy start (or middle, or end) to their relationship and it felt very authentic. There are hurt feelings and misunderstanding and delayed conversations, but that makes the payoff all the sweeter. And in the end they both have to compromise and learn that it is ok to not have control of everything. The journey was so rewarding!

Thank you Cross Over Press and Library Thing for the ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Barb.
736 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2024
Kat is CEO of a residential construction company. She has done well but the men are getting rid of her. Liam’s uncles wanted to renovate Chifley Lodge. Izzy and Tom were taking the job but could get started earlier if Kat would work for them. It took little time for Kt and Liam to be attracted to each other. Liam wanted to be married yet Kat failed at two marriages so that was off the table for her. I loved how Liam pursued her allowing their friendship to deepen. Liam’s cat, Mr. Whiskers was a delight. Liam would talk to him while working through his feelings for Kat. This is a great love story with wonderful characters and events that enhance the story.

Profile Image for Fruzsina Bagin.
190 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2024
Sarah Lahey's novel "Kat Girl" was a refreshing surprise. It offers much more in its deeper layers than I would have expected at first glance. Although the book is the second in the "Love Chronicles" series, I would still recommend it to those who have not read the previous volume, as the story stands on its own.

The main character, Kathleen McDermott, immediately captivated me. Kat is a strong, independent woman who has worked hard for years to build a career in the construction industry – an industry where women rarely find space for themselves, let alone in leading positions. Yet, for all her success, Kat is forced to face the reality that she is being pushed out of her position by the company's male colleagues. The loss of her job has left a deep scar, but she is not the type to sit idly by and wait for fate to change for the better. This vitality and determination that Sarah Lahey so masterfully builds in the character is one of the strongest elements in the book.

Kat's journey is not just about her professional successes – her past is shadowed by personal tragedies, two divorces, and the pain they caused. Sarah Lahey guides the reader into Kat's inner world with great sensitivity and subtlety, gradually revealing the layers that make Kat's personality deeper and more human. The longing for a partner that hides behind her independence is almost palpable, and it is this emotional duality that gives the novel its true soul.

Liam Wolf, the novel's male protagonist, provides the perfect balance to the story. The relationship between the two characters unfolds slowly, step by step, just like a construction site – and the book uses this parallel consciously, which is a truly clever and creative literary device.

I particularly liked the fact that Liam not only takes on the role of a handsome man but also faces his own dilemmas and challenges, which Sarah Lahey sensitively portrays. Communication is a crucial part of their relationship – they talk openly about their desires and fears, which was refreshing. However there are, of course, misunderstandings between them, but these are also realistic and believable, which only adds to the likeability of the characters.

Other charming elements of the story include Mr. Whiskers, Liam's daughter's cat. The scenes in which Liam shares his feelings with Mr. Whiskers are not only humorous, but also add depth to Liam's character, showing the man's inner struggles.

The novel is clearly not just a love story, but much more than that. Lahey masterfully weaves in the theme of heritage preservation, through which we get beautiful descriptions of landmark buildings, interiors, and gardens. The author also paints the world of the book with fascinating detail – from the delicious food to the fashionable clothes, the endearing side characters and the cute dogs, every detail is carefully drawn, so that the reader becomes part of the world of the book.

Overall, "Kat Girl" is not only a romantic novel, but a deeply human story about the challenges of being a modern woman, the search for balance between professional and personal life, and the pains of the past and present. Sarah Lahey's believable, well-written characters, beautifully constructed plot, and fine humour all contribute to making the book a truly memorable experience.

I received a free copy of "Kat Girl" by Sarah Lahey via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
290 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2025
Kat Girl is a beautifully layered, slow-burn romance that hooked me from the very first chapter. Sarah Lahey has crafted a story that feels equal parts fiery, tender, and deeply human. What begins as a chance encounter in a bar quickly unravels into a rich, emotionally charged exploration of second chances, vulnerability, and the messy ways two people can collide and transform each other.

Kat is an incredibly compelling heroine smart, grounded, and shaped by the scars of her past. Her resolve never to marry again makes perfect sense, and it adds a heartbreaking tension to every moment she shares with Liam. And Liam… he’s the perfect blend of gruff, charismatic, and unexpectedly soft. Loud and opinionated one moment, quietly protective the next he’s the kind of love interest who stays with you long after you turn the last page.

The workplace dynamic is where this book truly shines. Their clashing roles heritage consultant versus property developer add a clever, high-stakes layer to their already simmering chemistry. Every disagreement feels charged, every compromise earned, and the slow shift from resistance to desire is beautifully done. When Kat realizes Liam wants something real, something lasting, it’s both exhilarating and heartbreaking because she’s terrified of giving her heart again.

What I loved most is how emotionally honest the writing is. The story acknowledges grief, fear, and the weight of past relationships, while also offering hope and a genuine sense of renewal. Lahey doesn’t just deliver romance she delivers healing.

A heartfelt, captivating story about taking risks, starting over, and choosing love even when it scares you. I absolutely loved this book.
Profile Image for Dace ჯ.
220 reviews16 followers
September 3, 2024
I don't really like myself for giving two stars again. I was feeling similarly about the first book in the series, Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion, but there were enough hooks there mentioning Kat which made me interested in Kat's story. I got an impression and it's marketed as enemies-to-lovers story, but it's not. It's workplace romance, alright. I liked how the book was structured as a building project and the short introductions to different stages of the project and how it was relating to Kat's and Liam's relationship. That was quite smart. I felt the book was very Instagram-worthy and there will be readers who will enjoy it for that - beautiful descriptions of old heritage buildings, interior design, gardens, food, cocktails, dresses, beautiful people and dogs. But I again lacked story and character development - they were not convincing enough for me. But it could be just me. Maybe I am not their kind of quirky. Kat had two problematic marriages in the past, but they were not explained in the book (while all their meals were). She should probably do some therapy. Liam was still showing some red flags at the end. I felt they were off to some bumpy roads in their relationship.
I actually went now back to the first book and searched for mentions of Kat and both books are mostly nicely linked, but in the first book Kat talks a lot with Louie and she doesn't in the second book.
183 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems. Within the title is says it is a sweet and spicy romantic comedy. The only part of that I do not agree with is the spicy part. I have read "spicy" novels and I would not categorize this as one. Definitely, could be billed as a 2nd chance at romance, women's fiction.

I did like how the author built up the characters throughout the story. Kat, who certainly has a traumatic past with relationships, has a hard time within herself and with letting others in. Liam, who completely makes this story, is a character you love to love from the very first encounter. He knows what he wants and is not afraid to work hard and put in the time to get what he wants. Who wouldn't love a guy who talks things out with his (his daughter's) cat!?

I rated a bit lower because I thought the story was slow in many parts and especially getting the characters to the point she wanted them in the plot. Obviously, also looking for more of that "spice"!

This story reminds us that even if we forget what it is liked to be loved and taken care of, but it doesn't mean we don't want it to some extent!
53 reviews3 followers
November 20, 2024
3.5/5 stars

Kat Girl is a mostly lighthearted, slow burn, workplace romance. Kat meets Liam on one the worst days of her professional career. Months later she meets his again on the worksite of her new job. A relationship slowly builds, but they both want different things. The story does touch on a few more serious/emotional topics, but overall leaves the reader with happy feelings. At times I felt like the flow of the chapters to be a little weird. It starts off a little slow, but once you get into it, it becomes a quick read.

Going into this story, I did not know it was the second book in a series. I am eager to read the first book "Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion". I don't feel like I missed anything having read this book first.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rayo  Reads.
354 reviews36 followers
June 23, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.Thank you to Booksirens, the publisher and author of this ARC.

The phrase don't judge a book by its cover doesn't apply to me anymore 😂. A book has to be visually appealing before I decide to even read the blurb, and the cover for 'Kat Girl' is so intriguing. I think this is the second book I've read about women in construction, and in both of these books, women have to face sexism and even misogyny just because they are women doing a man's job.

After two failed marriages and one lost baby, Kat decided no more men, which directly means no marriage until Liam comes along. For Liam, he wants a partner who he can put down roots with, get married with, and even have a family, but can he move his line in the sand for her?

I loved Kat and Liam's relationship because the book did not portray it as easy; they had to compromise for each other. 
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,497 reviews118 followers
July 27, 2024
When I started reading this, I liked the thoughtful tone of the writing, and I was able to connect with the female protagonist, Kat, on a deeper level than I expected.

I thought Liam was a lovely character, and he and Kat had great chemistry. I also liked how Kat was portrayed from Liam's perspective; the little things about her that he found attractive.

This was a contemporary romance, and it wasn't too spicy, but it was satisfying and fun, and it warmed my heart.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Renee  Jolly.
92 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2024
This is more of a 3.5 star... I loved Louie the Lynx, Ryan the Lion, and had high hopes for Kat Girl, but I didn't love Kat's character. Liam kept me interested, and the steam level was nice (I would've been OK with more), but I found Kat to be frustrating. I wanted to shake her and tell her she was going to self-destruct! With that said, I did love Kat's professional role as I'm in a somewhat similar career myself. Thank you to BookSirens and BookFunnel for the opportunity to review this title.
4,012 reviews34 followers
July 30, 2024
Kat Girl Love Chronicles by Sarah Lahey is a good, and enjoyable enemies to lovers second chance romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line that is beautifully written. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning romance read with a happily ever after ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,442 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2024
Loved this 2nd chance romance from the first page. Loved characters and their interactions - their uneasy start, misunderstandings, dilemmas and lifestyle choices and "compromise game".
Characters are deep, they have their plans and choices, but there is always place for turns and twists.
Exciting, easy and also funny reading, read in one go. I also liked strong presence of Buildings, construction and history.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam.
34 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book. I read the first book in this series and loved it. Kat Girl didn’t disappoint either. The pace is a bit slower than Louie but I loved the descriptions of the building site. Liam was a standout character for me. His conversations with the cat, Mr Whistles, were enchanting. Overall the story is great, with lots of wonderful scenes, and terrific characters. I was invested from the first page and I loved the ending.
4 reviews
June 28, 2024
A romance that is beautifully written and so real with characters that I related to immediately. Kat and Liam become part of your life as you read about their lives but this is far more than boy meets girl/break up/get together story. It has twists and turns, lifestyle choices and the added dilemma of fate.
And Kat is a woman that everyone of this era will recognise, understand and also applaud. A must read.
1 review
July 6, 2024
Was very refreshing to read a well-crafted romance actually set in Australia, and with the usual gender roles reversed in an interesting way. Sarah creates very real characters with hopes and dreams and all emotional scars/baggage you'd expect from this kind of novel. There is a depth to the two main characters that makes their connection really shine. Would highly recommend this book for anyone who's on their own journey of healing and personal growth.
Profile Image for MyBookNest7.
215 reviews
July 30, 2024
I enjoyed reading this one a lot! The way that Liam was exactly the kind of guy Katie needs in her life was truly heartwarming. And yes, Katie because it’s what he calls her. I also love how his overthinking mind decided on calling her Katie so soon too.

This was definitely roller coaster with all its ups and downs, but certainly one I enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janae O'Shields.
205 reviews
September 13, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of Kat Girl through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program; my review is voluntary.

I tried for over a month to get into this story with no success. After a little break and a palate cleanse, it finally clicked a bit better and the story started moving some.

It was difficult to pinpoint what this book was—romcom in a commercial construction setting, with foodie vibes? The overall structure of the plot, as outlined in the table of contents, parallels the process of building construction with that of building a relationship, and this plot “construction,” if you will, is probably the most unique and interesting aspect of Kat Girl. Five stars for creativity in that regard. Even as someone with zero interest or experience in construction, hats off.

The author has strong narrative and descriptive skills, but the characters lack depth and relatability which is likely what made it difficult to get into. It eventually gets a little better, but the characters are still a bit flat.
294 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2024
The first few chapters were pretty slow and I wasn't sure how I was going to get through the book. The story overall was good but I thought there were things we could have learned earlier and that could have been more fleshed out. I had really enjoyed the book about Ryan and was looking forward to Kat's story. Overall, 3 1/2 stars. I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1 review
February 15, 2025
“Kat Girl” by Sarah Lahey is an amusing and entertaining sci-fi adventure that stands out due to its enjoyable mix of humor, heart, and a strong lead character. With its humor and clever storytelling, it sets itself for a delightful read, advanced in its time. Anyone seeking an intelligent, light, and fast-paced read will be amused.
16.8k reviews159 followers
March 1, 2025
Reaching crossroads in her life, her life will go in a direction she did not expect when he does a favour for her. She will do the same when they next meet. A very good read about one man trying to win over a woman who is not sure she can give up her heart a third time
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was quickly rooting for him to win her heart
Profile Image for Sarah Lahey.
Author 7 books66 followers
June 15, 2024
The companion novel to Louie the Lynx and Ryan the Lion.
A lightly spiced second-chance romance about new beginnings and finding love in the most unlikely of places. Join Liam and Kat as they embark on a journey to find true love.
2 reviews
June 27, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This is a really fun book, the relationship of the main characters develops slowly but it's a slow burn so worth it in the end. Loved the ending 5/5
4 reviews
June 27, 2024
So fun! Really enjoyed this, it's an easy rom-com read.
1 review
June 28, 2024
I LOVED this book, Kat and Liam's chemistry leaps off the page. A must-read for romance enthusiasts seeking a story that tugs at the heartstrings.



Profile Image for D..
1,825 reviews
July 28, 2024
I enjoyed Kat and Liam. Their history is playing a part in their future. They are on opposite sides of the world with their jobs and they make it work. I enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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