I had no idea this book was being translated so when I saw it on Netgalley I had to request it! It surprised me in such a good way. I loved the lush setting/atmosphere, and I found the relationships Laura built complex and really fascinating. Henry&Kate was an angsty read that I couldn't put down once I was in. I recommend it.

This story gives strong Pretty Woman vibes. It’s a cute, engaging romance about wealthy Henry falling for Kate, who is homeless, and the challenges they face coming from two very different worlds. The emotional tension is well done, and the story keeps you invested throughout—especially with a cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting more.

I. Need. More!

Kate is a 20yr old pick-pocketer who lost her mother to an overdose and is now living on the streets of London. Instant-love her!! She should be learning about life still, but instead she has experienced death, addiction, homelessness, abuse. Every bad thing you can think of she has seen it or gone through it. The very first chapter dives right into the stress of her everyday life with a climatic escape scene that ends with her coming face-to-face with her story's villain, her deceased mothers ex-bf/drug dealer, Randell. He is a disgusting piece of work side character who doesnt deserve the review screen time. Jerk. I wish bad things happened to him!

Henry is a 26yr old (love a little age gap) who has had the exact opposite life. Born into money, his family owns the very rich and prestigious Darlington Hotel which he has just become responsible for after his father is caught up in quite the scandal.

It didnt take me long to love Henry. His generosity and the way he treated Kate without disrespect or disgust was admirable. His parents on the other hand... YIKES. I'll dive right into that mess. His dad is 100% guilty. I hate him. I needed that story to unfold so badly and Im hoping as the series goes on that the story develops more. If it doesn't, I will be very disappointed!! His mother is just as bad! Her prejudice and turning a blind eye to what she had to of known was happening all for the sake of money and reputation. Disgusting.

FF to the main plot. Henry's generosity and his impulse to keep Kate safe and cared for *swoon* Not only does he forgive her for their not-so-meet-cute situation, but he is there for her numerous times when no one else has ever been. Kate demands to repay Henry by working at his hotel (without spoilers) things between them spark. More like, the initial spark ignites and that flame grows and grows despite everything trying to tear them away. The build up of their relationship, the undeniable chemistry 🥵🥵 I truly loved this.

The writing in this book was genuinely beautiful. I almost cried in the first 25% because the writing made me feel things for these characters as if I knew them (the storm scene). Even their first hug made me kick my feet and smile stupidly at my screen. So many little touches that added to the story, like the reportings, blogs, texts, etc that were before every chapter. Henry trying to find the perfect nickname for Kate. Logan's mindfulness calendar. It was all perfect.

I do wish the important speech at the end had been included in the book. Im very curious what was said!! Im left wanting so much more. More Henry and Kate. More information on the fathers case. More information on the cliffhanger. I'm anxiously waiting for Ethan and Grace's book to be translated so I can immediately read it.

Henry & Kate by Laura Kneidl is an opposite attract, forbidden romance and the first book in The Darlington Series. Kate has been living on the streets for the past year, picking pockets and doing what is necessary to survive. Henry is the heir to the Darlington Hotel and has recently taken over as CEO after a scandal was uncovered regarding his father. When Kate steals Henry's phone, she has no idea who he is and how her life is about to be changed forever. This book was engaging with well developed characters and plot lines. I really enjoyed how the story progressed and seeing two people from vastly different worlds falling in love. The book does end on a cliffhanger and I am excited to see what is to come in book 2.

Thank you NetGalley, LYX, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book. It was very well done. I enjoyed the social class disparagement of the elite and how they looked down on the lower class is completely true. The rich do not like it when the poor or the working class all of a sudden start seeing one of their own. They automatically think the worst of the lower-class person. In Kate's position as an ex-homeless girl and ex-thief. Of course, they talked behind her back; Henry's mother was mortified and furious seeing Kate as unsuitable for her son.

Henry, oh Henry. This man is gold. He stood up for Kate; he did not at any time blame her for her situation. Instead of calling the police on her. He gave her a home and a job. Which is a lot more than anyone of his status would have done. He did not listen to his mother, father, or anyone when it came to Kate. He was her knight in shining armor. The way Henry stood up for Kate to everyone made me squeal. The more I read, the more I fell in love with him. He had some faults, but that made him feel more human. When he and Kate had a falling out. He still tried to do better. This showed how committed to her he was.

Kate, love her. Yes, the things she did were not something I could justify. But her situation was dire, and no one was there to help. She had to do what she had to do to survive. She understood how the lower class and the poor lived. When she opened Henry's eyes, she didn't expect to be given anything. She was willing to work and earn money instead of just living off of Henry. Which, in her situation, is honorable. I loved her passion and her drive to do better. Her love for her mom and guilt over what happened to her. That hurt to read because I could feel the pain. Her character was perfectly written; it showed what the homeless actually go through. There is a struggle to get money to live and housing. There is no just get a job type of situation; there could be issues preventing the ability to get a job. Not having a stable living environment was a big one. Kate did a good job explaining this to Henry, and instead of judging, it made him wanna help. I loved that they were a good team. How she would stick up for Hernry, and he would do the same for her.

Henry's family life is complicated. Throughout the book, his father is going through legal issues he having been charged with SA against multiple women. Leaving Henry holding the bag, a.k.a. the Darlington hotel. Henry's father was well written as well. He believed he was above the law and ready to fight the charges, even though it seemed like a losing battle it seem. Henry's mother is the typical trophy wife who follows her husband. Doesn't cause waves much in his life. But, Henry's she is all about criticising everything. Her distaste for Kate was very well highlighted throughout the book. Between his mother and father, Henry was feeling the weight of his world, trying to deal with both of them and trying to save the Darlinton Hotel.

The other characters were not mentioned as much. We have Grace and Rose Kate's friends, who are great friends and support for Kate. When everything gets a little crazy, they were there to help her in that situation. Olivia Henry's friend was his rock. Logan is Henry's younger brother. Not much is mentioned about him except a little backstory. He isn't in the book much, which is sad. But I feel like he will have a bigger role in the books as the story continues. Ethan is a hot mess. He is the youngest brother. I look forward to his book. He needs love and help. He seems like a lost soul. I can't wait to read about how he gets healed, and he overcomes his demon. Currently, he is self-numbing with alcohol, which is not helping him at all.


I can say I completely recommend this book; it is well done. And I can't wait to read more about the Darlington family. The ending to this book was a shocker, but I enjoyed how Kate and Henry got their happy ever after sort of.

This tale reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoyed how Laura writes about society and class. The way this was explored throughout seemed well-planned and authentic to the story. An excellent read for the new year. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Henry & Kate by Laura Kneidl 🏨✨💎

Henry & Kate is a compelling opposites-attract romance that blends emotional vulnerability with glittering London luxury. Set against a backdrop of scandal, wealth, and survival, this slow-burn story draws you in with both heart and atmosphere.

Kate Hamilton is a strong, resilient heroine whose fight to survive on the streets makes her journey into The Darlington’s opulent world feel especially powerful 🖤🏙️. Her sharp wit and guarded hope balance beautifully against Henry Darlington’s controlled, duty-bound persona. Henry is polished on the surface but quietly unraveling beneath the weight of family scandal and expectation 💼🔥.

Their first meeting—sparked by desperation and an impulsive theft—sets the tone for a romance built on tension, trust, and reluctant compassion 📱💥. What follows is a gradual, emotionally satisfying connection that allows both characters to grow, heal, and challenge the rigid worlds they’ve been trapped in. The hotel setting adds a lush, almost cinematic quality, making the contrast between privilege and poverty feel especially stark 🎨🍷.

While the pacing leans heavily into the slow burn, the emotional payoff makes it worthwhile. This is a romance that focuses as much on personal redemption and self-worth as it does on love.

A beautifully written start to a glamorous yet heartfelt series 💖✨. Book 1 in The Darlington series, and I can’t wait to read the rest—hopefully the upcoming stories will focus on Henry’s brothers, Logan and Ethan 👀📚.

Need the second book immediately! This is one of those cute, fun, totally addictive stories that you just fall into. A cup of hot tea, a cozy blanket and a comfy chair on a weekend and this book - couldn't make a more perfect combination. This story was great, Characters had great arcs and the writing was so fun. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for book two but also for more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book and the dynamic between Henry and Kate. Their juxtaposition made the story especially compelling—both are fascinating characters shaped by very different, almost opposite pasts, and watching those differences unfold was one of the highlights of the book. The romance was quiet and sweet, developing in a way that felt natural rather than rushed. I found myself completely hooked on their story and the emotional tension between them. My only real complaint is that I wanted more of it. The ending left me a little confused, and I have a lot of questions, but it also made me want to jump straight into the next book, which isn't out yet! Overall, a very engaging read that I’d happily recommend.

The characters in Henry & Kate are wonderful! I loved the main characters but also the side characters as well. The overall story made me happy and the writing is great. I will definitely be checking out the next books in the series!

Such an easy, feel-good read! I could have finished it in one sitting if I’d had the time — the story flows so smoothly and kept me turning pages. It’s heartwarming, but it also touches on some important real-life issues we all face, which gave it extra depth without ever feeling heavy.
The characters are charming, the romance is sweet, and the whole thing left me smiling… and wanting more! I’m already hoping for a sequel because I need to know what happens next. Absolutely loved this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Lyx Books for the eARC.

Henry & Kate OMG!!!!! This was an emotional, character driven romance that completely captivated me. The story feels so intimate and so tender, focusing deeply on raw emotions, vulnerability, healing and a real connection. Henry and Kate felt layered with real emotions. Their individual journeys were handled with care and the way their relationship developed felt so genuine and natural. Overall this is such an amazing story!

I have to gush about ***Henry & Kate* by Laura Kneidl**—I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this one, but wow. At first glance, it sounded like a typical billionaire romance, but it’s so much more than that.

Kate’s life has hit rock bottom—homeless and desperate—and Henry seems like he has it all: money, power, a family empire. Their worlds collide when Kate steals his phone (yes, really!), and instead of calling the cops, Henry gives her a chance at a job at his luxury hotel. From there, a slow-burn, opposites-attract romance unfolds that’s as witty as it is swoony.

What I loved most is how much heart this book has. Kate is clever and resilient, and Henry isn’t just a perfect rich guy—he’s layered, responsible, and learning to navigate the fallout from his family’s scandals. Watching their relationship develop, full of tension, humor, and real vulnerability, kept me completely hooked.

Honestly, if you love a smart, steamy, and emotional romance set against the backdrop of London luxury, this is one to pick up immediately. I couldn’t put it down.

This was an excellent read. I really grew to love both Henry and Kate, they were incredibly well written and translated.
I did not enjoy how the "spicy scenes" toward the end were written but that's a me thing. I think during translation it just became a bit awkward and clunky. I enjoyed EVERYTHING else. It's a great read and I will 100% be recommending it to friends!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review!

I LOVED Henry & Kate's story so much!!! It made me feel all the feels... laugh & cry & smile for hours on end. I had a hard time putting it down & highly recommend it!!

Henry - oh, where do you start?? Swoonworthy!!! For being a billionaire, he seems so down to earth. You feel for him for being thrust in the middle of this situation with his Dad and the scandal of him being accused of se*ual assault (with several employees)... so now Henry has to take over the hotel abruptly & while navigating this mess..... I love that he loves the hotel & that it was his dream to not only keep managing it, but expand as well. He has such a soft heart for Kate - even after she stole from him!!

Kate - fiery & spunky.... she's had to overcome a lot & has found a way to come out on top. You feel so much for her! It's such a sweet story, watching her learn to thrive & no longer struggling to survive.

All the characters are well written. The book is a fast read that you will want to binge! Can't wait to read more books in the series!!! This is Book 1 in the Darlington series. An interconnected standalone.

Thanks to the author (Laura Kneidl), publisher (LYX) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I have it four stars. I loved the chemistry between Henry and Kate. It’s a great read. I can’t wait for the next book. I’ve been recommending this book on my BookTok page. The way Henry fell for Kate was adorable. Such a great slow burn.

I am so obsessed with this book. Sexy, fun, flirty. All the vibes you want in a romance novel. Thank you to much to NetGalley and the publishing team for allowing. me to read this ARC!

This was such an easy, enjoyable read—I finished it in one sitting and didn’t even realize how much time had passed. I really appreciated that the story didn’t rely on cheap miscommunication to create conflict. The characters actually talk to each other, which instantly made the relationship feel more grounded and satisfying.

The pacing worked well for me, and the romance unfolded in a way that kept me invested without unnecessary drama. I liked getting to know Henry and Kate and watching their connection develop naturally. It felt cozy, engaging, and very binge-readable.

The ending especially stood out—it wrapped up this story nicely while still leaving me excited to continue the series. Overall, this was a solid **4-star** read for me, and I’m definitely looking forward to picking up the next book.
Thank you to Lyx for the opportunity to read in advance copy of the English translation.

Henry & Kate was a sweet, slow-burn romance that kept me invested from start to finish. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Henry and Kate — their relationship felt genuine and full of heart. Kate is a strong, relatable heroine, and Henry’s kindness and patience make him easy to root for.

The setting of London’s luxury hotel world was fun and immersive, and I liked the modern touches in the storytelling, like text messages and blog posts, which made the characters feel more real.

My only hesitation for giving it 5 stars is that some of the heavier themes, like trauma and homelessness, could have been explored more deeply. A few parts of the romance also leaned toward familiar tropes, but overall it was still an enjoyable and satisfying read.

I’d recommend this to anyone who loves emotional, character-driven romances with a bit of slow-burn tension.

I really enjoyed this slow burn romance and it's London setting. The characters were great and I felt like it was written and paced well.

Tender, emotional, and beautifully written. This story focused so thoughtfully on connection and vulnerability, and I found myself completely invested in the characters’ journey.