Katie and Bennett Series

The Katie and Bennett series follows a love that grows under pressure — across racetracks, long distances, and the quiet moments in between. It’s a story about ambition, belonging, and choosing each other again and again.

Katie Quinn

Born: September 8, 2002

Occupation/Role: Former mechanic and track-day standout, low-wage earner.

Books: However Much or Little, Looking Up, No Matter What Happens, Nothing Too Fancy (Cameo)

Connections: Cousin of Lara Kelly (neé Quinn), grew up with Chris Kelly.

Personality Keywords: Fierce • Self-reliant • Guarded • Dry-witted • Loyal • Relentlessly capable

Tropes: Tough heroine | Slow-burn romance | Working-class grit | Hidden talent | “I don’t need help” energy

a young woman drinking coffee. She is standing on a road at sunset, long blond hair flowing in the wind and she is wearing a racing jacket

Bennett Rhodes

Born: June 6, 1996

Occupation/Role: Investor and strategist; partner in family business.

Books:However Much or Little, Looking Up, No Matter What Happens, Nothing Too Tame (cameo)

Connections: Sister: Sharon Rhodes, father: Richard, uncle: Tom , cousin: Peter, BFF: Chris Kelly

Personality Keywords: Steady • Controlled • Protective • Observant • Loyal • Emotionally restrained

Tropes: Calm, capable hero | Slow-burn devotion | Protective without possessiveness | Rich-but-grounded | “I’ll stay” energy

unshaven race car driver. Male, late 20s. wearing a team jacket

Chris Kelly

Born: July 12, 1999

Occupation/Role: Farmer, volunteer firefighter, lifelong resident of Ashby Lake

Books: Almost all books

Connections: Cousin of Erin Kelly, son of Debbie & Robert, friends with Bennett, Julian, Adrian

Personality Keywords: Steady • Grounded • Observant • Generous • Protective • Emotionally literate

Tropes : Found family anchor | Small-town steadiness | Chosen family | Gentle strength | “Always there” presence

A tall blond man leaning up against a pick up truck. He is standing in field. He has a big smile and is welcoming.

Lara Kelly

Born: May 20, 2000

Occupation / Role: Owner/operator of The Perch

Books Appearing In: Almost all books

Connections: Cousin of Katie Quinn, married to Chris Kelly

Personality Keywords: Competent • Perceptive • Calm • Boundaried • Warm • Practical

Tropes: Competent caretaker | Soft power | Found family matriarch | Emotional ballast | “I’ve got this” energy

A young brunette, pretty wearing an rust coloured t-shirt. It says The Perch on it. She is dressed as a server.

Discover More Ashby Lake

More characters from Katie and Bennett’s story

A couple in their 50s sitting at a kitchen table. The woman is making a pie and the man is drinking coffee. — Debbie and Robert Kelly

A 40 year old woman working at a food stall in a market. — Brenda at the Food Stall

3 men standing on a racetrack tarmac talking. They are all wearing matching team jackets for Vortex Nine. — Vortex Nine Team

A young woman, holding a greasy rag, car with hood open behind her. Pretty, hard working vibe. Wearing an old t-shirt and jeans. — Marcie Quinn

Three men in a feed store, all dressed in a similar style. Brown t-shirt, overalls. Employees with name badges. One older man, two younger men. — Mr. Griggs, Ed and John

A scruffy looking man, mid 30s, dark t-shirt, arms crossed, standing in front of a car. — Will Quinn

Two young women dressed as servers in a diner. — Lisa & Lara at the Perch

A middle aged man, with a bit of a belly, dressed in chef's whites standing in the doorway of a restaurant. — Luigi

Places from Katie and Bennett’s story

Reader reviews of However Much or Little from Goodreads

A great read from an exciting new novelist! Grabbed my attention from the first paragraph and didn’t let go! – Jennifer

What a great surprise read! I loved the characters and the chemistry between them. It had me smiling the whole time where I couldn’t put it down. I recommend for anyone looking for a light hearted romance novel. Can’t wait for book 2! – Dora

Read the reviews here

Reader reviews of Looking Up from Goodreads

It is a sweet story about a spunky woman and a patient man who knows just what she needs. – Jennifer

Absolutely cannot wait for book three 😍. – Paulette

Read the reviews here

Katie and Bennett’s story unfolds across three novels, each deepening the stakes of their relationship.

A book cover of a couple almost kissing, in a tropical location. She is wearing a team jacket and he is wearing a dress shirt and tie

A book cover of a couple almost kissing. Standing in front of a tour bus. They are dress for winter