I Discovered a Fantastic New Romance Author

I recently joined BookSirens, a website for readers who love to share their opinions about books. After scanning through the available titles, I selected a sweet Regency romance called “The Astronomer’s Obsession.”

I had never read anything by the author, K. Lyn Smith, but the cover was well done – not at all a typical design – and the description caught my fancy. I was intrigued by the idea of a scientist hero, and while I don’t mind a steamy romance once in a while, I’m perfectly happy with less explicit stories.

When I settled in to read, I was instantly entranced. Both Harry Corbyn, the astronomer-hero and Lady Celeste St. James, the artist-heroine, have unique voices reflecting the way they see the world. While they’ve been friends from childhood, they come from very different backgrounds, which in the Regency era is enough to keep two people apart. These two both have their own ambitions, as well, which leaves them to question the wisdom of starting a relationship with anyone, much less each other.

The attraction between Harry and Celeste builds slowly, but there’s plenty else to keep them occupied, from family drama, to potential suitors for them both, to construction of a massive new telescope designed by Celeste’s father. They’re under a strict deadline with consequences and threats that come as a shock to both Harry and Celeste.

Smith’s descriptive writing made me laugh, smile, and occasionally grab for a tissue. She unfolded the characters’ dreams, their frustrations, their angst, and their joys as they progressed through their larger challenge to finish the telescope on schedule.

I highly recommend “The Astronomer’s Obsession” for readers who enjoy sweet historical romance with a bit of mystery mixed in. Ms. Smith has also written a short story for one of the characters, with novels in the works for two others. The series is called “Something Wonderful” and this book certainly fits that name on many levels. I shall be looking forward to completing the collection as these new stories are released.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.