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...with a splash of Kay
“Benoit's writing is intimate, colorful, and gripping. I enjoyed being along for Kay's ride. A coming of age story every early-twenties to mid-thirties woman can relate to in 2023." - Caren Lissner, Author of Carrie Pilby
“As achingly honest as it is entertaining, Benoit's storytelling is riveting.” - Rachel Pacheco, Author of Bringing Up The Boss
“Your first beach read of the season, an enticing debut on friends, lovers, and everything in between.” - Rachel Fohrman, Bookophile
“My mark of a good book is when I can't put it down. Kelly Benoit in her debut novel "...with a splash of Kay," brings you on a journey of authentic self evolution told through the eyes of a woman who is contending with a desire to be seen and a habit of hiding who she really is. This book is quirky, charming, and deeply relatable." - Minna Taylor, Author of The Confident Body
“Sex and the City meets The Devil Wears Prada in Kelly Benoit’s debut novel. ...with a splash of Kay is a gorgeous read that kept me turning the pages when I really should have been sleeping!” - Carrie Elks, Author of Angel of Sands series and The Heartbreak Brothers series
Kay Mitchell finally did it—landed her dream job as a creative associate at LaToulle Relations! After spending a few postcollege years in New York City, Kay’s student loan anxiety and time bartending at Lola’s Bar and Lounge have finally paid off… or so she thought.
Two years into her role, she still hasn’t seen a pay bump or feels she fits in with the glitz and glamour of it all. Staving off impostor syndrome might be easier if she could stand up to her competitive counterpart, Natasha, or afford a more lavish lifestyle. It doesn’t help that dating New York City men is another roller coaster ride of its own.
At the same time, Kay’s best friend and Lola’s manager, Sisi, asks her to come back part-time. Strapped for cash, she says yes. Torn between her current reality and ambitious future, Kay’s world is turned upside down by a potential promotion, playing middle woman between combative friends, and discovering her romantic desires.
Just on the cusp of career success and the miracle of finding the right relationship, Kay is confronted with tempting hookups, deceitful frenemies, and the pressure to make her vision of success a reality.
“As achingly honest as it is entertaining, Benoit's storytelling is riveting.” - Rachel Pacheco, Author of Bringing Up The Boss
“Your first beach read of the season, an enticing debut on friends, lovers, and everything in between.” - Rachel Fohrman, Bookophile
“My mark of a good book is when I can't put it down. Kelly Benoit in her debut novel "...with a splash of Kay," brings you on a journey of authentic self evolution told through the eyes of a woman who is contending with a desire to be seen and a habit of hiding who she really is. This book is quirky, charming, and deeply relatable." - Minna Taylor, Author of The Confident Body
“Sex and the City meets The Devil Wears Prada in Kelly Benoit’s debut novel. ...with a splash of Kay is a gorgeous read that kept me turning the pages when I really should have been sleeping!” - Carrie Elks, Author of Angel of Sands series and The Heartbreak Brothers series
Kay Mitchell finally did it—landed her dream job as a creative associate at LaToulle Relations! After spending a few postcollege years in New York City, Kay’s student loan anxiety and time bartending at Lola’s Bar and Lounge have finally paid off… or so she thought.
Two years into her role, she still hasn’t seen a pay bump or feels she fits in with the glitz and glamour of it all. Staving off impostor syndrome might be easier if she could stand up to her competitive counterpart, Natasha, or afford a more lavish lifestyle. It doesn’t help that dating New York City men is another roller coaster ride of its own.
At the same time, Kay’s best friend and Lola’s manager, Sisi, asks her to come back part-time. Strapped for cash, she says yes. Torn between her current reality and ambitious future, Kay’s world is turned upside down by a potential promotion, playing middle woman between combative friends, and discovering her romantic desires.
Just on the cusp of career success and the miracle of finding the right relationship, Kay is confronted with tempting hookups, deceitful frenemies, and the pressure to make her vision of success a reality.
274 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2023
1 person is currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 18, 2023
This debut novel is a must read for women in their 20s navigating their careers, social life, and dating. It’s a super fun, quick read and a glimpse into life as a young woman in NYC who is learning to accept that she is worthy of life’s best things.
July 24, 2023
A very fun read that I’ll be passing along to my friends this summer as a perfect beach read! Especially recommend this to those living in NYC or the surrounding area, given the plot.
August 5, 2023
Absolutely had a hard time putting this one down! This book was relatable in so many ways I couldn’t wait to hear what was next for Kay! So glad a book club I belong to picked this for our August read!
August 5, 2023
…with a Splash of Kay is the perfect Summer read! Kelly Benoit captures what it is like to be a twenty something living in the city.
This coming of age story follows Kay who is faced with the challenges we all face in our late twenties: Who is a true friend? How am I going to pay for this? How do I get what I want out of this job?
This book truly encapsulates what it is like on the roller coaster of life. As someone in her early thirties, I found this to be very timely and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun contemporary!
This coming of age story follows Kay who is faced with the challenges we all face in our late twenties: Who is a true friend? How am I going to pay for this? How do I get what I want out of this job?
This book truly encapsulates what it is like on the roller coaster of life. As someone in her early thirties, I found this to be very timely and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun contemporary!
June 25, 2023
…with a splash of Kay
Kelly Benoit
May 10, 2023
…with a splash of Kay, a debut novel by author Kelly Benoit, is a lovely story about self discovery. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun and breezy read!
Kay Mitchell lives in NYC where she works for a PR firm. Lacking self-confidence, she is not one to speak up in meetings or stand out to the owner of the firm. When an opportunity presents itself, Kay is charged with creating a new brand in hopes of landing a new client. At the same time, she starts working at her friends bar to get some extra cash in the evenings. Between working at the PR firm, serving as a bartender, and her love life, Kay has a lot on her plate. Can she continue to grow as a young professional while juggling everything else in her life?
…with a splash of Kay is fun and I found myself cheering for Kay the entire time. I was able to read it in one day, and it’s a book you will not want to put down once you start! I highly recommend this one, and feel like it will really resonate with recent college graduates or with anyone trying to make it in a new career with so many other competing factors in life.
Thank you, Kelly Benoit, for providing me with a #gifted copy of …with a splash of Kay in exchange for my honest review!
Kelly Benoit
May 10, 2023
…with a splash of Kay, a debut novel by author Kelly Benoit, is a lovely story about self discovery. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun and breezy read!
Kay Mitchell lives in NYC where she works for a PR firm. Lacking self-confidence, she is not one to speak up in meetings or stand out to the owner of the firm. When an opportunity presents itself, Kay is charged with creating a new brand in hopes of landing a new client. At the same time, she starts working at her friends bar to get some extra cash in the evenings. Between working at the PR firm, serving as a bartender, and her love life, Kay has a lot on her plate. Can she continue to grow as a young professional while juggling everything else in her life?
…with a splash of Kay is fun and I found myself cheering for Kay the entire time. I was able to read it in one day, and it’s a book you will not want to put down once you start! I highly recommend this one, and feel like it will really resonate with recent college graduates or with anyone trying to make it in a new career with so many other competing factors in life.
Thank you, Kelly Benoit, for providing me with a #gifted copy of …with a splash of Kay in exchange for my honest review!
August 24, 2024
… with a splash of Kay is a charming and heartfelt novel that follows the journey of Kay, a young woman who lives in New York City to pursue her dream job.
Kay’s transition to the fast-paced life of NYC is as exhilarating as it is challenging. Balancing her demanding new role with a side job at a lively bar and lounge, she quickly learns the intricacies of the city and its vibrant social scene. The lounge, a central setting in the story, becomes a haven where Kay’s professional ambitions and personal life intersect in unexpected ways.
The narrative truly shines when Kay meets Milo , a-handyman at the bar with a magnetic presence. Their connection is immediate and genuine, sparking a romance that beautifully contrasts with Kay’s hectic work life. Their relationship unfolds naturally, showcasing the evolution of love amidst the backdrop of career struggles and city chaos.
Kellys writing captures the energy of New York City vividly, making it an integral character in the story. Kay’s character is both relatable and inspiring, reflecting the aspirations and heartaches of many young professionals. The romance between Kay and Milo is tender and realistic, offering a satisfying blend of passion and practicality.
"…with a splash of Kay" is an engaging read that balances career ambition with personal fulfillment. Kelly delivers a story filled with warmth, romance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, making in a wonderful addition my bookshelf!
Kay’s transition to the fast-paced life of NYC is as exhilarating as it is challenging. Balancing her demanding new role with a side job at a lively bar and lounge, she quickly learns the intricacies of the city and its vibrant social scene. The lounge, a central setting in the story, becomes a haven where Kay’s professional ambitions and personal life intersect in unexpected ways.
The narrative truly shines when Kay meets Milo , a-handyman at the bar with a magnetic presence. Their connection is immediate and genuine, sparking a romance that beautifully contrasts with Kay’s hectic work life. Their relationship unfolds naturally, showcasing the evolution of love amidst the backdrop of career struggles and city chaos.
Kellys writing captures the energy of New York City vividly, making it an integral character in the story. Kay’s character is both relatable and inspiring, reflecting the aspirations and heartaches of many young professionals. The romance between Kay and Milo is tender and realistic, offering a satisfying blend of passion and practicality.
"…with a splash of Kay" is an engaging read that balances career ambition with personal fulfillment. Kelly delivers a story filled with warmth, romance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, making in a wonderful addition my bookshelf!
March 3, 2024
This book threw me back into my 20s living in NYC - the discomfort, the situationships, the job pressure! All of it! It was so relatable - and I loved Kay’s character - the true hustler in NYC, who doesn’t fully believe in themselves but are so much more capable than they realize.
I’d love to read the next book or chapter of her life, I could totally see this being an anthology. By the end of the book I felt like I knew Kay and was rooting for her!
I’d love to read the next book or chapter of her life, I could totally see this being an anthology. By the end of the book I felt like I knew Kay and was rooting for her!
October 12, 2024
I read this book in two nights, following Kay’s life through NYC brought me back to my twenties facing career changes, dating woes and the regular temptation of the “bad boys” and relationship self sabotage.
Kay is so relatable and provides the perfect dose of reality, comic relief and envy. Kelly perfectly captured the nuances this time of life brings. Highly recommend!
Kay is so relatable and provides the perfect dose of reality, comic relief and envy. Kelly perfectly captured the nuances this time of life brings. Highly recommend!
August 13, 2023
This book is enthralling and I did not want it to end. I wished it was longer!
A relatable story about working towards your dreams and finding what you want out of life, love, friendship, and your future
A relatable story about working towards your dreams and finding what you want out of life, love, friendship, and your future
August 25, 2023
This was like a breath of fresh air. A fun and breezy read. I liked seeing Kay navigate her career, love life, and friendships despite the challenges she faced. And was glad to see that she realized she was worthy of the great things life has to offer.
October 17, 2023
Engaging and relatable romance fiction about a young woman pursuing a career, love, and friendships in New York City! This was a great page turner, because I personally got very invested in the characters.
November 3, 2023
…With a Splash of Kay was so much fun to read! I can’t stress enough how relatable Kay’s thoughts are. As someone who often struggles with impostor syndrome, it’s refreshing to read about a character struggling with the same thing, yet also learning and realizing she really is good. I love that she genuinely learns from the mistakes she makes and follows through with her gut. Kay and I would be great friends.
July 6, 2023
a splash of love and zaniness!
Kelly has created a character that is raw and vulnerable. There is parts of Kay in all of us, the doubts, the desire for success, the guilt and when you let all of that go, its magical. I am sitting here already hungry for more stories from Kelly.
Kelly has created a character that is raw and vulnerable. There is parts of Kay in all of us, the doubts, the desire for success, the guilt and when you let all of that go, its magical. I am sitting here already hungry for more stories from Kelly.
June 17, 2023
Great fast paced read! Really enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews