What colors do you like
on covers? I really like covers like
this where the dresses match the flowers or other aspects on the cover. Blue and purple are my other favorite book
cover colors.
Ben Kimbrell had loved
Kate Parker since they were children when he first attempted to steal a kiss from
her. After a family tragedy in which he
feels at fault, he conceals his feelings and takes on the mantle of a loveable,
carefree rogue. Kate wants to get
married and decides that Ben’s cousin Merryn is the man that she will set her
sights on. Will Ben be able to change
his ways to capture Kate’s heart and claim his longed-for kiss?
I loved this gentle,
sweet regency romance. I really liked how
the story centered around the community’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. I loved Ben’s journey of self-discovery
through the novel, and how Kate learned through the novel to think of her
friend Ben in a new light. I loved the Cornwall setting and the entire
community. This was a friends to lovers’
trope, slow burn, and was a clean romance.
I also thought it was
funny that a guide had been printed that stated that Newford had many more single
young bachelors than single ladies. This
has sent many ladies to town searching for husbands, while pretending they are
just on vacation.
I enjoyed the Author’s
notes at the end of the novel and found out that this is the fourth book in the
Hearts of Cornwall series. I have not
read the other books, but Kissing Kate worked as a standalone novel. I do want to read the rest of the books in
this series as I enjoyed this book so much.
Favorite Quote: “Though Ben had enjoyed many kisses in the
time since, none had ever seemed as sweet as the one he’d never shared with
Kate.”
Book Source: Review copy from author K. Lyn Smith as part
of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
QUICK FACTS
·
Title: Kissing Kate
·
Series: Hearts of Cornwall (Book 4)
·
Author: K. Lyn Smith
·
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
·
Publisher: Davenwood Press (January
23, 2024)
·
Length: (306) pages
· Format: Trade Paperback,
& eBook
· ISBN:
978-1737657989
·
Book Tour Dates: January
15 – 29, 2024
BOOK DESCRIPTION
“Benedick
Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the
perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger
than fact.”
A LADY’S
UNSPOKEN LONGING
Kate
Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among
Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart
holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken
longing for a kiss that was never claimed.
A
ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION
Years
ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate
Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family
tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an
aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for
more.
AND A
HEART WELL-GUARDED
When
Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her
expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to
save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a
village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting
the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable
affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.
But for
their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows
of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late?
Kissing
Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose
happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of
Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.
PRAISE FOR KISSING KATE
- “I really enjoyed this book, and
absolutely recommend it to historical romance readers who are looking for
a “Hallmark” style read that offers real depth of character, beautiful
Cornwall scenery, and a warm prosaic style.”— Bobbie Jo Fersten, Reading
Historical Romance
- “A sweet installment in the Hearts
of Cornwall Series… I
loved the progression of their feelings as they deepened from friendship
to romance…This was my first read by K. Lyn Smith and I would pick up
more!”— Genesis Aleman, Geny Reads
- “The growth of Kate and Ben is so
much fun to watch, and I enjoyed the entire construct of them getting
ready to perform a play for their town along with the cousins and friends…Kissing
Kate is such a warm hug of a read! I recommend it.”— Michelle, Tales
Untangled
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES
& NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
AUTHOR BIO
K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award.
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?
WEBSITE | X
(FORMERLY TWITTER)
| PINTERST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
| GOODREADS
READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR K. LYN SMITH
K. Lyn shares her inspiration for the story and characters in Kissing
Kate, the research process, and Regency era theater productions. Read
the full interview here.