Kissing Kate by K. Lyn Smith (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

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.