Kissing Kate - by K. Lyn Smith

 

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.

MY REVIEW

Kissing Kate was a wonderful story. Kate and Ben both have a lot to learn at the beginning. Ben thinks he is unworthy to marry Kate, but he has wanted to kiss her for years. He’s the best friend that she could always depend on. Kate is feeling pressure to marry and because Ben has always told her he will never marry and has been acting a rogue, she tries to convince herself to love his cousin.

During the development of the story and the production of the village play, Kate and Ben spend more time together and learn to trust each other more. Kate and Ben are a beautiful couple and it is clear that they belong together, to the audience and the rest of the town before it is clear to them.

Ben’s journey is one of forgiveness, for himself and of dreams. He has dreams of what he wants to do. His family is loving and supportive. His family is truly #goals.

This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I will definitely be back. Kissing Kate was a fun, beautiful story that I look forward to reading again. There is nothing better than a good story, and this is a really good story.

I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

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.