Review: Kissing Kate
Today I’m sharing a book review for Kissing Kate, a Regency romance novel by K. Lyn Smith, published by Davenwood Press.
Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author as part of Austenprose PR publicity tours. All views expressed are my own. This post includes Amazon affiliate links.
My Review
Kissing Kate is a “sweet” romance novel set in Cornwall, England, during the Regency era. (“Sweet” means it’s clean but doesn’t necessarily include a faith element.) It is a fun read about childhood friends who belong together- and all their friends know it- but they both resist the idea for various reasons.
Kate and Ben are believable, likable characters. Kate is ladylike and poised. Ben is hard-working and charming. But they both have baggage to deal with before Ben finally succeeds in “kissing Kate.”
My favorite part of this story was the planning and rehearsals of a local production of Shakepeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. I especially enjoyed the comfortable, loyal relationship between Ben and his cousins throughout the story.
If you enjoy the Regency romance genre you’re sure to enjoy this book.
From the Publisher
“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.
About the Author
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?
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.
