The One with the Kiss Cam

by Cindy Steel

It was just one date.

My friend told me I needed more fun in my life, so I reluctantly said yes. Fun wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. After watching my own mother’s love life implode time and time again it’s only natural that I have a few rules to protect myself.

Actually, it’s just one rule…
Avoid relationships with men so I don’t get attached.

I wasn’t worried. Getting attached has never been a big problem for me. This guy was just a warm body in a chair. I was here for the basketball game. I was absolutely NOT here for my date.

Or the kiss cam.
Or the kiss.
Or the impromptu evening with the one man who seems bent on throwing my tidy world off of its axis.

But when my life takes a nose dive, he’s also the man who seems bent on proving to me that good men do exist, dreams can come true, and sometimes throwing out the rule book is when the magic really starts to happen.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction, Clean Romance, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2023

About the author

Cindy Steel was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. She grew up singing Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire songs at the top of her lungs and learning to solve all of life’s problems while milking cows and driving tractors—rewriting happy endings every time. She met and married a handsome Idaho boy and is the proud mother of two wild and sweet twin boys. Which means she is also now a collector of bugs, sticks, rocks, and slobbery kisses. She loves making breakfast, baking, photography, reading a good book, and staying up way past her bedtime to craft stories that will hopefully make you smile.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve said before: this is simply the best.

This book is incredible. Not even a rom-com, but a deep, thoughtful, humorous romance that I could see myself in. That I could read 100 more pages of. That filled my eyes with tears. This author is extremely talented. This is how you write an impactful story without a stitch of language or spice.

This is an all time favourite. Highly recommend.

Tropes & Triggers: second chance romance, golden retriever guy, guy falls first, work place romance, difficult parents, adorable grandparents, acts of service and gifts, no language, no spice.

[Marinda (rindasreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me set a scene for you. Picture this: the kids are finally in bed, so I settle in on a recliner next to my husband. He's just turned on a basketball game, and I open my kindle, eager to get started on Cindy Steel's newest release.

I've laughed out loud at least three times before I've finished the first chapter. I make my husband mute the basketball game so I can read a few of the funniest passages out loud to him. He turns off the TV a couple of hours later, and I close my book long enough to brush my teeth and climb into bed, where I proceed to NOT SLEEP as I devour this delightful book. By the time I'm finished, it's the wee hours of the next day and my kindle battery is dead so I've had to finish reading on my phone.

The only regret I have is that I'll never be able to read this book for the first time again. Also, I'm a little bit sad that at this current moment paperback sales aren't up yet, because I'm definitely ordering myself (and probably a few other people) a copy of The One with the Kiss Cam.

Cindy Steel is a comedic genius. Her characters are loveable and flawed, and her stories have layers of emotion and humor that blend perfectly. And although most of this story takes place in Salt Lake City, she still manages to take the characters on a jaunt to a farm in Idaho which is enough to satisfy my country-loving heart.

I'd give it fifty stars if I could.

Thanks to Cindy for giving into my pleas for an ARC. All opinions are my own. If you want more, I'll gladly share them, because I won't be shutting up about this book for a long, long time.

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in love at first kiss?

When I read the premise for this book it looked irresistible! I knew I had to read it.

Nora is on a thoroughly disastrous first date at an NBA game. She desperately counts the minutes until the game is over and she can go back home.

And Just when Nora thinks this evening couldn’t get any worse…

The moment her date steps out to the concession stand, the dreaded kiss cam zooms in on her and a stranger in the seat next to her. Oh great! Well, he is cuter than her current date. And probably a lot less boring. But just the same, he is a complete stranger.

To kiss or not to kiss…that is the question!?

Personal note:
So…I also had a disaster of a first date at a professional basketball game. And like Nora, also the first (and only) NBA game I ever attended. Granted, mine wasn’t as bad as Nora’s. Just the same, I couldn’t wait to leave the game and there was definitely no second date. Wish someone in the seat next to me would have rescued me too! Since life isn’t a rom com, it would take a few more years and many horrendous first dates for him to find me!❤️

Okay, enough about me. Back to the book!
When Nora and the kiss cam stranger also known as Duke run into each other years later, Duke is determined to prove to her good guys do exist. If Nora will just give him a chance she might just see what’s right in front of her.

A very sweet and fun rom com. I listened to the audio and the narrator Justis Bolding did a fabulous job!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media🎧

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Setting ~ Utah
Publication date ~ November 16, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 318
Audio length ~ 9 hours 50 minutes
Narrator ~ Justis Bolding
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ small town, workplace romance, boss/intern, opposites attract, friends to lovers, second chance, no steamage

Nora & Duke meet with a smooch when she's on a terrible blind date with someone else. They have a perfect night hanging out, but Nora is leaving town so their meet cute wasn't at the right time.

Flash forward 3 years and now she's interning at his company, while working herself to the bone for a cleaning company to make ends meet. A bit of a tricky situation this is as there's some slight favoritism, and another intern who is awful herself, but you can't really knock her for seeing what's kinda there.

I can always count on Cindy to give me reads that make me smile amidst being sad and mad for the characters as well. I wanted to throttle Duke's father. What a douche he was. Also, Nora's mom really needed to get her act together. Lastly, I could have went without Duke having a girlfriend when they meet again.

Overall, super cute and super fun. Loved the full circle epilogue.

Narration notes:
She did a fabulous job.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X

[CatsBnB · Rating 5 out of 5]

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!! I'm absolutely ecstatic to have discovered a new FAVORITE author "to me" whose writing deeply resonates with me!! Hands down one of my FAVORITE rom-com's EVER!! I cannot recommend this book enough!! This book was EVERYTHING I could hope for and MORE!!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

What a heartwarming and beautifully written contemporary rom-com, brimming with fun, sweetness, humor, and heartfelt moments that kept me grinning, giggling, and swooning from start to finish!! So immerse yourself in a charming tale featuring the most adorable "meet cute" between strangers and a memorable kiss cam moment! Featuring the friends-to-lovers trope, second chances, closed door romance full of sizzle, friendly office competition, bucket lists, and lovable grandparents, this story is brimming with hilarious banter, tender exchanges, pining, irresistible longing, palpable tension, undeniable attraction, incredible chemistry, wonderful friendships, and the refreshing absence of a traditional third-act breakup. The author has crafted authentic and relatable characters with profound depth and genuine life struggles, enriching the narrative and leaves you unable to resist cheering them on! I absolutely loved this book so much and eagerly anticipate the second installment in the series!!!💖💖💖💖💖

Nora's friend told her she needed more fun in her life, so she reluctantly agreed on just one date. Fun wasn't exactly her forte. With her mother's tumultuous love life as a constant reminder, Nora had one rule: avoid relationships with men to protect herself from attachment.
Getting attached had never been an issue for her, so she wasn't concerned. This guy was merely a presence in the seat next to her. She was there for the basketball game, not her date, the kiss cam, or the unexpected kiss. Yet, an impromptu evening with him threatened to disrupt her orderly world. However, when life took a downturn, he emerged as the man determined to show her that good men exist, dreams can be realized, and sometimes, breaking the rules sparks real magic!!

Overall, I was completely captivated from start to finish! | wholeheartedly recommend this book and it deserves all the stars💫💫💫💫💫!!!!!

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Nora goes to a basketball game with a guy she met on a dating app, she doesn't expect to be more interested in the other guy sitting next to her, Duke, whom she'd later get put in the Kiss Cam with. After the nicest kiss and a night spent together trying to get Nora out of her comfort zone with the excuse of checking stuff off their bucket lists, they part ways. Only to find each other years later in very different circumstances, but still with Duke wanting to show Nora how to be free and accept all the good things she deserves.

“You can quote every romantic comedy ever made, but you can’t see the guy who loves you standing in front of your face.”

I started this when I needed something light and fluffy, and turns out I simultaneously picked the right and wrong choice for this. It was not the full escapism I was hoping for since I could relate a little to Nora, we're in somewhat similar situations just not because of the same reasons, but it also gave me what I wanted by reading about two characters getting all the appreciation and love they were looking for.

"My entire world held me on his lap with such a look of tenderness that my eyes filled with moisture."

Nora, my girl ☹️, my heart hurt so much for her. She's had a rough life so far and doesn't seem to get a break ever, nor from work or from situations that halt the goals she has. Her mother acts like a careless teenager, and as the eldest daughter, she's had all the weight of the world on her shoulders since she was a child. But with Duke, she'll have an opportunity to think about what she wants for herself that's unrelated to her career and learn to rest.

"(...) when I saw you again, I knew my life's mission would be your happiness."

Duke is the epitome of a nice guy, but not the Nice Guy™ that leaves you emotionally scarred and angrier at men than you'd ever been, but an actual good man. He's gentle, flirty, caring, supportive, and playful, and brings some peace and reassurance to Nora's life. We don't get his POV (and I know this might turn off a lot of you from this book, but I actually didn't feel it was needed), but little glances of what he thinks from the people closest to him, like his best friends (they were so much fun) and grandparents (whom I adore, and had the softest scenes with both Duke and Nora).

"I kissed the fingers on my hand and leaned in, touching his cheek gently, laughing as he moved them to his lips, kissing each finger on my hand and giving me the feeling of flying."

Nora and Duke were made for each other, even though they're not at first glance that similar. They grew up in different circumstances and have gone through different struggles, but they get each other in a way no one else does. He brings her joy, makes her selfish for once in her life, and convinces her to accept the help others want to offer her. She gives him a new perspective on life, makes him bet on himself, and is glad to defend him and brag about the amazing man he is if necessary.

"We were that couple sitting on one side of the table together because I discovered I would literally die if his hand wasn’t on my leg at all times— or caressing my cheek or tucking my hair behind my ear."

Their chemistry and conversations have this easygoing nature, and their relationship develops softly and nicely while breaking the other's barriers (mostly Nora's). They reference and play about iconic romcom moments while making their own story a romcom in their way, and it made my heart soft for them. I giggled, felt excited during their meet-cute and when they saw each other again, and even got emotional during the last chapters after seeing Nora get all the love she deserved and Duke being able to proclaim her love to her. 100% exceeded my expectations.

(It was not perfect. I felt that a lot was going on during the first chapters and last ones, but nothing much in the middle. But it made me feel so warm and fuzzy that it's still a solid 4-star. Just wanted to give you a heads-up in case you decide to read it.)

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This one was super cute. My second Cindy Steel book, and I’m a fan of her. The One with the Kiss Cam follows Duke and Nora who meet at a basketball game and become victims of the kiss cam. One kiss and an unforgettable night bonds them together and when they meet again years later, that connection is still there.

Nora was a tough nut to crack. She was a hard worker and a little too stubborn, but still likable. Duke was my favorite of the book. I loved them both together and the ending was the sweetest.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Justis Bolding
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h 51m

[Janssen]

This was just pure delight

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books just feel like coming home, and The Kiss Cam is one them. From start to finish I had a goofy smile on my face and adored my front row seat to watching Nora fall in love.

What would you if you had one night, a crazy wager, and the guts to do it all?

The Kiss Cam is rom com but it’s more than that. It’s an incredibly heartfelt and tender story about learning to love, allowing others to take on your burdens and realizing the best parts of falling in love come naturally.

Cindy has mastered witty dialogue and flirting. I think one of my favorite parts about her writing is that it gives me real life nostalgia — I find myself thinking about those days I’ve spent time with my own family, playing outdoors, and finding romance and silliness in small & simple moments.

I love how her characters have true discussions and are free with their feelings and emotions. Cindy creates romance and tension out of real life scenarios that feel authentic to the characters and makes them come alive on the page.

I finished this book with tears in my eyes. I love it so much and it came right at a time I needed it. A very huggable book. Lots of stars…you’ll need this one.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4⭐️ When a horrible blind date leads to the cutest of meet-cutes, complete with a kiss-cam kiss for the books, Nora’s life is forever changed. When two years later, she and Duke are once again in each other’s orbits, he will do whatever it takes to show Nora he is one of the good guys.

Sometimes you just need a super cute rom-com, and this book definitely fits the bill. I am a fan of a good meet-cute and this book is all about it. But don’t be fooled by the adorable cover; there are also deeper themes of pursuing one’s dreams in the midst of hardships and breaking the cycle of toxic relationships. Although the beginning makes this one feel like fiction, so much of the discussions between Nora and Duke feel very raw, real and wholly relatable.

Read if you like:
•meet-cutes
•bad blind dates
•he falls first
•workplace romance
•opposites attract
•small town romance

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the gifted copy.

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all. I couldn’t set this book down. Literally I was GLUED to the story from the first page.

This book had me laughing out loud, giggling, kicking my feet, swooning, and screaming at the characters to make it work!

I loved every moment between Nora & Duke — their sweet heartfelt discussions, their fiery banter, their easy going friendship, their flirting. It was all such a great mix!

This story was so much more than just a romcom. It had depth, heart, and struggle. It had hard lessons to learn and great support systems even if they didn’t come from the people you’d expect!

Seriously I don’t think I could love this book more if I tried! ALL OF THE STARS!

PS…How does one find a Duke? Asking for a friend…

5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 🌟

I did NOT expect to love this book as much as I did!!

First things first, it is only from her POV. Don't let that discourage you because it actually works. It is written so well that you know what Duke, the MMC, feels and thinks at all times. You are never kept wondering. BUT still, I had this teeny tiny nagging voice in my head telling me that the book would have been outstanding if we at least got a couple of Duke's POVs towards the end of the book.

Second, it is a clean book. Meaning there's only a few kisses but nothing more. It did not bother me at all, on the contrary, it makes the plot and the story focus more on their genuine feelings and how their love story develops and I adored every second of it.
But this teeny tiny nagging voice in my head was relentless while reading this book and it also wanted a bit more steam which would have done wonders for this book.

Third, I've never read a more unfortunate MFC in my life. The poor thing's luck keeps getting worse and worse. At one point I wanted to magically teleport and help her out however I can, but it was futile because that's where Duke comes in. He is literally the "Duke" in shining armour. #teamDuke forever!!!

🩷 Things I loved about this book:
Their meet cute. 🏀
Their bucket list. 🪣
The notes exchange. 📝
Birdie and Bart. 🐦
Shawn 🧑‍🦰
The proposal 💍

💔 Things I didn’t like:
Her mom. 👩‍🦰
The absence of her sisters. 👭
Not knowing the colour of her eyes 👁
The fact that they don't exchange "I love yous" during the grand revelation.

Lastly, this book is so wholesome and lovely. It tugged at my heart and left a warm "happy feeling" inside.

And the best thing about the whole book is that it was a BR with my besties Lori and Chris 🩷🩷 I love our exchanged commentary and our personal inputs dissecting the book. Love you girls 🩷

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so good. I have absolutely loved everything Cindy Steel has written and this book is no different. The banter and chemistry between Duke and Nora is off the charts. Seriously, everything a romance-lover wants is in this read. I almost wish I could read it again for the first time.

Reread: This book is absolute perfection.

[Madisyn Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMMEDIATE 5 stars.
what a wholesome, fun read. often times i find the dialogue in rom-com books suuuper cringe and not actually funny at all. but this?? so funny actually🤭 like i was GIGGLING and BLUSHING while reading this on the plane. the scene where her romance audiobook starts playing out loud in front of duke is actually ICONIC and so silly and so fun. and speaking of duke.. what an ANGEL man. i love him. he IS the standard. he gives golden retriever energy but is also SO flirty and loves to press her buttons as well. i just found myself smiling at him so so many times throughout this entire book.
obsessed with his nick name for her too🤭🥹
nora is a strong independent woman trying her best with the cards she’s been dealt and you can’t help but root for her and love her. “you don’t have to do everything on your own. you can let people help you, you know”🥺 if you know me, you know it’s hard for me to truly love an FMC because often times i feel like they give “pick me” energy and cringe me OUT. but not nora. i love her and want to give her a hug.
the characters are all so well rounded. i loves mike and ryan. when she found them cleaning my heart melted a bit.
i love that these two genuinely LOVE each other. they’re friends first. their relationship feels so genuine and strong while also being flirty and fun and unserious at times. this is a couple that would last after the epilogue!
there were so many nods to famous romance movies, including two of my favs: how to lose a guy in ten days and the notebook.
this felt just like a romantic comedy i would go see in the theater over and over again.
it’s so fun. i think it’s going to be a new comfort read for me!
so many lines are marked up in this book, for good reason!
one of my favs:
“i want you to try to see my mom’s good qualities too. because she has them. lots of them.” “you came from her. i already love her best quality” 😭🥹yep i cried
side note: the workplace romance aspect of this book HIT for me specifically (and if you know why, you know why🤭)
it also reaffirmed to me how much i love closed door romance. in my opinion, it makes the love feel so much more genuine when the relationship isn’t driven by lust!
obsessed!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I listened to this in February 2023 and LOVED it all over again***

Basketball is my favorite sport and going to games is so much fun! Just based on the cover, blurb and author, I knew I was in for the most deliciously fantastic treat of a romcom, and I wasn’t wrong. “Live in the moment.” That’s sometimes easier said than done, but I love the effort Nora made to do just that…which is kind of what lands her in the opening scene on a blind date.

🏀The whole first chapter had me cringing, gasping and swooning. I mean, c’mon–a kiss cam?
🏀I loved how bucket lists played such a big and entertaining role in this story.
🏀The “movie scenes” were the sweetest and so highly entertaining.
🏀Duke. There’s something about that name because I haven’t encountered a Duke I haven’t loved or swooned over. He’s the sugary sprinkles on top of every sweet confection.
🏀The flirtatious banter, covert looks and sizzling interactions made me feel like a smitten kitten.
🏀The whole story kept a smile on my face and made me laugh out loud more than once. It was like turning a hangry me loose in an all-you-can-eat buffet. I couldn’t gorge myself fast enough on the words that stuck in my heart and the scenes that played out in my head, and then closed the book feeling full, satisfied and insanely happy.

Cindy Steel is such a great writer and this is definitely a story not to be missed! I loved everything about it oh, so much.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored everything about this book. From the beginning to the present to the end I didn't want to stop reading. If it wasn't for sleep, I wouldn't have. I'm already trying to figure out when I can reread it. Such a great book.

[Jennifer (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute rom com. Some parts were literally laugh out loud funny.

I loved the movie references:
“A Walk to Remember”
“Wedding Crashers”
“Dirty Dancing”

“Hope over fear” ❤️

[Melanie (lemonyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartfelt and a new comfort read. This is how hallmark movies should be made.

Full review soon.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of abandonment and a toxic relationship with a parent

It was just supposed to be a simple date with a guy she met online. But Nora never expected the Kiss Cam to zero in on her and the handsome stranger next to her. It was a moment that led to a night of spontaneity and memories that she couldn't get out of her head. Nora has never had much luck in life, but this one little kiss might change everything.

Cindy Steel has done it again! I honestly went into this one nervous about the premise, but I shouldn't have doubted one of my favorite closed door authors. Cindy took a wild setup and created a connection between two strangers that had me completely hooked from the beginning. Those opening chapters put a grin on my face and made me want to abandon all responsibilities to find out what would happen next between Duke and Nora. I liked how these two characters came from opposite backgrounds but were still able to form a connection and understand each other. Duke never looked down on Nora and instead appreciated her drive and determination. Sure, he was a bit sneaky with some of the ways he helped her out, but I liked how he wanted to help relieve some of her burdens without coming across as superior. The flirtatious moments these two shared were really cute, and I thoroughly enjoyed the "work" trip that involved some adorably meddlesome grandparents. As usual with Cindy's writing, there was some delightful banter, steamy kisses, and just the right amount of tension. I look forward to seeing where she goes next with this new series!

[Savannah (forest_reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 REREAD
My comfort romcom. Duke is unmatched. He makes me laugh and swoon. Love the plot around the kiss cam and bucket lists. So much tension with it being a workplace romance too!

2023 READ

NEW ALL-TIME FAVORITE.

I sat down to read a quick chapter, and I ended up reading The One with the Kiss Cam in one sitting with a huge, stupid smile on my face. I loved every chapter, every word of this book. The meet-cute is adorable with two strangers getting caught on a kiss cam at a basketball game, and I love how the romance develops after that. The banter is TOP NOTCH. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing and squealing. Every word between Duke and Nora carries weight. I also love the depth to their characters, especially Nora. She has amazing character growth throughout the book, and I love how her relationship with Duke grows too. They have incredible chemistry.

I will reread this book at least once a year. It is heartwarming, funny, and literal perfection. I will be forcing everyone I love to read this.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Cindy Steel, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: toxic parent, parent abandonment, mild injury, kisses

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Book. 😍

I started this late last night and was loathe to have to put it down for something so inconvenient as sleep, haha. 😂 But I started up again first thing when I woke up, balancing my phone in one hand & making my breakfast with the other. Worth every minute!

Nora was one of those characters that I just *got*. She has issues with trust & boundaries. She’s trying so hard but can never really get ahead. And fun & spontaneity aren’t in her schedule unless she’s under duress to pencil them in. Plus, I loved how she was a taller girlie, too. 🥰

Duke came out of nowhere and was exactly what Nora needed! He brought fun & adventure to her life, but also consistently showing up for her. He wasn’t going anywhere, even when she was terrified he would. He has the sweetest relationship with his grandparents (who I absolutely adore!), and the friendship dynamics between Duke, Ryan, and Mike were the best!

The heart of the story was everything! Learning to trust after your heart’s been abused too many times. Constructing healthy boundaries. The true definition of success. Choosing love over fear. Just the whole thing was *chefs kiss*! 😘

I’ve got so many highlights I NEED a physical copy soon to tab up for myself!


p.s. the audiobook is 🔥🤭🫶🏻😘

[Melodi | booksandchicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Perfectly bingeable from the first page! I quickly noticed a smile on my face as I got into this book.

A romcom that has enough reality to make it feel relatable, yet fun and sweet, and makes you remember the butterflies you feel when you find your person.

I loved that the characters were rounded with family background drama (don't we all have a little bit of this). They were each trying to find and make their way in their young lives amongst school, jobs, friends and rent.

This book had the perfect ingredients to make a delicious, fresh, romantic comedy that sent me directly to her backlist to find more.

Sidenote, I did read Faking Christmas last year by Cindy Steel which led me to this one, and I highly recommend that one for you!

[Diana | LatinaWithABook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect closed door romantic comedy. I don’t remember the last time I read a book and had a smile on my face for the entire time. It’s perfect. I finished in a day and now that it’s done I wish I could go back and reread it again for the first time. The narrator, Justus Bolding was amazing narrating the humor in this hilarious book.
•Opposites attract
•Meet cute
•Second chances
•Right person, wrong time
•cinnamon roll

Thank you to Cindy Steel, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Anisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Making it a goal to read everything Cindy Steel has written 👌🏽

I cannot get over the way I smiled and literally laughed out loud so many times during this read. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story from the plot to the characters to side characters everything was beautifully done.

The FMC and MMC were perfect with wonderful communication. (I hate the whole miscommunication thing some writers do.) The banter between them was spot on. I could see their interactions play out while reading.

I love how the writer started out their love story from the beginning and then fast forward to 3 years seeing the love rekindled. The MMC was golden He was giving me all the lovey dovey feels.

“You can quote every romantic comedy ever made, but you can’t see the guy who loves you standing in front of your face.”

Super cute, fast and easy read. Clean romance, no spice. 10/10 would recommend!

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora meets Luke while on a bad first date with another guy at a basketball game. While he’s away getting food, Nora and Luke end up on the kiss cam! After a series of events, they end up spending the evening together as friends, trying to accomplish a couple bucket list items before Nora’s pending move to another state.

When Nora moves back they run into each other, and it’s soon clear neither has forgotten the night they shared together. But could they have a future?

This is a really cute and fun romance. I liked the characters and what they brought out in each other. Good narration as well. Nice to mix up with more serious books.

[Sarah Vigue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

Cindy Steel’s The One with the Kiss Cam is a charming and entertaining rom-com that offers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and just the right amount of romance. The story follows Jamie, a quirky, relatable heroine, who gets caught in an unexpected kiss on the arena’s kiss cam at a live sports event—and it sparks an unexpected connection with Noah, a man she never saw coming.

The chemistry between Jamie and Noah is immediate, and Steel does an excellent job of building their relationship in a way that feels natural and full of heart. Their banter is playful, and the will-they-won’t-they tension keeps the pages turning. The moments of awkwardness and sweetness between them are balanced perfectly, making it a fun, lighthearted read that still manages to pack an emotional punch.

The supporting characters add depth and humor to the story, making it even more enjoyable. While some parts of the plot may feel a bit predictable, it’s the lovable characters and the sweet romance that make this book a standout.

If you’re a fan of feel-good, slow-burn romances with a dash of sports, The One with the Kiss Cam is a delightful read that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this one and I thought the characters had some pretty adorable moments together. But I will say my enjoyment was mainly in the beginning and it went downhill after that. The beginning was so cute and sweet and gave me such high hopes for Duke and Nora but after the time jump I felt like the cuteness went away. There was a different vibe to the story after that and for me it took away the lighthearted sweetness that I was hoping would continue for these characters.

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The One witb the Kiss Cam is sweet and plain romantic comedy. It is clean plot with not much twisted drama.
I personally wishing for something nore from Miss Steel.

Overall it is OK read.

3 stars

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

THIS BOOK.

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Cindy Steel really is absolutely incredible at creating beautiful rom-coms. Books that make you smile, swoon, squeeze your heart and cheer on the characters. I loved this one so much. The meet cute was clever and the story that followed brought out all the feels.

The banter and dialogue between Duke and Nora had me grinning like a fool for most of the book. This had reverse grumpy x sunshine vibes and it was immaculate. The office setting had me waiting for any moment that would force them together and it did not disappoint. Add in some eccentric and sweet side characters and this was a recipe for a five star book from the get go.

One of my favorite (more subtle) aspects was that Duke and Nora argued. I actually enjoy seeing this in romances. When things need to be said and discussed and really letting those walls come down, and that they also worked together too!! Some of those closing scenes sent me. Nora finally got the break and love she deserved and Duke just being completely gone for Nora from the get-go is everything I could hope for.

READ THIS BOOK Y’ALL.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: manipulative parenting situations

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the meet-cutest meet-cute I ever did read. I adored the beginning and that feeling carried through to the end. It's so flirty and fun and a date gone wrong turned so right is perfection.
Nora goes on a date to a Jazz game to and has the ick. He's just a bit cringey and counting down to the halftime, let alone the end, is the only game that she cares about. Her date leaves for treats and the Kiss Cam spots Nora and the cute guy on her other side. Repeatedly.
The beginning may have caught my attention in the best of ways but I loved how Cindy expanded on their attraction and gave depth to both characters. May be my favorite book of hers to date? Cindy's banter is always a huge plus!
The audiobook is narrated by Justis Bolding. I don't know that her narration took away from or accelerated my enjoyment, but it definitely is the format I could work with right now. I had been patiently waiting for it since the physical book published.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the alc. All thoughts are my own.