Kiss Me Kate

Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch #1

by Matilda Martel

What is the storm of the century compared to the unstoppable force of true love?

It's been five years, but the memories of Silas Gentry still haunt me.
Never trust a charming smile and smooth words. He was my brother’s best friend and my first real crush. When he agreed to take me to my senior prom, I thought we’d finally made a connection. I was foolish enough to dream our first date was a promising start to the greatest love story ever told. Instead of dancing the night away, I cried myself to sleep wearing a dress I saved for months to buy. That night I vowed to never fall in love again.

Kate Benson is the one that got away. She’s my biggest regret and the girl who motivated me to be a better man, hoping one day to be worthy enough to beg for a second chance. Five years ago, I made a huge mistake. I was young and stupid, but wise enough to know I wasn’t good enough for someone as amazing as her. When I came to my senses, it was too late to make amends. She’d left for college in the big city and banished me from her life.
I should have moved on, but I can’t. That little girl had captured my heart, and her beautiful smile was forever imprinted on my soul. So, when a new job brings her home, I devise a plan to sweep her off her feet, win back her love and finally tell her how I truly feel.
We've wasted enough time apart, and nothing can stop me from making her mine - not even the powers above.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

Want a free Ebook? Join my mailing list to get my monthly newsletter!
Join at:
matildamartel.com/newsletter


instagram.com/matildamartel.author/
twitter.com/martelbarrett
pinterest.com/matildamartelauthor/
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/matil...

Reviews

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute cowboy romance. It was Avery short story and rather fast paced. The storyline had elements of both first love and second chance romance and I liked it. Kate and Silas had good chemistry and I liked them together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lions, Tornadoes, and Bears. Oh, my!

It's over-the-top and cute even if I wanted to give Kate Benson a serious shaking for how she was with Silas Gentry. Teenaged hormones and a stubborn streak a mile long ensured she got in her own way.

Despite a three year separation, each was true to the other. I have mixed feelings about that, but it seems to work for them.

As soon as I can afford it and as early as she’ll have me, I’m marrying that girl.
-- Silas Gentry

I love how certain Silas was that they were destined to a forever. He really does need to learn how to pick better friends though.

I love Kate's mom. She perhaps does a bit of scheming. Even if she doesn't, her putting her foot down and shaking in her flip flops cracks me up.

H = 21/24; h = 18/21

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Silas were in love and happy until it was time for Kate to go to college. she wanted to stay near home although Texas was always her dream. She wanted to stay close, but Silas wouldn't allow her to let go of her dreams. They fought and broke up. Now three years later, after avoiding her hometown she is finally back home. What she doesn't know is that Silas kept her safe from afar and never moved on. Now they meet again when she gets attacked by a black bear and Silas saves her. They are still very much in love and a tornado is what it takes to bring these two stubborn people back together. Second chance, sweet, steamy, romantic and safe (both were celibate while separated, neither one even thought about moving on😉) with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for the next story 😊

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch series and focuses on Silas and Kate. Silas and Kate have been in love with each other for years when a disagreement on the next phase of Kate’s life tears them apart. They spend 3 years apart and heartbroken because they both know that the other is the only one for them. When Kate has to finally come home for her brother’s wedding, she is dreading it because she is scared to run into Silas again after all this time. When Silas sees her again, he knows that he can’t let her go again and is determined to win his girl over again. This was a great story and a great start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this story

Silas and Kate are young when they fell in love. But one misunderstanding after prom kept them apart for three years. Silas knows Kate will only be the one for him, he’ll never move on. When Kate returns home can they have their second chance and get a HEA? Love this feel good sweet and steamy love story, great couple great HEA.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute quick story about Kate and Silas. They have one perfect night before they are torn apart by stubbornness and misunderstanding. Three years later, Kate is home. Can Silas make her see they were meant to be?

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that has a great plot and is well written, which is both steamy/spicy and romantic. I loved the characters and how their story evolved to HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Thank goodness I came to my senses."

Kiss Me Kate is the first book in the new Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch series by Matilda Martel. This is a departure from her usual story-lines and it was a delightful and entertaining book. The story is about Kate Benson and Silas Gentry, who had been high school sweethearts and had plans for their future together. But Silas pushed Kate away so that she would leave town and go to college, as he was led to believe by her brother who was his best friend that he was not good enough for her. This hurt Kate so much that left and did not look back. That is until she had to come back for her brother's wedding and is trying hard to avoid Silas. She is successful until she isn't and that sets off a whole chain of events that will find these two barrelling towards a future that the were always meant to have.
I loved this first book and am looking forward to the next.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch series featuring Silas and Kate's hot and steamy alpha-male, brothers best-friend, second chance, small-town, true love romance. Silas and Kate are both in love with each other he's going to take her to her senior prom and she's not going to go away to college she's going to community college. At least that was their plan until Kate's brother Calvin speaks to Silas and he makes him think that he's not the man for Kate. With Calvin's words ringing in his ears Silas pushes Kate away he wants her to go to UT and not stay behind for him. Heartbroken Kate goes to Austin and she makes a new life for herself but she's never gotten over Silas. Now because her brother Calvin is getting married Kate has to go back home to Hilltop but she's hoping to avoid Silas. Fate has other ideas when Kate and Silas have a dangerous reunion in the woods which reignited feelings for both of them. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this hot and steamy alpha-male, brothers best-friend, second chance, small-town, true love romance to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Silas and Kate’s story. It's been three years, but the memories of Silas Gentry still haunt her.
Never trust a charming smile and smooth words. He was her brother’s best friend and her first real crush. When he agreed to take her to senior prom. She thought they’d finally made a connection. She was foolish enough to dream their first date was a promising start to the greatest love story ever told. Instead of dancing the night away, she cried herself to sleep wearing a dress she’d saved for months to buy. That night she vowed to never fall in love again. 😢 Three years ago, he made a huge mistake. He was young and stupid, but wise enough to know he wasn’t good enough for someone as amazing as her. When he came to his senses, it was too late. She’d left for college in the big city and banished him from her life. He should have moved on, but he can’t. That little girl had captured his heart, and her beautiful smile was forever imprinted on his soul. Can he make it right? It was an emotional roller coaster. And voluntarily leaving my review.

[Chani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really Kate?!

Kate is her own worst enemy.

A brat in pure sense of the word, even after she grew up. (Physically. Obviously, she's emotionally stunted)

She was 18 sure, not mature enough to understand what an epic fail she made, but surely at some point, and take a look at yourself and own your mistakes? Right?

She broke her own heart and then spent 3 years holding that grudge against Silas!? ...

She wronged Silas, she wronged herself and she stole something beautiful from both of them!

...the worst part is, that all the way to the end, she never apologized.

She didn't, not even once, hint at taking responsibility that it was because of her, hanging on to her own childish pride, that she was the reason that their devastating heartbreak lasted for 3 long years, because she couldn't own it for 2 minutes to say, "I'm sorry"

Silas deserves better.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small town of Hilltop, Texas, cowboy Silas (H) has always known that Kate (h) was the one for him. But when her brother Calvin convinces him that he’s not good enough, Silas pushes Kate away, urging her to follow her dreams instead of staying behind for him. Three years later, Kate has built a new life in Austin, but she’s never truly moved on from the man who broke her heart. Forced back to Hilltop for her brother’s wedding, Kate finds herself face-to-face with Silas once more. A dangerous encounter in the woods brings them together again, stirring up old feelings they’ve both tried to forget and they’re forced to confront the unresolved feelings that have kept them apart. Hot and steamy forbidden, second chance, cowboy romance, exploring enduring love, regret, and redemption.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding ebook. Kate has loved Silas for a long time. Silas has loved Kate for a longer time. They finally have a chance to be together when life interferes. They're like two missing pieces of a puzzle with undeniable chemistry. Can Kate overcome her heartbreak and give Silas another chance? Does Silas get Kate to acknowledge that they were always meant to be together? This fantastic author has written this 5⭐️ebook that touches your heart and has you cheering for Silas and Kate. If you like heartbreak, a little danger, and passionate moments, then you'll love this story I guarantee it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas has been in loved with his best friend's younger sister, he takes her to her senior prom. He lets her brother get inside his head about letting her go out and fulfill her dreams. It has been three years since she left for college, she is finally coming back for the summer. This is his chance to make things right, he just needs to convince her, as there is no moving on from her.

This has some angst, mostly due to people making decisions for others. This is a short and sweet read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JaneH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas and Kate, met at school, he took her to her graduation and they had some private fun then he insisted she go away to uni. Kate took that as being dumped!!
Three years later she returns home and BOOM her and Silas are on again.
A sweet love story between two young adults. Epilogue was cute.
Only complaint is that this couple was so young and the synopsis didn’t indicate that. Of course that’s just my thoughts, I much prefer fully fledged adults.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely sweet second chance love story with two people who'd loved each other for a long time without actually saying it to the other.
Kate was ready to go to college but was also wanted to stay with Silas & start a family. Although he would love for her to stay he knew that he couldn't let her hive up on her career & made a choice that he would regret.
This was a short story that I read in my break & couldn't stop reading until I got a happy ever after for these two people destined to be together.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Kate have been in love with each other for years but a misunderstanding separated them. Now three years later Kate is back in their hometown and Silas is determined to win back her heart and forgiveness. This is a sweet and steamy second chance romance with young love, misunderstandings, humor, drama, some angst, and a happily ever after. Kiss Me Kate is book one and a great start to the Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch series. I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book of the Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch series, Matilda Martel's Kiss Me Kate is a fun, steamy, second chance romance. First loves Silas and Kate broke up when she went away to college after a misunderstanding. Now three years later, she's back in town for her brother's wedding. When the two see one another again, it's clear that neither has moved on. But will fate bring them back together or tear them apart for good?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is the first book in the Black Dog Ranch series,
It's a well-written and quick to read second chance novella, Kate has crushed on her brothers best friend for years so when she got to go to prom with Silas she was ecstatic. They had a wonderful evening until it all went south. Now three years later Kate is back home for her brothers wedding.
Will they get their hea or will the tension keep them apart? Good Story, likable characters.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute second chance read that pulls at your heart. Silas was her brother's best friend and with Kate there was a future, but he was not sure he was hers.

After pushing Kate away, she was back in town and Silas was not going to let her go again.

Fast read that keep you on the edge and has your heart wrapped in happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story that packs a lot of elements into a small space to hold your attention. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities. The story elements are interesting and intriguing with the characters having steamy magnetic chemistry. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story in the new "Cowboys of Black Dog Ranch". It is a cute second chance story about Kate and Silas. They were in love with each other until an argument breaks them apart. Now she is back for her brother's wedding. She has dreaded coming home because of Silas but he sees her and is determined. This is a sweet and steamy story with a little excitement.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Kate and Silas. The story keeps us turning the pages with young love, heartbreak and second chances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caz May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute second-chance cowboy romance. It was a little spicy and very sweet. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others looking for a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeananna w/The Book Reading Gals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man! I love a hero that is all in! But I also love a second chance romance!
This was a quick, low angst, rainy afternoon read! ENJOY!

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great start to a new series. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what happens in this series!

[Belle (on hiatus)]

DNF @ 58%

[Claudia Reinbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5