And Then He Kissed Me: A clean romantic comedy featuring Grandma Dotty

Summer Kisses #2

by Melinda Curtis

Fans of Hallmark movies with quirky characters will enjoy this fun and heartfelt romantic comedy.

“ Such a fun book! You've got humor, awkward romance, Ecuador, chocolate, revenge, crazy motorcycle rides and nuns!” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars

The chocolate wars…

Botanist Dr. Aubrey Summer has two goals for her trip to Ecuador – fulfill her bridesmaid duties and confront billionaire Marcos Alfaro about his efforts to steal her work. The wedding is being held at a hotel owned by Marcos and he’s rumored to be a guest. Along the way, Aubrey is distracted by a handsome man named Nino, a former employee with a crush, and Grandma Dotty, who’s got romance on her bucket list.

More at stake…

Marcos “Nino” Alfaro didn’t accumulate his wealth playing by the rules. Yes, he hired Dr. Summer’s assistant, but the principled young man won’t divulge the secrets to growing a richer strain of cocoa. When Nino meets Dr. Summer, it’s clear what he needs to do – use romance to learn more about her research. After all, he’s got to turn around the chocolate company he just purchased. There are millions at stake, not to mention his pride and – surprisingly – his heart.

If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romcoms like You’ve Got Mail, you’ll enjoy this full-length, sweet romantic comedy with an HEA and no cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2015

About the author

Prior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website to receive two free reads.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2, in The Kissing Test series is all about the second Summer sister to find true love. And Then He Kissed Me, is the story of Aubrey Summer, a botanist who is developing new beans for gourmet chocolate. She is a bit of a nerd, who isn't looking for romance and doesn't expect it. She is happy with her plants, her chocolate and her other charities she works with. When her major competitor in Ecuador, Marcos Alfaro hires her assistant, her "Nose" she plans on getting him back, or at least making sure he doesn't share her secrets. While in Ecuador as part of a wedding, she meets handsome and suave, Nino. What she doesn't know is that Nino is the nickname of her arch nemesis. As they get to know each other better, they both begin to develop feelings for each other, but Aubrey finds it hard to let down her guard. When she finds out who he really is, can she forgive him and can he pass The Kissing Test.

Once again Grandma Dotty is on hand to add the eccentricity, humour and sweetness to this story. Aubrey compares herself to her sisters and finds herself lacking. She needs to develop some self-esteem and realize that she is a wonderful person worthy of love. When it comes to business, she is daring, smart and strong, so needs to be the same in her personal life. I had a love/hate relationship with Nino. He was swoon worthy and had all the moves, but he was sneaky and was blinded by his need for revenge against his father. I wanted to shake him a few times, but I was glad to see he does come around. This is another delightful rom-com, where Grandma Dotty steals the show.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey Summer is in Ecuador for both work and a wedding. She's there with her irresistible grandmother. Things are about to get crazy. Aubrey is a botanist who is determined to save all her chocolate research. Marcos Alfaro, her competition, hired her assistant hoping to obtain her company's secrets. He's very determined. When Aubrey arrives, she introduced to sexy Nino. Their attraction is powerful. I enjoyed seeing these two get to know each other. Their banter was flirty and funny. What I didn't like was that Nino is actually Marcos. I understand his reasons. He carries the pain from his father's abandonment. He is determined to be more powerful and successful than his parent. I didn't want him to break Aubrey's heart. She wants to make the world a better place. She opens her heart and wants to trust everyone. I was happy to see she gave Nino a second chance to earn her trust. I loved what happens next. It was both touching and romantic. Melinda Curtis made me laugh as well as shed a few tears. These characters are easy to care for. Let the kissing test begin! I can't wait for the next book in this series to see what happens next.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Aubrey. She is so smart, but awkward with social situations and way in over her head with Nino. Nino is smooth and he is trying to get Aubrey's secrets for chocolate from her. He passed the kissing test, but will he break her heart? Love Aubrey's grandma.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

And Then He Kissed Me, #2 - Another funny, entertaining story with sweetie Grandma Dotty and another of her granddaughters. I really did not like Nino, a terrible person, who just needed an attitude adjustment. Dotty and Aubrey made up for his character with their wonderful traits and living hearts. 4*

Summer Kisses:
A Kiss Is Just A Kiss, #1 - This was a lot of fun to read. For once a guy takes care of a woman, and her dotty grandmother, without terrible, disrespectful treatment from the woman. A misunderstanding stops a wedding and saves three people. 5*

It Happened One Night, #5 - This is a fun series and I only read two books. I love Grandma Dotty, she is filled with a lot of personality. Her grandsons and rest of the characters were almost as much fun. Good story lines filled with love, a misunderstanding, a secret and another another chance. 5*
Summer Kisses end.

A Cowboy Worth Waiting For - I haven't enjoyed a story like this in a long time. Everything about this second chance romance was perfect. The characters, the story lines, the humor and the joy that made the story fun to read and very hard to put down. Go easy on the tea when reading this little gem. 5*

The Wedding Promise - This novella is the first installment of The Bridesmaids, which continues with three more "novellas" or installments. Sweet, funny and a bit different with location, a touch of danger and a goal-oriented heiress. Mix in a veteran and a trio of matchmaking nuns to round out the story. Not happy about their story being cut into four parts. 4*

Baby, Baby, Melinda Curtis - A sweet second chance at love complete with problems and a sweet baby for Cooper and Nora. 5*

Love in Harmony Valley:
Dandelion Wishes, #1 - A sweet romance mixed with plenty of drama along with good characters, interesting story lines and a gamut of emotions. Love. Friendship. Forgiveness. The ability to accept and make changes. A bit on the intense side with the healing, the recognitions and the drama but a good story. 4*

A Small Town Second Chance, #2 - Now it's Flynn and Becca's story. This was a bit sad for me the end. The epilogue should have been included since it was so happy. Wonderful characters, huggable and likeable. Good story lines, too. 4*

A New Beginning in a Small Town, #3 - This book is all about new beginnings for many. Slade is a deep character caught in his own darkness, and his mind. Add the rest of the townspeople, his friends and his love interest to this well written story and you have a hard to put down story. 5*

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked the premise of the story. There were great moments of conflict in the story. It was just the first kiss and the beginnings of romance happened a little too quickly for my taste. I wanted a bit more build up and anticipation before anything happened. I know the quickness of their relationship was meant to intensify the conflict of him not revealing his true identity to her, but I think that it would have been better if it was drawn out more. Because of the swiftness of their romance, it made me not so interested or connect with them as a couple. It just wasn’t working for me totally. I did like the ending though.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this second book in the "Summer Kisses" series. Dr. Aubrey Summer was attending a wedding in Ecuador. While there she was determined to confront Marcos Alfaro as he was trying to find out her secrets regarding the development of a richer strain of cocoa. The romance was sweet. Aubrey and Marcos were delightful. Grandma Dotty was such a wonderful and zany character, who added humor to the story. The audiobook was narrated by AI. Narration by AI has come a long way, and it was pleasant to listen to the story through that format. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through bookfunnel, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

I have never heard of 'unido,' but I do know about hand-fasting. I assume they're very similar, just one comes put of Ecuador 🇪🇨 and the other from Scotland. I love when I learn something new and enjoy a good happily-ever-after!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in the series much more than the first. Nino and Bree were a great couple.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

This was so good. I thoroughly enjoyed Aubrey's story and can't wait to read Lily's. This series just gets better and better.

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - Fun corporate espionage romance

I love this series! It's fluff, but it's fun fluff. I do have to say that I don't particularly enjoy the raunchy grandma type of character, but for some reason, Dotty doesn't bug me that much. I think it's at least in part because the other characters don't act like it's funny or cute or whatever. They just love her enough to put up with her antics & try to help her retain some measure of dignity in her decline. In that way, at least, t's actually kind of sweet.

The story itself is fun. And funny. It's even better than the first one (which I also enjoyed). While highly improbable, it's told believably enough to be able to willingly sit back and enjoy.

Nino meets Aubrey at just the right point in his life when he's beginning to recognize the emptiness of his recently consummated revenge on his father & is feeling a bit rudderless.

Aubrey meets Nino and for the first time realizes that having a special someone like him in her life wouldn't be a bad thing. Especially since, unlike her dad, he appreciates her for who she is rather than what she can do for him - or does he?

The story is well paced. It doesn't artificially prolong Aubrey not knowing Nino's identity. It's not altogether convincing about Aubrey's willingness to take the risk that she does near the end, but by that time it's built up sufficient good will, I was willing to go along with it (though it's a little frustrating that the story is unclear on what was actually in the bottle)

All in all, an entertaining read that made the end of a crappy day so much better!

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic; secular attitudes about sex outside of marriage, but despite some expressions of willingness, nothing is consummated in the story
*Religion: a Catholic mom & grandmother praying rosaries in the hospital, + some nuns on a farm refusing to compromise their vows - treated with reasonable respect

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Then He Kissed Me is the second in The Kissing Test series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is Aubrey and Nino/Marcos' story. Dr. Aubrey Summer is the family nerd/botanist who has developed a new process to grow chocolate that is more palatable and sweeter. She travels to Ecuador to be a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding and to also confront Marcos Alfaro who is trying to steal her research by hiring away her assistant. As she is dealing with Grandmom Dotty's antics, she meets Nino who she has an instant attraction to but unbeknownst to her is actually Marcos. As a child, Nino and his mother were abandoned by his father leaving them penniless and homeless and he vowed to destroy all the businesses his father built. He has finally succeeded in acquiring every company, but his latest acquisition is a rundown chocolate factory and he is determined to make it the best by luring Aubrey's assistant away and gaining her secrets. When the assistant won't reveal the secrets, he decides to charm the secrets from Aubrey only to realize that the sparks of attraction are stronger than his thirst for revenge. This is a fun, entertaining story of revenge, corporate espionage, a motorcycle road trip and the hilarious antics of Grandmom Dotty as well as a sweet love story.

I received a copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It’s funny, and got me choked up throughout. You will see when you read. Great characters.
Dr. Aubrey Summer is heading to Ecuador for two reasons. Her good friends wedding where she will be a bridesmaid, and to confront Billionaire Marco Alfaro. He’s after her secrets, and he’s already hired her assistant who knows the ins and outs of her business. The war has just begun.
When she meets a charming and good looking stranger named Nino at the hotel she’s staying...oh boy things get interesting. Grandma Dotty is with her when she meets Nino. Grandma Dotty wants love again, because she doesn’t see herself as old. It’s on her bucket list...What a hoot. You can’t help but love her.

Nino has a secret, and he hides it from Aubrey. When He learns who she really is. He’s shocked to say the least, but he finds the good Doctor intriguing. He has an hidden agenda. So he must stay near her, and not let on what he wants or who he is. He may be after one thing, but something in him changes.

Her sisters must find out if he’s worthy. Will he pass the Kissing Test or won’t he?

There’s so much more to come. It gets more complicated to say the least. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

A must read.
Do read the novella...A Kiss is Just A Kiss..

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! You've got humor, awkward romance, Ecuador, chocolate, revenge, crazy motorcycle rides and nuns! How does it all fit in one book? You have to read it, of course!!! This author writes such fun books but she also puts touching scenes in that make you want to cry! Dr. Aubrey Summers is super smart - botany, etc. - and works for a chocolate company, always trying to make the perfect premier chocolate. However, she is very awkward in social and romantic situations! She has come to Ecuador for two reasons - attend a wedding reception and give her competitor a piece of her mind for stealing her employee! Well, she meets her competitor but meets him under different circumstances and with a different name, "Nino" - he's so suave and romantic that he sweeps her off her feet! Nino is really out for revenge against his father and that's what his whole life is about...doesn't care who gets hurt....until he meets Aubrey. I absolutely loved Aubrey's character. Grandma Dotty is hilarious too! Come along on the journey to see how Aubrey changes Nino and makes him a better man - that Kissing Test is alive and well!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess who is back, Grandma Dotty and her Granddaughters. As I said in book one I loved Grandma Dotty you never know what its going to come out of her mouth or what craziness she is going to think of next. Aubrey is in Ecuador for a wedding and to seek out her arch nemesis and of course there is talk of lots of chocolate. I swear I walked away feeling like I needed some chocolate. I loved Aubrey and Nino they had a way of not over shining there personalities but they both were easy to relate with. I love when that happens because then they feel like your catching up with friends. I really enjoy these sisters and the closeness they share, I can't wait to see what Grandma Dotty is up to next and the trouble she drags her next granddaughter into. Y'all this series is a clean read and you really can't go wrong with these fun books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Between My BookEndz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Aubrey Summer is a botanist taking the science of excellent chocolate to the next level. Marcos “Nino” Alfaro is a self-made millionaire determined to destroy the father who abandoned his family to poverty all those years ago. Nino’s grand finale in that plan is to take his father’s – now his - mediocre chocolate company to the top. Obtaining Aubrey’s secrets any way he can is Nino’s goal, including stealing away her assistant. But when Aubrey and Nino meet, it sets off a chain-reaction of flirty dances, dottering grandma hijinks and a near-death experience in a convent in the Ecuadorian mountains!

What a fun story! It had humor, it had intrigue, it had a psychologically scarred hero and the Tango – what more could you ask for? I enjoy this author’s writing style, her story pacing and her characters. Ms. Curtis set the scene for some fun escapades that meant a couple of hours of very enjoyable reading for me. I cannot wait for the next Summer girl to use the Kiss Test!

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This series has such a fun premise; the heroes must pass the kissing test from the Summer sisters, and book 2 of The Kissing Test series was as enjoyable as the first book. Filled with lots of embarrassing moments and put-a-smile-on-your-face scenes adds a good punch of humour. There’s plenty of tension, manipulation, revenge, chocolate, and a drop-dead gorgeous, charming hero! The lead characters are adorable and you instantly know they belong together. The supporting cast is just as enjoyable, especially Dotty, Aubrey’s grandmother, who rules every scene she is in. Dotty is off-the-chart funny and delightful. An emotional filled romance and comedy draw you into the pages of this story. There’s even cringing drama involving a spider. A perfect read on a lazy afternoon. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Then He Kissed Me by Melinda Curtis is book 2 of The Kissing Test. This story has humor, romance, adventure,travel, revenge, and motorcycle rides. Somehow Melinda Curtis fits this all in and keeps the story flowing as well as your attention. Getting rid of 30 years of revenge is work. Love can change a lot but will it change revenge? Melinda Curtis keeps the interest high on the main story but weaves in a favorite secondary character which is Grandma Dotty who I find hilarious. the characters and the story are delightful. You need to get this to find out who has to get rid of revenge and deal with a scientist,a wedding while in Ecuador.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey was a scientist for the families chocolate factory. She was going to go to Ecuador for two reasons. The first her best friend’s wedding. The second to find Marcos and tell him what kind of scum he was for stealing her right hand person in her experiments for the chocolate factory.

While in Ecuador she meets one of her best friends close friend. His name is Nino. As they are getting close she tells him of her hatred for Marcos. This upsets him, being he is really Marcos. He doesn’t tell her who he is.

What will happen when she finds her former assistant? Will Nino tell her the truth or will he steal from her to help his own chocolate factory? You will have to read to find out!

[K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: spider bite, hospitalisation, corporate espionage???

Look, I'm going to be perfectly honest here: I only picked this up because it's set in Ecuador and I'm trying to read books set in 50 different countries this year and I'm behind schedule.

Anywho. This was...yeah, not great. The concept sounded fun, but more of the story was wrapped up in the corporate espionage thing and her grandmother trying to be Grandma Mazur from the Stephanie Plum books than it was in the romance that was supposed to be the core of the story.

Add in the fact that I didn't particularly like Nino (especially given that he lied to her about who he was from the get go) and this just...yeah. No. Not great.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey is on a mission to meet the man who stole her nose aka her assistant Eugene, she is worried Marcos Alfaro will get information from Eugene and use it to try and make his Bon Bon chocolates better than the Caradoc chocolates where she works. Alas she only meets Nino who sweeps her off her feet from the get go, but things are right with Nino, yes he is caring, attentive and helping her learn how to be er own nose but Aubrey needs to work out what she wants while Grandma Dotty is along for the ride and searching for a little fun of her own! Be ready for loads of laughter, cringey moments, yummy chocolate and a spider that makes a decision for both Aubrey and Nino! 🕷

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Aubrey Summer, who’s a botanist, goes to Ecuador to confront billionaire Marcos Alfaro, who hired her assistant from under her nose. She doesn’t want her assistant to tell the billionaire about her secret, a richer strain of cocoa. Along the way she meets Nino. He’s handsome and they have chemistry. Nino finds her beautiful and smart. She doesn’t know that Nino is Marcos. Her assistant won’t divulge anything. He thinks he can romance her to tell him. The more time they spend together, the more he likes her. Will she give him her secrets? Will she forgive him for not telling her who he is, the enemy? Will he let her walk away? Two people who were right for each other. I loved it.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean novel And Then He Kissed Me: A Laugh Out Loud Romantic Comedy About Billionaires (The Kissing Test Book 2) by Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely. An ironic and easy flowing attraction at first sight/ game of cat and mouse novel. Wealthy, well meaning and at times unfiltered Dotty Summer continues her struggle with dementia and her quest to find her 5 heiress granddaughters' love matches when she accompanies her nerdy botanist granddaughter Dr. Aubrey Summer to the Bolivar wedding in the Brighton Hotel in Quito, Ecuador where she meets and secretly marries her rival, the billionaire hotel's owner Marcos Antonio "Nino" Alfaro.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ecuador, Chocolate, Misguided Man.
Revenge has consumed Nino for 30 years and he will stop at nothing to achieve it, even steal the life’s work of an innocent woman. Can love change his outlook and make him a better man? The second book in a series this can easily be read as a standalone, though it it is a delight to meet up with the secondary character of Grandma Dotty. Enjoyed the characters and the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Scientist goes to her sister’s wedding with her grandmother and meets her family rival. Both now who each other is but tries to hide who they are. As grandma pushes them together that find themselves attract to each other but they now they are enemies.

Can these two move past their past and find away to be happy together? A sweet story when you try to fight love when it least wanted.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And Then He Kissed Me" (The Kissing Test Book 2) by Melinda Curtis is a great read. I loved Aubrey and Marcos "Nino"'s story. This is a nice addition to the series, packed with humor, romance, entertaining characters, family, and more. Never a dull moment with Grandma Dotty! I can't wait to see what happens next in this series. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, humor, family, and series.

[Kayler Rose Publishing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Kissing Test series. I love this series. It is full of humor and romance. I especially love Grandma Dotty. She is too funny! I would love to have her in my family. I had a harder time liking this hero because of his flaws, but he won me over and I was rooting for him at the end. I was so glad he passed the test! I would highly recommend this book.

[Kathryn Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read Melinda’s work!!

I love EVERYTHING Melinda writes. This was both serious and romantic! A life’s work for a beautiful scientist “nerd”. It’s so hard to know when to trust your heart.

The win at all cost who cares who it hurts!!! Business man.

They teach each other and come together❤️

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted fun novella! It is full of wonderful quirky characters, very entertaining situations and an interesting plot. This is the second novella in the series. I read the first one prior to reading this novella and think each could be read separately and enjoyed, but I would recommend you read both!

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

But did he pass the kissing test??? This is a really fun story of Aubrey and Nino. And there's chocolate! What could be better than that? The story takes place in Ecuador and you learn a little about the customs of marriage there, as well. This was a fun and quick read and I think you will enjoy it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story is good!

This is not my Favorite if Melinda’s books. I’m not a big fan of men who are bully’s. But the story wasn’t terrible, because Melinda write it. She always writes to the best of her ability, which is exceptional! I will read more from this series.