Then He Kissed Me

Whispering Bay Romance #2

by Maria Geraci

Lauren Donalan was once Whispering Bay’s golden girl—the rich, bubbly blonde cheerleader who married the high school football star. When her mediocre marriage falls apart, she returns home and starts a vintage clothing business, determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face with a trust fund.

Nate Miller may have been a nerd in high school, but now he has a beautiful girlfriend and is set to take over Doc Morrison’s medical practice. Still, the good folks of Whispering Bay find his no-nonsense approach more than a little unsettling, leaving his future in town a great big question mark. And things go even further downhill when his well-intentioned marriage proposal goes awry.

Lauren doesn’t need a man to complete her, yet when she finds herself set up on a date with Nate, she can’t help but notice how sexy and confident he is. In fact, every time the former introvert kisses her, she sees fireworks. But, only a big love will make Lauren change her mind about commitment. As Nate attempts to win Lauren over, a real estate co-op threatens Lauren’s business—and Nate’s ex still has a thing or two to say about their previous relationship. Now Lauren has to decide to go big or go home, in business, as well as in love.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Amazon, Audiobook, Adult

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Maria Geraci writes feel-good small-town contemporary romance. She’s a two-time RITA® Finalist and a finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards and Romantic Times’ American Title Contest. Her stories feature strong women, dreamy heroes, lots of laughs, and a little bit of heat. Born in Cuba, she was raised on Florida’s Space Coast. She and her husband of thirty-plus years (along with their four dogs) are thrilled to call central Florida home again. She loves hearing from readers. You can write to her at maria@mariageraci.com

Maria also writes cozy mysteries as her alter ego Maggie March.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Then He Kissed Me is book two in the Whispering Bay Romance series by Maria Geraci. This book was amazing! I’d already met Nate and Lauren in the first book of the series, That Thing You Do. But in this book I fell in love with them. This book has a little bit of everything, evil land developer, crazy ex-girl friend, nerdy and oh so sexy Dr. and Lauren, the divorced, single mom who has a love of retro-style clothes, and who you can’t help but to love.

Lauren Donalan is determined to make a success of her retro clothing store. She loves being back in Whispering Bay. She loves being near her family and her son is thrilled to be able to see his father whenever he wants. The only thing missing from her life is love.



Lauren’s mother is playing matchmaker and is determined to find the perfect husband for her daughter. When she arranges for Lauren to go on a date with the town’s new Dr. she sees it as a chance for a free meal. But then he kissed her, and everything changed.



Dr. Nate Miller, insert big sigh here, is a buttoned up, by the book, stick to the facts type of guy. Who would have thought that underneath all of that, just waiting to get out, was the hot, sexy Nate with an endless supply of love and compassion that Lauren discovered was there. He thought his life was supposed to be with Jessica, until he proposed to her and she turned him down. What surprised him most was the lack of sadness after she turned him down. He felt…relief! Then he went on his date with Lauren, and he kissed her, and everything changed.



Nate’s sister who works for an animal shelter, convinces Nate that he needs to adopt a little dachshund mix puppy. Who would have thought that adopting a new puppy would finally help the residents of Whispering Bay accept him! At the same time, Lauren is accepted in as a permanent member of the Bunco Babes whom we also first met in book one of this series.



Lauren insists that they take things slow. She’s not sure if Nate is really over his ex-girlfriend. Nate is patient. He will wait as long as it takes for Lauren to be convinced that he is all in. I have to admit a couple of times Lauren was frustrating me. She was too worried. But she had her son to think of. And Nate wasn’t worried. He knew what he wanted.



Lauren and her assistant at her store have some big ideas on how they can expand her business. But the evil land developer, Ted, has been seen around town. And there has been a couple of suspicious inspections of her building. Could her business be in jeopardy?

I knew from the start that I would really like this book. But about half way through, something happens, and I went from, “Wow, this is a really good book,” to “Oh My Gosh, I love this book!” And Nate, insert another sigh here, well, you get the picture. I love this community of Whispering Bay. What an amazing life living right there on the Gulf. I can practically feel the sand between my toes and hear the waves coming in.

The relationships between families and friends in Whispering Bay warmed my heart. Lauren’s parents are nearing their 40th wedding anniversary. But they are forced to face an issue that I believe worry us all at one time or another. Nate also has a fantastic relationship with his Mother and sister. And the Bunco Babes. This group of women will do whatever it takes to help one another. When an issue arises, an emergency meeting is called, and the women go into action.

This series is wonderful and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, That Man of Mine, due out June 9, to get Zeke and Mimi’s story. Even though these books could be read as stand alones, I recommend reading the series in order to get to know the characters. You wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the awesome goings on of Whispering Bay, Florida.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was even better. We learned about Lauren in book 1 as the ex-wife of Tom, the lead man. It could have been so easy for the relationship between them to be difficult, but it is dealt with brilliantly. We get to meet up with old friends in Whispering Bay, especially the Bunco ladies and their scheming.

Although Lauren is in the fortunate position of being independently wealthy, she is working hard at her vintage clothing store. We get to be involved in its progress, which is fun, and inspiring. She is set up on a date by her Momma with a most unsuitable man - whose taste in bumper stickers leaves a lot to be desired! Anyone who has suffered such a date will empathise with poor Lauren. She is rescued by Nate, a one time High School peer. He has just suffered an ignominy which is soon all over Youtube. Yet from this unlikely encounter a wonderful story unfolds.

I love the way that the characters are written, and that their core values are so in line. I loved how their families were involved, and the closeness they share. Thoughtful and thought provoking, this is an excellent read, with lots of strands. I am excited to see how their future is mapped out in subsequent books, as I really engaged with them. Cute, quirky, sexy and poignant - that's a lot to fit into a story, but Ms Geraci did it with aplomb.

[Somia]

Free on amazon - 11th April 2019

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first when I read the first book of this series I wasn't so sure if I would continue it or not. Now that I have read this book I think this series has a chance to captivate me.


Lauren has been divorced for 2 years and hasn't dated anyone. Her mother is trying to set her up because she deserves to be happy. Although her and her ex Tom are close he is now engaged to Allie. Lauren's family comes from money but she is determined to do well for herself and her son (who she had with Tom).


I liked Lauren not only from the previous book when she helped get Tom and Allie together. You can see she was genuine about it and loved Tom a certain way and it was totally okay with them being together. You can just tell she is a strong person. In this story it's Lauren's turn to have the happily ever after that she has always wanted.


I loved Nate!! When you first see him proposing to Jessica and it goes bad after he did so much I felt so bad for him. So when nates sister and Lauren's mother set them up on a date they both have a great time. You can tell right away he is being himself with her and getting to know her. I thought he was so cute by running into her sometimes and bringing her dinner.


They take their relationship slow as just friends which was nice but they both having certain feelings for each other that you can see as plain as day. I liked that their relationship started slow and it wasn't rushed. They didn't just jump in bed together but they got a chance to really know each other and what they wanted.


Their was a little drama but it wasn't overly done and it also wasn't one thing on top of each other it was spread out over time. I am beginning to like the characters more and more. I am excited to see whose book will be next in this series and what will be next in whispering bay.

[Amber Tinsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Then He Kissed Me is definitely a home run for me. I fell hard for Lauren and Nate. Lauren is a single mom, a tad on the quirky side...but come on who doesn't love vintage and black and white movies...she is fierce and loyal, and loves her family deeply. And if her momma has anything to do with it she'll be engaged by the end of the year.
Nate...my favorite Doctor. Nate is a straightforward tell it exactly the way it is type of guy. He is back home to eventually take over Docs pratice. Newly single, his sister is determined to get him back on the horse so to speak. Between Laurens mom and Nate sister, and a little advice from the Bunco Babes, these two don't stand a chance.
I loved this book so much. It just reinforced my belief that sometimes going big is the only way to go. And I cannot wait for the next installment of thus series.
P.s. I seen you Billy :)
I received an ARC for the purpose of leaving an honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard not to get lost in the people of Whispering Bay. This charming yet sleepy town is the place to go when a fresh start is on the agenda. Lauren is doing her best to prove herself to be more than just a pretty face. She wants a chance to forge her own path and finds that in her old home town of Whispering Bay. There she reconnects with an acquaintance that has as much to lose as she does. Nate may have changed on the outside but still feels like an outsider on the inside. Lauren helps him feel less lost in the shuffle. Learning to trust in yourself is the lesson that I took away from Then He Kissed Me.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I really love this series. Real people, real life, real love. Lauren has returned home after her divorce and her father being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Nate is back in town after finishing med school and residency to join Doc Morrison's practice.

Lauren and Nate reconnect after both having horrible dates at the Harbor House. Intially neither of them wants to see each other socially but when they do, they realize they have a lot in common and the kiss they share is off the charts, hot.

The author has done an excellent job of showing the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. Nate initally comes off as brusk towards everyone, including his patients. After a conversation with Lauren, he's able to take her suggestions and notices a difference almost immediately in himself and the tone of his patients.

This was a refreshing read and I can't wait to read more about Whispering Bay.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!! I fell for the zany little town of Whispering Bay in the first book of the series and this book just confirms it for me! This is the story of newly divorced mom and shop owner Lauren Donalan and recently returned to town Dr. Nate Miller. Lauren's a little bit quirky and a lot of fun. Nate is a little nerdy (ok - a lot nerdy) and needs to loosen up a little. Together they make one great couple. They may have known each other in high school but they are both very different people and the way they first meet again is just the beginning of the new crazy there life will become!

This is a wonderfully written story and one I highly recommend.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sexy contemporary romance! Nate is amazing - he has the whole nerdy but sexy doctor thing going on, and is a bit of a dirty talker in the bedroom! I loved seeing him struggle with his bedside manner and the way he took Lauren's advice about how to improve. I admire Lauren's courage for going out on her own and pursuing her dreams. She deserves all the happiness she finds with Nate. I skipped over the first book in the series, but I enjoyed this one so much that I am looking forward to the next one.
4.5 stars

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacki Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Geraci does it again, brings you into the small town world of her characters where you feel a part of the story, just old friends catching up. You feel vested in the character's story and find yourself cheering for their happiness. Characters that are relateable and situations of every day life.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Geraci books are a like a breath of fresh air. Women's Romance for women who LOVE romance.

[Lora Wulfing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all her book and I feel they just keep getting better.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author

It was nice to be back in Whispering Bay.  This time it is Nate and Lauren's story but the story embraces all the characters we've met before along with some new ones.  The interrelationships are all encompassing and I really feel like I'm a part of Whispering Bay through the character interactions and the vivid descriptions of the buildings, the town, the businesses and even Thursday nights with the Bunco Babes!

Lauren and Nate have immediate chemistry when they meet up again even though they went to high school together but didn't run in the same circles.  He's now a small town doctor that returned to where he grew up and it was interesting to see him with Doc Morrison and their medical practice.  Watching Lauren and Nate's relationship grow from friendship with only a few episodes of backpedaling was fun to watch.  They got each other when others didn't and were also very good for each other.  Nate was always supportive of Lauren and always asked about her, her family and her business.  He also threw some great ideas her way about her business and what she might want to think about regarding it that were spot on and gave her the confidence she needed to be a true businesswoman.  She and Dhara, her employee at the shop, worked well together and it was great to see them be more than employer/employee and how they bounced ideas off each other.  It was sad to see the decline of Lauren's vibrant dad with his episodes of forgetfulness due to his Alzheimer's and the effect on his caregivers.  Nate's ex-girlfriend and almost fiancee, Jessica, was a piece of work and her thoughts and actions were incomprehensible. She always had to be the center of attention and she thought what she wants is what she gets.  It was nice to see her get her comeuppance!  Ted Ferguson, a businessman, was a sleaze and it was great to see how he got what he deserved more than once.

There were family and friends, townspeople, the festival, dates, ideas, Bunco night, heartache, tears, sadness, loss, happiness, new loves and a happily ever after.  There were some twists and turns to the story and I loved what Lauren accomplished for her business as well with Dhara's help and ideas.  I enjoyed the interactions with Nate and his office staff, Hector, his dog and his sister and mom.  There was nice closure and some loose ends tied up but knowing we would be back in Whispering Bay with the third book of the series, That Man of Mine , is the icing on the cake.  I'd love to revisit Whispering Bay with a holiday novella (hint, hint) especially if book three will be the end of the series.

This series is the first books that I have read by Geraci.   She is an author that I will be on the lookout for as she releases new books.  I will be adding her other books to my always growing TBR pile!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in a series. I usually read in order but this time I started the book before realizing it was part of a series and not the first book.

Lauren is a divorced single mom, a bit quirky and independent, divorced and driven. She is very close to her family.
She has a vintage women's clothing store and really enjoys her job.


Nate is a doctor and we see a viral proposal gone wrong is all the talk of the town! Shockingly he gets rejected.
Nate took a while to grow on me. I warmed up, like the town, when he got his puppy. Who can resist a dog?
We see that Nate is struggling to gain acceptance since the town doctor is retiring soon and the patients are not fond of change. Nate's lack of bedside manners plays a huge part of their hesitation.

Lauren's mother predicts that she will be engaged by the end of the year, and Lauren goes on some dates set up by mom. She starts to really resist and bristle since a few go very wrong, but she realizes that part of the date-setting is a distraction for Mom to keep her mind off of another more serious problem. So Lauren decides to Humor Mom and go on more dates.

Bunco the game is part of the story, I'm sure its talked about a bit more in the first book. There are 12 members and Lauren is a temporary member.

I enjoyed this book and liked the developing romance between Lauren and Nate. I chuckled at the antics in the beginning, some dates are not worth going on but are funny if you AREN'T on them.

I predicted a few things that happened midway through the book but still enjoyed the story.

So this may have been my first book by Maria Geraci but it won't be my last. I plan on tracking down the other books in the series, hopefully in order.

BACK COVER--

Lauren Donalan was once Whispering Bay’s golden girl—the rich, bubbly blonde cheerleader who married the high school football star. Fast forward thirteen years and she’s a single mom trying to hold on to a failing business and prove that she’s more than just a trust fund baby with really good hair.

Nate Miller might have been a nerd in high school, but he’s back in town ready to start his medical practice and every momma with a single daughter has their radar aimed straight at him, Lauren’s mom included.

Lauren doesn’t need a man to complete her, but when she finds herself set up with Nate, she can’t help but fall for the sexy, confident ex-nerd. But only a big love will make Lauren change her mind about commitment.

As Nate attempts to win Lauren over, a real estate co-op threatens Lauren’s business—and Nate’s ex comes back to town to create trouble.

Now Lauren has to decide to go big or go home—both in business and in love.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren is a single, divorced parent, who is grateful for everything she has. She owns a nice, little vintage clothing shop in FL and enjoys classical holiday films—namely It’s a Wonderful Life. She never asked for much, but her meddling mother thought she should have more—like a man. So she sets her up on a blind date with a successful entrepreneur, who was as arrogant as they come. Lauren didn’t need a man to complete her; she could complete herself. You go, girl!

On the blind date, she sees a public proposal go sour. Turns out the guy was someone she used to know back in high school. He was the likable nerd, like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Lauren then realizes that Nate dodged a bullet when the girl turned him down.

I thought the character was witty and relatable, and Nate was such a nice guy—quiet, quirky, and so smart. I thought they would have a nice romance. Story started off good, but then it slows down dramatically. It kind of made me wonder when exactly does he kiss her. It’s still a decent read though.

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Donalan is trying to keep her vintage clothing store afloat, but refuses to take any money from her ex-husband, Tom. At the same time, her mom is trying to set her up and her dad is struggling with an Alzheimer diagnosis. Nate Miller has returned to Whispering Bay to work with Doc Morrison. Nate was the geeky guy who made good, and he's ready to propose to his girlfriend. He makes his grand gesture during a fancy dinner, but his girlfriend doesn't accept. Lauren is on a date at the same restaurant and witnesses Nate's humiliation. Although the two know each other, she was the popular cheerleader and he was a nerd, so they didn't interact much. But now her mom and his sister are trying to set them up, his ex is trying to get him back, and someone is trying to buy the property that Lauren's shop sits on. I liked that this book was different than the first one, so I didn't feel like I was reading a re-hash of the same story. I really enjoyed it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Maria Geraci's romantic comedy, Then He Kissed Me. Lauren Donalan and Nate Miller both live in Whispering Bay. Although they went to high school together, they didn't hang out with the same crowd. Lauren is now the divorced mother of a young son and owns a vintage clothing business. Nate's plan is to someday take over Doc Morrison's medical practice. When Lauren and Nate go out to dinner, their date ends with an unexpected toe-curling kiss! Since Nate just got out of a serious relationship, they agree to just be friends. Only time will tell if they are meant to be a real couple. Whispering Bay is full of interesting secondary characters including their family and friends and a cute dog named Hector. Their activities like the Bunco Babes and the Spring Into Summer festival, show that they live in a close knit small town. This book kept me entertained from beginning to end.

[Night Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars for Me

I really liked this book and well-rounded character development. Both MCs made each other better people and while the attraction was instant, the romance was built on time together and not just lust as so many stories are. Nothing drives me crazy more than an H/h fight that is resolved by time in the sheets.

The development and growth of our H in this story shows the true power of listening which is a lost art today. The h made some recommendations that the H decided to try and seeing the communities reaction was priceless.

Excellent Story

[SirRomLe · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you open a book, get through those first few pages and feel like YOU are a part of the story? When you connect with the characters even though their "life" is completely different to you? That is "Then He Kissed Me"... or at least it was for me. I loved it. I'm (unfortunately) not in my 30's I'm (fortunately) not divorced and I don't have the safety of a trust fund to save me from an arrogant *expletive* but I felt so connected to Lauren and the other characters in the story. So beautifully written. I rarely rave about a book but this one deserves it.

[PLP · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, all around book.

Really enjoyed this book.

I really felt sorry for the hero. But he finally found someone who loved him for just who he was and didn't want to change him. And isn't that what we all want.

And our heroine had "settled" for life in her first marriage. She wanted to marry again but to someone she was crazy in love with and who was crazy in love with her!

[Macy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, with the exception of the 2 main characters I really disliked most everyone else. Nates sister was not only invasive and annoying, but a total nosy annoying mean judgmental witch. Laurens mother, seriously? Back off just a smidgen or a million moles and let.the girl breathe. It would have been nice if Lauren grew a little bit of a backbone too. I listened to the audiobook. The narration was fine, but I'm done with the series.

[Erin Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues with well loved side characters from Whispering Bay. Very light, fun read, especially after having just finished a pretty heavy suspense novel. Definitely recommend. Listened on audio, and the narrator was great!

[Linda Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance

This can be a stand alone story but it is better to read the first book. I love the way the author tells the story including all of the characters that live in the town. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Anne Peugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good pace

I've enjoyed this series. The books/characters are easy to relate to. Characters are usually ordinary folks, not rich living in mansions. Quick paced. Each one moves on to HEA endings.

[Monica M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a...

Such a cute romance to read. Lauren is always described as being easy to like and that was 100% true, such a great character and a perfect match for Nate's serious personality! I would definitely recommend this book

[Maria Waltner · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much potential but there was a lot left unfinished. Too many typos. Conflict resolved too easily.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series very much and this book is no exception.

[Jessica Lewis]

Fun read!! I felt right there with the characters and could feel the Florida breeze. Hated to put it down and leave for work

[Mary Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest review

Loved the characters and storyline in this book. Love the moving forward and the healing. Also hits home on some medical issues and is pretty cathartic to read.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried a bit. Loved it.