Colette Munsel is a thirty-something freelance editor who lives alone, well, not alone if you consider a cantankerous feline named Henry Miller a roommate. She certainly talks to him like he’s human, not to mention he’s her main source of entertainment.
That is until Sam Griffin moves in next door. Sam seems to embody every hero she’s ever read about in the romance novels she edits. He’s tall, dark, handsome, and built like a brick––you get the idea. It’s too bad Colette has zero skills when it comes to meeting the opposite sex. Less than zero. Maybe the reason she’s had difficulty finding love is because she prefers eating cake over exercising and enjoys reading over going out on the town which means meeting her new neighbor is never going to happen.
Things change when Henry Miller wanders into Sam’s kitchen, forcing Colette to sneak in to retrieve him. Too bad she didn’t change out of her salsa stained “#1 Cat Mom” tee. Luckily Sam finds her tee amusing and the redhead intriguing, especially her curves.
Excerpt:
I’m peeking through the blinds, doing my best not to be discovered perving on my new neighbor who’s level-ten hot. And right now, he’s shirtless and a little wet due to the fact he’s hosing down his big truck. “Oh yeah, scrub that truck. Do it harder.” I giggle at myself because Lord knows Henry Miller isn’t going to laugh. Cats do not find humor in anything.
I lean closer to the window, and my hot breath hits the glass and starts to steam up my little corner view of Mr. Sexy. I know his name, thanks to the mailman accidentally delivering his mail to my box a couple of weeks ago, but the nickname is perfect for him. With a sigh, I say his name. “Sam Griffin.” God, isn’t that rugged sounding? I pause, knowing I shouldn’t say shit like this, but what the hell? Henry Miller won’t tell. “Colette Griffin.” Wow. I like the sound of that. It’s much better than the one I was born with—Munsel. Ugh, no matter how you say it, it sounds depressing. Go ahead, say “Munsel” aloud.
See?
A griffin is a mythological beast, and let me tell you, Sam fits that to a T, because the man is b-i-g, and I’m not talking about dad-bod big. Peeking out again, I raise my thumb and move it from side to side and up again like artists do to see if I can estimate his size. I look ridiculous, but luckily it’s just me and Henry Miller, and he doesn’t give a rat’s ass if I act like a dork.
I’d guess him to be six three or four, so a foot taller than me. His legs are long and muscular, and his shoulders… God, his shoulders make me swoon. I know some women like a guy’s butt, but I’m a shoulder girl all the way. I could just picture myself hanging on to those as he….
Oops, never mind.
On top of all that yumminess is a face that could launch a thousand orgasms. Square jaw that’s always got a little scruff like he wakes up, shaves, and bam, it grows back. Thank you, testosterone. As for the rest of his face, I can only say that from a distance, he’s handsome. I wish I could tell you about his eye color or how soft his lips would be, but I can’t. I haven’t actually met him in person.
Why not just go introduce myself to him? Well, because level-ten hot doesn’t mix with level-five meh—and that’s after I’ve showered, done my hair, and put on makeup. Since I’ve done none of those things, it means I’m currently level-three scary.
Anyhoo, he moved in about a month ago. I wasn’t here when the truck arrived to set him up in the home attached to mine. I live in a duplex. I only rent, but I like renting. I mean, if something goes wrong, I just call the management company, and two or three weeks later, it’s fixed, pretty much, which is good because I don’t have a handy bone in my body.
Outside, I see Sam use some kind of soft cloth to buff his truck to a glossy shine. “I’d like to shine his…” I mumble to myself. Then I crack up because sometimes my dirty thoughts … well, they’d make a sailor blush.
The way his back muscles flex and contract are making me dizzy. I need to pull away from this and get back to work. “Shit’s not going to edit itself.” And Mama needs a new vibrator, apparently.
I plop back on my butt and crawl the short distance into my small living room. Once I make it to the coffee table, I use that to help push me up and walk the five steps it takes to get it back to my desk.
My little place is perfect for me. It’s one bedroom, one bath, with a living room big enough for a loveseat (side note—no love has ever been made there), chair, and tiny television stand for my even smaller TV. There’s what I call a dining nook off the kitchen that I’ve set up as my office. It’s an ideal spot for easy coffee refills and access to life-sustaining snacks. But the best part is the sliding doors that lead to my deck—my little slice of heaven. It’s small, only about eight-by-eight feet, which means I’ve got room enough for a chaise lounge and a tiny side table.
Three steps down from the deck leads to a decent-sized grassy area I share with Sam’s side of the house. It’s big enough for Henry Miller to roll around in when the sun is out, like it is today. It’s finally nice enough outside for me to leave the slider open so the slight breeze can come through the screen door.
Yeah, I like my little place. And now with the new neighbor, I love my place. Granted, it’s not as big as the place next door. I saw it a time or two when the last neighbor lived there. That place is set up in a similar manner as mine, but it’s much bigger. Even the deck is twice the size.
I sigh, imagining what Sam’s place is like. Probably super manly with black furniture and gray walls. I just need to figure out a way to introduce myself to him, but I suck at meeting guys. I’ve always wanted one of those meet cutes I read about all the time.
After the excitement of my afternoon watching my neighbor wash his vehicle and editing a sexy romance novel, I decide to take advantage of the evening by sitting out on my deck with a glass of wine. I love it. Watching the birds and squirrels scamper around my yard is always entertaining. This evening is no exception.
Sadly, Henry Miller hates the critters. When he sees a bird flutter over to my little birdfeeder that I’ve got suspended from my smallish tree, he hunkers down in the grass, getting as low as he can so he can slither closer like a soldier trench crawling. In the past, he’s nearly caught a slow-witted bird, but I do my best to shoo them away before Mr. Miller gets his paws onpoor creatures.
As for the squirrels, well, that’s another story entirely. They taunt poor Henry Miller. No amount of hunkering or slithering is going to surprise a squirrel. Instead, they sit on the tree limbs and say all kinds of rude things to my cat. Okay, I can’t speak squirrel, but I recognize the tone, and it’s not nice. Honestly, I wish I had the chutzpah of the squirrel that’s currently reading Henry the riot act. I swear to you, she—and I know it’s got to be a female squirrel—has her little paws on her waist and her head is bobbing back and forth. If I could speak squirrel, I’d imagine her saying something like, “Look here, asshole cat. You think you’re going to come up here into my house and eat me? Well, fuck you. That ain’t happening.” At the last minute, she practically spits, “Pussy!” I giggle at my thoughts. I’m crazy, I know. Probably due to the fact I spend way too much time alone.
I decide I need to capture the essence of the squirrel. I pick up my pencil and the tablet I keep with me for notes, ideas, reminders—things of that nature. I hold the small pad in my hand and draw the sassy little rodent. I’m not the best at drawing. Case in point, by the time I’m done, it’s hard to tell what I attempted to sketch. I mean, I know what it was, but if you saw it, you might ask, “Is that a cat, Colette?”
I’d shake my head.
Perhaps you take another stab at it. “A rat?”
“Nope.” I’d titter at the absurdity. “It’s a squirrel. See?” I’d point at the thing I drew at its little feet. “That’s a nut.”
I take a long swig of my wine and sigh.
I come by it naturally, but I don’t want to get into that right now.
The wine has gone to my head. I decide it’s time to step inside and cook myself something to soak up the booze. Standing up, I nearly topple over but catch myself on the arm of my chaise lounge. After pushing open the screen, I turn back to call Henry Miller, but he’s nowhere to be found. “Shit.”
Henry’s a good cat, mostly. He likes going outside, but he only goes when I go, and he comes inside with me. I quickly walk down the steps and scan the yard. “Henry,” I call, loud enough for him to hear, but soft enough it won’t disturb my neighbors. I look up into my little tree and see the squirrel glaring down at me. “What?” I snap.
She doesn’t answer.
Smug bitch.
I spin around in a circle, looking up and down in search of Henry. I stop when my eyes lock onto my neighbor’s deck. My new neighbor. My hot neighbor. Combined, that equals my hot new neighbor. His sliding door is ajar. Not only that, his screen door is open.
“Idiot,” I hiss. No, I’m not talking about Sam. I’m talking about Henry Miller. He’s such an asshole. I take in a lungful of air for courage as I trudge toward Sam’s deck, chanting softly to myself, “Please be gone or out front. Please be gone…” You get the idea.
When the second wooden step up to Sam’s deck squeaks under my feet, I freeze. What the hell is my problem? I should just stomp right up there and knock on the door—make my presence known.
Yes, I should absolutely do that, but I can’t. I’m not in any shape to meet my neighbor. The only thing I did today was shower and dress in my oldest pair of sweats and my most embarrassing tee. It’s the one my sister gave me as a joke. It says in bold print: #1 Cat Mom.
See what I mean?
I tiptoe up the rest of the steps, rushing to the spot next to the glass door like a cop trying to surprise a perp. I lean closer to listen for any sound. Nothing. Taking that as a good sign, I lean my head in further so I can actually look into the house. And there that little fucker sits, on the counter, licking his nonexistent balls like he owns the place. “Henry Miller,” I hiss.
The little bastard doesn’t even look up.
“Henry,” I snap again.
Nothing.
“Goddamn it,” I mutter to myself. I’m going to have to go in there. Looking down, I roll my eyes when I realize I’ve got something on my shirt, right above my left boob. Pulling the shirt up, I examine it more closely. I think it’s salsa from lunch, but I can’t be sure, so I do what any self-respecting person would do. I lick it.
Yep, salsa.
“Can I help you?”
The deep voice startles me so much, I jump practically a foot off the ground. My landing is off-balance. I grab the first thing I can to keep from taking a tumble. It just so happens to be my neighbor’s chest.
Damn, his pecs are firm.
When his hands move up to support me, warmth runs through my entire body. Warmth so hot, it feels like fire.
Okay, it isn’t quite that hot, but it is super warm. Trust me.
“Oh.” I laugh because crying is out of the question. “I’m sorry. I, uh, think my cat ran into your side of the house.”
“Ah.” He looks back into his home and back down to me. “I wondered who he belonged to.” His eyes move from my face, past my lips, and down to my tee. “Number one cat mom, huh?”
Shoot me now. Then my sister. She dies next.
The only good thing about any of this is I now know his eye color. Gray. Steel gray. And they’re surrounded by lashes that are so long, it’s not fair. The rest of the stuff that surrounds his eyes is just as captivating. His nose I’d probably describe as Roman, and his mouth … holy moly, I want that mouth.
“Ha ha.” My laugh is fake. “My sister’s idea of a joke.”
“You must like it. I saw you lick it.”
No.
I do my best to take control of the situation. I point to the spot that’s still moist from my tongue. “Spicy salsa.”
“Mm, I love spicy.”
I just bet he does.
Im new to this author and I loved this book... Not only was it funny and has a hot man in it (my favorite kind) it had s one real issues some people go through life.... I wouldn't mind reading more from this author...
This was my first book by Kayt Miller and I am now a fan! I loved the two main characters! Sam and Colette are neighbors in a side by side duplex who finally meet thanks to Colette's cat, Mr. Henry Miller. This is an instant love, fast-paced book. But I do love that it includes so much of Colette's family dynamics and the drama with them, other than the book just being about Sam and Colette with no outside, real world issues. The book is told by mostly Colette's POV, but Sam's POV pops up more and more as the book gets further in. I didn't not enjoy the dual POVs but I also would have been just fine with only Colette's POV - I just love her quirkiness! It did feel as if there were moments were I thought I was reading a YA for a second with how much younger the characters seemed to act sometimes.
This was Sam & Colette's story. Colette Munsel is a thirty-something freelance editor who lives alone, well, not alone if you consider a cantankerous feline named Henry Miller a roommate. Until Sam Griffin moves in next door. Sam seems to embody every hero she’s ever read about in the romance novels she edits. He’s tall, dark, handsome, and built like a brick––you get the idea. It’s too bad Colette has zero skills when it comes to meeting the opposite sex. This was a fun, entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is a good book. The two main characters are Colette and Sam. Colette and Sam separately live in a side by side duplex. There is an instant attraction. Colette is a book editor and Sam owns a construction business. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love
Dream Man by Kayt Miller is the story of Collette Munsel and Sam Griffin. This was a funny, cute hot read about two people in their early 30's who are total opposites but are highly attracted to each other. Enjoyed.
This is Colette and Sam’s story. Colette is a freelance edition, who lives alone with her cantankerous cat Henry Miller, and she has zero skills with talking to the other sex. Sam is a construction company owner, who moves in next door to Colette. When Henry Miller manages to get into Sam’s kitchen, she is forced to go and retrieve him, and luckily Sam finds Colette intriguing and funny. This is a well written story which is a cute romantic comedy, with humor, witty banter, family, twists, emotions, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one will definitely warm your heart. Dream man is such a funny love story with a lot of family drama, ad to it slow burn and you got a really enjoyable book. Colette and Sam are very likable with their own unique personalities. Their relationship develops in an unusual way with a lot of laughs. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
A charming and fulfilling lovely romance book. I enjoyed it a lot and the great characters that popped of the pages.
This was my first read from this author. I enjoyed this story from start to finish. I loved that it was writte in the first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me.
Colette Munsel is staring out of her blinds as she watches her sexy new neighbor, Sam Griffin, wash his truck. Oh yeah, shirtless and wet. She makes commentary and giggles, since her cat Henry Miller would not see the humor. That’s the way cats are. Sam is tall, broad shoulders, long and muscular legs, and her window is actually steaming up. When the evening arrives, Colette goes out on her small deck with a glass of wine, ready to enjoy the beautiful evening breeze. She continues to chuckle at her crazy thoughts, like providing translation for what the squirrel currently chiding her cat is probably saying. By now, the wine has gone to her head, so it’s time to make dinner. Her cat, who normally goes back in with her, is nowhere to be seen. Then she sees the neighbor’s sliding door is open. She is not dressed to meet the neighbor, so hoping Sam is not around, she heads for his deck to take a peek inside in case Henry Miller went in the wrong door. Yep, her cat is sitting on the counter in Sam’s kitchen! She notices a spot on her shirt that looks like salsa, so she licks it as Sam asks if he can help her! She startles and grabs him to keep from falling and his arms move up to catch her as she makes sure she sees his grey eye color to fill in her fantasy. But then he asked why she licked her shirt… groan. She grabbed her cat and ran home as quickly as she could. This is why she never has a date! This story line is so adorable. Now that the neighbors have met officially, are they ready to move on to the next step? Because life would never be boring with the hilarious redhead in his life. And she definitely needs to spend lots less “alone time”. Grab your copy and enjoy this fun story and see if a HEA is waiting for them.
There’s a lot for me to say about this book, but first, I’d like to say something about me. I don’t typically find these types of contemporary romance books. Because of their focus on everyday life, without kidnappings, paranormal battles, political strategists, secret agents, etc. I often times find myself unable to stay interested in the story. This book did not have that problem. I’m an internally visual person, so when I hear something, or I read something, I “see” it in my mind. The better the description the better the image in my head. From the very beginning as I read this book, I saw it, and it was engrossing and funny, and it struck me in the same ways a romantic comedy movie would have. It’s extremely well written, the characters are believable and while it can get a little cheesy, those moments emphasize the over all story. There was no point in the story that I got distracted or lost interest in the story. There was no warring family or dangerous enemy to combat, but there was darkness, and heart break, as well as love, light, and healing. I haven’t come across many authors that can enchant me so well. I look forward to reading more books by Kayt Miller.
This is a sweet and fun read with some steamy goodness. The story is about Sam and Colette. It is a new neighbors to so much more story with a cat that kind of brings the two together. Colette is a cat loving book editor. She has a fun relationship with het feline named Henry Miller. Sam, a construction company owner, is her new neighbor. The two have had their eyes on each other for sometime but neither make a move until the cat kind gets things rolling. This is an entertaining read with some drama and a touch of real life. I enjoyed the fast paced story.
I found this book to be funny, emotional and captivating with just the right amount of steam. Colette and Sam are attracted to each other from the start, and have lusty thoughts about each other, but only interact when her cat Henry Miller brings them together. Flirting ensues, then they start to date, but they do experience a few bumps and twists in their relationship due in part to some misunderstandings, her rather eccentric, over-sharing family and their meddling, and some unresolved issues from their past. Sometimes Colette is a hot mess, but there is just something about Sam that settles her turmoil, makes her feel seen, heard and safe. Their relationship journey is definitely fascinating and I found the conclusion to be very enjoyable.
A new author for me. I really liked that it was a funny story. So, these neighbors who experience lust at first sight walk a beautiful path to their happily ever after. Very entertaining!
I loved this one. Colette made me laugh out loud so many times during her point of view. Sam as well but for different reason. I loved how this was written, even loved Colette's family. Lots of emotion as well, especially at the end. Very enjoyable read.
This is the first book I've read written by Kayt Miller; I can’t wait to read more of her books. The story is about Sam & Collette; they meet after she moves in next door. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review
Colette and Sam’s story has these two being neighbors that are brought together by a cat and start dating but with some misunderstanding and family drama they need to get thru to a hea
WOW. Talk about crazy family! This h needed to move with her man to an island and not tell her people! This was written great-this was funny and had a lot of family dynamics. Hold on tight-they're nutty! Love finds them all, despite some old wounds that hadn't yet healed. The couple are hot together. This was too funny and I'm so glad our girl realized her man was panting for her too! Her family's antics would make me seek a therapist. Frankly, her sisters were NOT justified to treat her that way. She is wonderful and going off of that, I seriously doubt she was taking too much attention. She is not that kind of person. Besides, she was right-she did have a special connection. And that other tidbit? Wow sisters, way to not only spring that on her, but to say that was to be expected in a relationship? Seriously? Are they not supposed to be role models in turn for her? Um, no. Sadly, her family needs to get some help! But what a steamy, hysterical love story with a HEA that was so moving, sexy, and loving.
This is love story that slowly grows! We have misunderstandings during this journey. Colette lives in tiny apartment, a duplex. And suddenly this HOT man moves in next door. Sam has seen his neighbour but not yet got an opportunity to talk to her. When they finally starts to get to now each other they have work on and for their relationship. With family drama and other things send spanner’s in the love it’s not easy. I love the way the characters in the book talks to the reader as we where standing next to them. It gave the story a new twist and an other dimension to the story.
Dream Man by Kayt Miller was a fun read, I enjoyed it very much. Colette and Sam are neighbours who are brought together by the cat Henry Miller. It has it all humor, steam, dysfunctional families, and just a fun read. If you are a Kayt Miller fan you will not be disappointed
A definite page turning romantic comedy! This book has lots of humor and great characters. Both Sam and Colette are perfect together. While it takes the help of Henry Miller to get them together, once the do…sparks fly! While they each have things to work through, they don’t seem to give up on each other or the potential of their relationship. This book has a HEA, no cheating & no cliffhangers…perfect!
This is my first Kayt Miller book and it won’t be my last. I just downloaded Lainie and I can’t wait to read it! This book was hilarious but also very down to earth. I loved the quirky extended family. Colette and Sam felt like a real couple with amazing chemistry.
Excellent read, made me laugh , made me angry made me cry.. excellent writing and great characters. Really enjoyed read this book.
This book was engaging and fast paced. The characters were nicely developed.. There were enough plot twists to keep you interested. Loved the banter between the characters, a fun read.
I thought this book was hilarious right from the start. The opening scene is Colette watching her neighbor, Sam, washing his truck. Colette has been watching her neighbor for a while because he's so good looking, although she's never met him. Sam has noticed his cute neighbor,but has never approached her either. Henry Miller (not the author) brings the two together for their first meeting and just like the rest of the book, it's a funny meeting. Sam is flirty with Colette and they eventually begin to see each other a little more, kind of dating. The story has some pretty steamy scenes with the two of them getting hot and heavy, but they don't actually end up in bed together for a while. There's some family drama and miscommunications between Sam and Colette. The author did a good job showing relationships aren't all smooth sailing by throwing in a few misunderstandings and then writing in them working them out in a healthy way. For the most part this is a lighthearted read. There's some reference to some events in Colette's family's past that were difficult for them to get through, but again the author does a good job writing about them getting through their problems. There is no action, violence, mystery or intrigue. If you want something to help lighten your mood and make you laugh this would be a good book for you.
This book has some gems it's funny and at times a real tear jerker; there is something for everyone. The heroine is a quirky novelist hermit who has been low key stalking/ thirsting for her hot neighbor next door. Meddling cats and chardonnay lead to them finally meeting and it's fireworks from then on. Enter her oldish parents and her bossy older siblings. Everyone wants her to get out more and participate more in life. Tragedies are unearthed and Sam and Colette make the best of crazy family interference and sad truths. very good read.
Tall, dark and handsome. What is not to love about each of these characters. Loved it very much. Her cat was the best. I am a total cat person. So that was where I fell for this book.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Evernight Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. i enjoyed this book. It was fun and felt summery to me. It made me laugh. Collette's mom made me laugh-I am sure my kids cringe at what I say as well. Not everything was smooth sailing but this was a pleasant surprise and just a fun book. I would recommend. 4 stars
This author never disappoints. I was pulled into this story right from the beginning. I read this in one sitting because it was that good.
This is my first Kayt Miller book and I was not disappointed! I enjoyed reading about Collette and Sam, and their entire relationship from start to finish. From Henry Miller traipsing through Sam's house, to Sonia asking about his personal life, to their families meeting each other. Collette was a good character to read about, but at times I felt like she could've been stronger and stood up to her family. But knowing what has happened with her family, I don't blame her. And Sam standing up for her! Ultimate boyfriend code. I liked Sam more than Collette, him planning on turning her life around and her realization. Goals. I read Dream Man in a day, and I truly recommend for any next door neighbor romance, Thank you to Kayt Miller, Evernight Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC.
Colette is a homebody with nothing better to do than stare at her steaming hot new neighbor. He is beyond hot and he cat Henry sneaks into his side of the duplex and she has to go over there and get her cat who is sitting on his counter happy as can be. That is when she officially met Sam, the hunk of a neighbor. Sam thinks his neighbor Colette is beyond hot with all of her curves and he is determined to get her to go out with him. They start to date and have a few bumps along the way. Colette finds out that she has a knack for decorating and loves how Sam is involving her in the process of decorating his new house. Sam is very serious about his feelings for Colette but will they be able to have a happy ever after? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kayt Miller never lets me down. She always provides a sweet story with a curvy heroine. I am so grateful to have such good curvy girl representation! This story was so fun and full of heart, family and love of all kinds. I can't wait for what's next to come. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.
*Thank you to Kayt Miller, Evernight Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review* I love Kayt Miller. Especially her Redhead series. She writes funny, LOL, but somewhat serious romances about larger women who get the guy. Collette Munsel, 32, lives with her cat Henry Miller, and works from home. Her only conversations are with Henry Miller and her crazy family. And they are nuts. When Sam Griffin moves in next door, Collette salivates over him from afar. 6'4 and all muscle, he is her perfect man. When Henry Miller wanders in through Sam's back door, Collette meets him in person, with her cat t-shirt and some salsa stains. What she doesn't know is that Sam has also been watching her from afar. This is a cute little rom-com with some heavy themes, but Miller seems to want to keep it light. Collette's family is really over the top and a little unbelievable, and not in a good way. I loved that their romance had some twists and turns and not just a Happy ever after. It felt more believable. I really enjoyed reading this!
Thank you NetGalley and Evernight publishing for allowing me to read this book. Collette is this quirky woman who lives in a tiny townhome with her cat Henry Miller. She’s awkward and funny talks to herself, when along comes hot stud Sam Griffin. Sam is this great guy not something I expected to be honest I thought he’d have a bad boy vibe to him when in all honesty he was such a gentleman with sex appeal! Dream Man was a good book. I did however find it to cliche along with no actual drama… however having said that I still wanted to read it just to see what happens. I’m giving it a 3.5 star just because I would have liked some type of plot twist but over all it was a good book!
