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Dear Hot Guy Next Door
I didn’t plan on meeting my new neighbor for the first time wrapped in a towel, dripping wet, and half-awake. The worst part? She’s glaring at me like I just ruined her morning, but the way her eyes roam over me tells a very different story.
I definitely didn’t plan on mistaking her for the dog walker who was supposed to be here an hour ago. Kara isn’t late, she also isn’t who I hired. She’s my new neighbor—and the second I see her, I know she’s the kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting into.
What starts as irritation turns into heat so fast it knocks me off balance. Every run-in crackles. Every lingering glance only makes me want Kara more.
I’m just a guy with a blue-collar job, a loud dog, and zero intention of falling for anyone. And from the moment Kara storms into my life, it feels too right to deny.
She’s newly on her own, trying to prove something—to herself and to the world. What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.
The
Secret Admirer
Disabled Heroine
Neighbors to Lovers
Mistaken Identity
Holiday Romance
Instalove
This Valentine’s Day eight of your favorite instalove authors have something special just for you!
Our secret admirers are done pining and yearning. They’re more than ready to spring into action to be able to call their valentine mine. Pushed to the edge, these book boyfriends have been craving their women for too long and will do anything to claim them. From sweet nothings, whispered spicy dirty talk or sexy love notes, there is nothing they won't do to get their women.
Get ready for all the happily ever afters and swoon worthy moments that will guarantee to make your heart pitter patter with joy.
I definitely didn’t plan on mistaking her for the dog walker who was supposed to be here an hour ago. Kara isn’t late, she also isn’t who I hired. She’s my new neighbor—and the second I see her, I know she’s the kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting into.
What starts as irritation turns into heat so fast it knocks me off balance. Every run-in crackles. Every lingering glance only makes me want Kara more.
I’m just a guy with a blue-collar job, a loud dog, and zero intention of falling for anyone. And from the moment Kara storms into my life, it feels too right to deny.
She’s newly on her own, trying to prove something—to herself and to the world. What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.
The
Secret Admirer
Disabled Heroine
Neighbors to Lovers
Mistaken Identity
Holiday Romance
Instalove
This Valentine’s Day eight of your favorite instalove authors have something special just for you!
Our secret admirers are done pining and yearning. They’re more than ready to spring into action to be able to call their valentine mine. Pushed to the edge, these book boyfriends have been craving their women for too long and will do anything to claim them. From sweet nothings, whispered spicy dirty talk or sexy love notes, there is nothing they won't do to get their women.
Get ready for all the happily ever afters and swoon worthy moments that will guarantee to make your heart pitter patter with joy.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
42 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Tory Baker
162 books1,066 followersTory Baker is a mom of two teenagers and a dog mom to one wild and active Weimaraner, Remi. She lives in a small coastal town on the east coast of sunny Florida. Oftentimes you’ll find her outside soaking up the rays with at least three drinks surrounding her, a wandering imagination, and a notebook in hand where she’s jotting down a plot for her next story. She’s a lover of writing happily ever afters with Alpha heroes and sassy heroines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 6, 2026
Fans self…I would really like to have my own Dean-like neighbor! Dang! Kara has been through so much and now she’s finally living in her own, when she meets her gorgeous neighbor and his adorable dog. When she leaves a note on her neighbor’s door asking them to turn down the tv volume at night, she has no idea he’ll be THE hot guy from her building. These two definitely have sparks flying and soon they’re burning up the sheets. I love all of Tory’s books and this one was just as good! I world really like to move to Whispering Oaks, then again, all the hot guys seem to be taken. Seriously, start any of her series, you won’t be disappointed, I promise.
February 4, 2026
Fun, flirty and steamy quickie. Kara and Dean are a super hot couple and their attraction was instant, with all Kara had endured in the past Im so happy she got her hea, a strong woman for sure and Dean was just perfect and a dog lover too! Always a bonus in my book. A feel good hallmark read but steamier, another bonus.
January 30, 2026
Sweet meet cute with all the steamy romance you could want. The story was fun and romantic, and also tells us about Kara’s accident without making the main piece of the story. It’s always fun to read a man that doesn’t treat you with kids gloves because of something out of your control, and when he’s your next door neighbor and maybe even your soul mate.
The title of this book is so fun, and so is the connection between Kara and her man Dean.
The title of this book is so fun, and so is the connection between Kara and her man Dean.
Review of advance copy
This one was a fast, fun read. Looking for light hearted, funny, instalove? Look no further. Kara and Dean were fun. I enjoyed the back and forth between these two with the notes. This one definitely left me feeling cheated by all of the neighbors I've had in my life 🤣.
February 4, 2026
This was a great quick romance!!! Sweet, strong FMC Kara who has persevered through so much, with an adorable meet-cute with handsome Dean, an adorable pooch…. It’s got all the good stuff, awesome spice, protective MMC😍.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2026
I enjoyed this fun steamy read. The banter and notes between Dean and Kara were sizzling. I was excited to read Kara’s story who is Colt's sister from When He Falls. Quick sweet with side of hot passion for that needed romance escape.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2026
It's both sweet and steamy!
Dean and Kara have an instant chemistry that builds with every steamy look, flirty wave and teasing note. This is a fun read which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Dean and Kara have an instant chemistry that builds with every steamy look, flirty wave and teasing note. This is a fun read which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
February 4, 2026
Will she have to move to be able to get a good night's rest?
Dean recently moved into a new apartment. He had also adopted a starving four-month-old puppy that he had found, whom he named Scout. Since he works nights, he'd hired a dog walker and someone to come in to feed him and give him some companionship because Scout can be a barker. He works as a lineman, and his company can not only change his shift hours but also move him to different jobs, sometimes necessitating a move to a different town or state.
Kara just moved into an apartment after living at home. Her apartment isn't huge, but it's hers. But by the next morning, she's not sure about staying there. She decides the neighbor that she shares a bedroom wall with must be an elderly "I Love Lucy" fan and deaf! She needs peace and quiet to be able to get and stay asleep at night. Seven years ago, Kara had been in a car accident, and her legs had taken the brunt of her injuries. Her most recent surgery had allowed her to no longer use a cane to walk. The accident had also taken the life of Brooke, her brother Cole's girlfriend and her niece Nelie's mother.
They first meet when she's heading to the parking lot to go to work, while he's coming home after his overnight shift. They both are attracted to each other. They each hope the other lives in the same apartment complex. After days of running into one another, they start having some brief conversations.
Then there was the day he returned home to find a note stuck on his door addressed to "Dear Neighbor" from his neighbor. The note apologizes for this being their first contact and asks to lower the volume of the "I Love Lucy" episodes at night. It's signed "A very tired neighbor who shares a wall with you." He has no idea what the neighbor is talking about.
Later, when they figure out that she's the one who wrote the note stuck to his door, he sticks a note to her door addressed to Pretty Girl Next Door and signed Hot Guy Next Door. She starts helping out with Scout since the door walker was irresponsible and the older woman in the apartment below him wasn't able to give him additional time. They also start exploring a relationship together.
Kara isn't happy at her job, and her brother Cole tries once more to have her come to work at the family business, Barlow Auto Repair. His part-time bookkeeper no longer wants the job. She wants his current part-time bookkeeper to be given a two-week notice and for her to give notice at her job. After all, they've been good at letting her have time off for her medical issues.
Her family likes Dean, and he becomes a part of the family. But then he's called into the boss' office for an early morning meeting. He'd just recently been moved back to a day shift. Is he going back to night shift, or is he being moved to a new job location?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Dean recently moved into a new apartment. He had also adopted a starving four-month-old puppy that he had found, whom he named Scout. Since he works nights, he'd hired a dog walker and someone to come in to feed him and give him some companionship because Scout can be a barker. He works as a lineman, and his company can not only change his shift hours but also move him to different jobs, sometimes necessitating a move to a different town or state.
Kara just moved into an apartment after living at home. Her apartment isn't huge, but it's hers. But by the next morning, she's not sure about staying there. She decides the neighbor that she shares a bedroom wall with must be an elderly "I Love Lucy" fan and deaf! She needs peace and quiet to be able to get and stay asleep at night. Seven years ago, Kara had been in a car accident, and her legs had taken the brunt of her injuries. Her most recent surgery had allowed her to no longer use a cane to walk. The accident had also taken the life of Brooke, her brother Cole's girlfriend and her niece Nelie's mother.
They first meet when she's heading to the parking lot to go to work, while he's coming home after his overnight shift. They both are attracted to each other. They each hope the other lives in the same apartment complex. After days of running into one another, they start having some brief conversations.
Then there was the day he returned home to find a note stuck on his door addressed to "Dear Neighbor" from his neighbor. The note apologizes for this being their first contact and asks to lower the volume of the "I Love Lucy" episodes at night. It's signed "A very tired neighbor who shares a wall with you." He has no idea what the neighbor is talking about.
Later, when they figure out that she's the one who wrote the note stuck to his door, he sticks a note to her door addressed to Pretty Girl Next Door and signed Hot Guy Next Door. She starts helping out with Scout since the door walker was irresponsible and the older woman in the apartment below him wasn't able to give him additional time. They also start exploring a relationship together.
Kara isn't happy at her job, and her brother Cole tries once more to have her come to work at the family business, Barlow Auto Repair. His part-time bookkeeper no longer wants the job. She wants his current part-time bookkeeper to be given a two-week notice and for her to give notice at her job. After all, they've been good at letting her have time off for her medical issues.
Her family likes Dean, and he becomes a part of the family. But then he's called into the boss' office for an early morning meeting. He'd just recently been moved back to a day shift. Is he going back to night shift, or is he being moved to a new job location?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 4, 2026
She wanted quiet. He brought heat, chaos, and everything she didn’t expect.
Kara’s starting over. After years of recovery, she’s finally on her own and ready to rebuild her life...simple, quiet, and focused. She doesn’t expect her new neighbor, half-naked, fresh from the shower, and way too hot to ignore. The barking dog, Scout, is his. The blaring TV might be. But it’s the flirty notes slipped between their doors that sparks the fire.
Dean didn’t mean to meet his neighbor wearing nothing but a towel or to mistake her for a dog walker. But when he sees Kara, something shifts. He doesn’t do attachment, but she’s not like anyone he’s ever known. She’s bold, scarred, gorgeous, and holding his gaze like she’s not afraid of what she sees. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s already in deep.
Their connection moves fast. What starts as tension and teasing builds into comfort, trust, and the kind of intimacy that stays long after the lights go out. She lets him in slowly. He never pushes. Scout becomes part of the routine too, pulling them closer in the daily ways that start to feel like home.
Kara grows into her strength, refusing to let her past write her future. Dean shifts from closed-off to all in, choosing Kara again and again with steady hands and an open heart. What they build isn’t just romance, it’s healing, safety, and the kind of love that sees every scar and stays anyway.
A steamy, instalove, mistaken identity, secret admirer, neighbors to lovers romance featuring a resilient woman reclaiming her independence and a protective, emotionally grounded man who never expected to fall. It’s about finding connection in quiet moments, building trust through intimacy, and choosing love that feels like home. Exploring healing, new beginnings, emotional depth, and unconditional acceptance, their story honors scars, embraces vulnerability, and never asks anyone to be perfect.
The Elevator Pitch: A hot, fast-burning romance where flirty notes between neighbors ignite real connection. She’s starting over, he’s not looking to fall, but neither can ignore the pull between them. With high heat, emotional depth, and a dog named Scout playing matchmaker, it’s about tension, trust, and choosing connection.
Kara’s starting over. After years of recovery, she’s finally on her own and ready to rebuild her life...simple, quiet, and focused. She doesn’t expect her new neighbor, half-naked, fresh from the shower, and way too hot to ignore. The barking dog, Scout, is his. The blaring TV might be. But it’s the flirty notes slipped between their doors that sparks the fire.
Dean didn’t mean to meet his neighbor wearing nothing but a towel or to mistake her for a dog walker. But when he sees Kara, something shifts. He doesn’t do attachment, but she’s not like anyone he’s ever known. She’s bold, scarred, gorgeous, and holding his gaze like she’s not afraid of what she sees. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s already in deep.
Their connection moves fast. What starts as tension and teasing builds into comfort, trust, and the kind of intimacy that stays long after the lights go out. She lets him in slowly. He never pushes. Scout becomes part of the routine too, pulling them closer in the daily ways that start to feel like home.
Kara grows into her strength, refusing to let her past write her future. Dean shifts from closed-off to all in, choosing Kara again and again with steady hands and an open heart. What they build isn’t just romance, it’s healing, safety, and the kind of love that sees every scar and stays anyway.
A steamy, instalove, mistaken identity, secret admirer, neighbors to lovers romance featuring a resilient woman reclaiming her independence and a protective, emotionally grounded man who never expected to fall. It’s about finding connection in quiet moments, building trust through intimacy, and choosing love that feels like home. Exploring healing, new beginnings, emotional depth, and unconditional acceptance, their story honors scars, embraces vulnerability, and never asks anyone to be perfect.
The Elevator Pitch: A hot, fast-burning romance where flirty notes between neighbors ignite real connection. She’s starting over, he’s not looking to fall, but neither can ignore the pull between them. With high heat, emotional depth, and a dog named Scout playing matchmaker, it’s about tension, trust, and choosing connection.
February 4, 2026
I didn’t plan on meeting my new neighbor for the first time wrapped in a towel, dripping wet, and half-awake. The worst part? She’s glaring at me like I just ruined her morning, but the way her eyes roam over me tells a very different story.
I definitely didn’t plan on mistaking her for the dog walker who was supposed to be here an hour ago. Kara isn’t late, she also isn’t who I hired. She’s my new neighbor—and the second I see her, I know she’s the kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting into.
What starts as irritation turns into heat so fast it knocks me off balance. Every run-in crackles. Every lingering glance only makes me want Kara more.
I’m just a guy with a blue-collar job, a loud dog, and zero intention of falling for anyone. And from the moment Kara storms into my life, it feels too right to deny.
She’s newly on her own, trying to prove something—to herself and to the world. What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.
This contemporary neighbors-to-lovers holiday insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are a blue-collar alpha male with a loud dog who has no intentions of falling for anyone/a disabled heroine, who are both resilient, humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with a dear hot guy next door, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, mistaken identity, happily ever after, chaos/drama, humor, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a dear hot guy next door and an explicit neighbors-to-lovers holiday insta love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I definitely didn’t plan on mistaking her for the dog walker who was supposed to be here an hour ago. Kara isn’t late, she also isn’t who I hired. She’s my new neighbor—and the second I see her, I know she’s the kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind getting into.
What starts as irritation turns into heat so fast it knocks me off balance. Every run-in crackles. Every lingering glance only makes me want Kara more.
I’m just a guy with a blue-collar job, a loud dog, and zero intention of falling for anyone. And from the moment Kara storms into my life, it feels too right to deny.
She’s newly on her own, trying to prove something—to herself and to the world. What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.
This contemporary neighbors-to-lovers holiday insta love romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters who are a blue-collar alpha male with a loud dog who has no intentions of falling for anyone/a disabled heroine, who are both resilient, humorous, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with a dear hot guy next door, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, mistaken identity, happily ever after, chaos/drama, humor, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with a dear hot guy next door and an explicit neighbors-to-lovers holiday insta love romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2026
Dear Hot Guy Next Door is one of those romances that hooks you from the very first awkward moment—and never lets go. A towel-clad misunderstanding, a grumpy glare, and a whole lot of unspoken attraction set the tone, and from there, the sparks only get stronger.
Dean is pure blue-collar charm: grounded, a little stubborn, and completely undone by the woman who just moved in next door. Kara is determined, newly independent, and not remotely looking for trouble—which makes it even better that trouble looks a lot like Dean. Their banter feels natural, their chemistry crackles, and every interaction pushes them closer to something neither of them planned on.
What really stood out to me was how thoughtfully Kara’s journey is handled. Her strength and vulnerability feel real, and Dean’s growing protectiveness never crosses into condescension. He sees her, respects her, and wants her—exactly as she is.
This is a fast, spicy, feel-good read that leans fully into neighbors-to-lovers goodness, with just enough sweetness to balance the heat. If you enjoy instalove, secret admiration, and that moment when irritation turns into oh no, I’m in trouble, this one is absolutely worth your time. A fun, flirty start to the Naughty Notes series that leaves you smiling at the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dean is pure blue-collar charm: grounded, a little stubborn, and completely undone by the woman who just moved in next door. Kara is determined, newly independent, and not remotely looking for trouble—which makes it even better that trouble looks a lot like Dean. Their banter feels natural, their chemistry crackles, and every interaction pushes them closer to something neither of them planned on.
What really stood out to me was how thoughtfully Kara’s journey is handled. Her strength and vulnerability feel real, and Dean’s growing protectiveness never crosses into condescension. He sees her, respects her, and wants her—exactly as she is.
This is a fast, spicy, feel-good read that leans fully into neighbors-to-lovers goodness, with just enough sweetness to balance the heat. If you enjoy instalove, secret admiration, and that moment when irritation turns into oh no, I’m in trouble, this one is absolutely worth your time. A fun, flirty start to the Naughty Notes series that leaves you smiling at the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Flirty, fun, and ridiculously charming
This book is pure rom-com perfection with just the right amount of heat.
Dean is instantly lovable—blue-collar, confident without being cocky, and completely undone by his sharp-tongued new neighbor. That first towel-clad meeting? Hilarious, awkward, and the perfect spark for what turns into nonstop chemistry.
Kara is equally fantastic. She’s independent, a little prickly, and clearly figuring out who she is after a major life shift. I loved how grounded she felt—strong but vulnerable in a very real way. Her banter with Dean is top-tier, and every interaction between them crackles with tension and humor.
The neighbors-to-lovers setup is done so well here. Their irritation-to-attraction arc feels natural and earned, and Dean’s quiet “once I’m in, I’m all in” energy is swoon-worthy without tipping into over-the-top alpha territory.
This is a fast, addictive read that delivers laughs, heart, and heat in equal measure. If you love forced proximity, flirty banter, blue-collar heroes, and low-angst romance that still hits emotionally, this one is an easy recommend.
Perfect start to the Naughty Notes Collab—I’m absolutely reading the rest. 💕🔥.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is pure rom-com perfection with just the right amount of heat.
Dean is instantly lovable—blue-collar, confident without being cocky, and completely undone by his sharp-tongued new neighbor. That first towel-clad meeting? Hilarious, awkward, and the perfect spark for what turns into nonstop chemistry.
Kara is equally fantastic. She’s independent, a little prickly, and clearly figuring out who she is after a major life shift. I loved how grounded she felt—strong but vulnerable in a very real way. Her banter with Dean is top-tier, and every interaction between them crackles with tension and humor.
The neighbors-to-lovers setup is done so well here. Their irritation-to-attraction arc feels natural and earned, and Dean’s quiet “once I’m in, I’m all in” energy is swoon-worthy without tipping into over-the-top alpha territory.
This is a fast, addictive read that delivers laughs, heart, and heat in equal measure. If you love forced proximity, flirty banter, blue-collar heroes, and low-angst romance that still hits emotionally, this one is an easy recommend.
Perfect start to the Naughty Notes Collab—I’m absolutely reading the rest. 💕🔥.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
Tory Baker gives the best characters - hot and sexy, yet sweet and lovable. Dave is big, muscular and oh so handsome. Kara is curvy, gorgeous and her smile and her walk makes Dave’s chest hurt and his fingers tingle. Kara is out on her own after surgeries, rehab, more surgeries, rehab and physical therapy. She is finally ready to enjoy her life and work. She has her first problem when she can’t sleep because her next neighbor is playing “I Love Lucy” shows at the highest volume. After five nights she decides to leave a note. Her note is sweet and also direct - please hold it down, please. He writes back and the notes get sweeter, sexier and hotter with each one left. Kara is enjoying the flirting. Dean thinks she is hot as hell, she is sexy, feminine and strong for surviving what she has. He notices it all. He knows they will connect. Kara is just as taken with Dean. He is definitely affected by this woman! Will they become more than next door neighbors? You can’t go wrong when you have a sweet, curvy woman with kissable lips and a sexy walk; along with a hot, muscular, gorgeous man and a possible love connection. Such a super enjoyable read! I loved it and I think you will too!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Tory, I'm always happy when a new release is coming because I know it won't disappoint.
Dear, Hot Guy Next Door is another great read from Tory, 5 stars no notes.
Part of the multi author naughty notes series we get Dean and Kara. We've met Kara in When he Falls (Colt and Sable:S story) and I knew then I needed to see her get her happy ending.
Dear, Hot Guy Next Door is a neighbour romance with a little flirting through notes taped to doors, and an adorable pet sidekick Scout who needs to be credited part of the reason for the note exchanges.
No drama, fast pace, pure love and steamy scenes in a perfect mix for this short read. I definitely recommend you read this because you'll not be disappointed.
What to expect
🌸Dual POV
🌸 Steamy Scenes
🌸 Neighbour Romance
🌸 Mistaken Identity
🌸 Adorable Pet Sidekick
🌸 Interlinking Characters
🌸 Instalove
🌸 Mutual Lust
🌸 Short Read
🌸 5 Star Read
🌸 HEAs
Absolutely fantastic read, I look forward to Jade and Locke's story next.
Dear, Hot Guy Next Door is another great read from Tory, 5 stars no notes.
Part of the multi author naughty notes series we get Dean and Kara. We've met Kara in When he Falls (Colt and Sable:S story) and I knew then I needed to see her get her happy ending.
Dear, Hot Guy Next Door is a neighbour romance with a little flirting through notes taped to doors, and an adorable pet sidekick Scout who needs to be credited part of the reason for the note exchanges.
No drama, fast pace, pure love and steamy scenes in a perfect mix for this short read. I definitely recommend you read this because you'll not be disappointed.
What to expect
🌸Dual POV
🌸 Steamy Scenes
🌸 Neighbour Romance
🌸 Mistaken Identity
🌸 Adorable Pet Sidekick
🌸 Interlinking Characters
🌸 Instalove
🌸 Mutual Lust
🌸 Short Read
🌸 5 Star Read
🌸 HEAs
Absolutely fantastic read, I look forward to Jade and Locke's story next.
February 2, 2026
Dear Hot Guy Next Door by Tory Baker is the first title I've read by this author and as part of the multi author Naughty Notes series I wasn't disappointed.
As an instalove, neighbours to lovers romance the plot and storyline was simple yet completely engaging especially when the main characters of Dean, the blue collar lineman with a vocal dog and, Kara, newly independent after a debilitating accident, pass each other at the apartment complex and then discover they are next door neighbours.
The way in which they discover they are neighbours and the ensuing events, that also include a shared wall, are amusing with some rom com vibes that all add to the steam and spice and their evident chemistry that sizzles.
The story was well written and kept me turning the pages as you feel invested in a HEA outcome for them. Overall an entertaining read and I look forward to trying other stories by this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As an instalove, neighbours to lovers romance the plot and storyline was simple yet completely engaging especially when the main characters of Dean, the blue collar lineman with a vocal dog and, Kara, newly independent after a debilitating accident, pass each other at the apartment complex and then discover they are next door neighbours.
The way in which they discover they are neighbours and the ensuing events, that also include a shared wall, are amusing with some rom com vibes that all add to the steam and spice and their evident chemistry that sizzles.
The story was well written and kept me turning the pages as you feel invested in a HEA outcome for them. Overall an entertaining read and I look forward to trying other stories by this author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2026
Dean and Kara’s story is short, sexy and hot. Two lonely hearts find their one. They are new neighbours who at first just greet each other in the parking as she is headed out to her day job and he is just coming home from his night job. Friendly, no names given. The weekend brings another type of meeting, one where they are, shall we say, much more exposed. Both get an up close and personal view of each other’s body and like what they see. Still no names given, but they now know that their bedrooms share a wall, a wall that definitely isn’t sound proof. Hearing the other taking care of themselves on the other side of the wall only heightens the desire to get to know the other much, much better. That happens thanks to his mischievous and rambunctious puppy and let’s just say where there are sparks, all out combustion ensues. Hot! Hot! Hot!
This spicy novella has my full recommendation.
This spicy novella has my full recommendation.
February 4, 2026
**Hot Neighbor!**
"Dear Hot Guy Next Door" by Tory Baker is the first book in the multi-author series "Naughty Notes," just in time for Valentine’s Day. This short, instalove story featuring Kara and Dean is a feel-good, lighthearted read that’s possessive, spicy, and easy to enjoy.
We meet Kara in her brother’s book, and now it’s finally her turn to find her HEA. She discovers her independence and moves into her own apartment, but the only problem is that the hot guy next door has his TV turned up way too loud at night. To address this, she starts leaving him playful notes each day, leading to cute, flirty banter between them since their schedules don’t align when they first meet.
From their very first encounter, the connection and chemistry were undeniable, and sparks quickly flew. I can’t wait to see what other "Naughty Notes" this amazing author has in store for us in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Dear Hot Guy Next Door" by Tory Baker is the first book in the multi-author series "Naughty Notes," just in time for Valentine’s Day. This short, instalove story featuring Kara and Dean is a feel-good, lighthearted read that’s possessive, spicy, and easy to enjoy.
We meet Kara in her brother’s book, and now it’s finally her turn to find her HEA. She discovers her independence and moves into her own apartment, but the only problem is that the hot guy next door has his TV turned up way too loud at night. To address this, she starts leaving him playful notes each day, leading to cute, flirty banter between them since their schedules don’t align when they first meet.
From their very first encounter, the connection and chemistry were undeniable, and sparks quickly flew. I can’t wait to see what other "Naughty Notes" this amazing author has in store for us in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2026
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Kara and Dean. Kara was introduced in her brother Colt's book. Kara has moved out to her own apartment after recovering from her most recent surgery to fix her limp from a devastating car accident. Kara is enjoying her new independence and she sees a very handsome man every morning in the parking lot of the building. They flirt back and forth and when she leaves a note on his door, she realizes they share a wall between their apartments. Soon the note writing continues and so does the flirting. I liked how they continued to flirt and step up to the next steps. Kara was a good woman who deserved to have her own happy ending. I liked this book, it was both cute and hot and steamy. I loved how they got together and how things worked out. I also enjoyed seeing more of Colt and his little girl Nellie. Another good one from Tory
February 7, 2026
This is Kara’s story. We met her in When he falls (MMC is Colt, her brother) so we kind of know her back sorry.
She was in a car accident and has struggled with everything dealing with it and now she’s in her own apartment..looking to her future and being more independent. She loves her family but they can be wayyyy overprotective of her.
What she doesn’t expect is getting a new job, listening to I Love Lucy in the middle of the night, and a hot guy next door who seems just as interested in her that she is in him.
Dean is a lineman..he works different hours and has small contracts where he moves around a lot. He doesn’t expect to find Scout (his new furry roommate) at a site and he definitely doesn’t anticipate meeting Kara. The sweet and sassy girl next door.
With an uncertain future (because of his job) can they make their new relationship work? Will Dean have to choose between his job and his dream woman? Will Kara get her happily ever after?
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
She was in a car accident and has struggled with everything dealing with it and now she’s in her own apartment..looking to her future and being more independent. She loves her family but they can be wayyyy overprotective of her.
What she doesn’t expect is getting a new job, listening to I Love Lucy in the middle of the night, and a hot guy next door who seems just as interested in her that she is in him.
Dean is a lineman..he works different hours and has small contracts where he moves around a lot. He doesn’t expect to find Scout (his new furry roommate) at a site and he definitely doesn’t anticipate meeting Kara. The sweet and sassy girl next door.
With an uncertain future (because of his job) can they make their new relationship work? Will Dean have to choose between his job and his dream woman? Will Kara get her happily ever after?
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dear Hot Guy Next Door is part of a multi author naughty notes series. This one features Dean and Kara. We previously met Kara in her brother Colt's book, When He Falls, and I was an immediate a fan and hoping she got her own story.
This was the perfect short read. I love their flirty exchanges from the parking lot to the notes left on the door. Their attraction was instant and the scenes with the shared bedroom walls was sooooo good!!! We get a little backstory of Kara's accident but Tory does a good job of not making it a focal point of the story. Dean did not treat her with kid gloves because of it, he embraced her scars and showed her how much they were a part of everything he loved abut her.
These two just worked so natural together, its like they were always meant to wind up next door neighbors.
This was the perfect short read. I love their flirty exchanges from the parking lot to the notes left on the door. Their attraction was instant and the scenes with the shared bedroom walls was sooooo good!!! We get a little backstory of Kara's accident but Tory does a good job of not making it a focal point of the story. Dean did not treat her with kid gloves because of it, he embraced her scars and showed her how much they were a part of everything he loved abut her.
These two just worked so natural together, its like they were always meant to wind up next door neighbors.
February 4, 2026
We finally get Kara’s story after meeting her in her brother Colt’s book, and she was sweet and sassy in the best ways. This was a short, sweet and a mix between instalove and a slowish burn that was more real life. The notes were too cute and I loved how there was zero drama or third act break ups. It was a pretty straight forward romance between two neighbours in an adorable way. Really enjoyed how it should her physical limitations in a realistic way, a lot of scenes were actually very everyday life. A few steamy times alone and together which were both hot and sweet. I didn’t completely feel their chemistry together sometimes though, but then other times I did. The book was super cute though and the perfect quick, light hearted read. No cheating or OM/OW drama, condom use, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue a few months in the future. Looking forward to Jade and Locke’s book!
February 4, 2026
This book is a part of the Naughty Notes series and focuses on Dean and Kara. Kara had been dealt a difficult hand when an accident left her with a long list of surgeries under her belt. She had just finished recovering from her last surgery when she decided it was time to stand on her own two feet again. She had moved into a new apartment complex and started working for the family business. She was content with how her life was progressing until she met her next door neighbor, Dean. The connection between the two of them was instant and neither one denied their bond. They both knew what they had just found in each other and actively worked together to make things work. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2026
Depends upon how you look at this book it can be hot guy next door or steaming hot woman next door. Kara had pretty much finished her rehab after a terrible accident that injured her leg and left her with a noticeable scar. One thing leads to another, and she meets Dean her next-door neighbor and flirts with him as she is headed to the pool. They both have one thought after meeting each other .. how do I meet her/him again? Both sides are completely taken by the other person and look for ways to meet up either casually or really any way they can (over his dog seems to be a good way.)
This is a quick read and a very enjoyable one with great characters and a cute dog. I mean what more can you ask for in a book. Great start to a series that looks to lead the way to 7 more outstanding reads.
This is a quick read and a very enjoyable one with great characters and a cute dog. I mean what more can you ask for in a book. Great start to a series that looks to lead the way to 7 more outstanding reads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dean & Kara
Love! Love! Love! This is short, super sweet and very steamy! So excited to get Kara’s story (and so excited to get it so quickly). Kara is Colt’s sister from When He Falls. She has been through it - physically, mentally, you name it. She is finally out on her own and living her life. And she meets the hot guy next door almost right away. Of course there is a small issue - they work that right out. But the instant attraction and heat between these two just burns right off the pages. Their relationship is so good and so natural. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and didn’t want to put the book down. So good!! 💜
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love! Love! Love! This is short, super sweet and very steamy! So excited to get Kara’s story (and so excited to get it so quickly). Kara is Colt’s sister from When He Falls. She has been through it - physically, mentally, you name it. She is finally out on her own and living her life. And she meets the hot guy next door almost right away. Of course there is a small issue - they work that right out. But the instant attraction and heat between these two just burns right off the pages. Their relationship is so good and so natural. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and didn’t want to put the book down. So good!! 💜
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2026
4.5 stars
This is part of the multi author Naughty Notes series and, while it was a little bit of a slow burn, it was a really good book.
Kara, the FMC, is Colt’s (When He Falls) younger sister who had been injured in an automobile accident years before and was just now spreading her wings and man what a man she found! Dean, the MMC was as sweet as he was hot and together, their naughty notes and steamy banter was perfection! Of course it didn’t hurt that he had an adorable pup with an amazing impersonation of I Love Lucy!
Super short, this book was just as much fun to read as it was sweet and steamy and one that’s almost guaranteed to leave you smiling. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the multi author Naughty Notes series and, while it was a little bit of a slow burn, it was a really good book.
Kara, the FMC, is Colt’s (When He Falls) younger sister who had been injured in an automobile accident years before and was just now spreading her wings and man what a man she found! Dean, the MMC was as sweet as he was hot and together, their naughty notes and steamy banter was perfection! Of course it didn’t hurt that he had an adorable pup with an amazing impersonation of I Love Lucy!
Super short, this book was just as much fun to read as it was sweet and steamy and one that’s almost guaranteed to leave you smiling. 4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2026
After an accident put her life on hold Kara has decided it is time for her to be on her own away from her protective and loving family. Although she likes her new apartment she can’t deny that the noise coming from her neighbor in the evening is affecting her sleep, so she decides to leave a polite letter on his door.
Dane has been enjoying his casual encounters with Kara even before he knew her name. Once he finds out she is his neighbor it only makes him want her more and has his own notes to leave as well.
Fun and flirty I enjoyed the relationship between Dane and Kara and the dog who brought them together. He wants Kara just the way she is and despite everything she has been through she is both strong and sassy and the chemistry between them never in doubt.
Dane has been enjoying his casual encounters with Kara even before he knew her name. Once he finds out she is his neighbor it only makes him want her more and has his own notes to leave as well.
Fun and flirty I enjoyed the relationship between Dane and Kara and the dog who brought them together. He wants Kara just the way she is and despite everything she has been through she is both strong and sassy and the chemistry between them never in doubt.
February 4, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Naughty Notes Collab. It is a FANtastic start to the series. Look forward to more.
"What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great start to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"What she doesn’t know is that she walked right into my world. And once I decide she’s mine, there’s no going back.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great start to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
Dear Hot Guy Next Door is a playful and engaging start to the Naughty Notes Collab series. The note-passing, neighbors-to-lovers setup creates instant chemistry and keeps the story light, flirty, and easy to enjoy.
The characters are likable and their connection builds naturally through humor, anticipation, and sweet moments. The pacing is tight and breezy, making this a quick, feel-good read that leaves you smiling.
Recommended for readers who enjoy lighthearted romance, neighbors-to-lovers stories, and fun, flirty reads with plenty of charm.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are likable and their connection builds naturally through humor, anticipation, and sweet moments. The pacing is tight and breezy, making this a quick, feel-good read that leaves you smiling.
Recommended for readers who enjoy lighthearted romance, neighbors-to-lovers stories, and fun, flirty reads with plenty of charm.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is part of a multi author series called Naughty Notes. Neighbors, notes, and scarred heroine. Kara finally has her own apartment after a tragic accident 7 years prior. Dean is a new neighbor who works crazy hours with an adorable dog. I loved the interactions between Dean and Kara especially their little notes. Ive been waiting for Kara's book since her brother's Colt's story. Enjoyable read. Read it in one setting.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a quick, fun, sweet, and extremely steamy read! We met Kara in When He Falls, when she had a terrible accident. Now she’s getting out and getting her independence back. She meets her hot neighbor Dean and the flirting begins, including notes taped to doors which I thought were cute! These two have some strong chemistry and they just click right from the beginning. Dean’s dog, Scout, instantly falls for Kara also! This was such an enjoyable story! Highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
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