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Dear Detective

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The dog played matchmaker. The detective played for keeps.

POPPY

I am running on fumes. Between drowning in college textbooks and scrubbing floors at the exclusive #1 Love Place to pay my tuition, I have exactly zero time for distractions. My only goal today is to finish cleaning apartment 4C and get to class before I collapse.

But the universe, and a mischievous Frenchie named Pepper, have other plans. One minute I’m mopping, the next I’m trapped in the master bathroom by a fallen mop handle and a guilty-looking dog. I’m stuck, I’m sweaty, and I’m panicking. Then the bathroom door opens to reveal a mountain of a man with a badge on his belt and eyes that darken the second they land on me. I should be running for the hills, but the big, growly detective is looking at me like I’m the last drop of water in the desert. And honestly? I want to stay right where I am.

JACK

I deal with the worst of humanity all day. My apartment is supposed to be my sanctuary—a place of order, silence, and solitude. Or it was, until I come home to find a stunning, curvy brunette locked in my bathroom.

I’m not looking for love. I definitely don’t need any complications. But the second I lay eyes on Poppy, logic goes out the window. She’s flustered, beautiful, and everything I need. And now that I’ve found her, I’m never letting her go.

I’ve spent my life hunting bad guys, but she’s the only thing I want to catch. I’m totally obsessed, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make her mine.

This insta-love romance is short, steamy, and sugary sweet. If you like over-the-top possessive heroes and curvy heroines who keep them on their toes, this story is for you.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

109 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Loni Ree

201 books1,453 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole M.
851 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy
February 3, 2026
I love when the pets get involved 🤣! This was such an entertaining, speedy read. Both Jack and Poppy are characters you'd want to spend more time with and the sparks were definitely flying.
Profile Image for Nikki_Kate.
1,807 reviews
February 20, 2026
Wonderful! This was a nice, quick short read. I enjoyed this book.

Jack and Poppy met when she gets stuck in his bathroom while cleaning his apartment. Poppy cleans apartments while going to college while Jack is a detective. They often leave each other notes, Jack has a spoiled French bulldog, while Poppy has a cat. Poppy is cleaning the bathroom when Jack's dog lets the handle of her broom lock her in. Jack comes home and knows something is wrong. Jack finds Poppy in his bathroom, and then offers to buy her dinner. Poppy wants sushi but Jack doesn't like it, but he wants her to stay so he eats it anyway. Jack walks Poppy to her apartment which is in the same building and asks her to go out with him. Jack kisses Poppy before telling her goodnight. Jack has to cancel their date the following day because he gets a case and Poppy understands. The following day Poppy gets a cancelled cleaning, when Jack comes home he messages Poppy he'll take a quick nap and he'll be ready for their date. When Jack arrives at Poppy's apartment he kisses her, when she wants to stay in he insists on taking her out on a date. Jack and Poppy talk while having dinner. Then they head to Jack's apartment to have dessert. Jack gets to his apartment, pleasures Poppy then they make love. When Jack wakes up the next morning Poppy is snuggled up next to him. Jack offers Poppy breakfast but then gets a phone call from his brother that he needs to pick up his dog. So Jack and Poppy head to his brother's apartment and pick up Pepper then they head out to have breakfast. Poppy and Jack head to her apartment to introduces his dog to her cat. Things don't go very well when the two meet. A few weeks go by and Jack and Poppy make sure to make time for one another. Jack asks Poppy to marry him and she tells him yes. Five years later, Jack and Poppy got married six days after he proposed. Poppy and her cat moved into Jack's apartment the following day. After Poppy graduated from college they bought a house. Poppy has her own cleaning company, and Jack is now captain. Jack wouldn't trade any of it, he knows he's the lucky one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carolee.
119 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2026
If you’re searching for a heartwarming, fun, and utterly romantic read, Dear Detective by Loni Ree is a must-pick! This novella delivers an adorable love story with a twist—thanks to a matchmaking Frenchie and a detective who knows what he wants. The instant chemistry between Poppy and Jack jumps off the page, bringing the perfect blend of humor, sweetness, and spice.

Poppy is an absolutely endearing heroine—her determination to juggle college and work is truly relatable. Her chaotic day takes a hilarious turn when Pepper, the mischievous pup, traps her in Jack’s bathroom. The scene is laugh-out-loud funny and sets the tone for the sweet romance that follows.

Jack is the ultimate protective and possessive hero, and his immediate obsession with Poppy is both swoon-worthy and adorable. Their connection is powerful, and his devotion to her brings all the feels. The moments between Jack and Poppy are steamy yet sweet, making their love story truly unforgettable.

Loni Ree’s writing shines with engaging characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The novella is the perfect pick-me-up—short, steamy, and full of OTT sweetness that will leave you grinning.

If you love insta-love stories with alpha heroes and authentic heroines like I do, you’ll absolutely adore Dear Detective. The humor is spot-on, the romance is off the charts, and the characters are so well written you won’t want the story to end.

This book is a delightful treat for romance lovers who crave something short, sweet, and irresistibly entertaining. Do yourself a favor and pick it up—you’ll be wishing for more! I am definitely reading Jack’s twin brother’s story next in The Penthouse Grump by Loni Ree!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Virginia.
325 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2026
Dear Detective by Loni Ree is part of the multi author Naughty Notes series and it was a fun, steamy short read.
As an instalove, meet-cute, romance the plot and storyline was completely engaging especially with the main characters of Jack, the alpha male, possessive detective, and Poppy, a curvy younger woman trying to make ends meet as a part time cleaner in their apartment building
Poppy is exhausted working part time to pay bills, rent and student fees and whilst cleaning the detective's apartment his sneaky French Bulldog Pepper manages to lock Poppy in the bathroom with no means of escape.
Poppy has never met Jack, although he has clocked Poppy around the building before but never knew who she was but upon their first meeting in the bathroom sparks fly instantly.
The attraction is mutual and high heat and Jack pursues, almost obsessively with some rom com vibes, ensuring that their chemistry sizzled. The resulting steam and spiciness kept me turning the pages right through to their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,279 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Short, spicy, and ridiculously adorable

Dear Detective was such a fun, quick read—I devoured it in one sitting. From the very first scene (thanks to Pepper the Frenchie 😍), the chemistry between Poppy and Jack is instant and undeniable.

Poppy is exhausted, relatable, and doing everything she can to keep her life together, which made it easy to root for her. Jack is peak growly, possessive detective energy—protective, obsessed, and all in from the moment he meets her. Their insta-love worked perfectly for this story, and the balance of sweetness and heat was spot on.

The dog-as-matchmaker trope was adorable, the banter was fun, and the romance delivered exactly what it promised: steamy moments, over-the-top devotion, and a feel-good happily ever after.

If you love short, sugary-sweet insta-love romances with a possessive hero, a curvy heroine, and just enough heat to make you blush, this one is absolutely worth the read. 🐶🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
355 reviews12 followers
February 5, 2026
This was a short and cute story about a detective and a college student/cleaner with a hilarious meet cute. I love stories with crazy animals that just make so much chaos you can’t help but love them. Jack was a homicide detective who was immediately obsessed with Poppy at first glance. Poppy was sassy, sweet and wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted. I was a little confused on the building and financial situation between the two MC’s though. I thought Poppy was a struggling student who could barely pay bills and had threadbare clothes, so I wasn’t sure how she lived in the same high class building as Jack and his brother. Beyond that though the story was pretty straight forward with zero drama and a lightening fast relationship. No cheating or OM/OW drama, dual POV, no mention of virgins or their pasts, HEA and a cute epilogue 5 years in the future. Looking forward to reading his brother’s book!
Profile Image for Nichole Loza.
347 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2026
Little notes back and forth are cute and all, but it is leading to feelings that Poppy doesn’t understand. She is cleaning Jack’s apartment, and has never met him, yet, every note that Jack leaves, makes her heart beat faster. It isn’t until his menace of a dog locks her in the bathroom, yes, you read that right, he locks Poppy in Jack’s bathroom that the real sparks fly. Jack had seen this beautiful woman in his apartment complex, but until he had to save her from his bathroom, he did not realize how much he needed more than his next breath! He even ate sushi, which he hates, because it is her favourite, just so he could spend more time with her. Dear Detective by Loni Ree is spicy, sweet, funny and everything we love in an Instalove story. The banter in this book is hilarious, and I could not put it down!!!
Profile Image for Tiffany  Hill.
791 reviews16 followers
February 5, 2026
Good Detective!

"Dear Detective" by Loni Ree is the second book in the multi-author Naughty Notes series, and it's definitely going to spice up your Valentine’s reading. Jack and Poppy's instalove story had me laughing from the start. Who doesn’t love it when the cutest little matchmaker sets up the perfect meet-cute? That's exactly what Pepper did for her dad!

After weeks of Jack and Poppy exchanging flirty, cutesy back-and-forth banter, their paths finally cross in person. Poppy, a college student and part-time house cleaner, has been cleaning Jack’s condo while he works nights as a detective. The connection and chemistry between them is both sweet and sizzling as they realize they are meant to be together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
130 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2026
Dear Detective is a light, flirty read that leans fully into its playful tone. Loni Ree delivers a fun concept with cheeky notes, teasing moments, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. The writing is easy to flow through, making it a great pick when you’re in the mood for something entertaining rather than heavy.

The characters are charming and the banter is the real highlight — it feels mischievous in a good way, with a wink to the reader throughout. This isn’t a dark or intense suspense; it’s more about the fun of the interaction and the slow build of curiosity.

I’d recommend this book to readers looking for a short, flirty romance with a naughty edge — especially if you enjoy playful exchanges and a lighter, feel-good vibe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.4k reviews93 followers
February 8, 2026
Working as a housecleaner is a way for Poppy to pay the bills while she finishes school. Her current job finds her at Jack’s house who she has never met, and their only contact is through his humorous notes. When his dog manages to lock her in his bathroom it will change everything when Jack comes home and rescue her.

Jack is devoted to his dog Frenchie and to his career as a police detective. He knows how mischievous his dog is, so he isn’t surprised by the events that transpired. When he meets Poppy he is immediately drawn to her and offers her dinner wanting to make amends all the while knowing that he wants much more.

Jack and Poppy had a fun and entertaining meet-cute and from then they were both all in as they realized how intense the chemistry was between them and how deep the feelings were.
964 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2026
A Menace to Society x 2.
Fantastic. This is such a great story, I love it. Jack has seen the gorgeous woman in the building many times and she has even started invading his dreams. One day he comes home from work and notices that his apartment is way too quiet. No, greeting from his dog, Pepper, and that’s a dangerous situation. Learning that Pepper locked his cleaning lady in the bathroom and he knows that it was intentional, says it all. Learning that she’s his mystery woman Jack doesn’t know whether to yell at Pepper or hug her. Poppy and Jack have never met in person. They’ve only communicated over notes and texts. When Poppy hears movement outside the door she realizes that Jack is back home and when the door opens electricity starts zapping everywhere.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeananna w/The Book Reading Gals.
917 reviews21 followers
February 11, 2026
I want to live at #1 Love Place!! Each story set in this world gets better and better!
The chemistry between Poppy and Jack sizzles through the pages. It was a real thrill to watch this couple fall in love page by page. And the commingling of their pets is hysterical! Bring on Julian’s story!

Fave passage:
“Would you have dinner with us tonight? Pepper will use her toy allowance to pay for it.” Yes, my dog has a toy allowance. And yes, I’m nuts but I don’t care. “We can order in anything you want.”

One simple “love you, too, Jack,” and he turns from scary homicide detective to the world’s biggest marshmallow. His pupils go wide as his jaw flexes like he’s fighting to keep it together. My heart melts when he stares at me like I hung the freaking moon.
Profile Image for Amanda Reads.
706 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2026
Loni is one of my favorite authors and I love her books…this one included! She makes me laugh out loud, sigh as the sweetness and her spicy times are just that…spicy.
Jack is a detective with a French bulldog named Pepper. Pepper is spoiled..plain and simple. She has her own bedroom and gets to watch tv when he has to go to work.
Poppy lives in the same building as Jack. She cleans his apartment. So they have spoke with notes but never really met..until Pepper accidentally locks Poppy in the bathroom on cleaning day..when Jack comes home from work..he ends up saving the day.
They both fall fast and hard but with their busy and demanding schedules, will they be able to make time for each other? Will Poppy only have her cat, Moonpie and will Jack only have Pepper in the end?
5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
1,628 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2026
This book is a part of the Naughty Notes series and focuses on Jack and Poppy. Poppy is a full time college student who works as a house cleaner to pay for her tuition and her bills. When she is cleaning Jack’s apartments in the building she lives in, she ends up getting locked inside the bathroom thanks to Jack’s dog Pepper. When Jack gets home and notices what has happened, he immediately lets her out of the bathroom and he also knows that he has found his soulmate. Jack wastes no time in trying to win Poppy over and to claim his woman. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,154 reviews30 followers
February 11, 2026
Poppy is working her way through as a cleaning person; it causes her to burn the candle at both ends. One of her regulars is a homicide detective, he leaves her notes and has a little terror, Pepper. Who on this day decides to lock her in the shower while she is cleaning. Jack comes home, knowing his little diva dog has gotten up to something. When he lets her out of the shower, he realizes she is the woman he has seen around his apartment building and had caught his eye. This heats up quickly between them. I absolutely loved the interaction between the two pets, his and hers.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
428 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2026
Loni Ree has been a favorite author of mine for quite a while, she knows how to grab onto her readers from the 1st page to the last. Her characters are so very delightfully flawed that you can't help cheer for their happily ever after. The story of Jack and Poppy is one of getting stuck in a situation that you can't escape until your secret crush comes to free you! This book is so very funny with the pampered French bulldog, Pepper. This book is part of a multi-author series Naughty Notes. You will be sorry if you miss this one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Oriana Reads.
4,322 reviews37 followers
February 13, 2026
Poppy works as a cleaner and goes to college simultaneously. She has clients in her apartment building and one of them is Detective Jack Vale and his little Frenchie Pepper. They never met, but their conversations via notes and texts made them curious about each other. A meddling Frenchie a locked cleaner and they finally meet face to face. What Poppy doesn't know is that Jack saw her a few times in the building, but hesitated to make a move. Now he won't stop wooing his woman and making her his for life. A sweet, fun, romantic and drama free Instalove read with a bit of steam and with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for his twin to find his forever too 😉
765 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2026
This is about 70 pages of full court press steam, sexual tension, sweet obsession, heart palpitations(mine🙄🤭🔥), adorably sassy furry children who think they are in charge (they mostly are🥰🤦‍♀️), a sassy, hard working college student/housekeeper, a big, beefy, hulking beautiful detective that alternates between being so intense you feel like your being interrogated (in the best way😍🔥😍🔥) and being a total marshmallow (🥰swoon)…. It’s OTT, it’s insta…. There’s a delicious size difference (he’s a broad 6’6”, she’s a curvy 5’2”😍)

I think it’s my new fav re-read🤗🤗🤗.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for See Julia Read.
42 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2026
Dear Detective by Loni Ree

Series: Love Notes

Tropes: Instalove, workplace romance, love at first sight, note writing

Heat: 4 / 5

POV: Dual, 1st Person

Main Characters: Poppy - a student, cat mom, and cleaner. She cleans Jack’s apartment. Jack is a pug dad and detective who falls fast.

Favorite Moment: All the Moonpie and Pepper scenes…so much sass

Favorite Quote: “Grammie Sue would roll over in her grave if she realized I met the woman I was going to marry and didn’t even bother to introduce myself.”

Overall Vibe: Hilariously adorable and super sexy

Rating: 5/5

Who would love this: Any one who loves pet hijinks and men who fall instantly.
Profile Image for Rainbowlovesbooks.
744 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 31, 2026
Part of the Naughty Notes multi author series Dear, Detective gives us another warm fuzzy instalove read with no drama just love and steam.

Perfect short read, ideal just before bed because it's so easy to read and just enjoy the connection between Jack and Poppy.
Its the perfect instalove with a canine companion ensuring the meet cute goes off without a hitch.

If you enjoy
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ Interlinking Characters (Jack's brother is getting a book)
❤️ Instalove
❤️ Steamy Scenes
❤️ No Drama
❤️ Meddling Pets
❤️ Obsessed MMC
❤️ HEAs

Then Loni has the book for you.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilson.
1,342 reviews10 followers
February 1, 2026
This book is part of a multi author series called Naughty Notes. Tropes: detective, college student, house cleaner, and age gap. Poppy works has a house cleaner in her apartment building to help with college. Jack is a detective who lives in the same apartment building with his menace of a dog Pepper. A cute story with a French bulldog with an attitude and a chubby cat who rules Poppy's life. An enjoyable read. I read in one setting. Can't wait for Jack's twin brother's book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,328 reviews53 followers
February 3, 2026
I want to know everything.....

What you're thinking....

What you want...

What you're craving....

Mischievous pets, naughty fantasies, flirty looks, dirty talkin', heated stares and delicious.... desserts. What more can we ask for?
Jack has Poppy flustered, hungry and horny....
She has Jack distracted, desperate and on full speed to forever as they wrangle unruly pets, commit crime and burn up the sheets together.
A sweet, funny and delightfully steamy visit to #1 Love Place, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Angi.
1,453 reviews
February 8, 2026
If you’re looking for a laugh out loud rom com that is as steamy and sweet as it is funny, this is your book. Pepper the determine dog brings so much humor to this read. Jack is your typical alpha male who falls fast and hard for Poppy. Poppy the struggling college student feels an instant connection with Jack after the relief of escaping the trap Pepper has set. Don’t miss out on this read. It’s an excellent addition to this fantastic collaborative series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,783 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2026
Dear Detective is super sweet and laugh out loud hilarious with instalove awesomeness and a side of yes please! Poppy and Jack are soooo perfect for each other—hard working, caring, and love animals. His Frenchie and her cat are spoiled as all get out and each rule their roosts in the most hilarious of ways. I love how Jack and Poppy first lay eyes on one another, and the super sweet alpha detective is a total goner. The chemistry pops and the writing is fantastic—so much fun with the best HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kyareth14.
1,371 reviews
February 11, 2026
This multi-author series has some great stories with interesting plots. This story has everything to give you one of those reads you enjoy with every chapter. Jack and Poppy's interaction had always been through notes, but one day a mischievous little furry baby led them to meet in person. Feelings developed between them very quickly, and although their lives were very busy, they found time and space to be together. I loved the plot and those mischievous pets that added comedic touches to this book.
Profile Image for Johanna.
2,598 reviews45 followers
February 11, 2026
'Warning: This insta-love romance is short, steamy, and sugary sweet. If you like over-the-top possessive heroes and curvy heroines who keep them on their toes, this story is for you.'

The characters were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend


Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.8k reviews28 followers
February 22, 2026
Poppy cleans apartments to put herself through college. While at a job, she gets trapped in the bathroom of Jack, a client. Jack, a detective, comes to her rescue, and they fall instantly for each other during their interesting and funny meet-cute. Poppy and Jack have great chemistry, entertaining pets, fun banter, steam, and a happily ever after. Dear Detective is a great addition to the multi-author Naughty Notes series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lynn.
727 reviews7 followers
February 3, 2026
Naughty Notes is a collaborative series of short stories and novellas. Each is a hot and steamy story with a happily ever after ending.
This one is about a house cleaner and a homicide detective, and throw in a mischievous dog and a demanding cat. Fast paced and love at first sight. Lots of steaminess within the pages.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
29 reviews
February 4, 2026
What a fun, heartwarming, and humorous story!
The love between Jack and Poppy is beautiful to read and practically jumps off the pages. Their connection feels genuine, hot, and incredibly sweet.

The humor, especially involving the pets, had me smiling and laughing throughout the book.

This book was a delight from start to finish — charming, romantic, and full of warmth. I enjoyed every moment and recommend it!
742 reviews
February 5, 2026
oh so very good, full of humour and passion

Poppy cleans Jack’s apartment. They haven’t actually met until the day his dog Pepper manages to lock Poppy in Jack’s bathroom. He rescues her and within seconds the insta bug hits them both. Within hours they are sharing a meal and a very hot kiss. One date, Jack meeting her cat Moonpie and then these two humans heat up the pages.
A steamy read that includes good conversation, battling pets and a lovely HEA ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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