What do you think?
Rate this book
A Man Like Mike
Corporate professional Eve O’Brien needs a crash course in parenting when her dearest friend Jacinta and her husband die, naming her sole guardian of their baby son Bailey. As if bright orange goo on her business shirts and terminal exhaustion aren’t enough to deal with, Bailey’s uncle shows up, insisting on being part of his nephew’s life.
Roguishly handsome with a devil‐may‐care attitude, Mike Wilcox is always first with a quip or a flirtatious smile. When he breezily suggests he move in with her temporarily, Eve sees noway to refuse, as the cottage in which she lives was left to Mike by his late brother.
On the surface, Mike seems like the perfect house mate. He’s a successful chef, so Eve’s diet goes from fast food to five star overnight, and he effortlessly takes on daytime care of his nephew, while working at a local restaurant in the evenings. But he wears muscle‐ hugging T‐shirts and makes the cottage seem like a home, things that appeal to Eve more than she cares to admit.
A lonely, neglected child, Eve has learned to rely only on herself, but having Mike around soon makes her want to believe things can be different. How can she trust a man who’s lived life by the seat of his pants to stick around for the long haul?
Roguishly handsome with a devil‐may‐care attitude, Mike Wilcox is always first with a quip or a flirtatious smile. When he breezily suggests he move in with her temporarily, Eve sees noway to refuse, as the cottage in which she lives was left to Mike by his late brother.
On the surface, Mike seems like the perfect house mate. He’s a successful chef, so Eve’s diet goes from fast food to five star overnight, and he effortlessly takes on daytime care of his nephew, while working at a local restaurant in the evenings. But he wears muscle‐ hugging T‐shirts and makes the cottage seem like a home, things that appeal to Eve more than she cares to admit.
A lonely, neglected child, Eve has learned to rely only on herself, but having Mike around soon makes her want to believe things can be different. How can she trust a man who’s lived life by the seat of his pants to stick around for the long haul?
122 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Sami Lee
30 books136 followersWriter. Feminist. Reader. Movie lover. Drinker of wine. Rainy days are my favourite. She/Her
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 6, 2013
Eve O'Brien becomes the guardian of a 9-month old baby overnight when her best friend dies in an accident with her husband. Her life is turned upside down until Mike Wilcox, the baby's paternal uncle, decides he wants to have a role in his nephew's life. He moves in and together they create a home for Bailey and have to also contend with their growing attraction to each other.
While this was a sweet story, it was also layered with some serious issues related to Eve's tragic past. Those issues surface and cause complications in her ability to see herself as a worthy person to be responsible for raising Bailey, being loved by Mike and to becoming part of a family. It made the story more relevant and meatier, which was a pleasant surprise. Eve's initial prickliness was sometimes annoying but believable.Though the intimacies of the romance were behind closed doors, there was still enough sizzle, especially with Mike's appeal. This was an enjoyable story on many levels.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
While this was a sweet story, it was also layered with some serious issues related to Eve's tragic past. Those issues surface and cause complications in her ability to see herself as a worthy person to be responsible for raising Bailey, being loved by Mike and to becoming part of a family. It made the story more relevant and meatier, which was a pleasant surprise. Eve's initial prickliness was sometimes annoying but believable.Though the intimacies of the romance were behind closed doors, there was still enough sizzle, especially with Mike's appeal. This was an enjoyable story on many levels.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
March 7, 2013
When I was trolling NetGalley a couple of weeks ago, I saw that Escape Publishing had put some of their books out there for review. While I would have read all of them, Ms. Lee’s book stood out for a couple of reasons. The first reason is the cover/blurb. Beautiful cover; it has a baby on it; and the blurb blew me away. I know that it might have read like a standard romance troupe but there was something in the way that I read it that I had to read this book. Also, I will admit that I know Sami but honestly, have never read anything by her. Sure, I’ve bought her books but with my schedule, just haven’t had time to read for pleasure anymore.
When we were discussing Harlie spotlighting A Man Like Mike, Ms. Lee had some concerns. As an erotic author, were people gonna be put off that she wrote a sweet, closed door sex book? WTH? Of course not. If the reader truly likes your work, they will follow.
Yes, this book has closed door sex in it and you know what? Sometimes open door sex is unnecessary in a book. Yes, I said it and I mean it. This book has everything that I’m looking for in a contemporary romance. Emotions, laughter, family dynamics, sexual tension, and above all romance. The romance in the book was very subtle and it sneaks up on you.
Mike is still trying to deal with the sudden death of his older brother and living in his shadow. He is hurt that his brother didn’t chose his a Bailey’s guardian but believes that he can move in with Eve and Bailey to help out short term. He ever expected to fall in love with Eve and crave the life that his brother had. I truly felt for Mike and the wide range of emotions that he has throughout the book. Plus, he can cook and take care of a baby. *sigh*
Eve, too is dealing the sudden loss of her best friend Jacinta. Their backstory is poignant and a little sad. I totally understood why Eve was reluctant to let anyone help her with Bailey. She had something to prove to herself that she could do this and be a much better mom that what she had growing. Oh Eve…big hug! Dealing with her feelings for Mike and understanding them were a completely different thing all together.
You will root for this couple from the start. They were meant to be together from their first meeting at the wedding, to the funeral, to Mike showing up at her door offering to help. Both are wounded souls to different degrees but in the end belonging, being a family and true love win out.
Don’t miss out a truly remarkable story that Ms. Lee has written. You will sigh, laugh, cry and sigh with the emotions that this book brings out
When we were discussing Harlie spotlighting A Man Like Mike, Ms. Lee had some concerns. As an erotic author, were people gonna be put off that she wrote a sweet, closed door sex book? WTH? Of course not. If the reader truly likes your work, they will follow.
Yes, this book has closed door sex in it and you know what? Sometimes open door sex is unnecessary in a book. Yes, I said it and I mean it. This book has everything that I’m looking for in a contemporary romance. Emotions, laughter, family dynamics, sexual tension, and above all romance. The romance in the book was very subtle and it sneaks up on you.
Mike is still trying to deal with the sudden death of his older brother and living in his shadow. He is hurt that his brother didn’t chose his a Bailey’s guardian but believes that he can move in with Eve and Bailey to help out short term. He ever expected to fall in love with Eve and crave the life that his brother had. I truly felt for Mike and the wide range of emotions that he has throughout the book. Plus, he can cook and take care of a baby. *sigh*
Eve, too is dealing the sudden loss of her best friend Jacinta. Their backstory is poignant and a little sad. I totally understood why Eve was reluctant to let anyone help her with Bailey. She had something to prove to herself that she could do this and be a much better mom that what she had growing. Oh Eve…big hug! Dealing with her feelings for Mike and understanding them were a completely different thing all together.
You will root for this couple from the start. They were meant to be together from their first meeting at the wedding, to the funeral, to Mike showing up at her door offering to help. Both are wounded souls to different degrees but in the end belonging, being a family and true love win out.
Don’t miss out a truly remarkable story that Ms. Lee has written. You will sigh, laugh, cry and sigh with the emotions that this book brings out
March 9, 2013
I've read several of Sami Lee's erotic romances and have highly enjoyed them. When I discovered A Man Like Mike was a sweet romance rather than an erotic romance, I was curious. So, after reading A Man Like Mike my verdict is that Sami Lee can write a great romance whether it's erotic or PG-13 sweet.
When Eva's best friend and her husband passed away due to an accident, Eva is named guardian of their ten month old, and completely adorable, baby boy Bailey. She doesn't quite know what she's doing, but she's learning. Then Bailey's uncle, Mike, shows up insisting to be part of his nephew's life and to help take the load off of Eva. Living in the same house quickly has sparks flying between Eva and Mike.
Yet, none of them is ready to take the plunge. Then a sensual kiss is shared between the two and there's no going back. Mike is more than willing to discover where the chemistry will lead them except for Eva. She is stubborn as a mule and has built a great wall to ward off people. She doesn't rely on anyone, especially for emotional solace. Her past of neglect and sense of feeling worthless has trapped her into feeling that she isn't worth the effort it takes for someone else to care about her. Plus, she is out to prove that she'll never be like her mother with Bailey. Having many issues to deal with, Eva constantly pushes Mike away.
At times, I wanted to hug Eva and/or shake her. But, I understood where she was coming from and was glad that she finally let down her guard when it counted the most. As for Mike...where can I find a man like Mike? Seriously, he was an awesome all-around hero. He was a fun, loving guy who was not only sexy with an Aussie accent, but can cook and is great with a baby *dreamy sigh* His patience and gentleness towards Eva's standoffish demeanor was another plus in my book. Oh, and how can I forget Bailey? Bailey was as adorable as any ten month old baby.
Overall, A Man Like Mike was a heartwarming, sweetly romantic and an equally emotional story. I read this in one sitting and finished it in the wee hours of the morning because I simply couldn't put it down. I found this to be an easy, fast, and enjoyable read and would recommend it to any fans of romance.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Eva's best friend and her husband passed away due to an accident, Eva is named guardian of their ten month old, and completely adorable, baby boy Bailey. She doesn't quite know what she's doing, but she's learning. Then Bailey's uncle, Mike, shows up insisting to be part of his nephew's life and to help take the load off of Eva. Living in the same house quickly has sparks flying between Eva and Mike.
Yet, none of them is ready to take the plunge. Then a sensual kiss is shared between the two and there's no going back. Mike is more than willing to discover where the chemistry will lead them except for Eva. She is stubborn as a mule and has built a great wall to ward off people. She doesn't rely on anyone, especially for emotional solace. Her past of neglect and sense of feeling worthless has trapped her into feeling that she isn't worth the effort it takes for someone else to care about her. Plus, she is out to prove that she'll never be like her mother with Bailey. Having many issues to deal with, Eva constantly pushes Mike away.
At times, I wanted to hug Eva and/or shake her. But, I understood where she was coming from and was glad that she finally let down her guard when it counted the most. As for Mike...where can I find a man like Mike? Seriously, he was an awesome all-around hero. He was a fun, loving guy who was not only sexy with an Aussie accent, but can cook and is great with a baby *dreamy sigh* His patience and gentleness towards Eva's standoffish demeanor was another plus in my book. Oh, and how can I forget Bailey? Bailey was as adorable as any ten month old baby.
Overall, A Man Like Mike was a heartwarming, sweetly romantic and an equally emotional story. I read this in one sitting and finished it in the wee hours of the morning because I simply couldn't put it down. I found this to be an easy, fast, and enjoyable read and would recommend it to any fans of romance.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2013
This would be my favourite Sami Lee Book to date. Can highly recommend it.
February 20, 2013
A full copy of this review can be found on my blog (http://thatnextchapter.weebly.com/1/p...)
A Man Like Mike, by Sami Lee, is a heartwarming story that explores the relationships between friends, family, and lovers. Eve O’Brien must learn how to navigate a new normal after being appointed guardian to her best friend’s son Bailey after her friend Jacinta and her husband’s death. Readers are able to catch a glimpse of a complex woman who is trying to fight her childhood demons while also staying true to her friend’s memory for her son. Also there to help provide perspective is Bailey’s carefree Uncle Mike, whose sudden appearance means Eve must once again try to roll with the rapid changes of her life.
Overall the author was able to present the various relationships in a way that was convincing and interesting for the viewers. Readers are able to watch the relationship between Mike and Eve evolve into something more than friends as they discover hidden depths within each other and themselves. Readers are also treated to an appealing story as Eve faces her own demons with regard to her past relationship with her own mother and her present relationship with Mike’s mom in order to come out stronger in the end. The book had enough twists, turns, and conflict to keep it interesting while showing readers that family is more than blood relations, sometimes it is what you create for yourself.
A Man Like Mike, by Sami Lee, is a heartwarming story that explores the relationships between friends, family, and lovers. Eve O’Brien must learn how to navigate a new normal after being appointed guardian to her best friend’s son Bailey after her friend Jacinta and her husband’s death. Readers are able to catch a glimpse of a complex woman who is trying to fight her childhood demons while also staying true to her friend’s memory for her son. Also there to help provide perspective is Bailey’s carefree Uncle Mike, whose sudden appearance means Eve must once again try to roll with the rapid changes of her life.
Overall the author was able to present the various relationships in a way that was convincing and interesting for the viewers. Readers are able to watch the relationship between Mike and Eve evolve into something more than friends as they discover hidden depths within each other and themselves. Readers are also treated to an appealing story as Eve faces her own demons with regard to her past relationship with her own mother and her present relationship with Mike’s mom in order to come out stronger in the end. The book had enough twists, turns, and conflict to keep it interesting while showing readers that family is more than blood relations, sometimes it is what you create for yourself.
April 1, 2013
This book tell the story of Eve who was given the custody of Bailey, the son of her best friend, Jacinta who died from a sky diving expedition together with her husband. She is staying at Jacinta’s house as she want to minimized changes for Bailey who have lost his parent at such a young age but the house is now belong to Mike, Bailey’s uncle who is back in town. Mike, a chef has sold his business and return home for good. He wanted to take care of Bailey and together with Eve, they sort of taking turn to take care of him. Eve, who seems to convince that she is not a good mother, tried hard to be one for Bailey but given her past, she is very defensive when come to discuss about Bailey’s welfare with Mike. To make thing worst, she seems to be attracted to him and the feeling seems to be mutual.
This book is a sweet romance with enough internal conflict between the main characters to content with. I like the way the author write about the internal conflicts which everyone can relate to. I really felt for Eve when she chooses to leave Bailey behind after she forgotten to fetch him from the day care. I can feel her anguish when she rushed back and the way she came to the conclusion that she is no good to Bailey just as her mother is. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book very much!
This book is a sweet romance with enough internal conflict between the main characters to content with. I like the way the author write about the internal conflicts which everyone can relate to. I really felt for Eve when she chooses to leave Bailey behind after she forgotten to fetch him from the day care. I can feel her anguish when she rushed back and the way she came to the conclusion that she is no good to Bailey just as her mother is. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book very much!
June 27, 2013
This book is a romance novel by Sami Lee. It follows the same format as most novels from this genre and is a pretty good novel if you are a fan of this genre.
The book is about Eve O Brien and Mike Wilcox. Eve’s best friend, Jacinta, was married to Mike’s brother, Derek, until they died in a tragic accident. After their deaths Eve became sole guardian of their son, Bailey, and Mike inherited the house. Mike let Eve and Bailey live in the house on their own whilst he was travelling overseas.
One day Mike returns and moves back into the house – into the attached apartment – unnerving Eve somewhat. She hasn’t had a brilliant relationship with her best friend’s brother in law so far, so she is nervous about sharing a house with him.
The story charts their coming together, in a slow and gentle manner, whilst dealing with Eve’s own turmoil from her past and her learning to trust and love Mike. A well written book, lovely read and the obligatory happy ending sees me give this book 5 stars *****
The book is about Eve O Brien and Mike Wilcox. Eve’s best friend, Jacinta, was married to Mike’s brother, Derek, until they died in a tragic accident. After their deaths Eve became sole guardian of their son, Bailey, and Mike inherited the house. Mike let Eve and Bailey live in the house on their own whilst he was travelling overseas.
One day Mike returns and moves back into the house – into the attached apartment – unnerving Eve somewhat. She hasn’t had a brilliant relationship with her best friend’s brother in law so far, so she is nervous about sharing a house with him.
The story charts their coming together, in a slow and gentle manner, whilst dealing with Eve’s own turmoil from her past and her learning to trust and love Mike. A well written book, lovely read and the obligatory happy ending sees me give this book 5 stars *****
March 7, 2013
Let's talk about Mike. Well Mike should be the bar for every girls dreams lol. He changes diapers, gets up in the middle of the night when the baby is crying, oh and he cooks! Also did I mention he's an Aussie ;) Yum! lol.
The whole entire time I was reading I'm getting irritated at Eve cause she can't take anything at face value. Yes, I know she has issues, but hey we all have issues. I felt like the writer was trying to force so much psychology down my throat.
Overall, it was a good read, but there was just a little too much backstory. I wanted more of the present story between Mike and Eve. It felt like it was a story of several other people i.e. Jacinta and Derek; Derek and Mike's parents; Eve's relationship with her mother. There just wasn't enough romance between Mike and Eve.
I will probably read this again, it definitely is a cute PG13 read. 3 1/2 stars
*I received this for review from NetGalley
The whole entire time I was reading I'm getting irritated at Eve cause she can't take anything at face value. Yes, I know she has issues, but hey we all have issues. I felt like the writer was trying to force so much psychology down my throat.
Overall, it was a good read, but there was just a little too much backstory. I wanted more of the present story between Mike and Eve. It felt like it was a story of several other people i.e. Jacinta and Derek; Derek and Mike's parents; Eve's relationship with her mother. There just wasn't enough romance between Mike and Eve.
I will probably read this again, it definitely is a cute PG13 read. 3 1/2 stars
*I received this for review from NetGalley
November 25, 2015
Just before reading this, I read a few reviews, so I knew this was a light romance. Still, even knowing that, I missed the smut! Lol! This was still a cute story. Eve's best friend, Jacinta, made Eve her son's guardian upon her unexpected death. Jacinta's in-laws weren't exactly happy about that, but they went with it. Jacinta's brother-in-law had a house that he allowed Eve and Bailey to live in, since he was living in Greece, but when Mike decides to move back to town to spend more time with Bailey, sparks fly between them. Sparks that Eve, because of her upbringing, can't imagine are real or will be lasting (based on what she knew of Mike from his brother). As a result, there's a lot of push and pull, and Mike is such a great guy through it all. Eventually, they give in to the attraction, but then conclusions are jumped to without any discussion and such and the expected conflict arises. Things all work out positively, but I still say I missed the smut. :-)
March 8, 2013
With the exception of her best friend Jace, Eve has always felt very alone in the world, like she didn’t belong and that no one cared about her. Suddenly Jace and Jace’s husband Derek die, leaving Eve the sole guardian for their 10 month old son Bailey. Despite her doubts about herself and her parenting skills, Eve is determined to give Bailey the best upbringing she can, to make sure he knows he matters and belongs. Read More
March 8, 2013
This is a great story of friendship, love and happiness that came from a circumstance beyond the characters control. In this story we see how friends grow to love each other and become each others mate. I love this story, it is heartwarming and sweet. We see Mike build bonds with both Bailey and Eva and we marvel at the love they feel for each other. I will recommend this book to my friends. This is another good read for me this year . I got this book from book as an advance copy from Netgallery for honest opinion.
July 6, 2013
This is the first of Sami Lee's books I've read. She shows real insight into and affection for her characters, and I very quickly fell in love with them too. Sweet, satisfying and gracefully written, A Man Like Mike packs an emotional punch.
March 16, 2013
3.5 stars it was a cute story. Eve did get on my nerves at times but I understood she was dealing with her abandonment issues. Glad it all worked out in the end.
March 16, 2013
predictable but sweet
May 28, 2013
I picked up this book for a nice soft romantic mindless book and it was perfect for that purpose
May 14, 2014
A good story for a good day!
i'll write a proper review soon.
i'll write a proper review soon.
July 19, 2015
It was alright but somewhat bland.
April 10, 2016
One of the most annoying protaganists I've ever read. Damn
Want to read
March 3, 201490% off Kobo coupon - 32c
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews