I received this as an advanced reader copy of the re release in return for my honest review of this book. Thank you to Serena Bell and Jelsba Media Group for allowing me to read this.

I went into this book expecting it simply be a friends with benefit arrangement between neighbours, providing plenty of spice. However, what I found was so much more and this book truly exceeded my expectations.

Sawyer moves into a dilapidated property two years after his wife’s death. With him is his 8 year old son Jonah, who very quickly becomes friends with the next door neighbours son Madden. Much to Sawyer’s surprise however, his neighbour turns out to be Elle, the woman who he had a one night with against an alley wall. While the boys grow firm friends, Sawyer and Elle find that neither can stay away from the other.

While this book has plenty of brilliant spicy scenes it is so much more than that! Sawyer’s feelings and progression surrounding Lucy’s death were poignant and Elle’s relationship struggles after her ex husband cheated on her with a childhood love added depth to the interactions between Sawyer and Elle.

I felt the chemistry between Elle and Sawyer was brilliant, even though there was misunderstandings and it was not smooth sailing throughout the book, the two maintained excellent interactions and the presence of mind to avoid hurting their children was heart-warming.

If you’re a romance fan put this on your tbr!

This was a cute quick read with main characters Sawyer and Elle. The chemistry and complex characters made this a treat to read. Definitely add this to your summer TBR.

read if you love: grumpy/ sunshine

Thank you to Jelsba Media Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sleepover is a "next door" type of romance, stemming from what was thought to be a one night stand. Serena Bell does what she does best in this story, immersing me fully into this life and these characters and it was absolutely wonderful.

I loved that this book looked at love for a second time. Sawyer lost his wife, and didn't know if he wanted to try for love again. Elle was previously married, and had her heartbroken and trust betrayed. She didn't know if she wanted to try love again. It was so sweet how they came together, and I loved that they both had children and their was dynamics of blending the family together.

This was a quick, easy, steamy read with lots of emotions and big feelings. I liked that though Elle and Sawyer came with sad back stories, and there was some focus on it, it did not entirely dictate the story. I loved that they took their chance on love and each other and they were each what the other needed. This was such a beautiful, wonderful romance.

I highly recommend this book and I absolutely loved it. I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Two single parents had a hot one time only hookup in an alley behind a bar, both going their separate ways. Or so they thought until Sawyer discovers he and his son have just moved in next door to Elle. Ooops.

I've had Serena Bell's Sleepover on my Kindle for a long time and am finally reading it. I should have eons ago because it is sexy and delightful!

Sawyer is a widower, his wife died two years ago. He's had lots of sex, just never more than once with any person besides his wife. He doesn't like people and doesn't think he'll ever fall in love again.

Elle is recently divorced from her husband of many years, after discovering she was right for fearing he was cheating on her. He was, emotionally and "just that one time" with his high school girlfriend, the girlfriend Elle was the rebound for. He and Elle got married when she became pregnant and she always wondered if he still had a flame for his ex.

Now these two jaded hearts have to decide if they are willing to risk their sons' burgeoning relationship and their own hearts to act on the very real spark they feel.

I loved how this novel explored grief, love, and trust. It is nice to see a romance where the characters have had other loves and have to balance their previous relationships (good and bad) with their hope for a new future.

I also am a sucker for a "we banged before this book even started and ope, now we are totally going to bang again" stories so this one totally fulfilled that for me. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, especially after the big break moment and the "we are going to take our time getting married" moment.

That said, I definitely want to read more of Serena Bell's work!

Nice refreshing contemporary romance. Just the book I was looking for. I normally don’t love second chance romance but this one had the perfect emotional tone. Even had me tearing up a couple of times!

“There’s grief and guilt and loss, and then there’s the simple truth of Elle, sitting in front of me, so stunning in the dim light of dancing flame I can’t take my eyes off her.”

Sleepover

Had so much fun with this was. The backstory was maybe a little too complicated, but I loved the characters, their kids, and the romance.

Nice, but too superficial to be really interesting. There was too much emphasis on the lust part of their attraction and any issues that stood in their way were too easily swept aside.

The story
When Sawyer and his young son move in next door to Elle and her young son, she realises that this is was her unforgettable hot one night stand outside a bar. Elle is recently divorced as her ex and his first girlfriend got back together. Sawyer is reeling after the death of his wife two years ago. Will they be able to re-kindle the fireworks that they enjoyed? Even when Sawyer made it clear it was a one-time-only deal?

My thoughts
I really wasn’t expecting the depth of emotion from both Elle and Sawyer’s perspectives that are shared in this beautiful story. It’s particularly spicy, and even though both are recovering from heartache, they find the physical compatibility very present. I loved how the two boys found insta-love and acceptance much quicker than their parents did. It’s such a cute read!

I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.