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Under One Roof #3
Sleepover
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A brand-new contemporary romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Head Over Heels.
The girl next door is the one that got away. He just doesn’t know it yet. . . .
Sawyer: After my wife died, I promised myself I’d never go through the pain of losing someone again. Now I keep my flings neat, tidy, and one-time-only. Besides, my son needs me more than ever. He’s miserable in our new town, so I’m pumped when he makes friends with the kid next door—until I recognize his mom from a one-night stand. Perky and upbeat, Elle Dunning is not my type for anything other than tearing up the sheets. So why do I keep letting myself get roped into game nights and get-togethers?
Elle: It so hasn’t been my year. That’s my first thought when I see my new next-door neighbor. I never would have hooked up with Sawyer Paulson if my husband hadn’t left me for his high-school sweetheart, but because our eight-year-old boys have become best friends, I’ve got to make nice with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent. Yet the more time we spend together, the more Sawyer opens up. We’ve both been hurt—badly. So it’s one thing to send the kids off to sleepaway camp together. It’s quite another to promise each other a lifetime of sleepovers. . . .
Sleepover is a standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a satisfying happily ever after. This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
A brand-new contemporary romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Head Over Heels.
The girl next door is the one that got away. He just doesn’t know it yet. . . .
Sawyer: After my wife died, I promised myself I’d never go through the pain of losing someone again. Now I keep my flings neat, tidy, and one-time-only. Besides, my son needs me more than ever. He’s miserable in our new town, so I’m pumped when he makes friends with the kid next door—until I recognize his mom from a one-night stand. Perky and upbeat, Elle Dunning is not my type for anything other than tearing up the sheets. So why do I keep letting myself get roped into game nights and get-togethers?
Elle: It so hasn’t been my year. That’s my first thought when I see my new next-door neighbor. I never would have hooked up with Sawyer Paulson if my husband hadn’t left me for his high-school sweetheart, but because our eight-year-old boys have become best friends, I’ve got to make nice with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent. Yet the more time we spend together, the more Sawyer opens up. We’ve both been hurt—badly. So it’s one thing to send the kids off to sleepaway camp together. It’s quite another to promise each other a lifetime of sleepovers. . . .
Sleepover is a standalone novel with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a satisfying happily ever after. This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
About the author
Serena Bell
49 books576 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
February 6, 2023
I have now fallen in love with Serena Bell's writing. I read this book in one sitting, Sawyer is such an amazing man. Elle is such a beautiful and relatable person. I loved their chemistry and how the author built up the climaxes. Such a beautifully written book. Made me laugh a few times but absolutely swooned me. I loved the ending and how it all turned out. Was beautiful that it tied in her other book characters into this one, which I already read that book. So it was fascinating to see the author do that! This book will make you laugh, cry and even make you feel like you're falling in love as the characters are. Superb.
November 20, 2018
4 Stars
What a pleasant surprise!
When I first started Sleepover I wasn't expecting more than a cute "neighbors hooking up on the sly" kind of romance, and to a certain extent that's just what I got. Luckily Elle and Sawyer's story turned out to be so much more.
Elle was blindsided when she found out her husband was leaving her for another woman, and that the move had been a long time coming. Sure, the signs were there, but she chose to ignore them and trust her hubby. Lesson learned, t-shirt bought.
Sawyer is making a new start in a new home after two years of grieving the death of his wife. He's not looking for love, but the habitual one night stand thing has become a regular occurrence.
When Elle realizes her hot new neighbor and the father of her son's new bestie is Sawyer, the same man she had a wild one night stand with two months ago, things start to get interesting.
This book turned out to be quite a bit more enjoyable than I'd initially thought. Yes, there was a bit of the romancelandia formulaic stuff I've come to expect, but both Sawyer and Elle were as upfront and honest with each other as could be expected, given their circumstances. Elle never played the winey heroine and Sawyer never pulled the douchebag crap. They were both emotionally unavailable until they weren't, if ya get my drift, and I enjoyed the way the relationship unfolded.
My only real complaint came with the way the story concluded. A little too neat and tidy (and quick!) for me, but I still had a fabulous time reading all about Elle and Sawyer.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary, honest review
What a pleasant surprise!
When I first started Sleepover I wasn't expecting more than a cute "neighbors hooking up on the sly" kind of romance, and to a certain extent that's just what I got. Luckily Elle and Sawyer's story turned out to be so much more.
Elle was blindsided when she found out her husband was leaving her for another woman, and that the move had been a long time coming. Sure, the signs were there, but she chose to ignore them and trust her hubby. Lesson learned, t-shirt bought.
Sawyer is making a new start in a new home after two years of grieving the death of his wife. He's not looking for love, but the habitual one night stand thing has become a regular occurrence.
When Elle realizes her hot new neighbor and the father of her son's new bestie is Sawyer, the same man she had a wild one night stand with two months ago, things start to get interesting.
This book turned out to be quite a bit more enjoyable than I'd initially thought. Yes, there was a bit of the romancelandia formulaic stuff I've come to expect, but both Sawyer and Elle were as upfront and honest with each other as could be expected, given their circumstances. Elle never played the winey heroine and Sawyer never pulled the douchebag crap. They were both emotionally unavailable until they weren't, if ya get my drift, and I enjoyed the way the relationship unfolded.
My only real complaint came with the way the story concluded. A little too neat and tidy (and quick!) for me, but I still had a fabulous time reading all about Elle and Sawyer.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary, honest review
November 13, 2018
4.5 - "We meet again..." Stars!
What more can you ask for than a hot widower/single daddy who is a carpenter… Well pair him up with a divorced single mom and make them neighbours and Serena Bell pretty much hits a bullseye with Sleepover.
No more falling for guys who are in love with someone else…
Having your husband leave you for his high school sweetheart is a pretty bitter pill for Elle Dunning to swallow, but she’s handing being a single mother to her son pretty well, so-much-so that venturing out for a one night thing with a random hot guy in a bar gives her enough good memories to keep her warm on lonely nights for the foreseeable. That is until the random hook-up hot guy moves in next door, and what do ya know, he is a single father too, and their boys hit it off immediately.
I want the chance to start over and do things right… We did everything backwards.
Turns out the chemistry from that one night wasn’t a fluke and it doesn’t take long before Sawyer and Elle are fighting to keep their attraction to each other to themselves. We then go from sexting to phone sex, to the more physical actions, and I loved the confidence Elle had in this regard, and the gruff dirtiness that Sawyer bought to the party. The plot moved along at a steady clip throughout, and although there is the inevitable drama bought into the story through the dead ex, it wasn’t overplayed.
"This is the best fucking foreplay ever."
Witty, sweet, sexy and emotional at points I really enjoyed this book. Loosely linked to the authors previous couple of releases it can be read as a standalone, although I am hoping that Sawyer’s brother Brody is up next, because he bought a bit of light relief in Sleepover and I'm interested in getting to know him better.
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
What more can you ask for than a hot widower/single daddy who is a carpenter… Well pair him up with a divorced single mom and make them neighbours and Serena Bell pretty much hits a bullseye with Sleepover.
No more falling for guys who are in love with someone else…
Having your husband leave you for his high school sweetheart is a pretty bitter pill for Elle Dunning to swallow, but she’s handing being a single mother to her son pretty well, so-much-so that venturing out for a one night thing with a random hot guy in a bar gives her enough good memories to keep her warm on lonely nights for the foreseeable. That is until the random hook-up hot guy moves in next door, and what do ya know, he is a single father too, and their boys hit it off immediately.
I want the chance to start over and do things right… We did everything backwards.
Turns out the chemistry from that one night wasn’t a fluke and it doesn’t take long before Sawyer and Elle are fighting to keep their attraction to each other to themselves. We then go from sexting to phone sex, to the more physical actions, and I loved the confidence Elle had in this regard, and the gruff dirtiness that Sawyer bought to the party. The plot moved along at a steady clip throughout, and although there is the inevitable drama bought into the story through the dead ex, it wasn’t overplayed.
"This is the best fucking foreplay ever."
Witty, sweet, sexy and emotional at points I really enjoyed this book. Loosely linked to the authors previous couple of releases it can be read as a standalone, although I am hoping that Sawyer’s brother Brody is up next, because he bought a bit of light relief in Sleepover and I'm interested in getting to know him better.
ARC generously provided by the author via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
September 30, 2018
I have only read a few books by Serena Bell, but she is without a doubt an auto-read author for me now. She writes straightforward and wholesome romance novels that are just the perfect mood lifters. Sleepover was a sweet and charming story that I found myself inhaling.
I especially loved that it featured a couple that tried their hand at love for the second time. That's not exactly a trope that you see a lot in romance and I imagine isn't a trope that every author can master. Both Sawyer and Elle were previously married to other people. Sawyer loved his wife, Lucy, dearly but she, unfortunately, passed due to an illness. Elle thought she was in a happy relationship only to find out that her husband had been cheating on her with his high school girlfriend. The relationship dynamic in Sleepover could easily have been convoluted and dramatic given that Sawyer was always going to love his wife and they both had children, but Serena Bell handled it like a pro. It's actually kind of an inspiring and lovely message that finding love after one's significant other passes away isn't such a bad thing and that falling in love a second time is possible. Kudos to Bell for writing this book! Both Sawyer and Elle were endearing protagonists. These were two very normal people who were dealing with their single-parent status and trying to provide the best life for their kids. They were both kind and genuine people who deserved to have their happily-ever-afters together. I loved how big of a role Jonah and Madden, Sawyer and Elle's sons, also played in Sleepover. The two formed a fast bond with each other and it was sweet to see their friendship develop.
As you can imagine, the romance between Sawyer and Elle didn't immediately happen. There was some hesitance on Sawyer's part as he had vowed to not love another woman again, and on Elle's side too as she didn't want to be second-best to anyone. What's great about the romance in Sleepover though was how much Sawyer and Elle shared with each other. They were open and honest and were not afraid to share their true feelings with each other. This was a couple that slowly got to know each other emotionally and in the process learned to let go of the past and live in the present. The romance was just the sweetest, but as with Serena Bell's previous books, the chemistry was all-consuming. The foreplay between these two had me fanning myself. It's seriously hot, folks! Sleepover also had a great secondary cast in the form of an elderly neighborly who probably shipped Elle and Sawyer more than anyone, and Sawyer's brother, who I think will find love next!
If you believe in second chances and love a feel-good romance, Sleepover SHOULD be on your TBR! It has something for everyone, in my opinion! :)
November 8, 2018
After her divorce to her cheating ex was finalized, Elle was looking for a one-night fling. She thought she found it, until tall, dark, and broody ended up being her new neighbor and the father of her son's new best friend. With both Elle and Sawyer not quite ready to embark on new relationships, and both trying, but failing, at fighting their mutual attraction, things were bound to get complicated.
I pretty much inhaled this book. Bell did such a great job helping me understand what was keeping Sawyer and Elle from taking the plunge. She clearly painted a picture of their grief and anguish as it related to their past relationships, and though I was still really frustrated at times by the two of them, I understood why they made the decisions they did.
Sawyer's story was sad. As a man, who didn't open up to people easily, he believed he deceased wife could never be replaced. He loved her, and always would, and his struggle with finding there was something beyond attraction between him and Elle was a little painful. But Elle's story broke my heart in half. The betrayal was bad enough, but the fact that she still had to interact with her ex on some level due to their shared custody made it that much worse. I found myself wanting to reach out and hug her time and time again.
But you know what? I found solace in the fact, that she had Sawyer, who was a pretty amazing man. Maybe he didn't pour his heart out 24/7, but when he did reveal part of himself or share anything at all, it was really meaningful, honest, and pure. Elle also had two amazing friends in her corner, who gave her so much support, as well as some nudges to move her in the right direction.
Speaking of those friends, I loved Elle's besties and Sawyer's brother so much, I am hoping Bell stays in this world a little longer, and gives them their own books. The ending of Sleepover certainly set up a story for Brooks quite nicely, and I know I would love to read it.
This book was fun, sweet, sexy, and adorable. It made me laugh, swoon, rage, cry. But in the end, it left me warm and fuzzy with a big smile on my face.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I pretty much inhaled this book. Bell did such a great job helping me understand what was keeping Sawyer and Elle from taking the plunge. She clearly painted a picture of their grief and anguish as it related to their past relationships, and though I was still really frustrated at times by the two of them, I understood why they made the decisions they did.
Sawyer's story was sad. As a man, who didn't open up to people easily, he believed he deceased wife could never be replaced. He loved her, and always would, and his struggle with finding there was something beyond attraction between him and Elle was a little painful. But Elle's story broke my heart in half. The betrayal was bad enough, but the fact that she still had to interact with her ex on some level due to their shared custody made it that much worse. I found myself wanting to reach out and hug her time and time again.
But you know what? I found solace in the fact, that she had Sawyer, who was a pretty amazing man. Maybe he didn't pour his heart out 24/7, but when he did reveal part of himself or share anything at all, it was really meaningful, honest, and pure. Elle also had two amazing friends in her corner, who gave her so much support, as well as some nudges to move her in the right direction.
Speaking of those friends, I loved Elle's besties and Sawyer's brother so much, I am hoping Bell stays in this world a little longer, and gives them their own books. The ending of Sleepover certainly set up a story for Brooks quite nicely, and I know I would love to read it.
This book was fun, sweet, sexy, and adorable. It made me laugh, swoon, rage, cry. But in the end, it left me warm and fuzzy with a big smile on my face.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
February 22, 2023
This was exactly what I needed <333
November 30, 2018
3.25 stars
I liked the author's writing but I am conflicted over the storyline especially since our heroine always felt like the second player in her marriage and couldn't hold a candle to her husband's ex; who he eventually left her for. In this it is the dead wife trope; the hero's dead wife. h/H had an alley hook-up months ago and now he moves in next door and their children become best buddies. Hero we are told is still hung up over his wife but of course that doesn't stop him from starting his random hook-ups two months after his wife passed . I am not sure at the end if the heroine was once again a second choice and that isn't how a book should make a reader feel.
I liked the author's writing but I am conflicted over the storyline especially since our heroine always felt like the second player in her marriage and couldn't hold a candle to her husband's ex; who he eventually left her for. In this it is the dead wife trope; the hero's dead wife. h/H had an alley hook-up months ago and now he moves in next door and their children become best buddies. Hero we are told is still hung up over his wife but of course that doesn't stop him from starting his random hook-ups two months after his wife passed . I am not sure at the end if the heroine was once again a second choice and that isn't how a book should make a reader feel.
August 19, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It’s my first book by Serena Bell, but it definitely won’t be the last. Her writing is just about perfect, even in an ARC, and I managed to read this in one sitting. She immersed me into he story and I barely came up for air.
I loved that characters and I sincerely hope we get stories for some of the others in the book. I would assume we are going to get Brooks’ and Eve’s story next... and I can’t wait.
5 stars from me. Well done.
I loved that characters and I sincerely hope we get stories for some of the others in the book. I would assume we are going to get Brooks’ and Eve’s story next... and I can’t wait.
5 stars from me. Well done.
April 8, 2022
4.5 Stars
Sleepover is the 3rd book in this series by Serena Bell and in my opinion, the best one. I absolutely adored every sentence!
I won't spoil the storyline but it is a forced proximity trope with a side of grumpy and sweet.
The book is based on single dad and widower Sawyer who is a man of few words and is that silent mysterious type. He is also incredibly hot and has a heart of gold. The lead female is Elle, a divorced mum who is recovering from an asshole of an exhusband (who cheated on her for years). Elle is fun and sweet but definitely has a naughty side. I loved both these characters but especially how they are together. I also love the friendship between their sons which added a really sweet layer to the story.
The romance is to die for! Not only is there some serious steam and smut in this book (which is incredibly well written), they also have a wonderful non-physical connection and so you can't not love them as a couple.
The writing is great, I was so hooked that I read it in a day as I couldn't put it down! There is also some decent humour alongside some emotional scenes which adds some great depth to the book.
Overall, a wonderful read and I am now such a huge fan of Serena Bell and encourage all romance lovers to go pick up her books including this series (Under One Roof), the Wilder Adventures series and her Tierney bay series. All three are absolutely brilliant!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Sleepover is the 3rd book in this series by Serena Bell and in my opinion, the best one. I absolutely adored every sentence!
I won't spoil the storyline but it is a forced proximity trope with a side of grumpy and sweet.
The book is based on single dad and widower Sawyer who is a man of few words and is that silent mysterious type. He is also incredibly hot and has a heart of gold. The lead female is Elle, a divorced mum who is recovering from an asshole of an exhusband (who cheated on her for years). Elle is fun and sweet but definitely has a naughty side. I loved both these characters but especially how they are together. I also love the friendship between their sons which added a really sweet layer to the story.
The romance is to die for! Not only is there some serious steam and smut in this book (which is incredibly well written), they also have a wonderful non-physical connection and so you can't not love them as a couple.
The writing is great, I was so hooked that I read it in a day as I couldn't put it down! There is also some decent humour alongside some emotional scenes which adds some great depth to the book.
Overall, a wonderful read and I am now such a huge fan of Serena Bell and encourage all romance lovers to go pick up her books including this series (Under One Roof), the Wilder Adventures series and her Tierney bay series. All three are absolutely brilliant!
Please note that I was gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2018
A beautiful romance! When our heroine discovers her husband and the father of her son is still in love with his old girlfriend and wants to go back to her, she needs a little boost to her self-esteem. She finds it with a hot hookup in an alley with a guy in a bar.
Then she continues her life with her son. Until her son becomes best friends with the new neighbor boy next door and our heroine recognizes the boy's hot dad from her quickie ego boost.
Our hero never hooks up with the same woman twice since he lost his wife three years earlier, so he has no intention of getting closer to his son's best friend's mom. But a wedding invitation from her ex and a building friendship changes his mind quickly. Beautiful love story.
Then she continues her life with her son. Until her son becomes best friends with the new neighbor boy next door and our heroine recognizes the boy's hot dad from her quickie ego boost.
Our hero never hooks up with the same woman twice since he lost his wife three years earlier, so he has no intention of getting closer to his son's best friend's mom. But a wedding invitation from her ex and a building friendship changes his mind quickly. Beautiful love story.
June 24, 2019
This is a nice book, about nice people, with nice kids, figuring out how to make a second go round at love work for both of them. And sometimes, you really just want nice. (I am counting this for bingo because the hero picks the heroine up at a bar during their original ONS. Flimsy evidence maybe, but I think it works.)
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Wine & Spirits**
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Wine & Spirits**
March 31, 2022
Not a big fan of a dead spouse the h can’t compete with
August 15, 2018
ARC provided by the publisher in behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
Hero(s) rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Oh, Sleepover, how I loved you so!!
So get this...the guy/girl you randomly meet a bar one night...hook up with...ends up being your neighbor...and your kids become fast friends...what is a guy/girl to do?
In this case, you roll with punches, all the while fighting to move on from your past.
Elle Dunning was hit hard, emotionally and mentally, with the events that led to her divorce. Living in the shadow of her ex-husband's true love, Elle had signs all over the place but heeded all warnings. Now, single and raising her eight year old son, Madden, Elle vowed to never let love ruin her again.
Sawyer Paulson faced the biggest lost of his life - his true love, his best friend...his wife. Sawyer can't seem shake the ghost of his wife and the feelings he still has for her two years later, while being a single dad to his eight year old son, Jonah. He tries to start anew, moving away from the home he shared with his wife, Lucy. What he never expected was for his moment of weakness (and confusion) from the bar that scintillating night to be the woman living in the house next door.
Now...that's kind of all the details I can get into, but let's just say this story packed a punch that I was honestly not expecting. Full of laughs, emotions, steamy/sensuous moments and then some, I found myself not wanting to put this book down, not for one second.
The H, Sawyer and the h, Elle will leave you panting, sympathizing, laughing, oohing and aahing the whole way through!
The story flowed perfectly and delivered to catch and hold your attention.
While I wish I could share more, as well as some quotes that really hit home, out of respect of the author, I'll hold till the release date.
Add this to your TBR list and get ready to fall in love with Elle, Sawyer, Jonah and Madden.
Hero(s) rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Other woman/men drama:
Cheating:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Oh, Sleepover, how I loved you so!!
So get this...the guy/girl you randomly meet a bar one night...hook up with...ends up being your neighbor...and your kids become fast friends...what is a guy/girl to do?
In this case, you roll with punches, all the while fighting to move on from your past.
Elle Dunning was hit hard, emotionally and mentally, with the events that led to her divorce. Living in the shadow of her ex-husband's true love, Elle had signs all over the place but heeded all warnings. Now, single and raising her eight year old son, Madden, Elle vowed to never let love ruin her again.
Sawyer Paulson faced the biggest lost of his life - his true love, his best friend...his wife. Sawyer can't seem shake the ghost of his wife and the feelings he still has for her two years later, while being a single dad to his eight year old son, Jonah. He tries to start anew, moving away from the home he shared with his wife, Lucy. What he never expected was for his moment of weakness (and confusion) from the bar that scintillating night to be the woman living in the house next door.
Now...that's kind of all the details I can get into, but let's just say this story packed a punch that I was honestly not expecting. Full of laughs, emotions, steamy/sensuous moments and then some, I found myself not wanting to put this book down, not for one second.
The H, Sawyer and the h, Elle will leave you panting, sympathizing, laughing, oohing and aahing the whole way through!
The story flowed perfectly and delivered to catch and hold your attention.
While I wish I could share more, as well as some quotes that really hit home, out of respect of the author, I'll hold till the release date.
Add this to your TBR list and get ready to fall in love with Elle, Sawyer, Jonah and Madden.
November 11, 2018
4.5 Stars
Two single parents living next door.. yon can guess where this one is going... yet it's so much MORE than that. To quote Sawyer "We did everything backwards - Crazy monkey sex first, foreplay later, getting to know each other third". See 2 months ago before Sawyer moved to the house next to Elle, they met in a bar. Elle was two weeks after finalizing her divorce, in a need of getting back to who she was before the whole mess with her ex, and Sawyer, as usual was looking for a "relief" from the constant ache of losing his wife 2 years prior. He offers a night without a repeat and up until Elle it worked fine. Yet seeing her again, with a plate full of cookies as a good neighbor should, makes him for ONCE question his resolve.
Sawyer and Elle have the obvious in common, they are all alone, raising 8 year old boys, they are making their best efforts yet their sons are having a rough time dealing with their new life without a parent. While Elle's ex is still in the picture he isn't living with them, he has already moved on - getting married to his high school sweet heart in a couple of weeks.. They are both heart broken yet in a way they are both getting ready to a new beginning, though it takes them time to realize that. It might have started with pure lust, but even on their first time together, Sawyer already saw something special in Elle. It's really easy to fall for a guy like Sawyer, sweet and caring, a good listener, a great dad and neighbor (also to their sassy elderly next door). Yet Elle doesn't want to be the "second best" as she was for her ex. She wants to be loved and cherished and Sawyer doesn't seem like he is ready to offer her more than a sexual release - which is GREAT, but she isn't sure if it's enough. He is a great friend to her but things are getting more and more complicated, especially since they promised each other a whole night together at her ex's wedding..
I LOVED this book. It was in a way an easy steamy read, and yet it had another beautiful and heart breaking layer of everything both Sawyer and Elle endured. Both their stories were sad but they didn't let it truly dictate their lives. They took their chance and struggled to become a better version of themselves for themselves and their kids even if moving on romantically didn't seem to be in the cards.. Yet it WAS. Sawyer and Elle fit perfectly, even if not as seamless as their two boys become glued at the hips! ;) They were sweet and fun as well, didn't feel like they were overpowering the story or the romance which was truly great (sometimes it's an issue for me..).
HIGHLY recommended!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Two single parents living next door.. yon can guess where this one is going... yet it's so much MORE than that. To quote Sawyer "We did everything backwards - Crazy monkey sex first, foreplay later, getting to know each other third". See 2 months ago before Sawyer moved to the house next to Elle, they met in a bar. Elle was two weeks after finalizing her divorce, in a need of getting back to who she was before the whole mess with her ex, and Sawyer, as usual was looking for a "relief" from the constant ache of losing his wife 2 years prior. He offers a night without a repeat and up until Elle it worked fine. Yet seeing her again, with a plate full of cookies as a good neighbor should, makes him for ONCE question his resolve.
Sawyer and Elle have the obvious in common, they are all alone, raising 8 year old boys, they are making their best efforts yet their sons are having a rough time dealing with their new life without a parent. While Elle's ex is still in the picture he isn't living with them, he has already moved on - getting married to his high school sweet heart in a couple of weeks.. They are both heart broken yet in a way they are both getting ready to a new beginning, though it takes them time to realize that. It might have started with pure lust, but even on their first time together, Sawyer already saw something special in Elle. It's really easy to fall for a guy like Sawyer, sweet and caring, a good listener, a great dad and neighbor (also to their sassy elderly next door). Yet Elle doesn't want to be the "second best" as she was for her ex. She wants to be loved and cherished and Sawyer doesn't seem like he is ready to offer her more than a sexual release - which is GREAT, but she isn't sure if it's enough. He is a great friend to her but things are getting more and more complicated, especially since they promised each other a whole night together at her ex's wedding..
I LOVED this book. It was in a way an easy steamy read, and yet it had another beautiful and heart breaking layer of everything both Sawyer and Elle endured. Both their stories were sad but they didn't let it truly dictate their lives. They took their chance and struggled to become a better version of themselves for themselves and their kids even if moving on romantically didn't seem to be in the cards.. Yet it WAS. Sawyer and Elle fit perfectly, even if not as seamless as their two boys become glued at the hips! ;) They were sweet and fun as well, didn't feel like they were overpowering the story or the romance which was truly great (sometimes it's an issue for me..).
HIGHLY recommended!
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
March 28, 2022
This is the perfect book for anyone who loves enemies to lover and grumpy sunshine.
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
That one night stand? It was just the beginning…
My new neighbor, Elle, is everything I avoid. Chatty, sunshine-y, and determined that since our kids are brand-new BFFs, we should be too.
That would be bad news even if I hadn’t had a one-night stand with her a few months back that turned me inside out.
You see, since my wife died, I keep to myself. I hook up, but it’s always one-and-done. So you can imagine my shock when I discover that the girl next door is the one woman I was hoping never to see again.
Now I’m seeing her again… and again, and again. And all the promises I made to myself? They’re starting to look more like lies.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
That one night stand? It was just the beginning…
My new neighbor, Elle, is everything I avoid. Chatty, sunshine-y, and determined that since our kids are brand-new BFFs, we should be too.
That would be bad news even if I hadn’t had a one-night stand with her a few months back that turned me inside out.
You see, since my wife died, I keep to myself. I hook up, but it’s always one-and-done. So you can imagine my shock when I discover that the girl next door is the one woman I was hoping never to see again.
Now I’m seeing her again… and again, and again. And all the promises I made to myself? They’re starting to look more like lies.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
October 19, 2018
Since Sawyer's wife died, he's made it a practice of never being with a woman more than once. So in theory, finding out that Elle, a woman he hooked up with outside a bar months ago, just became his new neighbor shouldn't be a problem. Except it is.
This was a fun but fairly realistic contemporary romance featuring two people getting a second chance at love. Elle is recently divorced and obviously wary of getting into the same situation again and Sawyer is a recent widower. Both are single parents and dealing with all that that entails. Both characters had some baggage which added realism to the story but not so much baggage that it bogged down the plot. All in all, an enjoyable romance.
This was a fun but fairly realistic contemporary romance featuring two people getting a second chance at love. Elle is recently divorced and obviously wary of getting into the same situation again and Sawyer is a recent widower. Both are single parents and dealing with all that that entails. Both characters had some baggage which added realism to the story but not so much baggage that it bogged down the plot. All in all, an enjoyable romance.
November 7, 2018
Sleepover by Serena Bell is such a wonderful book. I was instantly in love with Sawyer and Elle. These characters are phenomenal, strong, and so so good together.
Sleepover is a story about loss, friendship, and two people who have to learn to trust each other after the heartbreaking experiences they both have. Each experience is different, but leaves both of them fighting to get past it and own their future.
When Sawyer and his son move to their new neighborhood, he doesn't expect to know his next door neighbor. But he does. Elle and Sawyer have one night together that neither of them has forgotten and it leads to so much more for both of them. I felt every heartache, every regret, every ounce of pain these two were going through. I couldn't get enough of this book. It's so heartfelt, so full of chemistry and has an explosion of love that you'll still be feeling long after you've read it.
So if you love a book that pulls at your heart strings, makes you wanna cry and about two people who among their chaos find each other, then you'll love this one. I sure did. It was such a beautiful romance that leaves you feeling whole. This was my first Serena Bell book and let me tell you, it won't be the last. Her writing is breathtaking and real.
I give Sleepover by Serena Bell 4 out of 5 STARS!!!
Sleepover is a story about loss, friendship, and two people who have to learn to trust each other after the heartbreaking experiences they both have. Each experience is different, but leaves both of them fighting to get past it and own their future.
When Sawyer and his son move to their new neighborhood, he doesn't expect to know his next door neighbor. But he does. Elle and Sawyer have one night together that neither of them has forgotten and it leads to so much more for both of them. I felt every heartache, every regret, every ounce of pain these two were going through. I couldn't get enough of this book. It's so heartfelt, so full of chemistry and has an explosion of love that you'll still be feeling long after you've read it.
So if you love a book that pulls at your heart strings, makes you wanna cry and about two people who among their chaos find each other, then you'll love this one. I sure did. It was such a beautiful romance that leaves you feeling whole. This was my first Serena Bell book and let me tell you, it won't be the last. Her writing is breathtaking and real.
I give Sleepover by Serena Bell 4 out of 5 STARS!!!
November 7, 2018
I usually love Serena Bell books, and maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind, but I just didn’t love this book. I LIKED it and when the storyline was at forefront, I really enjoyed this. But, to me, over half the book was either sex talk, phone sex, teasing about sex, or having sex. I want a story with a good plot, and don’t need to read about sex in every chapter. I don’t mind sex in books, and mostly enjoy them, so am not being a prude, but I don’t want it to be the main purpose of the book, and that’s how I felt about a lot of this book. I so enjoyed all the characters, and loved the 2 young boys. As i said, when the story was moving along, I loved it. For me, I just wish there was less emphasis on the sex parts.
March 30, 2022
*ARC kindly provided by Jelsba Media Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was absolutely delightful! It’s my first book by Serena Bell, but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book randomly while looking for new ARCs to read on the Romance section of NetGalley, and I wasn’t about to let go of the opportunity of reading a book with the single-dad trope.
I think that what immersed me into the story to the point of reading the book in one single day was the author’s writing. I was hesitant at first about how the author was going to resolve the story between the two main characters in a book of only 300 pages, but she did a fantastic job in developing their relationship. Taking into account that Elle and Sawyer first meet as each other’s one-night stand, then he ends up as her next-door new neighbor while their kids, Jonah and Madden, become instant best friends. All of this while the two of them are trying to overcome certain events in their lives, Elle her recent divorced after having had been cheated on, and Sawyer his wife’s death.
The aspect that I loved the most from this story is how both these characters were trying their hand at love for a second time in their lives while also dealing with the single-parent responsibilities that come with the status. The romance was important of course, but I liked how the author also prioritized the true feelings of the characters and let them be true with one another emotionally and not only physically. But the chemistry mind you was top tier as well.
If you liked the single-parent trope or the one-night stand trope that lately leads to a beautiful relationship, then Sleepover should be on your TBR as soon as possible!
This book was absolutely delightful! It’s my first book by Serena Bell, but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this book randomly while looking for new ARCs to read on the Romance section of NetGalley, and I wasn’t about to let go of the opportunity of reading a book with the single-dad trope.
I think that what immersed me into the story to the point of reading the book in one single day was the author’s writing. I was hesitant at first about how the author was going to resolve the story between the two main characters in a book of only 300 pages, but she did a fantastic job in developing their relationship. Taking into account that Elle and Sawyer first meet as each other’s one-night stand, then he ends up as her next-door new neighbor while their kids, Jonah and Madden, become instant best friends. All of this while the two of them are trying to overcome certain events in their lives, Elle her recent divorced after having had been cheated on, and Sawyer his wife’s death.
The aspect that I loved the most from this story is how both these characters were trying their hand at love for a second time in their lives while also dealing with the single-parent responsibilities that come with the status. The romance was important of course, but I liked how the author also prioritized the true feelings of the characters and let them be true with one another emotionally and not only physically. But the chemistry mind you was top tier as well.
If you liked the single-parent trope or the one-night stand trope that lately leads to a beautiful relationship, then Sleepover should be on your TBR as soon as possible!
December 20, 2018
Original review can be found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This book was everything that I have come to expect from Serena Bell. It was an interesting contemporary romance with likeable characters and enough steam to iron my shirts.
In Sleepover we were introduced to a widowed father and a recently divorced mother who have boys the same age. It just so happens that they had a one night stand when they were both hurting and then months later find themselves as next door neighbours with boys who become instant BFF's.
My favourite aspect of any contemporary romance isn't the sexy time but the chemistry and the anticipation. Bell does a great job in this book as Elle and Sawyer resist their attraction and then eagerly anticipate the wedding date and their little agreement. I was in their corner and hoping that they could heal enough to allow themselves to be happy together.
I have read numerous books by Serena Bell and plan to read many more. She always seems to satisfy my contemporary romance itch.
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This book was everything that I have come to expect from Serena Bell. It was an interesting contemporary romance with likeable characters and enough steam to iron my shirts.
In Sleepover we were introduced to a widowed father and a recently divorced mother who have boys the same age. It just so happens that they had a one night stand when they were both hurting and then months later find themselves as next door neighbours with boys who become instant BFF's.
My favourite aspect of any contemporary romance isn't the sexy time but the chemistry and the anticipation. Bell does a great job in this book as Elle and Sawyer resist their attraction and then eagerly anticipate the wedding date and their little agreement. I was in their corner and hoping that they could heal enough to allow themselves to be happy together.
I have read numerous books by Serena Bell and plan to read many more. She always seems to satisfy my contemporary romance itch.
May 28, 2019
Widower and single dad Sawyer is moving into a new home with the promised of reduced rent if he fixes up the house, when he moves in his son Jonah makes fast friends with the little boy next door. But when he meets that boy's mom, Elle, and It turns out that she's the woman he had a 1NS with a 2 months before. And not any old 1NS, but an alley wallbanger outside of a bar.. Elle is recently divorced from a cheating ex and is wary of being 2nd best again, and Sawyer still loves with his deceased wife.
Pluses: I think it's hard to pull of kids in a romance, but this one does it pretty well. Sawyer and Elle are nice, normal people with the regular fears about being hurt. If you were looking for a romance about normal people and problems, this is a great book.
Wishes: This is real specific, but I find it interesting the way romance needs to "backdate" the falling in love to the 1NS. Let me explain: Sawyer's wife died 2 years before & "a month or two" after his wife died, he went about once a week for a 1NSs, no repeat customers. Then, the 1NS with Elle. He doesn't see her again until he moves in next door. There's no reason he'd break this pattern he's set for himself bc of this particular 1NS, right? But then, at the end when they finally have the big "I love you talk", there's this need to "backdate" the falling in love to the hook up. And I just feel like...meh. I don't know. Maybe it was okay that he didn't fall in love with her until he actually knew her? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Verdict: Competent.
PS. I want to talk about one more thing with this book outside of the normal bounds of the review, because there was this one part that really got me thinking. (shocker). This passage brought me to a full stop...and not really in a good way. And I've been thinking a lot about why.
In romance we talk a lot about how the evolution of their sexual relationship mimics or matches the evolution of their emotional one. But, and I'd be interested in hearing from others on this....to me, that is the AUTHOR'S WORK for us as readers. I think where this passage goes wrong is that it makes it the CHARACTER'S mental work, and it honestly seems...wrong. Of course sex builds intimacy, but is it a 1-1 correlation? She's great at receiving my cum and I see that as a metaphor for how she receives my angst? The last line of this passage does work for me, the idea that they're at sea because the sex came before the emotional connection, and it's destabilizing, but I think using blow jobs as a metaphor for being a good listener is not a great one for a lot of reasons.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
Pluses: I think it's hard to pull of kids in a romance, but this one does it pretty well. Sawyer and Elle are nice, normal people with the regular fears about being hurt. If you were looking for a romance about normal people and problems, this is a great book.
Wishes: This is real specific, but I find it interesting the way romance needs to "backdate" the falling in love to the 1NS. Let me explain: Sawyer's wife died 2 years before & "a month or two" after his wife died, he went about once a week for a 1NSs, no repeat customers. Then, the 1NS with Elle. He doesn't see her again until he moves in next door. There's no reason he'd break this pattern he's set for himself bc of this particular 1NS, right? But then, at the end when they finally have the big "I love you talk", there's this need to "backdate" the falling in love to the hook up. And I just feel like...meh. I don't know. Maybe it was okay that he didn't fall in love with her until he actually knew her? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Verdict: Competent.
PS. I want to talk about one more thing with this book outside of the normal bounds of the review, because there was this one part that really got me thinking. (shocker). This passage brought me to a full stop...and not really in a good way. And I've been thinking a lot about why.
The other night when I came in her mouth, it felt like I was pouring myself into her. And that's what it feels like when I talk to her, too, like letting all the pent-up stuff just flow out, and she takes it in and accepts it. But I have a bad hangover-is feeling about it now. Like I mixed beer and whiskey in the wrong order.
In romance we talk a lot about how the evolution of their sexual relationship mimics or matches the evolution of their emotional one. But, and I'd be interested in hearing from others on this....to me, that is the AUTHOR'S WORK for us as readers. I think where this passage goes wrong is that it makes it the CHARACTER'S mental work, and it honestly seems...wrong. Of course sex builds intimacy, but is it a 1-1 correlation? She's great at receiving my cum and I see that as a metaphor for how she receives my angst? The last line of this passage does work for me, the idea that they're at sea because the sex came before the emotional connection, and it's destabilizing, but I think using blow jobs as a metaphor for being a good listener is not a great one for a lot of reasons.
Copied & Pasted from Twitter as part of a project where I'm reading all the 2019 RITA finalists
December 13, 2018
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Serena Bell is one of my favorite authors out there!! I previously read Head Over Heels and was excited to read her new book, Sleepover. You will not be disappointed picking this one up, I promise. I finished it in the span of three/four hours because it was just that good.
Two years ago, Sawyer’s wife, Lucy, passed away. Over the next two years he fills his time working, caring for their son, and having sex. When Sawyer and Jonah move into a new home not far from his parent’s, the last thing he expected to see was a one night stand he hasn’t been able to forget.
Elle is trying to piece her life back together after her husband cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend resulting in him leaving Elle and their son, Madden. When Elle meets the new neighbors things get interesting.
When Elle and Sawyer had their one night stand -- one time stand -- Sawyer made it clear he did not do repeats. Of course, his resolve is going to be tested when they now live next door to each other. Sawyer hasn’t gotten over the death of his wife, Lucy, and Elle is still dealing with the hurt of her ex-husband, Trevor, leaving.
Those two know how to have hot foreplay and sex. Wow. However, they both have some healing to do before they are actually ready to move on. Sawyer needs to deal with the passing of his wife and Elle needs to deal with her husband leaving.
I love the fact that they did not sugar coat their intentions at the beginning. They were straightforward and honest. Sleepover is full of so many emotions that I found myself tearing up in places. You will really love reading it, Serena really did a wonderful job writing it.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Serena Bell is one of my favorite authors out there!! I previously read Head Over Heels and was excited to read her new book, Sleepover. You will not be disappointed picking this one up, I promise. I finished it in the span of three/four hours because it was just that good.
Two years ago, Sawyer’s wife, Lucy, passed away. Over the next two years he fills his time working, caring for their son, and having sex. When Sawyer and Jonah move into a new home not far from his parent’s, the last thing he expected to see was a one night stand he hasn’t been able to forget.
Elle is trying to piece her life back together after her husband cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend resulting in him leaving Elle and their son, Madden. When Elle meets the new neighbors things get interesting.
When Elle and Sawyer had their one night stand -- one time stand -- Sawyer made it clear he did not do repeats. Of course, his resolve is going to be tested when they now live next door to each other. Sawyer hasn’t gotten over the death of his wife, Lucy, and Elle is still dealing with the hurt of her ex-husband, Trevor, leaving.
Those two know how to have hot foreplay and sex. Wow. However, they both have some healing to do before they are actually ready to move on. Sawyer needs to deal with the passing of his wife and Elle needs to deal with her husband leaving.
I love the fact that they did not sugar coat their intentions at the beginning. They were straightforward and honest. Sleepover is full of so many emotions that I found myself tearing up in places. You will really love reading it, Serena really did a wonderful job writing it.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
April 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adore this book! I am a huge lover of grumpy x sunshine trope, the guy being all, ‘I’ll never love again because i have been hurt but love but i will love you forever’ and the girl being like, ‘I too have been hurt by love but so happy go lucky i am willing to give love a try again’. I think the only thing i disliked was the original meeting, I don’t know about you but I know full well that you couldn’t pay me enough money to have sex in an alleyway but hey that’s just me. Everyone is different. It’s not your usual meet cute but i love how each romance novel i read the meet cute it different and I’ve never see that one before.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and the interactions with Elle and Sawyer i loved the chemistry between them and i adore the instant relationship between their sons. It was so nice. I really liked the different aspects of both of the characters grief, Elle grieving over getting a divorce and Sawyer grieving the lose of his wife and you see how they both grow individually but also together. I definitely recommend the book.
I absolutely adore this book! I am a huge lover of grumpy x sunshine trope, the guy being all, ‘I’ll never love again because i have been hurt but love but i will love you forever’ and the girl being like, ‘I too have been hurt by love but so happy go lucky i am willing to give love a try again’. I think the only thing i disliked was the original meeting, I don’t know about you but I know full well that you couldn’t pay me enough money to have sex in an alleyway but hey that’s just me. Everyone is different. It’s not your usual meet cute but i love how each romance novel i read the meet cute it different and I’ve never see that one before.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and the interactions with Elle and Sawyer i loved the chemistry between them and i adore the instant relationship between their sons. It was so nice. I really liked the different aspects of both of the characters grief, Elle grieving over getting a divorce and Sawyer grieving the lose of his wife and you see how they both grow individually but also together. I definitely recommend the book.
Shelved as 'not-interested'
January 11, 2019Because
July 21, 2022
2.5 stars
This could've been a favorite for me, the plot had everything I like but it all felt so...shallow. The characters that were not the main couple were very one-dimensional, including their own kids, and it kinda bothered me.
This could've been a favorite for me, the plot had everything I like but it all felt so...shallow. The characters that were not the main couple were very one-dimensional, including their own kids, and it kinda bothered me.
November 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
I almost gave up on Serena Bell after her last book I read of hers was completely unappealing to me (Do Over). But I am so glad I didn’t, because Sleepover turned out to hit the sweet spot.
Actually, when this book started I was a bit leery of the hero - I’m not a fan of the manwhore to begin with, and when he’s a man who’s supposedly mourning the death of his beloved wife? That doesn’t sit well with me. At all. And if it had been brought up much more, it really would have diminished my enjoyment of this book. Now that I think about it, I guess I am more than a bit perturbed by his behavior - he apparently started going out and having one-night-stands “at least once a week since a month or two” after his wife died. Which was two years ago. I get that people mourn and cope with loss differently, but having sex with almost a hundred women isn’t an attractive personality trait to me, and doesn’t earn him any sympathy in my book. I don’t understand why authors think this is the kind of guy who is admirable, or romantic, or that it’s romantic that a guy who jumps into bed with any woman will suddenly stop when the “right” woman comes along. Geesh...how did I manage to end up liking this guy???
Sorry. Time to get this review back on track after that unplanned, ranting derailment.
Elle and Sawyer meet one night at a bar. They had a drunken hook-up in the alley, then went their separate ways. Until one day a couple months later when Elle discovers the father of her son’s new best friend is the man from the bar, and he has just moved in next door.
Turns out they both had thought about the other - frequently. But getting involved seems like a bad idea. They’re neighbors, their sons are connected at the hip...also, they each have pretty significant baggage. For Elle, it’s an ex-husband who left her for a former girlfriend - one he hadn’t ever stopped loving. For Sawyer, it’s a wife who died, who he’s not ready to say goodbye to.
The thing I really liked about this story is how organically the relationship developed. They first had an awkward friendship, moved to flirting, then decided to give a relationship a try. Elle and Sawyer did their best to be open and honest with each other, even if they weren’t always honest with themselves. And when things fell apart between them, it was for a reasonable and realistic situation which wasn’t over-dramatized or made unnecessarily angsty. My heart felt sad for both Elle and Sawyer because they both tried to do all the right things, but it took some time for each to sort out their baggage.
These are the kinds of books I like to read (minus the hero who thinks the best way get through his sorrow is by banging any willing woman). The simple stories about people figuring out their way back to happiness. There was no extra drama by outside sources, no outrageous situations, just a story about two people who’ve been a little battered by life and just happen to find the one person who can help them feel whole again. And that’s why I think I was able to overlook the hero’s pre-heroine less-than-desirable behavior. The rest of this story pretty much made me happy-sigh.
* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I almost gave up on Serena Bell after her last book I read of hers was completely unappealing to me (Do Over). But I am so glad I didn’t, because Sleepover turned out to hit the sweet spot.
Actually, when this book started I was a bit leery of the hero - I’m not a fan of the manwhore to begin with, and when he’s a man who’s supposedly mourning the death of his beloved wife? That doesn’t sit well with me. At all. And if it had been brought up much more, it really would have diminished my enjoyment of this book. Now that I think about it, I guess I am more than a bit perturbed by his behavior - he apparently started going out and having one-night-stands “at least once a week since a month or two” after his wife died. Which was two years ago. I get that people mourn and cope with loss differently, but having sex with almost a hundred women isn’t an attractive personality trait to me, and doesn’t earn him any sympathy in my book. I don’t understand why authors think this is the kind of guy who is admirable, or romantic, or that it’s romantic that a guy who jumps into bed with any woman will suddenly stop when the “right” woman comes along. Geesh...how did I manage to end up liking this guy???
Sorry. Time to get this review back on track after that unplanned, ranting derailment.
Elle and Sawyer meet one night at a bar. They had a drunken hook-up in the alley, then went their separate ways. Until one day a couple months later when Elle discovers the father of her son’s new best friend is the man from the bar, and he has just moved in next door.
Turns out they both had thought about the other - frequently. But getting involved seems like a bad idea. They’re neighbors, their sons are connected at the hip...also, they each have pretty significant baggage. For Elle, it’s an ex-husband who left her for a former girlfriend - one he hadn’t ever stopped loving. For Sawyer, it’s a wife who died, who he’s not ready to say goodbye to.
The thing I really liked about this story is how organically the relationship developed. They first had an awkward friendship, moved to flirting, then decided to give a relationship a try. Elle and Sawyer did their best to be open and honest with each other, even if they weren’t always honest with themselves. And when things fell apart between them, it was for a reasonable and realistic situation which wasn’t over-dramatized or made unnecessarily angsty. My heart felt sad for both Elle and Sawyer because they both tried to do all the right things, but it took some time for each to sort out their baggage.
These are the kinds of books I like to read (minus the hero who thinks the best way get through his sorrow is by banging any willing woman). The simple stories about people figuring out their way back to happiness. There was no extra drama by outside sources, no outrageous situations, just a story about two people who’ve been a little battered by life and just happen to find the one person who can help them feel whole again. And that’s why I think I was able to overlook the hero’s pre-heroine less-than-desirable behavior. The rest of this story pretty much made me happy-sigh.
* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2018
Sleepover is the first book by Serena Bell that I have read. The use of alternate point of view narration provides insight into the main characters thoughts and feelings and sets the tone for this fast-paced, sensuous second chance story.
The weekend after her divorce was finalized, Elle Dunning went out with her girlfriends to celebrate. Elle was coming to grips with the fact that husband left her for his high school girlfriend and decided to hook up with a guy she met at the bar. Imagine her surprise when she recognizes her new neighbor, Sawyer Paulsen, as Mr. Hookup!
The sexual chemistry between Elle and Sawyer is off the charts. Both have suffered loss- Elle’s divorce and Sawyer’s wife’s death. I loved that their sons got along so well and the families shared game nights. The secondary characters of Brooks, Trevor, Hattie and Capria added a lot of humor to the story. I liked that Elle and Sawyer supported each other. Elle pitched in and helped with Jonah’s birthday party. Sawyer was interested in Elle’s writing career and encouraged her to finish her book. Loved the scene when Sawyer and Elle’s ex-husband, Trevor, meet- it was so funny to read Trevor trying to outshine Sawyer.
Serena Bell has written a wonderful second chance romance with all the feels. She does a fabulous job balancing the couple’s attraction, Elle’s writing career, Sawyer’s acceptance of his wife’s death and realization that it’s ok to move on. Sawyer’s last entry in the journal made me tear up. . he understands what love is.
Sleepover is a charming, feel good romance with characters that will tug at your heartstrings. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The weekend after her divorce was finalized, Elle Dunning went out with her girlfriends to celebrate. Elle was coming to grips with the fact that husband left her for his high school girlfriend and decided to hook up with a guy she met at the bar. Imagine her surprise when she recognizes her new neighbor, Sawyer Paulsen, as Mr. Hookup!
The sexual chemistry between Elle and Sawyer is off the charts. Both have suffered loss- Elle’s divorce and Sawyer’s wife’s death. I loved that their sons got along so well and the families shared game nights. The secondary characters of Brooks, Trevor, Hattie and Capria added a lot of humor to the story. I liked that Elle and Sawyer supported each other. Elle pitched in and helped with Jonah’s birthday party. Sawyer was interested in Elle’s writing career and encouraged her to finish her book. Loved the scene when Sawyer and Elle’s ex-husband, Trevor, meet- it was so funny to read Trevor trying to outshine Sawyer.
Serena Bell has written a wonderful second chance romance with all the feels. She does a fabulous job balancing the couple’s attraction, Elle’s writing career, Sawyer’s acceptance of his wife’s death and realization that it’s ok to move on. Sawyer’s last entry in the journal made me tear up. . he understands what love is.
Sleepover is a charming, feel good romance with characters that will tug at your heartstrings. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 11, 2018
Sleepover by Serena Bell is a captivating book that I immediately fell in love with. This is the my first read by Serena Bell and it certainly will not be my last. This book was well written and the characters were well developed.
The two main characters, Elle and Sawyer, are mature adults who put the needs of their children first, which I found refreshing. Elle, a woman who has been wronged and who is doing an amazing job of making a new life for herself and her eight year old son. Sawyer has experienced a crushing loss, and is also trying to raise his eight year old son alone. Elle and Sawer meet, explode together and then walk away…. Ahhhh, not so fast, what would be the fun in that. They end up neighbors, and then, that's when the sparks ignite the blazing sexual attraction between them. Ms. Bell also does an exceptional job helping us get to know Madden, Elle’s son and Jonah, Sawyer's son. I loved that she developed these boys and gave them their own voice.
There is so much going on in this book, I am unable to put it into my review, but let me tell you, I could not put this book down. This book shows you that love really is worth the rocky road it sometimes takes to get there. I highly recommend this book and I hope that Ms. Bell will continue this series with Brooks and Eve’s story.
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***
The two main characters, Elle and Sawyer, are mature adults who put the needs of their children first, which I found refreshing. Elle, a woman who has been wronged and who is doing an amazing job of making a new life for herself and her eight year old son. Sawyer has experienced a crushing loss, and is also trying to raise his eight year old son alone. Elle and Sawer meet, explode together and then walk away…. Ahhhh, not so fast, what would be the fun in that. They end up neighbors, and then, that's when the sparks ignite the blazing sexual attraction between them. Ms. Bell also does an exceptional job helping us get to know Madden, Elle’s son and Jonah, Sawyer's son. I loved that she developed these boys and gave them their own voice.
There is so much going on in this book, I am unable to put it into my review, but let me tell you, I could not put this book down. This book shows you that love really is worth the rocky road it sometimes takes to get there. I highly recommend this book and I hope that Ms. Bell will continue this series with Brooks and Eve’s story.
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review in order to read this book. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***
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March 29, 2022RE-RELEASE NOW LIVE!
Sleepover is here! Book #3 in the Under One Roof series has been re-released and is now available in ebook and, for the first time, in paperback.
This book was originally published under the same title in 2018. It has been lightly revised and updated.
✔️ Steamy small-town romantic comedy
✔️ Single dad hero
✔️ Under one roof
✔️ One night-to-forever
✔️ Grumpy-sunshine
Here’s what reviewers said about Sleepover:
“Touching and seductive . . . a perfect blend of romantic sexiness and sweet sentimentality.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Serena Bell’s books have heat and soul—a potent combination.”—Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of Duke, Actually
“Sleepover has everything you want in a romance. It’s achingly sweet, nuclear hot, and so smart. I finished it and immediately wanted to go back to the beginning.”—Karen Booth, author of Gray Hair Don’t Care
Read it in ebook ➤➤➤
AMAZON: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Amazon
APPLE: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Apple
NOOK: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Nook
KOBO: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Kobo
GOOGLE: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Google
Read it in paperback ➤➤➤
https://www.amazon.com/Sleepover-Stea...
Sleepover is here! Book #3 in the Under One Roof series has been re-released and is now available in ebook and, for the first time, in paperback.
This book was originally published under the same title in 2018. It has been lightly revised and updated.
✔️ Steamy small-town romantic comedy
✔️ Single dad hero
✔️ Under one roof
✔️ One night-to-forever
✔️ Grumpy-sunshine
Here’s what reviewers said about Sleepover:
“Touching and seductive . . . a perfect blend of romantic sexiness and sweet sentimentality.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Serena Bell’s books have heat and soul—a potent combination.”—Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of Duke, Actually
“Sleepover has everything you want in a romance. It’s achingly sweet, nuclear hot, and so smart. I finished it and immediately wanted to go back to the beginning.”—Karen Booth, author of Gray Hair Don’t Care
Read it in ebook ➤➤➤
AMAZON: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Amazon
APPLE: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Apple
NOOK: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Nook
KOBO: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Kobo
GOOGLE: http://serenabell.com/r/Sleepover-Google
Read it in paperback ➤➤➤
https://www.amazon.com/Sleepover-Stea...
October 19, 2020
Selecting a random from my Kindle Library, produced a hidden gem, and now I need to read All The Serena Bell. A favourite read, and will be a definite re-read in the future.
Single father, single mother = Rebecca catnip.
He, a widower not over his lost wife, she a divorcee not over the sting of her ex-husband; both with 8 year old boys who become besties, when they became neighbours - and uh oh, mum and dad realise they’ve met each other from a hookup that one time...
I read this expecting a trashy, fun, sexy contemporary read, because mood... but was surprised to find so much maturity and hidden depth - and I may have cried happy tears at the end - so good, absolutely fulfilling in everything I never knew I needed.
Their past relationships weren’t minimised. His lost first wife, wasn’t a caricature for a plot point. There was grief to sort through, on both sides. Fears to overcome. This went slow, with excellent pacing.
Excellent sex written on the page. Very sexy, very steamy, definitely on the erotica side (Not too much though). A good sense of secondary characters to round out story.
Why is this only a stand alone?!! I need Brooke’s story (cries), and Hattie, etc.
Single father, single mother = Rebecca catnip.
He, a widower not over his lost wife, she a divorcee not over the sting of her ex-husband; both with 8 year old boys who become besties, when they became neighbours - and uh oh, mum and dad realise they’ve met each other from a hookup that one time...
I read this expecting a trashy, fun, sexy contemporary read, because mood... but was surprised to find so much maturity and hidden depth - and I may have cried happy tears at the end - so good, absolutely fulfilling in everything I never knew I needed.
Their past relationships weren’t minimised. His lost first wife, wasn’t a caricature for a plot point. There was grief to sort through, on both sides. Fears to overcome. This went slow, with excellent pacing.
Excellent sex written on the page. Very sexy, very steamy, definitely on the erotica side (Not too much though). A good sense of secondary characters to round out story.
Why is this only a stand alone?!! I need Brooke’s story (cries), and Hattie, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews