Well written fun romance

Sleepover is the second book I've read and enjoyed by Serena Bell.
I totally understood why both Elle and Sawyer have good reasons to be reticent to get involved in a relationship. The author did an excellent job of sharing their pasts with the reader which made the HEA even more special. The secondary characters added depth to the story.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

Elle is fresh from a divorce that she didn’t see coming. Still reeling and hurt, she decides that the best thing for her to do is to go to a bar and forget her problems. And oh boy, did she. She met Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent at the bar. Before she knew it, they were having sex up against the outside of the bar. The best sex she has ever had. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent leaves right afterward. Fast forward a few months. Elle has gotten new neighbors. Elle is surprised to see that her new neighbor is Mr. Tall, Dark, and Silent and his 8-year-old son.

Sawyer is still grieving the death of his wife from cancer. Selling the business and the house that they built together, he moves into a rental to start over fresh. He has never forgotten the blonde that he picked up at the bar a few months back. The blonde that had sadness in her eyes. The blonde that gave him the best one-night stand he ever had. Sawyer is surprised to see the blonde from that night is his next door neighbor. Even more surprising is that she has an 8-year-old son that immediately bonds with his son. He is surprised that he wants Elle as much as he did that night in the bar. He soon finds out that Elle wants him as bad. But, they are both hesitant. A chance encounter with Elle’s ex-husband draws Elle and Sawyer together. They make a pact. No sex until the wedding. Can they both hold out for the wedding? And is there hope for a lasting relationship.

I am going to start this review talking about sex. Or the lack of it. Sleepover did something very rare for a contemporary romance novel. The author had the main characters (Sawyer and Elle) from having actual sex until almost the end of the book. Well, besides the hookup which happened several months earlier. Instead, they kissed, sexted or had oral sex. There was so much build up that when they actually had sex, it was amazing. Put it this way, I needed a fan and a cold shower when the book was over.

But, what I liked the most, is that the author had Sawyer and Elle build up a friendship. They might have started off as sex but they became friends. I loved seeing them bond over the boys and their different hurts. Loved it!!

The main plotline was Elle and Sawyer’s relationship. Even though the book was told in 1st person, I couldn’t tell what Sawyer felt for Elle for the longest time. I don’t even think he knew what he felt until Brooks pointed out the obvious. I knew everything that Elle felt for Sawyer. She wasn’t as hidden with her feelings…lol.

I loved the storyline with the boys. What they did for that transgender girl brought tears to my eyes. I also loved their friendship. Right from the get-go, they were inseparable.

The end of Sleepover was what I expected. It was a true HEA. I loved that Elle and Sawyer were able to talk about things and get things straight. What Sawyer wrote in that journal touched my heart. I was crying with Elle. Also, the end of the book made me smile. Loved how it came full circle!!

I gave Sleepover a 4-star rating. This was a cute book with a realistic romance. The plotlines were great. I loved how the author held off on the sex until the end of the book. The only thing I didn’t like was Elle’s ex. I thought he was a jerk (Mr. Yap perfectly described him….lol).

I would give Sleepover an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is mild violence. There are triggers. They would be divorce and death of a spouse. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Sleepover. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Sleepover.

All opinions stated in this review of Sleepover are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Learning to fall in love again!

Since Elle Dunning’s divorce is done, her friends talk her into a night out where she has a one night stand with a stranger just to prove that she is still attractive to guys since her ex-husband left her and their son for his high school girlfriend. Several months later, widower Sawyer Paulson and his son moved in next door to Elle and he turned out to be the guy she had a one night stand with and their sons become best friends.

When two single parents fall in love can almost be a cliché but Serena Bell has shown where two people are hurting and just trying to heal, Elle from her divorce and Sawyer from his wife’s death from cancer. The scene where Elle and Sawyer have to go to the elementary school because the boys are in trouble with a teacher for supporting another child and showing how kids handle kids that feel they are born in the wrong body and how other kids deal with it.

Sleepover has a few characters that cross over from other books but it definitely can standalone without reading the other books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sawyer's beloved wife Lucy died two years ago and ever since, he's just been trying to get by day-to-day caring for his young son. While he's definitely not ready to get into anything serious with a woman, he's had a steady stream of hookups that have kept him quite satisfied. Now, moving into a new home he's renovating, Sawyer is a little more on the fine side then he's been in quite some time. That is, until he discovers his next door neighbor is none other than one of his hookups, Elle. She's the only woman since his wife that actually made him take pause and think about something more than just a meaningless hookup.

After finding out her husband was cheating on her with his high school girlfriend, newly single mom Elle isn't ready to be put in second place again. Despite really connecting with Sawyer, she knows that he's still madly in love with his wife. She understands, but she doesn't ever want to feel like someone is just settling for her again. But the closer they get, the more both of them are willing to risk, but will it pay off in the end?

I was really surprised by how much I loved this story. I loved how Serena Bell gave us these two single parents (single for completely different reasons) and was able to connect both of their apprehensions, yet hopefulness, about getting into a new relationship based on the things that made them single in the first place. In Sawyer's case it's losing his wife. In Elle's case it's the divorce after being cheated on. Both Sawyer and Elle are at a point where they could take that final step and move on / forward with their lives, and the readers are along for the ride seeing them struggle to leave the past where it is and look to the future.

It's a really sweet story augmented by the close friendship that develops between Sawyer and Elle's sons who of course have to be taken into consideration, but are surprisingly more in-tuned with their own feelings and emotions than their respective parents.

Sleepover is pretty much everything I look for in a romance. The ruminations on being a single parent and letting yourself love again was done very well. I was first introduced to Serena Bell when I read her book Head Over Heels. While Sleepover can be read as a complete standalone, it shares some minor characters that were featured in Head Over Heels so if you've read the former, you'll be happy to get a little update on those characters, and if not, then maybe it'll prompt you to pick up the earlier books.

Sawyer is still working through his grief after the loss of his wife two years ago. Circumstances have caused him to move into a fixer-upper and the only good thing is that his next door neighbor has a son the same age. Oh, and there's one other thing -- he knows his neighbor from a "one night only" hook up that he had a few months ago.

Elle is recovering too -- from a divorce precipitated by her husband leaving her for his first "real" love. She's got some real trust issues she's dealing with, but one thing is for sure -- she doesn't want to be in a relationship again where her significant other may have feelings for someone in his past.

When Sawyer and Elle realize that they are now neighbors, it ignites the feelings they both had when they hooked up. Sawyer is not ready for all the emotions generated by this development, but he gradually sees that maybe he does want a second time with Elle, if she'll have him.

It takes them a while to get back into the bedroom, but when they do, both are stunned by their connection. Just as Sawyer seems to want to give it a chance, Elle uncovers something that has her running and for good reason. I had to admire Elle here -- she puts herself first, even though it was a painful moment.

Sawyer and Elle are just so perfect for each other, but it takes a while for them to open up their hearts! Their boys are so close and everything seems to be on track for them to give love and life another chance. It just took some honesty and some tears to get there. I do love a man who isn't afraid to say how he feels when it comes down to it.

I enjoyed this title from Serena Bell. Every time I read something from her, I tell myself I need to be reading more from this author. This story is sweet and at times sad, but it captures a good bit of what it takes to move on from big life changes and I loved that about the story.

An ARC was provided for review.

3.5 stars. 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.

I really loved this romance. I couldn't put it down. Sawyer and Elle have a reason not to get into a new relationship. Sawyer lost his wife a few years ago and still loves and misses her. Elle husband divorce her for his high school sweetheart. In a weak moment Elle decides to hook up at a bar just to put herself out there. A few months later, lo and behold guess who moves in next door. Her hook up, and he has a son the same age as hers and they immediately become best buds. It was so fun watching these two pretend they didn't know each other and the sexual tension between is so hot. I love this story because for each it was hard to move on. We never forget our first love and we don't get over the hurt when the one we love leaves us. The attraction between them was so good and I could not wait the end so I could see the couple get heir happy ever after.

Sweet, sexy, witty, emotional - just plain good! Sleepover is a second chance romance in the sense that it is a second chance for both Sawyer and Elle. It also has elements of a fake romance, but most of all, it's just a really good story about two people figuring things out. It is an emotional read, especially with Sawyer still grieving his wife, but it's tempered with well-timed moments of levity to keep things from getting too heavy. This one isn't my first read by Serena Bell, but it is certainly my favorite. It's full of likable and interesting characters, witty dialogue - both the kind between characters and inner dialogue as Sawyer and Elle work out their feelings - two boys who have no problem calling it as they see it, friendship, family, and a romance that is both wonderfully sweet and oh, so sexy.

This was a touching romance about two next-door neighbors whose eight-year old sons have bonded and who once had an anonymous one-night stand. Sawyer is recovering from the tragic death of his wife. Elle is trying to recover from her husband leaving her for his first love. She is falling for Sawyer, but doesn’t want to get involved with another man who can’t get over a previous love.

There was something very touching about the growing relationship and uncertainties between these two. I quite enjoyed it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This is my second Serena Bell story, and I realize I missed the second one in this world but I plan on going back and getting myself caught up as I'm really enjoying the stories in this story world. Sawyer and Elle each have their own reasons for not wanting to get into another relationship. Sawyer deals with the pain of the death of his wife every day and does what he can to make sure his son has all the love he needs. Elle was badly hurt by her ex-husband and is now gun-shy that each guy she meets will always have someone he loves more than her and she'd rather not be second best to anyone. Her son and Sawyer's son become quick friends and both Sawyer and Elle need to navigate the thin line between, friends, neighbors and quickly increasing attraction. Do they have the ability to let others in? Or will their pasts drive a permanent wedge between them? Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Sleepover is a light and fun contemporary romance that I liked quite a bit. The hero and heroine are single parents (the hero is widowed, the heroine divorced) and since I don't often read about single parent main characters this was a nice change of pace for me that I liked very much. Both characters were very likeable - all of their feelings and thoughts were appropriate to their situations and I was very empathetic to both of them throughout the book. I found the fact that the hero was a furniture maker/handy man very attractive (I need one of those!) and loved that he was quiet and a good listener. The heat level fits well and seamlessly into the overall romance of the story. This was my first book by this author but I am going to look to see what else she has written that I can add to my TBR for when I am in the mood for a good contemporary romance.

Loved this one! It sucked me in immediately and I just couldn't put it down. Sawyer and Elle are intriguing characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching their walls crumble. Sawyer is a widower who never wants to risk feeling that kind of pain again. Elle's husband left her to go back to his high school sweetheart. She's vowed to never be anyone else's second choice. A year ago these two had one night of passion. Now they find themselves next door neighbors with their sons best friends. This is not how things were supposed to go!

Great characters, great writing and great fun. Definitely a book for the must read list. I highly recommend.

Wonderful, sweet, sexy, fun romance. What happens when that night you decided to throw away your inhibitions and embrace a one-night stand moves in next door to you? Sawyer and Elle are new neighbors and realize that they have met before for a crazy, sexy encounter. As these two navigate life as single parents, their boys become inseparable, but they each carry scars from the past. Will they allow themselves to embrace the attraction that they share? The boys, Jonah and Madden, are amazing as they show how easy it is to make friends and stand up for what you believe in. Elle is trying to protect herself after a crappy marriage but Sawyer is different, letting her be herself, can she trust what he shows her? Sawyer, oh, losing the love of his life, he believes that miracle can’t happen again yet Elle grabs him in a new way. Will he stop punishing himself and let love in? I truly enjoyed this journey as this foursome works to build a new family. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

I may have found a new favorite single parent romance! It was sweet, charming,and a little naughty but with just the right amount of angst and heartache. I didn't want to put it down. Sawyer and Elle had great chemistry and I loved the fact that their sons figured out they were meant to be a family even before the parents did. I can't wait to read more books by Serena Bell.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

When Elle Dunning’s husband leaves her for his high school sweetheart, she knows she needs to be strong and upbeat for her eight year old son. It’s not easy being a single Mom, and now she’s been invited to her ex-husbands wedding. Who the hell does that. That’s when her best friend convinces to go out with her and to get her groove back by having a one-night stand. Emboldened by her best friend Elle makes a decision and approaches a hunk sitting at the bar, even thou he’s not much of a talker. The chemistry iwas sizzling and the sex was amazing. These are the memories she will always have. Then things get really weird. A new neighbor moves next door and immediately her son makes friends with another eight year old. Deciding to be a good neighbor Elle goes over to welcome them and that’s when she realizes her new neighbor is her one night stand! Wow, how awkward. Now the boys have become best friends and Elle and Sawyer are also spending more time together.
Sawyer lost his wife to cancer two years ago and has no intentions of ever falling in love again. When he and his son move to a new neighborhood, his son is miserable, since he doesn’t have any friends. But luck has it that next door is also an eight year old boy and now they have become inseparable. The problem is that the Mom is a one night stand he had recently. Now he’s spending time at her place for game night and goes as her date to her ex-husbands wedding.
Can two people who have loved and lost so much, find happiness with each other.
Fabulous book!

Sleepover (Kindle Edition) by Serena Bell ...This book grabbed from the start and never let go... thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Sawyer and Elle have a lot in common...both single parents of 8 yr old boys...her husband divorced her to marry his ex girlfriend...she is not over the hurt of being second best... his wife died two years ago and he is not over her loss and never wants that hurt again.. Then after a one time hookup he moves next door. There are lots of laughs ..I cried some and it was ugly..then I laughed again...and lets not forget the steamy sex ...all taking us on a journey to a very HEA.

Excellent story! Serena Bell did a terrific job on this book as it flowed smoothly and was well developed. I loved the storyline and all the characters. Romance is in the air, so pick this one up!

3.5 Stars - I love Serena Bell's ability bring single parents into the spotlight of a romance novel. I thought that this book was so endearing: two parents who's boys become best friends, so they end up falling for each other. It was so cute. It was also very steamy. Like a little x-rated steamy. I probably could have done a bit more of their budding friendship, and a little less dirty talk, but that's just me. I loved Bell's other book Head Over Heels, and while I didn't like this one as much, I'll definitely read more Serena Bell books in the future.

I really enjoyed this sweet story. I liked that it was a slow burn even though Elle and Sawyer had already been together. It made for delicious sexual tension and anticipation. The friendship between Jonah and Madden was so heartwarming. I could really feel the emotions that the H and h felt from their past experiences as well as the emotions between them. This is just a genuinely good story with some really sexy moments.

this was actually my first book by this author, but it won't be my last!

it was hilarious and steamy AF. i loved the characters, they were so fabulously realistic. the dead ex is not my favourite trope and i admit, i prefer it when it's like 'well actually she was awful/he was just about to leave me/whatever whatever'. this is not the case in this book - which of course is more realistic - and that made it a much more emotional read, you know? because it really is heartbreaking, being on either side. but anyway. i really really enjoyed it, it was funny and adorable and i want to read everything serena bell publishes.