Another fun read following the Vega family, this time the youngest brother Leo and Kamilah's best friend Sofi.

Leo and Sofi have been enemies from childhood, but secretly hooking since their teen years. Following the aftermath of the first two books, Leo is recovering from his gun shot and Sofi is returning from a year abroad, after a friend break-up with Kamilah. Sofi needs a place to stay, Leo's apartment has a spare room, and Papo Vega plots to help another Vega find love.

Loved this book! Still liked book 2 better but this one was great as well! She kept annoying me because why wouldnt she want Leo!!! lol

I very much enjoyed Sleeping With the Frenemy.

It was funny most of the time, serious when it needed to be, lovable when the mood struck it and culturally resonant all the time.

The way Cana wrote the family ties and the differences in each family was phenomenal. The language used was great and I kept saying certain things the way I remembered my family members saying them. Now I’m not Puerto Rican but a lot of my friends are so I’ve been brought in to their celebrations and vivacity.

Sleeping With The Frenemy showcased all of that and more. Sofi was pretty relatable and quite frankly, I completely understood her. Leo was also pretty relatable and the chemistry between the two of them was scorching.

There was a, necessary, third act breakup which brought the rating down a little for me but other than that, I enjoyed the book. Have you had a chance to read it yet?

Leo and Sofi's chemistry is off the charts—like, sizzling hot. But it’s not just about the steamy scenes, it’s also about real emotional growth, self-discovery, and learning to trust when you’ve been hurt before.

Leo, the swoon-worthy firefighter, is recovering from a gunshot wound, and Sofi, his sister’s best friend and longtime secret love, is so not here for him anymore. She’s been burned by the Vega fam in the past, and Leo is just another reminder of her broken trust. But of course, life has other plans and they end up as roommates... Cue the awkward tension, hilarious moments, and so much steam.

The family dynamics? Chef’s kiss. The Vega family is everything—tight-knit, messy, and full of love. I loved how the book highlights the importance of family, both biological and found. And Leo’s great-granddad is like the ultimate shipper, lowkey playing matchmaker behind the scenes.

The romance is super cute and heartwarming, but also messy and real. Both Leo and Sofi have major emotional growth to go through, and it’s all so relatable. Plus, can we talk about the Puerto Rican representation? I’m here for it.

Overall, if you’re looking for a rom-com with heart, heat, and a strong family vibe, this is your book! Highly recommend for fans of messy, steamy, slow-burn romance with a side of family drama.

The third and final book for the Vegas!!!

I wasn't ready to let them go, but I think that Leo and Sofi were the perfect pair to send us off! Secret hook ups, best friends brother, second chance, ADHD representation! Latine representation! Meddling Grandparents! AND THEY WERE ROOMMATESSSSS!

My favorite part of a forced proximity romance is forcing two people to actually communicate in a meaningful way and then getting to see the defenses and walls be chipped away is so so so satisfying. Their relationship is chalked full on tension the moment they are on page together, but the flames they rekindle, oh my god. Hot.

Through all of Natalie Cana's books family has been a big focal point. All three books, but this one especially really highlights that yes, family is blood, but also the people you decide to love and devote your efforts too.

This is the third book in a series, but I was able to understand and fully enjoy the story without having read the previous two books. The romance was steamy but also heartwarming. You really root for the couple together and as individuals. I love how involved the family is in the story without it seeming overbearing or crossing boundaries. The banter and flirting was top tier! This was my first Natalie Cana read, but it won't be my last!

Read If You Like:
- Second-chance romance
- Secret relationships
- Forced proximity
- Family-centered stories
- Firefighter heroes
- Humorous and heartfelt narratives

*Sleeping with the Frenemy* by Natalie Caña is the third installment in the Vega Family Love Stories series, offering a delightful blend of humor, heart, and familial dynamics. The novel centers on Leo Vega, a self-assured firefighter recovering from a gunshot wound, and Sofía Santana, his sister's best friend and his secret on-again, off-again lover. Their clandestine relationship has been on hold for the past 19 months, but circumstances force them into a shared living situation, reigniting unresolved feelings and challenges.

Caña masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of secret relationships and the journey toward openness and commitment. Leo's determination to return to his firefighting career parallels his efforts to win back Sofía's trust and love. Sofía, on the other hand, is focused on charting a new path for her future, hesitant to revisit past mistakes. Their forced proximity leads to a series of humorous and tender moments, further complicated by the meddling of their well-meaning, mischievous grandparents and the addition of an adorable rescue dog.

The novel delves into themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the importance of family support. Caña's portrayal of the Vega family is vibrant and authentic, adding depth to the protagonists' journey. The chemistry between Leo and Sofía is palpable, with their interactions ranging from playful banter to deeply emotional exchanges.

This story is a testament to Caña's ability to blend romantic tension with rich character development and cultural authenticity. It's a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate stories that balance humor, heartache, and the complexities of love within the tapestry of family dynamics.

Thanks so much to Mira for my gifted ARC!

Ooooooh! Best friends brother. Love love love. This was so cute and steamy. On again off again was so realistic. Did feel like the FMC over reacted for the third act break up but I understand some things need to be stretched, I get it lol Very cute couple.
Love the whole family. Didn’t know this was part of a series. I look forward to checking out the others now.

This is my FAVORITE book of the series! I cried and laughed so much with this one, Sofi and Leo have my heart. Another book that just made me feel right at home, I was emotionally invested with the couple but also with their individual tribulations. Papo is back at it again with the match making shenanigans and he has recruited Sofi's grandmother to help (absolutely loved these two!) How they managed a roommate situation that turns into becoming dog parents still has me baffled and laughing til this day, Papo knows his stuff! lol I am glad that we got to see Sofi and Camila rekindle their friendship. There were lots of emotional moments between Leo and Sofi and with their own families that I was starting to run of of tissues, because not only did I cry but towards the end I ugly faced sobbed because there was a moment that touched my grieving heart. This book will be etched into my memory and heart! The romance, steaminess, culture, music, food, and family was what the doctor ordered and Cana delivered! I most definitely recommend this romance and drama filled series with beautiful messages that resonate!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

This romance novel combines a fiery love story with heartfelt cultural and emotional depth, featuring tropes like second-chance romance, childhood crush, and best friend’s brother. Set against the backdrop of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family, it delivers passion, drama, and meaningful growth.

Sofi, the FMC, returns from Europe discontented with her life and ends up sharing a home with Leo, the MMC recovering from an injury that’s reshaped his future. Their on-again-off-again situationship rekindles, marked by spicy chemistry and emotional tension. Leo is an absolute standout—patient, understanding, and navigating ADHD and nerve damage with grace and resilience. His growth and self-acceptance shine, making him a truly compelling character.

The story is enriched by Puerto Rican representation, Spanish phrases, and the warmth of meddling but loving family members. While Sofi's defensiveness creates tension that some readers found frustrating, the broader themes of healing, personal growth, and family make this book a rewarding read. Despite a polarizing climax, it’s a heartfelt tale of reconnection and the complexities of love.

I love this series and hope we get to see more of the extended Vega clan. I don't usually love a best-friend's brother trope but this was done so so well.

4 stars.

Natalie Caña does it again! "Sleeping with the Frenemy," the third book in her Vega Family Love Stories series, is a spicy, well-paced, banter-filled, insightful romp teeming with vibrant settings, incredible characters, and an interesting enemies-to-lovers plot. Sofi and Leo......SPARKS FLY when they are in a room together! They cannot keep their eyes, and eventually their hands, off of each other! And all for our benefit, hahaha. Their banter is top-tier, deliciously scandalous and full to the brim with innuendo and lust. I love how Caña takes her time building up the past between Leo and Sofi so readers get fully invested in their potential coupling. We get a true sense of them as both kids and as adults, which helps readers really fall for them together in the process. I loved the family dynamics here, as well as a check-in on the couples from books one and two (which you should absolutely read if you haven't already!). There is fabulous representation here. Cute nicknames as well. Nothing but love for this book, this series, Natalie Caña!

Thank you to NetGalley, Natalie Caña, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and MIRA for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Free e-book provided by NetGalley. Review is my own.

Book three in the series, though you could read it as a standalone. The books and characters tie together and add dimension to other characters but arent needed for understanding this book.

We are following Leo and Sofi. They have been dating since they were children but never so the family knows. Sofi blames other people for keeping secrets and runs away from perceived rejections but doesnt recognize her own actions as being toxic. Leo has been chasing Sofi forever and has shown how soft and willing he is to make sure he is the right guy for her and she is too caught up in her own head to see anything positive causing issues that didnt need to exist. Not the story line for me..not my favorite tropes. I wanted to know more about Leo but was so annoyed with Sofi. Leo had his flaws, he has ADHD and the downsides were written very well. He is very single minded and emotional but his core character is good and that gets ignored by Sofi who only focuses on his flaws without reflecting on her own.

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña is a witty and engaging enemies-to-lovers romance that explores themes of rivalry, friendship, and unexpected love. The story follows two characters who start off as rivals, but as they navigate their complicated relationship, sparks fly, leading to a deeper emotional connection. Caña’s writing is sharp, humorous, and filled with chemistry, bringing the protagonists' banter and evolving feelings to life. The novel skillfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a fun and refreshing read. With its blend of romance, tension, and character growth, Sleeping with the Frenemy is a perfect pick for fans of contemporary romance with a twist.

Sleeping with the Frenemy was a delightful mix of sweet moments, surprising twists, and emotional depth. I loved the exploration of culture and family dynamics. Leo and Sofi’s relationship had a complicated history, and navigating their feelings was more difficult than expected. I sympathized with Sofi’s struggle for validation, especially from her father, which affected her relationships. Leo, equally in need of validation, showed remarkable patience but also had his own insecurities. The story was engaging, with well developed characters and strong chemistry! Such a fun book!!

3.75 ⭐️

I started this book initially without reading the first 2 books. I made it about 20 minutes in and decided to go back and read those. These are interconnected standalones but after going back and reading the first 2, it explained some things I was confused about at the beginning of this book. So I definitely recommend starting with those.

After reading the first 2 books, I was a little disappointed by this book. I had such high hopes and was a little let down. I liked the storyline but didn't really connect with the characters like I did in the other books. I'm also not a huge fan of the on again, off again relationship trope so that didn't help the cause.

All that being said, there were parts of the book I enjoyed. I loved seeing the progression of the characters from the previous books and I absolutely loved the diversity of all the characters throughout the entire series.

Natalie did it again. I already knew Leo & Sofi would be amazing. Their banter and sexual chemistry was always off the charts hot. I felt so connected to both of them and the struggles and I really felt for each of them. Sofi & Leo are two characters that are easily lovable —in my opinion and I feel that people need to hear their stories. It’s important

This one was decent, but it didn’t blow me away. I liked the setup—enemies-to-lovers with plenty of banter, which is usually my jam—but *ugh*, the third-act breakup. Why do authors keep doing this? It felt so unnecessary and just dragged the story down for me.

That said, there were parts I enjoyed. The chemistry between the main characters was there, and some of their back-and-forth had me laughing. But the breakup felt forced and predictable, which took me out of the story.

Overall, it’s not a bad read if you’re looking for something light and fun, but the third-act drama might leave you rolling your eyes. Proceed with caution if that trope isn’t your thing!

Where do I even start with this book???

First, I had no idea that was book 3 in a series but it can be read as standalone.

Second, I looveeeeddd it!!! Even though I got the e-ARC, I ended up listening to it in audio and I’m so glad I did because the audio was spectacular! It really added to the story and made me fall even more in love with the characters.

Bonbon de caramelo is now my new favorite nickname and can I please have a dose of Leo because I can melt for him! 🫠 I loved Sofi and Leo’s relationship and how they had a history but at one time I was actually mad at Sofi for being so hard on him, even though i understand where she was coming from. But man, Leo is everything and he deserves so much.

But more than the chemistry between Sofi and Leo- I loved every single side characters. The grandparents were my favorite!! While I may not be Puerto Rican, I am Latina and I identify so much with the culture. It was pure joy and so accurate.

I can’t say enough good things about this book! I can’t wait to go back and read book 1 and 2 next. Natalia’s work is amazing and deserves to be hyped up!

While I enjoyed, there were some things I didnt connect with. I feel like I always run into this issue when Im looking to read a book, and the best things people are praising it for is the representation. Representation is AMAZE BALLS, but I think it's important to have a great story and the representation is just there. Im a Black Latina, and while I did relate to some of the things the fmc went through, and even though it wasnt so overt where it was annoying, it was just weird how she made this amazing mmc who was well rounded despite his rep, but she felt kind of one dimensional. Maybe she just suffered from the tale as old as time, where the mmc is just handled better because thats who were being set up to fall in love with, and the just gets whatever. It was a fun read and I would still recommend! I just like fmcs to be just as interesting as the mmc! Great palate cleanser!