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Vega Family Love Stories #3
Sleeping with the Frenemy
Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2024
95 people are currently reading
4434 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
February 23, 2025
I AM PISSED THE F OFF 😡
This was going so well! It is a second chance romance, childhood crush, best friend’s brother romance.
The smut was good.
I loved the ADHD representation.
I loved the Spanish throughout.
I loved the grandparents.
I LOVED THE MMC.
“I accept myself as I am in that moment. There are a lot of things about myself that I wish I could change, but I know I can’t. I’m never going to not have ADHD. I’m never going to not have nerve damage. So I have to figure out how to work around those things in order to still accomplish what I want”
The FMC was a little annoying but she had her background so it had a reason that made sense.
But then, at the 80-something% mark! They lost me. Up until then, they were coming together, trying to work on their relationship and insecurities. I felt the mmc was pushing and trying and compromising more than the fmc, which, fine, because at least she was working with him.
But then she crossed the line. She was dismissive, and defensive, and painted something so sweet as a betrayal.
And I was still invested, this was her moment to realize the error of her ways, to take the lead, make a grand gesture. Prove she is just as in it as he is.
But noooooo.
The best friend/sister also legit came to him, our sweet and patient guy after he poured his heart out, and basically said “do better”.
This is where I saw red.
The part that pissed me off, where things went downhill?
Chapter 22.
I want a rewrite.
————————————————————————
Will I finally be able to read for the 1st time this week?
This was going so well! It is a second chance romance, childhood crush, best friend’s brother romance.
The smut was good.
I loved the ADHD representation.
I loved the Spanish throughout.
I loved the grandparents.
I LOVED THE MMC.
“I accept myself as I am in that moment. There are a lot of things about myself that I wish I could change, but I know I can’t. I’m never going to not have ADHD. I’m never going to not have nerve damage. So I have to figure out how to work around those things in order to still accomplish what I want”
The FMC was a little annoying but she had her background so it had a reason that made sense.
But then, at the 80-something% mark! They lost me. Up until then, they were coming together, trying to work on their relationship and insecurities. I felt the mmc was pushing and trying and compromising more than the fmc, which, fine, because at least she was working with him.
But then she crossed the line. She was dismissive, and defensive, and painted something so sweet as a betrayal.
And I was still invested, this was her moment to realize the error of her ways, to take the lead, make a grand gesture. Prove she is just as in it as he is.
But noooooo.
The best friend/sister also legit came to him, our sweet and patient guy after he poured his heart out, and basically said “do better”.
This is where I saw red.
The part that pissed me off, where things went downhill?
Chapter 22.
I want a rewrite.
————————————————————————
Will I finally be able to read for the 1st time this week?
Want to read
March 12, 2024Why the heck does this book have 1 star reviews when the book isn't even out yet?! No cover art? Nothing?? Stop it
January 15, 2025
I got pretty frustrated with this book. This is my second Natalie Cana book that I had to really force myself to finish in the second half, so I don't think I'm going to be reading her anymore.
1) Like the second book in this series, I found this one starting strong, and then a chore to finish. Cana writes a LOT of bloat and needs a more forceful editor. There were many, many scenes I read that felt like they didn't further the relationship between the two characters. I think this would be totally fine if this were any other genre, where it's about the world as it is about the main characters, but I found those scenes a drag to get through. Plus, there were a LOT of side characters, and not only was it incredibly hard to keep track of them, I didn't even feel like I came out of the story having any impression of them as actual characters besides people to fill the pages.
2) This is another one of those enemies to lovers books where sure, the banter tells me they're enemies, but I never truly understand WHY they're enemies. Leo and Sofi just called each other annoying a lot and verbally sparred a lot. And yes, Sofi's stubborn and Leo's got the easy facade of a fuckboy, but he's also clearly not that at the heart of his character, and she's also stubborn but it's not really established why she feels so forceful about her views.
But my biggest issue is that the relationship feels incredibly lopsided. This s clearly a book in which the baseline worldview is feminist. That's great, and this is NOT meant to be a tirade against that.
What I do have an issue with is that #feminism somehow gave Sofi license to just be an uncommitting dick. I too, as a woman, love romance novels where heroes have to grovel and where heroes have to put in the WORK, but I felt that Leo had to SO much of it — all the chasing, putting up with Sofi's insane kneejerk defensiveness — that it at times felt hard for me to even feel like Sofi even wanted to be in this relationship aside from getting sex from Leo every once in a while. I was left feeling like she shouldn't be in any sort of romantic relationship until she figures out how to be a better partner, because so much of her relationship with Leo was oriented around Sofi's goals and dreams, and without a care as to what Leo's are.
The text even acknowledges this!
I have a lot of problems with this=. We're getting into my personal opinions (TM) now, but here goes: I personally think that the patriarchy being the way it is means that women SHOULD get more leeway to demand more than is exactly 50/50 in a heterosexual relationship, but I also think this book is example of where this gets taken too far. This above paragraph basically states that Sofi has, throughout the entirety of this relationship with Leo (spanning back to when they were HIGH SCHOOLERS), has always been unfair, when what Leo wanted out of Sofi was so BARE MINIMUM (he just wants her to acknowledge them as a couple publicly). And that's messed up.
The very end of this bleak moment after they broke up, he's making big concessions on his part and overcoming major fears of his own to plan a future for the two of them, but all she does is make a grand gesture. And all the grand gesture is is an acknowledgement on her part that she's sucked at committing and that she's sorry. Then she's kind of crowned king for this little monologue, which frustrates me. I think that's BASELINE in a relationship and then you have to do more to make up for the years of being a shit head.
Look, I know romance novels should be given the space to be fantasy of how we want the world to operate. But I struggle to read the ones where the fantasy is just where one person has to do ALL the work in the relationship, and the other person does barely anything but gets all the accolades. And then we, as the readers, are supposed to be, "Ah yes, HEA, well-earned."
1) Like the second book in this series, I found this one starting strong, and then a chore to finish. Cana writes a LOT of bloat and needs a more forceful editor. There were many, many scenes I read that felt like they didn't further the relationship between the two characters. I think this would be totally fine if this were any other genre, where it's about the world as it is about the main characters, but I found those scenes a drag to get through. Plus, there were a LOT of side characters, and not only was it incredibly hard to keep track of them, I didn't even feel like I came out of the story having any impression of them as actual characters besides people to fill the pages.
2) This is another one of those enemies to lovers books where sure, the banter tells me they're enemies, but I never truly understand WHY they're enemies. Leo and Sofi just called each other annoying a lot and verbally sparred a lot. And yes, Sofi's stubborn and Leo's got the easy facade of a fuckboy, but he's also clearly not that at the heart of his character, and she's also stubborn but it's not really established why she feels so forceful about her views.
But my biggest issue is that the relationship feels incredibly lopsided. This s clearly a book in which the baseline worldview is feminist. That's great, and this is NOT meant to be a tirade against that.
What I do have an issue with is that #feminism somehow gave Sofi license to just be an uncommitting dick. I too, as a woman, love romance novels where heroes have to grovel and where heroes have to put in the WORK, but I felt that Leo had to SO much of it — all the chasing, putting up with Sofi's insane kneejerk defensiveness — that it at times felt hard for me to even feel like Sofi even wanted to be in this relationship aside from getting sex from Leo every once in a while. I was left feeling like she shouldn't be in any sort of romantic relationship until she figures out how to be a better partner, because so much of her relationship with Leo was oriented around Sofi's goals and dreams, and without a care as to what Leo's are.
The text even acknowledges this!
He was always striving to give her exactly what she wanted, even when it was probably not what he needed. He'd been doing it for years, letting her hide from her emotions and while she offered him only the smallest part of herself. Yet here he was reaching out to her again and accepting the blame, despite the fact that she was the one who'd really messed up.
I have a lot of problems with this=. We're getting into my personal opinions (TM) now, but here goes: I personally think that the patriarchy being the way it is means that women SHOULD get more leeway to demand more than is exactly 50/50 in a heterosexual relationship, but I also think this book is example of where this gets taken too far. This above paragraph basically states that Sofi has, throughout the entirety of this relationship with Leo (spanning back to when they were HIGH SCHOOLERS), has always been unfair, when what Leo wanted out of Sofi was so BARE MINIMUM (he just wants her to acknowledge them as a couple publicly). And that's messed up.
The very end of this bleak moment after they broke up, he's making big concessions on his part and overcoming major fears of his own to plan a future for the two of them, but all she does is make a grand gesture. And all the grand gesture is is an acknowledgement on her part that she's sucked at committing and that she's sorry. Then she's kind of crowned king for this little monologue, which frustrates me. I think that's BASELINE in a relationship and then you have to do more to make up for the years of being a shit head.
Look, I know romance novels should be given the space to be fantasy of how we want the world to operate. But I struggle to read the ones where the fantasy is just where one person has to do ALL the work in the relationship, and the other person does barely anything but gets all the accolades. And then we, as the readers, are supposed to be, "Ah yes, HEA, well-earned."
Read
November 5, 2024STEAMY. ROMANTIC. Full review to come.
January 27, 2025
A super fun, feisty and drama filled romance brimming with banter, family and heart.
With a cast of multifaceted characters who are full of life and a plot that wonderfully balances its cute fluffy moments, with honest and emotional explorations on topics, such as family dynamics, mental health, race and culture, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. (And as always, Frankie Corzo did a beautiful job with the audiobook narration.)
what to expect:
• best friends brother
• second chance
• childhood crush
• meddling family
• close proximity
• adhd and chronic pain rep (mmc)
• puerto rican fmc
• the cutest puppy
With a cast of multifaceted characters who are full of life and a plot that wonderfully balances its cute fluffy moments, with honest and emotional explorations on topics, such as family dynamics, mental health, race and culture, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. (And as always, Frankie Corzo did a beautiful job with the audiobook narration.)
what to expect:
• best friends brother
• second chance
• childhood crush
• meddling family
• close proximity
• adhd and chronic pain rep (mmc)
• puerto rican fmc
• the cutest puppy
November 14, 2024
Leo and Sofi's story was just perfect and I adored it! It was such a fun, spicy read with lots of heart, drama and meddling family.
Tropes:
Childhood crush
On and off secret friends with benefits
Best Friend's brother
Second chance romance
Meddling Family
Obsessed in an understatement when it comes to how I feel about the Vega Family Love Stories and I feel so connected to this series.
Tropes:
Childhood crush
On and off secret friends with benefits
Best Friend's brother
Second chance romance
Meddling Family
Obsessed in an understatement when it comes to how I feel about the Vega Family Love Stories and I feel so connected to this series.
August 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and had lots of fun reading it. This was my first by the author and I loved the Puerto Rican representation and the romance was cute. Leo the mmc is recovering after being shot and having that affect his future. Sofi the fmc is back from her European trip and isn't happy with her job and needs a place to stay. She ends up rooming with Leo who is her on-again off-again situationship. They rekindle the situationship but they both have emotional development and growth to go through before they can be in a relationship. The romance was so steamy omg and it was good. I really liked the family moments and how important family and found family was. Overall this was a good diverse romance and I need to go back and read the other books in the series. Thank you HTP for the arc for an honest review.
August 15, 2024
BRB with full review too busy crying over this perfect book
November 6, 2024
This book !!!🩷🔥🔥🔥
January 30, 2025
“𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒.” “𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑑𝑎𝑦.”
Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña is a second chance romance that follows firefighter Leo Vega and Sofia Santana.
The synopsis and the cover made this book seem so promising, but it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong there were moments that I found myself enjoying but it just wasn’t enough.
It was honestly so hard for me to keep up with everything. This might’ve had to do with the fact that I skimmed majority of the book. But I just couldn’t deal with the cringy jokes between Leo, the mmc, and Sofia, the fmc.
At some point I found myself wishing they went their separate ways instead. I just feel like they weren’t meant to be.
Honestly, the tropes and representation in this was amazing, but I just couldn’t get over the jokes and the multiple characters that I had to keep up with so that I wouldn’t get confused.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and to the author, Natalie, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña is a second chance romance that follows firefighter Leo Vega and Sofia Santana.
The synopsis and the cover made this book seem so promising, but it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong there were moments that I found myself enjoying but it just wasn’t enough.
It was honestly so hard for me to keep up with everything. This might’ve had to do with the fact that I skimmed majority of the book. But I just couldn’t deal with the cringy jokes between Leo, the mmc, and Sofia, the fmc.
At some point I found myself wishing they went their separate ways instead. I just feel like they weren’t meant to be.
Honestly, the tropes and representation in this was amazing, but I just couldn’t get over the jokes and the multiple characters that I had to keep up with so that I wouldn’t get confused.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and to the author, Natalie, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
April 11, 2025
Cured my 4 month long reading slump!
November 8, 2024
Unfortunately, unlike the previous two books in the series, I didn't love this. I didn't even really like it. The Puerto Rican rep was excellent, as I expect from Natalie, but that was definitely the highlight.
My biggest problem with the book was that I didn't want the couple to be together in the end. They were toxic in their first chance, and the second chance didn't meaningfully fix anything. Leo, sweet golden retriever boy, twisted himself into knots for Sofi, and she was consistently awful to him. I didn't enjoy spending time in her POV, and it's a tough position, because I know the social misogynoir against "unlikable" black woman, and I applaud authors and others for actively pushing back on that. AND, I really didn't like Sofi. I think she needed a lot more time and therapy before she was ready to be in a relationship. I understood why she reacted like she did to a few things, but she didn't have enough growth for me to believe in their HEA.
I also didn't think that Leo's ADHD was handled particularly deftly, and seemed more like a plot device than a true neurodiversity. I appreciated his journey with chronic pain and injury recovery, but that plot line didn't resolve satisfyingly either. I don't know, I really wanted this to be good, and it just didn't work for me. I probably should have DNF'd, but I plan to read more in the series and I want to be up to speed. Oh well, they can't all be winners.
My biggest problem with the book was that I didn't want the couple to be together in the end. They were toxic in their first chance, and the second chance didn't meaningfully fix anything. Leo, sweet golden retriever boy, twisted himself into knots for Sofi, and she was consistently awful to him. I didn't enjoy spending time in her POV, and it's a tough position, because I know the social misogynoir against "unlikable" black woman, and I applaud authors and others for actively pushing back on that. AND, I really didn't like Sofi. I think she needed a lot more time and therapy before she was ready to be in a relationship. I understood why she reacted like she did to a few things, but she didn't have enough growth for me to believe in their HEA.
I also didn't think that Leo's ADHD was handled particularly deftly, and seemed more like a plot device than a true neurodiversity. I appreciated his journey with chronic pain and injury recovery, but that plot line didn't resolve satisfyingly either. I don't know, I really wanted this to be good, and it just didn't work for me. I probably should have DNF'd, but I plan to read more in the series and I want to be up to speed. Oh well, they can't all be winners.
October 14, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I was really excited to see that Leo and Sofi were getting their own book, and given the premise I was THRILLED. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my entire expectations.
I enjoyed seeing Sofi and Leo get their ending because I LOVE that they had known each other for years and came back to each other.
Leo warmed my heart because I really could feel his love for Sofi, as a couple they were giving off "Black cat & Golden Retriever" vibes.
There were a lot of instances where I didn't find myself agreeing with the characters actions. Which I think really impacted my review. I understand that no one is perfect, but there were several instances that made me scratch my head and think to myself "really?"
I enjoyed afro-latina rep! I always loving reading books featuring fellow latinas.
Also Leo, and his ADHD is something that I appreciated seeing. I don't think ADHD within the latinx community is talked enough about so I was glad to see this be mentioned!
I was really excited to see that Leo and Sofi were getting their own book, and given the premise I was THRILLED. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my entire expectations.
I enjoyed seeing Sofi and Leo get their ending because I LOVE that they had known each other for years and came back to each other.
Leo warmed my heart because I really could feel his love for Sofi, as a couple they were giving off "Black cat & Golden Retriever" vibes.
There were a lot of instances where I didn't find myself agreeing with the characters actions. Which I think really impacted my review. I understand that no one is perfect, but there were several instances that made me scratch my head and think to myself "really?"
I enjoyed afro-latina rep! I always loving reading books featuring fellow latinas.
Also Leo, and his ADHD is something that I appreciated seeing. I don't think ADHD within the latinx community is talked enough about so I was glad to see this be mentioned!
October 6, 2024
First off, thank you to the publisher + NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!
This story follows Leo and Sofi, who have known each other for years and have (unbeknownst to Kamilah - Leo’s sister/Sofi’a best friend) had an on and off romantic relationship.
Things happen in their lives that puts them in a forced proximity situation and the two are forced to have some difficult decisions/make some hard decisions about their connection.
I was super excited to read because I LOVES the one before this, but I just wasn’t obsessed with these two😭
I do plan on going back to read the first book in the series SOON + would love to read more books by this author, this just wasn’t the couple for me.
This story follows Leo and Sofi, who have known each other for years and have (unbeknownst to Kamilah - Leo’s sister/Sofi’a best friend) had an on and off romantic relationship.
Things happen in their lives that puts them in a forced proximity situation and the two are forced to have some difficult decisions/make some hard decisions about their connection.
I was super excited to read because I LOVES the one before this, but I just wasn’t obsessed with these two😭
I do plan on going back to read the first book in the series SOON + would love to read more books by this author, this just wasn’t the couple for me.
November 2, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley aNd Harlequin Trade Publishing (Mira) for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña was exactly what I was hoping for Leo and Sofi. Leo truly stole the show in the first two Vega Siblings books. I was so happy to learn he was getting his own love story. After about a year of no contact Leo and Sofi reunite and the palpable longing and chemistry is obvious. One of them has always known that there is so much left unsaid and unresolved and when the opportunity presents itself (with the help of meddling grandparents) they use the opportunity for a second chance at love. The banter between Leo and Sofi was so fun. They were such a perfect match. Both of them are dealing with a lot of things, things that impact their ability to be honest with themselves about what they want from the other. I had such a wonderful time getting to better know Leo and Sofi. I am a sucker (now) for second chance and I think Natalie did a wonderful job of it here. Im so excited for everyone to read Leo and Sofi’s story. It’s full of heart, laughs, it’s emotional and sweet. I always love revisiting the Vega Family and their shenanigans not to mention the culture Natalie imbues into the story. It’s wonderful seeing people proud of their Latine heritage and as a Latina myself I loved all the Spanish and the song references. It felt special and intimate. Check this one out and if you haven’t I’d recommend reading A Proposal They Can’t Refuse and A Dish Best Served Hot first!! 4.25⭐️
Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña was exactly what I was hoping for Leo and Sofi. Leo truly stole the show in the first two Vega Siblings books. I was so happy to learn he was getting his own love story. After about a year of no contact Leo and Sofi reunite and the palpable longing and chemistry is obvious. One of them has always known that there is so much left unsaid and unresolved and when the opportunity presents itself (with the help of meddling grandparents) they use the opportunity for a second chance at love. The banter between Leo and Sofi was so fun. They were such a perfect match. Both of them are dealing with a lot of things, things that impact their ability to be honest with themselves about what they want from the other. I had such a wonderful time getting to better know Leo and Sofi. I am a sucker (now) for second chance and I think Natalie did a wonderful job of it here. Im so excited for everyone to read Leo and Sofi’s story. It’s full of heart, laughs, it’s emotional and sweet. I always love revisiting the Vega Family and their shenanigans not to mention the culture Natalie imbues into the story. It’s wonderful seeing people proud of their Latine heritage and as a Latina myself I loved all the Spanish and the song references. It felt special and intimate. Check this one out and if you haven’t I’d recommend reading A Proposal They Can’t Refuse and A Dish Best Served Hot first!! 4.25⭐️
July 25, 2025
A heartfelt, fun and spicy second chance Latine romance in the Vega Family trilogy that sees Leo Vega, a Chicago firefighter recovering from a gunshot wound and unexpectedly becoming roommates with his first love, Sofi - the woman who got away much to his deep regrets.
With more meddling family and lots of great ADHD rep, this was an entertaining, dual POV romance that was excellent on audio narrated by Frankie Corzo and highly recommended for fans of authors like Adriana Herrara, Amy Lea and Millie Perez.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
With more meddling family and lots of great ADHD rep, this was an entertaining, dual POV romance that was excellent on audio narrated by Frankie Corzo and highly recommended for fans of authors like Adriana Herrara, Amy Lea and Millie Perez.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Want to read
August 17, 2022LEOOOO, I need you now. *grabby hands*
October 29, 2024
Sleeping with the Frenemy was a sweet story; full of pleasant surprises and swoon-worthy moments, but also very thought provoking. I loved getting to experience the culture and different family dynamics. The main characters, Leo and Sofi, had an interesting history with each other, but taking things to the next level was more challenging than they expected, imo. I found myself equally frustrated with Sofi but also empathizing with her dilemma - she was broken, seeking validation from her father, which poured over into her relationships. Leo was patient, I think he wanted Sofi in any form she would allow but he too was in need of validation. Leo always felt that he was handled with kiddie gloves from his parents, even going as far as almost injuring himself to be a firefighter to prove a point. The book was easy to follow, and the characters were developed throughout the story. I felt the love and chemistry between them - and the spice was much appreciated. I enjoyed this story so much and brownie points for Leo and Sofi taking in the doggie, I was swooning!
Arc from netgalley and the publisher.
Arc from netgalley and the publisher.
November 11, 2024
Sofi and Leo have a long and hidden past. When Sofi returns to Chicago after Leo’s brush with death, she’s not sure where they stand. Leo has always been fine with casual, but after being shot he’s ready to get serious. Either Leo is going to convince Sofi to go official or he’s cutting ties. When Sofi ends up moving in with Leo thanks to his meddling family, Leo seizes the opportunity to show Sofi how he has changed. Sofi can’t deny her chemistry with Leo, but is she ready to trust not only him, but herself as well?
With Natalie Caña’s trademark humor and vulnerability, this is another top notch romance.
With Natalie Caña’s trademark humor and vulnerability, this is another top notch romance.
December 12, 2024
I love the community the author has created with this series, and it was great to have the cast of side characters I knew while keeping the focus on Leo and Sofi. They were both flawed characters - Leo tended to push too fast and do too much, while Sofi was afraid to go after what she really wanted.
As with the other books in this series I felt that the ending got way too overdramatic - with as much external drama as she puts in, it would be nice to not have a breakup to deal with too. But overall I enjoyed the story and was rooting for these two!
As with the other books in this series I felt that the ending got way too overdramatic - with as much external drama as she puts in, it would be nice to not have a breakup to deal with too. But overall I enjoyed the story and was rooting for these two!
December 18, 2024
I love this series so much, I wish I liked this one more 😭 But I left it feeling like they shouldn't be together. The individual characters had so much personal work to do, especially Sofi. She was projecting too much stuff onto Leo that had nothing to do with him. He deserves better.
February 3, 2025
I finally caught up with the Vega family stories. Book one is still my fave, book two let me down a bit, but Sleeping with the Frenemy came back strong! I really enjoyed this new romance between Leo and Sofi. The angst and drama, the fraught backstories, the spicy chemistry, the family and friends throughout, it all came together for a fantastic story. A great balance of sweet, saucy, and emotional with special emphasis on culture, mental health, and multifaceted relationship issues between multiple characters.
My only issue was with Sofi right at the end. It felt overblown and unfair to Leo. There was definitely an imbalance and despite an apology, I wasn’t sure it was enough. It didn’t ruin the book though, I really enjoyed the story as a whole and can’t wait for more.
My only issue was with Sofi right at the end. It felt overblown and unfair to Leo. There was definitely an imbalance and despite an apology, I wasn’t sure it was enough. It didn’t ruin the book though, I really enjoyed the story as a whole and can’t wait for more.
August 15, 2024
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this ARC! I admittedly had a hard time with finishing the previous book in the series due to my own personal reading taste when it comes to fiction, but I was excited to come back to the Vega family with Leo and Sofi’s story. I believe that many readers will be able to relate to both Sofi and Leo in their struggles with vulnerability and facing your fears. Both of the main characters emotional journeys, balanced with the Vega family antics made for a great story that left room for humor and tugged on your heartstrings. As someone newer to the Chicago area it felt so fun to read a reflection of the community that I’ve grown to love done with so much joy and care. Highly recommend!
December 3, 2024
❤️ Blurb -
The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.
Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
💜 Review -
This was the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. I loved the place settings in the book, the authors writing made me forget that I was reading. I loved the easy to follow story, the characters and the pacing was just right. Also Sophia and Leo's chemistry was off the charts. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to the author, Natalie Cana, Insta book tours and the publisher, Harper 360 for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.
Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
💜 Review -
This was the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. I loved the place settings in the book, the authors writing made me forget that I was reading. I loved the easy to follow story, the characters and the pacing was just right. Also Sophia and Leo's chemistry was off the charts. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to the author, Natalie Cana, Insta book tours and the publisher, Harper 360 for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
I had a nice time with this but matchmaking conspiracies are never my favorite.
October 8, 2025
4.5 rounded down
October 23, 2024
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: second-chance romance, close proximity, best friends brother
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Sophi and Leo have had a tumultuous relationship for about a decade, made more complex that Leo is her best friend's brother and she doesn't know about her relationship with Leo. When they two are forced to become roommates while Sophi is planning Kamilah's wedding, the two are forced to figure out what went wrong and how they can be together.
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Overall this was really cute. I appreciated the complexity of Leo and Sophi's relationship and I actually liked how they worked out conflict. This was a good second chance romance so if you like that trope, you might want to check this one out! While it is a third in a series, I don't think you need to read the other two, but they are also good!
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Read if you like: second-chance romance, close proximity, best friends brother
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Sophi and Leo have had a tumultuous relationship for about a decade, made more complex that Leo is her best friend's brother and she doesn't know about her relationship with Leo. When they two are forced to become roommates while Sophi is planning Kamilah's wedding, the two are forced to figure out what went wrong and how they can be together.
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Overall this was really cute. I appreciated the complexity of Leo and Sophi's relationship and I actually liked how they worked out conflict. This was a good second chance romance so if you like that trope, you might want to check this one out! While it is a third in a series, I don't think you need to read the other two, but they are also good!
September 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️
I resonated so much with Sophie! Sophie is definitely type A and thrives on structure, organization and being in control (just like I 🫡 ). I felt so seen with hating doing public speeches and needed to prepare in advance for so many things because if not I’m literally freaking THE FUCK OUT!
To be honest I was really irritated with Leo and Sophie and couldn’t wrap my head around a 15 yr situation-ship lol! Like hellooooooooo!!! Yall are both grown adults GET IT TO-FUCKING-GETHER! But they got their HEA 🙂↕️🫶🏼.
I feel like this book didn’t grasp my attention as much as the other two in the series. I also felt like we didn’t get to explore our characters much in this book.
I need a book on Papo Vega and Doña Fina with their scheming selves lol
I resonated so much with Sophie! Sophie is definitely type A and thrives on structure, organization and being in control (just like I 🫡 ). I felt so seen with hating doing public speeches and needed to prepare in advance for so many things because if not I’m literally freaking THE FUCK OUT!
To be honest I was really irritated with Leo and Sophie and couldn’t wrap my head around a 15 yr situation-ship lol! Like hellooooooooo!!! Yall are both grown adults GET IT TO-FUCKING-GETHER! But they got their HEA 🙂↕️🫶🏼.
I feel like this book didn’t grasp my attention as much as the other two in the series. I also felt like we didn’t get to explore our characters much in this book.
I need a book on Papo Vega and Doña Fina with their scheming selves lol
October 19, 2025
3.5⭐️
While I enjoyed this book, it was my least favorite of the series. The FMC was annoying 80% of the time and was making it hard for me to like her. She was very hypocritical as she blew up on her bestfriend for keeping secrets when this girl had her own secrets galore.
I feel like she blew up way too much over the grandparents involvement with pushing her and the MMC together. Like girl, they were trying to be sweet and set y’all up because they know yall have been wanting to be together FOR YEARS, and yet here you are making it seem like it was done with malicious intent 😒
Leo was definitely down bad for her because dude didn’t give up at all. Like sir, move on PUHLEASEEEE! It worked out for him in the end but whew, it was stressful and a bit toxic on all parts for sure.
While I enjoyed this book, it was my least favorite of the series. The FMC was annoying 80% of the time and was making it hard for me to like her. She was very hypocritical as she blew up on her bestfriend for keeping secrets when this girl had her own secrets galore.
I feel like she blew up way too much over the grandparents involvement with pushing her and the MMC together. Like girl, they were trying to be sweet and set y’all up because they know yall have been wanting to be together FOR YEARS, and yet here you are making it seem like it was done with malicious intent 😒
Leo was definitely down bad for her because dude didn’t give up at all. Like sir, move on PUHLEASEEEE! It worked out for him in the end but whew, it was stressful and a bit toxic on all parts for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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