Thank you to Harlequin Mira for the ARC! I somehow didn’t get to this anywhere near to pub day, and I have no idea why.

I adore the Vega Family Love Stories so much. I think you will too if you like close-knit, large families, who lovingly meddle in each other’s business. The third one, Sleeping with the Frenemy, follows Leo and his sister’s best friend, Sofi. Leo and Sofi have had a longstanding friends with benefits situation going on secretly, but Sofi has decided she’s done for good. Except…now they’re stuck being roommates. You know, for the plot.

This was spicy and so much fun, but with frequent moments of true depth.

I have enjoyed this entire series, and this story did not disappoint! I actually think that Leo might be my favorite MMC so far! I would love to see the author continue the series with the cousins and maybe even a look at the twins even though they are both already in relationships.

Back to this story…

Sofi’s relationship with the Vegas is complicated. They are a second family to her, Kamilah is her best friend, she’s been in a secret relationship with Leo on and off most of her life. But when Kamilah hurts her, she pushes them all away, including Leo and doesn’t even come back when they need her most. Yes, I respect that she needed to live her life for herself and was entitled to her hurt (Kamilah should have been honest with her), but I also think she took things a little too far and waited a little too long to come back.

Leo is going through Hell, suffering an injury that almost took his life, losing the only career he felt called to, and losing the only woman he’d ever really loved. He hides behind his sunny disposition, but he’s miserable. And then Sofi comes back and he’s ready to risk everything all over again for her.

Communication is a big issue in this story, and no one is blameless in what happened, but I liked seeing everyone come back together. And I love their matchmaking grandfather!

Disclaimer: I received an eARC through HTP Book Tours and NetGalley in exchange for a spotlight post and review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, I had to stop reading this book because the FMC was not someone I enjoyed. The writing was excellent and Natalie consistently delivers; however, this was not my favorite story line.

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Cana is book three in the Vega Family Love Stories Series and it is full of so much culture, familial love, and scheming grandparents! In this book we follow Leo and Sofi as they rekindle their secret romance. This book seemingly has it all, it is a second chance romance, forbidden-ish love, and best friends brother; however, there were many aspects that I didn't like.

Let's start with what I loved about this book: the cultural representation is always incredible in Cana's books and I really like reading Spanish throughout a novel. I appreciated the ADHD representation as it felt honest and highlighted the pressures and difficulties that someone with this diagnosis might face. As always, I absolutely LOVE papo and his meddling ways, he is truly a highlight of all three of these books so far.

Onto the dislikes... Sofi. I understand that many of her issues stem from her relationship with her father, but the way she completely dismissed Leo and his emotions throughout the novel bugged me. He was constantly compromising in their relationship and she was constantly telling him it wasn't enough. It seemed like everyone was on Sofi's side and Leo was left picking up all the pieces that Sofi left in the wake of her indecision and emotional outbursts. Lastly, I cannot stand a grand gesture at someone else's event... this was an immediate no for me.

Overall, I did like this book, but just wished better for Leo.

First of all, I LOVED this series. I love that it follows the Vega family and that the story line is very linear. Sofia and Leo's romance felt so nostalgic especially the way in which they would express their feelings. It felt like a daydream I would have had when I was younger, to have my love interest singing to me from across the dance floor as we locked eyes..... SWOON. The representation was great and accurate to the story line and I loved the character development on behalf of both love interests. Great story from Natalie Caña!

The tension in the book was wild!! I love that’s so much! The miscommunication wasn’t my favorite part and kind dragged on for my liking. It was nice to finally see Sofi free herself and let go! Overall I enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC!

Sleeping with the Frenemy brought many of the elements I've come to expect from this series - family dynamics, cultural richness, and plenty of chemistry - but it didn't quite hit the same emotional high notes as the previous books.

The secret relationship and best friend's brother tropes were fun, and I enjoyed revisiting familiar characters from A Proposal They Can't Refuse and A Dish Best Served Hot. However, the third act breakup felt unnecessarily dramatic, and I wasn't fully convinced this couple should be together - at least not without some serious therapy first. Also, hijacking your sister's wedding? So not cool.

While this wasn't my favorite of the series, I still had a good time reading it. If you've been following along, it's worth picking up, even if it didn't pack the same emotional punch as the rest of the series.

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.

O relacionamento de Sofia e Leo é complicado desde o começo, eles se gostam, mas nunca rotularam o que tinham, caindo nesse ciclo de idas e vindas constantes. Mas eles não são mais as pessoas que eram quando toda a briga aconteceu e não querem mais viver nesse ciclo de um relacionamento que parece não ir para lugar nenhum. Ambos tem questões de confiança e feridas que precisam curar, pessoas para perdoar (ou não) e questões internas que precisam resolver para que consigam se abrir totalmente para um relacionamento.

A química entre eles é visível, e dá para notar que eles realmente se gostam e fazem bem um ao outro quando estão juntos. Adorei conhecer melhor de Sofia e Leo, que eu tinha visto mais no primeiro livro da trilogia, e entender a relação entre eles, apesar de querer dar uma sacudida nos dois em alguns momentos.

Amei ver os outros personagens, como o avô de Leo e conhecer a avó de Sofia, e que juntos são um perigo. Outra coisa que gostei foi ver a herança latina deles, temos ali um pouco da cultura, a culinária e seus costumes, que não é tão distante da nossa. Apesar de ser parte de uma trilogia, dá para ser lido separadamente, mas eu recomendo ler os outros porque são apaixonantes.

“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.*

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.