This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
by Susan Lobban
Living in Glasgow means I don’t really get to attend any of the fabulous publishing events Team Novelicious are invited to on a regular basis. However, when an invitation to the Ultimate Sleepover in London appeared – organised to coincide with the Penguin Books release of Captivated by You, the latest in Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series – I jumped at the chance!
On Tuesday, I set off from Glasgow Central bound for London Euston. Four and a half hours later I had arrived and was ready – albeit a little anxious – to tackle the London Underground on my own. Before I knew it I was emerging from South Kensington tube station into an area of London I had heard about but never visited. I’d read online that my hotel was a minute away from the station and, sure enough, there it was. The the website photos of the property were impressive, but the reality was even better. From outside, The Ampersand Hotel is nothing short of “wow” and inside certainly doesn’t disappoint either. Itching to explore the property, I still had a little time left until check in so, bag deposited, I set off to explore London.
My young boys at home have never been to London and were very jealous when they discovered I was visiting. With them in mind, I embarked on a whistle stop tour of all surrounding landmarks – the Natural History Museum, V&A, Harrods and even Buckingham Palace – with everything in between. I was glad I made it to the Palace as the Queen was in with flag flying and guards outside, which I have never seen before. Just before darkness descended, I started to make my way back to Kensington just in time to see the Christmas lights flick on before my very eyes. Combined with the shop window displays, it really was magical. 
Once I’d arrived back at the hotel, I chanced my luck by asking if I could get into my room early and the friendly staff were only too happy to oblige. I was then escorted to my room, which had a lovely boutique feel inspired by music. There, amongst the musical note print cushions and inviting bed, was my advance copy of Captivated by You by Sylvia Day. Set to publish the next day, it was so exciting to receive the book ahead of everyone else eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Then, just as I was discovering the luxurious bathroom and complimentary coffee and soft drinks, there was a knock on the door. Juliana Fenton from Premier PR, who had organised the event, was standing there with a bulging goodie bag just for me! After introductions, she was genuinely surprised and so appreciative that I have travelled so far. She explained that one other reviewer, Laura Bambrey, had also arrived but the others – Catherine and Fay – were not due until later. She went on to explain that the contents of the bag would help me relax in my room and there was no other obligation other than to enjoy the luxury. So I chose the unsociable option as my feet were aching and it had been a long day.
Within the goodie bag there were bath salts, candles, chocolates, strawberries, lip gloss and Prosecco – what more could I want? The bath salts were promptly opened and I ran myself a bath to sooth my tired limbs. Plus, where better to start the book that in a gorgeous and luxurious bathtub?
Two chapters in I left the bath, got into my pajamas and cocooned myself in the cosy bathrobe and slippers – sheer bliss. In addition to the luxuries I had already received, room service was also provided, so a steak sandwich and fries were promptly ordered (well, I couldn’t read on an empty stomach!).
Completely chilled and fully fed, I popped open the Prosecco and read on. I am a newbie to the Crossfire series, but found the book was relatively easy to read as a standalone novel and Sylvia Day certainly drew me into the story quickly. My hotel room was the perfect place to read Captivated by You as the intimate decadence I was surrounded with suited the atmosphere of the book perfectly. It was a big thrill to read it the night before everyone else, too. Some would even say it was a bit naughty!
Later on, to give me a break from reading, I found The Proposal was showing on TV, and no sleepover is complete without a chick flick, right? Film break over, I returned to Gideon Cross and alternated reading and tweeting until, after being fortified by cafetiere coffee and chocolates, I finally finished the book at 1am (full review coming soon!).
What a long day but totally worth it. I definitely made the most of my time in London and I cannot recommend the hotel enough. From start to finish Premier and The Ampersand Hotel were the perfect partnership and managed to pull off a grown up sleepover I will never forget!
Captivated by You by Sylvia Day is out now.