Can not-so-innocent flirting lead to forever? CeCe Sloan always wanted to own her own salon, and today was the day. It was a dream come true to have her salon nestled between her sisters as they opened their own stores. The Sloan Sisters had arrived.
When CeCe’s favorite client comes to the open house, a fun little banter of sexy flirting begins between them. It’s harmless because CeCe doesn’t date her clients. But what happens in the back room doesn’t count, right?
Alexis Reed was a premiere, sought after surgeon so far out of CeCe’s league, but flirting with her was so much fun. When Alexis changes stylists so CeCe will go on a date with her, she begins to wonder., could CeCe be enough for this amazing woman? Can Alexis convince CeCe this isn’t a backroom fling?
Come along on this sexy, romantic adventure and find out why CeCe Sloan is swooning.
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house. When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure. Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.
DNF - the book sounds really good and I love the cover, however, I can tell that just a few pages in, the simplistic/unrealistic set-up wasn't going to work for me. ie. using inheritance suddenly available one sister buys a strip mall with 3 storefronts and each sister is going open a business. One of the sisters doesn't even know what kind of business to open and they suggest - "hey you love books! Open a bookstore!" and she is like, "ok cool!"
In this novel, the three Sloan sisters use a surprise inheritance to buy a strip of commercial space and build three interconnected businesses. With each sister getting a companion novel, this one follows hair stylist CeCe while she falls for one of her clients. The only problem is, that she doesn't date her clients!
While I really liked the initial premise and think it had a lot of promise, ultimately this novel fell flat for me to the point where it was a struggle to finish (but I never DNF!). I was very disappointed because I have heard such great things about this one and was excited for it. There wasn't any one specific thing wrong with the novel, so much as a lot of little things (most of it overall really).
The Disappointing: -There was no plot. I feel mean saying that but it is what it is. I can explain what happened and what scenes took place, however there isn't any real plot beyond what I described above; two characters got together and then various events took place. There was no progression between the scenes or anything to tie the story together, and the one major plot element that happened near the end was thrown in entirely at random. -The whole novel was rather flat. This would be my main gripe: nothing about the novel was engaging, held my attention, or made me want to keep reading. The dialogue, the characters, the storytelling, etc. None of the characters were developed in any significant way so I couldn't care about them; I just finished the book but honestly can't tell you anything about most of the characters because they never went beyond surface level interactions and dialogue. -This one was a big culprit of telling and not showing; the novel spent most of its time explaining the scenes that were just skipped over instead of showing them to the reader. The same happened with the characters and their emotions and reactions. For example we were told that one of the sisters was "the kind one" (or something like that) multiple times however never saw anything to support that. We were told constantly how CeCe makes her clients feel amazing and special during appointments but never actually witnessed it or saw it happen on-screen. -SO REPETATIVE. Every scene was essentially the same five conversations being repeated over and over again without any variation. They like each other, they are unsure about where they stand, they don't normally act like this but the other person brings it out in them, they are so happy, and people they know have been commenting about how they look happy. That's the entire book. -The big one for me......WHY! A major point in the book is that CeCe doesn't date clients, but WHY is never explained. She is a stylist and I see no reason why she can't cut her girlfriends hair. There isn't a conflict of interest (which is even pointed out in the book) like a doctor or a lawyer. There may be a good reason for this but it is never explained once (also despite being brought up a lot its barely an issue; she just switches stylists over the course of about two sentences). Also WHY does CeCe have such an inferiority complex about her social standing and believe she "couldn't possibly" be with a doctor? Its stated that she was teased as a kid (which she also got over) but that doesn't explain the degree to which she seems to have issues. She actually states "I know my place" which was rather dramatic. Considering getting over these issues is the closest thing this novel has to a plot you would think that it should be explored in a bit more detail. She is also a business owner......
There were a few cute scenes and an overall interesting premise, so I give it two stars instead of one.
This is my first Jamey Moody book! It took me a bit to get used to the writing style and the pace of the romance, but I finished it, which hasn't been happening with new books lately.
It's very low angst, which is a much needed genre. The exposition can get a little cringe. Although, stories about sisters all being gay is fun.
I think my biggest peeve is the lack of descriptions. Settings aren't really given much detail and I barely have an idea on what anyone looks like outside of hair color and eyes (BIG emphasis on blue eyes in this story). I'm not asking for too much, just more. I felt like I was thrown into a lot of previous book character talk. I caught on okay. I didn't pick up on a rich girl/poor girl dynamic for this story, unfortunately.
This was a nice read and I'm interested enough to get to the next book, even if the overall premise gets a little unrealistic. That's what fiction is all about sometimes.
PS: All that and we didn't get an on-page scene of it!
Flirting with someone is all well and good but is it possible for more to develop? Book 1 from the Sloan Sisters trilogy and this one stars Cece Sloan and Dr. Alexis Reed. There are also meaningful cameos by characters from previous books along with numerous cupids/nosy clients. I loved the three-store, shared space with related business models developed by each sister. Moody's storyline has heat, some angst, humor and beautiful connections with family and friends and a deserved HEA. Frankly, I didn't know how much I needed a read like this one at this time until I'd finished the book. I look forward to learning more about the Sloan sisters and easily recommend this read.
Loved the cover and was super keen on a series about a bunch of queer sisters each finding their person. Melissa Brayden, for example, has done this with the Lavender sisters to great effect and it's a great way to build-in close relationships and continuity in the stories.
That said, I had several problems with this one. First, we are thrust into this world full of sapphic women and no reason to care or be invested in them. I lost count around the time CeCe goes to Lovers Landing for a free stay with her days-old relationship and meets no less than three sapphic couples. I completely lost track of who was who and why a bunch of people CeCe has literally just met are so deeply invested in her relationship.
Which brings me to the other thing I absolutely hated in this book: the fact that these are forty something women (I am that age myself) and I feel like they're all actually thirteen or something because who on earth is this gossipy and invested in their friend/coworker/stranger they have just met's private life? I lost count again of the times a side character asks CeCe about her relationship or dates or make-out progress or locations with Alexis, or literal coworkers in a hospital asking Alexis about her dating CeCe because apparently her smiling at all in 15 years of working there is so rare that it merits comment. Bizarre and immature and very much indicative of nothing else really going on in the plot so that every single person is incredibly and deeply invested in the main characters.
Lastly, and this was a minor thing to start with, but the fact that we open with forty year old sisters being surprised by one of them having bought a part of a mall with three shops and then on a whim deciding on their businesses and names. Absolutely ridiculous. As the book progresses, it feels like they're a money laundering operation because nobody seems to pay for anything, just give things away to friends and special people and refuse payment. The idea of deciding on a business, making up a plan and getting it all stocked and ready in three months is laughable and then on top of that, there doesn't really seem to be any concern about those businesses breaking even or making any money. It's just a paper-thin backdrop for the sisters to exist in close quarters and be extremely nosy and also connected to literally every person the narrative tosses out.
The worst offender for me were the conversations. They're insipid and shallow and I do not for one second understand anything about anyone's character (except CeCe has low self-esteem for some reason, we GET it) and Alexis doesn't smile. Ask me to define a single characteristic of Desi, the mum, or either of the other sisters, or any of the six random sapphic women we meet for one scene in Lovers Landing? Couldn't do it.
TL:DR; (for those who did not want to read my rant)
* Annoyingly shallow characterization
* Conversations are vapid and repetitive, revealing nothing about anyone's character
* Everyone in this story is OBSESSED with CeCe and Alexis' love life. Absolutely gagging to hear every single detail of this extremely vanilla and rushed love story.
* Apparently, businesses are just fine as long as you have family running them
* I forgot to mention: there should be a Bechdel test equivalent for romance novels where if every conversation between two characters is about nothing but their relationship, the book fails the test. This one would fail.
Cece Sloan and her sisters are wonderful and I can't wait to read each story. Cece has a crush on dr. Alexis Reed and she thinks it can never happen because they are so different. They flirt non-stop and it is adorable. Alexis has been burned by love before, but Cece is slowly melting the ice around her heart. The heat between them is sexy and their love is unmistakable. I love getting to see some old friends from Jamey's other series.
1 ★ | This book did nothing for me. The dialogue was incredibly cringeworthy. Couldn’t stomach it. Too fanciful. Storyline itself had promise. Potential. Somewhere. Not executed well enough for me. I will be extremely hesitant to read more from this author.
It’s all a bit silly, isn’t it? Three sappy sisters suddenly start solo specialist shops. Sapphic shenanigans ensue. In this first volume, Sloan Sister CeCe’s seduces sexy surgeon Alex in her stylish salon. Swoon swoon!
Firstly thank you, Jamey, for the ARC, this book was a fabulous read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved everything about the Sloan Siaters and everything about this book!
CeCe and Alexis are hot hot hot! The immediate flirting in this book is great and their whole relationship is sexy AF, the connection is palpable and they are so hot together that I didn't want it to end.
This book is, sexy, flirty, lovely, family-oriented, and everything a Jamey Moody book encompasses! I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it! The surprise guests were a delightful addition! I can't recommend this book enough! As always, Jamey has written a fantastic book and I can't wait to read the next story in the Slone sisters series!
This book comes out July 25th, get it in your diaries because you are not going to want to miss this one!
I started this series in the middle by reading Cory Sloan Is Swearing 1st. I enjoyed it so much I want to read the whole series and this hasn't disappointed! CeCe a hairstylist, has been flirting with her client Dr. Alexis Reed for over a year. And she's been flirting back. When they end up making out in the backroom of her salon and CeCe tells Alexis she doesn't date clients. So, she switches to another hairstylist in the shop. What a lovely love story! 5 stars!!
Jamie Mooney is my go to for when I want something light, fun and smile worthy. Her stories are like comfort food for a romance-lover’s soul. Sweet and flirty, they give readers something to lose themselves in for a few hours, and that’s worth a lot in this crazy world!
What I appreciate most about her stories are the characters. They’re approachable, and it sets the tone for easy reading. Furthermore, they’re the kind of characters one would choose as friends. Readers are easily drawn to them and their backstories. They aren’t perfect, but that’s the beauty of them. She always manages to create women that are well-rounded, compelling individuals that readers can connect with emotionally.
I find this especially true for CeCe Sloan. She’s personable and relatable in all the ways that a main character needs to be. She’s a busy hairdresser that likes to keep things fun and simple with her clients, and it serves her well. She has one hard and fast rule though: She doesn’t date them. However, things get quite complicated when Dr. Alexis Reed sits down in her chair. Sparks fly and Alexis proves very hard to resist. Yet, CeCe knows things can get messy when you mix business and pleasure…
This is an engaging and fun romance. CeCe and Alexis have fantastic chemistry. It’s fun watching them learn new aspects of themselves as they navigate their romance. The sexual energy is off the charts and incorporated nicely into the story arc. In fact, these two just might be my favorite Moody couple thus far.
Final remarks…
I always enjoy Moody’s stories. They are solid romances with low angst and conflict. CeCe Sloan is Swooning is as advertised and doesn’t disappoint. It’s lighthearted, playful and perfect for poolside reading.
If you like a sweet, cute, no slowburn, no angst, no drama kind of book, this one will be good for you. Personally i like it when there’s a little challenge or storyline, or you know, build up of emotions.
Another loving story from Jamey Moody. CeCe and her two sisters set up shop next door to each other. One of CeCe’s clients is Alexis, a surgeon at the local clinic and hospital. Every time Alexis came to CeCe’s salon to get her hair done, they would flirt mercilessly with one another. Unknown to the other, each made a special effort to dress up for these visits, and they were both happier after. This is the start of a series, and I can see it really going well. Jamey Moody has laid the groundwork for at least another two books in this series. As is usual with Ms Moody’s stories, it is well written, there is minimal angst, lots and lots of love, and some very steamy parts. All the characters are thoughtful and playful, making us feel part of the action.
This is a very romantic & sweet book. I did enjoy it. Dr. Alexis Reed & CeCe Sloan are a very cute couple. I did like how the author intertwined in her sisters into the book, and left us hanging at the end; obvious for other books to come, which I will read.
Spoiler: The only thing I didn’t particularly care for was the last 15-20% of the book was mostly the 2 of them just telling each other how much they loved each other. It became repetitive & a little annoying, but it wasn’t going to stop me from finishing the book.
I gave this story 4 stars as 5 stars are saved for books that are my favorites; this isn’t a favorite, but I will read the other books in this series.
I love Jamey Moody's heartwarming love stories, and this one is just as good as I expected. CeCe the salon owner and hair dresser fell in love with Alexis the best surgeon in their regional hospital. Their romance is super sweet and both women are admirable role models, they are successful and have hearts of gold. There is minimal conflict, a comfortable, feel good read that leaves a big smile on my face after turning the last page.
This series is about the three Sloan sisters. Who following their fathers wishes open up a shopping center called The Sloan Sisters Shopping Extravaganza. Each having their own store. First up is Cecilia (Cece) who is a sort after hairstylist and now has her own salon. At the opening of all three stores, family, clients and friends (some old recurring ones) come visiting but it’s Cece’s best client, Dr Alexis Reed who grabs her attention. The hot doctor who Cece thinks is out of her league came and that made her stomach do flips. When the two greet each other, their flirty banter immediately takes center stage and both seem to want this to keep going. The relationship between these two is hot, fast and pure. Jamey takes us on a adventure of family, honesty and love with some cute twists. A fast and exciting read. Looking forward to Book 2!
I realize I say this about every book I read from Jamey Moody, but its true I swear.....this is my favorite book so far. I especially enjoyed the fact that this book kind of brings the whole gang together from all the other series. I cannot even begin to explain the way this book made me feel. I was thrilled beyond what words can say. Cece is awesome and so is Alexis....well written story. The characters are well developed there is nothing to hate about anything except maybe the fact that it ends....LOL but it's true. I received an Advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think the books gets a 3.5 stars I mean it was a lil cringe for me wish we saw like a first meeting or something u know like of the bat they knew each other were already flirting and such it was like no angst that I like and the dialogue yeah made me cringe like do people really say things like that in their head but good book solid story
title: CeCe Sloan is Swooning: A steamy rich girl/poor girl sapphic romance (Sloan Sisters Sapphic Romance Book 1) Author: Jamey Moody
Favorite quote
CeCe laughed. “Yeah, you’re not the first to suggest that.” But then she turned to Alexis with a serious look. “Doing hair is nothing like what you’re doing. You save lives.” “I disagree. The things you do make people feel better. After you’ve done your magic,” Alexis said, meeting CeCe’s gaze and raising her eyebrows, “people can look in the mirror and feel more beautiful because you’ve done their hair, when inside they may not feel so beautiful. So, let’s agree that we’re both magical.”
The chemistry between Alexis and CeCe is truly remarkable. They took their time to truly understand each other, delving into their fears and past experiences. This deep connection between them brought the entire story together in a seamless and beautiful way.
I wholeheartedly recommend this story to anyone. It serves as a captivating introduction to the series, allowing readers to meet all of the sisters and the author's previous works. Familiar characters make an appearance, adding an intriguing element to the narrative. It was an incredibly engaging read.
Both Alexis and CeCe are outstanding main characters. The author skillfully weaves their journeys together, bringing the story full circle and leaving readers satisfied.
One of my favorite moments was when CeCe and Alexis ventured to Lovers Landing for their first weekend together. It was a special time for them to connect with the community, while also enjoying privacy away from the distractions of their everyday lives. This added an extra layer of depth to their relationship.
I want to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with an advance copy of the book. Jamey is a wonderful individual and an incredible friend to me. During a difficult time for my family, as we recently lost my sister-in-law, this book has brought me immense joy. I am truly thankful for her. The book is now available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited, and I strongly encourage you to read it. It is the first installment in a new series, and trust me, it exceeds all expectations with its five-star quality.
Jamey Moody delivers again with this heartwarming, low angst lovestory. It’s the first part of what will be a trilogy about the three Sloan Sisters.
CeCe Sloan and her sisters Cat and Cory open up their own businesses next to each other. A bookstore, a liquor store and a hair and nail salon. Stylist CeCe brings light into the lives of all her clients and keeps them looking their best. She hopes one day to start living her happily ever after but what she doesn’t expect it to be with one of her clients.
Dr. Alexis Reed is a gorgeous, enigmatic and sought after surgeon. Having had her heart broken ruthlessly once before, she doesn’t want to open up again. In between her busy schedule she does make time to get her hair done at CeCe’s salon. She leaves every time feeling better and with a huge smile on her face. When CeCe opens her own business she is the first to support it. While sipping champagne in the new store sparks fly and Alexis would like to see for herself what happens in the back room of the salon. The attraction between her and CeCe might be the ticket to experience that, but is it only that?
Moody’s writing is effortless and takes you through the story smoothly. Where a lot of sapphic fiction plays on angst and trauma, this book is just an easy ride to happiness. There are some obstacles of course, but all of those are internal struggles of the characters. It’s a breath of fresh air to see these women conquer insecurities through open lines of communication instead of hiding behind misinformation. And the way Alexis and CeCe connect physically is perfect and hot!
CeCe Sloan is swooning will have you swooning indeed. It’s sugary sweet but also believable. A great read for an evening in front of the fire.
This was very much a glass half empty/glass half full kind of read for me. I feel like my rating is at a 3.5-ish, but I’ll round up.
The book got off to a tough start with the setup of poof! Have a strip mall. But… having made it past a similarly unlikely setup in The Fiancée Farce, I figured I’d let that one go.
Then, I struggled a bit with the writing… the wording, the way the characters tend to talk out loud to themselves, some of the dialogue… sometimes this drives me crazy and here it didn’t rise to that level, but it was noticeable… it just kind of itched. I guess I’d say it prevented the whole thing from flowing as well as it could have, especially in the first half.
So the glass half full part: the story was wonderful. I mean, there was virtually zero angst (only a little lack of confidence that was quickly brushed away). And while that’s not typically my favorite, in this case it worked for me, and the story as a whole was sweet enough to overwhelm my other concerns. The main characters had enough history and personality and development to feel real. There was a big cast of family and coworkers and friends, and while none of them got any development, they were fun to have around and they added to the story. Though the setting seemed intentionally generic, there were some great outings that saved it from feeling bland.
In the end, while I have a sense that this could have been better and won’t be my favorite… it was a fun ride and I’m still going to pick up the next one. I just might need something a little heavier to go along with it. :)
A sappy heartfelt romance with the unlikely combination of a surgeon and a hairstylist. I say sappy and I mean it in the best way possible! This story is sweet and warm and has some excellent family/friends characters to support the plot. Several cameos by characters from Moody’s previous books and her signature low-angst-romantic-to-a-fault vibes. This particular story is quite steamy and has several explicit sexual scenes in it. What I didn’t like about the book is the lack of conflict. Aside from a bit of an inferiority complex that one MC is sporting for a few minutes, there isn’t conflict at all, internal or external, which means the MCs have a smooth sail ahead. While this is not a bad thing in life, in literature it means we cannot examine the MC’s behavior under stress or when torn inside… It means there’s less complexity and no developmental arc. As a result, the characters fall short of their potential, which is a shame. And yes, I know many readers prefer the low angst romantic side of this equation (myself included) but as an honest reviewer, I have to point it out. I still think this book is a fun read for the romantic hearts among you and I recommend it :)
T&T: Tropes: opposites attract, friends to lovers, small-town romance, rich girl/poor girl (but very few allusions to that in the story) Triggers: open-door sex scenes, infidelity (off page), oncology patients, traffic accident Rating: 3.5 stars. Recommended for those who love low-angst romance and need more of it. This book is your next great fix.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.