Stand-alone Steamy Weekends romance, complete with HEA--and plenty of heat and heart along the way!
Cinderella "CiCi" Howard
I might have just received my freshly-minted divorce papers, but for the last decade I've been a single mom for all intents and purposes. Spending the weekend at Oasis Hot Springs Resort and Spa as the maid of honor at my best friend's wedding, I'm not on "mom duty." I'm not on "wife duty"--and never will be again.
So, when I meet a bartender whose smile warms me up faster than a shot of whiskey, I decide to embrace my singledom and check one-night-stand off my bucket list. One night, no strings, what could go wrong? Liam "Sully" Sullivan I have some hard and fast rules for business. The first and most important is: No sleeping with the guests. When you own and operate three resorts and big plans to keep expanding your empire, there's no wiggle room there.
But when I meet the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on while filling in for the resort's bartender, my rules go out the window. She wants one night, no strings, it's any man's dream scenario...but I'm not any man.
For CiCi and Liam, is a one night stand just the beginning or a night they'll both regret?
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
Cinderella (CiCi ) Howard, newly divorced with two twin boys, has spent the last decade living the life of a single parent, despite having a husband, she gets some rest when she goes to spend weekend at Oasis Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a wedding. CiCi is going to be the maid of honour for her best-friend.
Liam (Sully) Sullivan is covering one of his barmen when he finds himself enthralled by a guest, their conversation soon leads to a very hot night together, but
This read had the potential to be a scrumptious and fun little morsel, but whilst the read was little, it fell short for me. After Liam and CiCi sort out their misunderstandings and really get together the book zooms to a year later and we are told this and that has happened, that he is great with CiCi’s twin boys etc. – it would have been really nice to see this all occur, rather than being told.
CiCi’s mum, had the potential to be a delightfully eccentric and amusing character, but the manner in which the author depicted her and CiCi’s reflections on her mum, had me disliking her a fair bit.
More layering and depth to the plot was needed, after the main characters truly get together everything felt exceptionally rushed, a fact that has me hesitating to read anything else in the series.
Seducing Cinderella is a part of the steamy weekend series. I love Oasis and I loved Liam when we met him in Charming Cupid. Liam is a former NFL player and now owns Oasis. He had his world totally rocked with the end of his marriage and threw himself into work, but also has a strict no fraternization with the guests policy. Cinderella “CiCi” is a mom of 10yo twin boys who finds out her divorce is finalized the day she arrives at Oasis for her best friends wedding. She decides it’s time for a change and to put herself first for one night. So she chops off her hair, gets dressed up and goes to the bar, where she meets Liam. Sparks fly right away for these two. What was suppose to be a one night stand turns into so much more, but with both their first marriages ending in cheating, can they learn to trust each other to make it work??? Liam and CiCi’s chemistry is off the charts. They both have a lot on their plates, but learning you don’t have to do it all on your own, is a wonderful feeling. I loved these too! Great book!!
You can never go wrong when you pick up a book by these talented authors, and this one is no exception. The story about Cinderella/Cici Howard and Liam/Sully Sullivan is that of two individuals who meet by chance without realizing that from that point on, not only will their lives change forever, but that they’ll have the opportunity to rediscover themselves. A story about two individuals that have been hurt in love marriage and also have family responsibilities. But for a weekend, they will give of themselves to each other. It’s at times sweet, at others funny and sexy, but also touching and heartbreaking. Another well written story leaving you wanting to know what else is in store for the reader in their next story. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I love this Oasis series. I thought it was great that CiCi got away from her twin boys, and let herself have fun. I know she was conflicted that her divorce came through when she is at the Oasis to be a maid of honor to her best friend. Liam is such a great guy and a wonderful employer to work for. Even though he used to be an NFL Star, he didn’t think that any job at his resort was beneath him. I felt bad about what happened with him and his ex-wife. I was glad to see that he was attracted to CiCi which surprised him. I loved the two together. This is a great book that I strongly encourage you to read. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
4.5⭐ Oh, the book is really good. It plays at the same time as the first one. So, there are tiny cross-overs 😁 Liam is a great boss. He isn't the typical rich boss. If there is a need in the kitchen, he jumps in. And also as a bartender... This book is 🔥 And it's a book who the guy falls first. Like it is in the first book 😉 Sadly I have to wait to read the last book until I have KU again (or it will be a freebie 😇). I LOVE the titles of the books and the names of the characters. Dr. Cupid, Cinderella, and in book 3 Juliette and Romeo. It's funny, that they are mention "Schitt's Creek" because I've watched the last season two weeks ago 😎
This duo is one of my favorites and you can never go wrong in picking up one of their books! Seducing Cinderella is the second book in their Steamy Weekends series and this one is definitely worth picking up!
Cinderella "Cici" Howard is going through a lot since she has been basically raising her 10-year old twin boys on her own and couple that with her husband serving her with divorce papers. Not to mention that, but her closest friend, Aubrey, is getting married, so she's heading off to be part of her wedding party. When she gets to the resort where the wedding will take place, a chance encounter with a handsome man might be just what she needs without even knowing it now that her divorce is final.
Liam "Sully" Sullivan is a former NFL star who now owns a few resorts. His best friend is getting married and while he's not only going to be the best man, he's also providing the venue and his assistant is helping with all of the wedding plans. When a bartender doesn't show up, he ends up pinch hitting and in the end encounters the most beautiful woman he thinks he's ever seen.
CiCi has decided that this trip is going to be about change and about focusing on herself and so she engages in some flirting with the "bartender", Liam. When it is reciprocated, she's not sure what to do at first, but she knows she likes it. It's clear from the beginning that they have chemistry and they both find it very easy to talk to one another. They figure that one night together will do them both good, but you know what they say about best laid plans...
I really enjoyed these characters and how things ultimately played out between Liam and CiCi. They both had been through so much in their previous relationships that you were definitely cheering for them to get their HEA. Another great one by Melanie Shawn!
CiCi (Cinderella Howard) is a brand new (just today) divorced mother of 10 year old twin boys. She is at the Oasis Hot Springs Resort to be the MOH for her childhood friend, Aubrey. The bride and groom-to-be are delayed because of the weather, and CiCi is at the resort by herself. The adventurist side of CiCi wants to go out and see “what’s out there”. The safe side tells her to stay in the room and raid the mini-bar. CiCi decides to throw caution aside, chops off her waist length hair (herself), dresses to impress and hits the bar, where she is staggered by the hotness of the bartender.
Liam (Sully) Sullivan, former NFL star and owner of the Oasis Hot Springs Resort is filling in for his MIA bartender. It’s a pretty slow Thursday night with possibly a dozen patrons when Liam spies a knockout in a red dress sitting by herself at the bar. Although he continues to take care of all of the patrons, Liam and Cici strike up an ongoing conversation. Because this type of behavior is totally unlike CiCi, she says her name is “Ella”, and because Liam never mixes business with pleasure, he tells her his name is Liam, which it is, but he is most commonly known as Sully. The night progresses with CiCi saving an elderly gentleman’s life, Liam closing the bar early, and the two of them eventually heating up the sheets.
Of course there is the huge misunderstanding between CiCi and Liam, and the will they be able to get over it, but all in all, it was a fun read with some scorching heat between them.
Liam is a strong successful business owner. He is loyal and great to his employees. His only problem would be his cheating ex-wife and his back-stabbing brother. Cici is a smart strong nurse and a single mother of twin 10-year-old boys. Her biggest problem is her cheating soon to be ex-husband. Cici’s best friend in the world Aubrey, is getting married at a resort that Aubrey’s soon to be husband best friend owns, Sully. Once at the resort Cici is left waiting for Aubrey as she will not be at the resort until the next morning. Cici is bored and decides to hit the bar downstairs to have a drink. What she never excepted was to find a man that was so sexy and gorgeous that she would be willing to possibly forget about being the responsible woman she is in her everyday life and finally let all caution go out the window. Liam (aka Sully), is covering for the normal bartender for the evening. He is used to the flirting and women throwing themselves at him, even though he has no desire to be with any of them as his trust for women is gone thanks to his ex-wife. What he was not expecting is a gorgeous beauty like Cici (aka Ella as she introduces herself) sitting at his bar. Instant attraction is felt on both sides. This is a beautiful story about learning to trust again and finding the one person you are truly happy to spend the rest of your life with. There are a few downs and lots of ups (no phun intended) but worth every second. Learn how Liam and Cici find the happiness they deserve.
I totally loved reading CiCi and Liam’s amazing love story in Seducing Cinderella by the amazing Melanie Shawn, the second book in their Steamy Weekends series. I loved that we visit with characters from their other series, making this a crossover. CiCi is one strong single mom, especially to twins. This story begins on the day of her divorce from a non-involved dad and gives her the first chance to really live and channel those flirty single women friends of hers. Her one-night stand turns into two, three, or more nights. Liam has made a name and career for himself after an injury forced him to retire from the NFL. His ex-wife sounded like a money-grubber, even if she was his high school sweetheart. Cheating on him after his injury, especially with his brother, proves how heartless she is; definitely deserving of the divorce. Liam could not stop thinking about CiCi which is why he wanted to continue their relationship. Throw in a couple of mothers, one crazy and one nurturing and you have the makings of a wonderful story.
This wonderful story written by Melanie Shawn is filled with sexual chemistry and endearing characters. I really enjoyed getting to know both CiCi and Liam. I highly recommend Seducing Cinderella to other reader and cannot wait for the books that are still to come in this series. Melanie Shawn always gives us a great story with fantastic characters!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Cici and Liam meet by chance at the bar while he is filling in for his bartender and she is early for her best friend's wedding. Liam is the owner of the resort the wedding is at and also the best man. Cici just received her divorce papers in the mail after having a long distance marriage for years. She hates that she "failed" at her marriage and he hates that women only look at him with dollar signs in their eyes. These two characters were very interesting. He was gun-shy while dealing with the betrayal of his ex and she just wanted to let loose for the first time in what seems like forever. They hit it off and then go their separate ways only to run into each other later. This story was a great easy read and the perfect distraction for the business in my life. The characters kept me smiling and laughing and left me wanting more. I would have loved to see Liam interact with Cici's mother more directly as well as see him interact with her twin sons. I also loved the set up leading to the next story which also occurs simultaneously with Juliette and Romeo. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Seducing Cinderella is the second book in the Steamy Weekend series by Melanie Shawn. It follows CiCi from Harpers Crossing and Liam from the Oasis Hot Springs Resort and Spa, who we met in book one. I have to say, as much as I loved Cooper Briggs and his story, I may have loved Liam and his more!
CiCi is at the Oasis Resort for her best friends wedding. Recently divorced, like really recently, she is hoping to have a quiet weekend. But when a call with her Mom plants an idea in her head, she decides to change things up a bit.
Liam Sullivan does a little bit of everything at his resort. When a bartender doesnt show up for their shift, he fills in. Lucky for him, he sees the most beautiful woman while working the shift and decides to go for it.
CiCi is a strong and independent woman who has basically been a single mom for years. She is looking for a release, to let caution to the wind and take a chance. Liam finds out that he hasn't really been living his life either, just working to the bone. CiCi makes him want to change that.
I absolutely adored this book. It was fun and I honestly didnt want to put it down!
One of my favorite duos, Melanie Shawn, is back with the second couple in the steamy weekend series. Seducing Cinderella focuses on Sully and CiCi, Cinderella. I always enjoy reading their books as they blend romance with laughter and toss in references from my youth.
Sully has been burned in the past by his ex and is now dedicated to running his resorts. This weekend his resort is hosting the wedding of his best friend. Although, he’s been out of the game he takes one look at CiCi and he knows she’s the one. Is he willing to break his rules to be with her? CiCi heading out on a weekend on her own. She’s the MOH I her friends wedding and is letting her hair down -literally. Sparks fly immediately with this couple and after the 48 hours is up they realize they can’t leave each other.
There is a little drama surrounding them but they worked through their insecurities to find their HEA. Looking forward to the next steamy weekend.
Cici (Cinderella) is a newly divorced mother of 2 twin 10 year old boys. She is at the resort for her friend’s wedding. However, the bride and groom are delayed and Cici is alone. She decides she wants a bit of adventure and she goes to the local bar. There she meets Sully, who is the acting bartender tonight. The two hit it off, but neither give their true names. Cici becomes Ella and Liam (his actual first name). Liam was an NFL player and is the owner of the Oasis Hot Springs Resort.
As the two strike up a conversation, Cici saves an elderly man’s life. Liam closes the bar early, and the two spend time together in bed (sizzling hot!). After a big misunderstanding, the two figure things out. Wew! All of this in just 1 weekend!
A fun story with some real sizzle!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
Wow! Cinderella “CiCi” & Liam connected for an explosive one night stand! Both of them were cheated on by their respective spouse & ended up divorced. Now they both are hurt, mistrusting & overly cautious. At their surprise meeting the next day, misunderstandings were the theme. They had each used fake names & Liam thought CiCi was a cheater. Could they straighten everything out or would they just go their separate ways?
What a wickedly steamy story! The scenes were hot & intense. The connection between the main characters came across instantly. I’m usually not a fan of this type of story because I think a true connection takes time. This story was an exception to that. Since they were using “fake” names, they were both more open & honest. I felt this was a truly entertaining & enjoyable read.
Whenever I pick up a Melanie Shawn book, I know it will be amazing. This book with Cici (Cinderella) and Sully (who I’ve named Prince Charming) was great. From their initial meeting, to their BM and MOH duties, to everything in between, these two had the chemistry and I loved their banter and fell in love with them as they were falling in love with each other. There was also a great cast of characters that made this book special and I have to say I’m also in love with Juliette, I mean how can you not love her. This book ended back where it began with these two, which was definitely fitting. I always love the numerous lines from a Melanie Shawn book and this one summed up Cici’s mom perfectly, “You came out of my business so everything you do is my business.” So excited for Juliette’s book! Thank you Melanie Shawn for another wonderful book!
It appears that they have done it again. These sisters are amazing. They have seduced me. Mind, body and soul with this quick, sexy, fabulous, mouth watering goodness. I love everything about these ladies. They are a dynamic duo who constantly entertain me with their wonderful characters, their make believe worlds and their just down right fabulous stories. You will never ever be disappointed when you pick up one of their books. You will love Ci Ci and Liam - they are both strong characters who have both been burned and try with all their might to fight their desire for each other and with any Melanie Shawn story you know you will be in for a wonderful ride. I am so happy to be a part of their review team and get to read and review for my blog. These two are up there on my favourite authors list.
Definitely a super steamy read, this next instalment in Melanie Shawn’s Steamy Weekends series was my favourite of their latest few books. Cici (aka Ella, aka Cinderella) Howard and Liam “Sully” Sullivan’s story is one of lust at first sight, followed quickly by much deeper feelings. While they are both reluctant to believe that their chance encounter could turn into something everlasting, they both secretly admit they don’t want their steamy weekend to end. There are some issues and miscommunications of course but they figure things out quickly and there’s no long drawn out drama which was a refreshing change. You’ll love this story of Cinderella finding her happily ever after so don’t hesitate to pick up this book today!
When a story starts with your mom telling you that you came out of her business so she has a right to know your business, you know.,...you just know that this is going to be fun! Cici, or Cinderella is in town for a wedding, and decides that this is time to have a bit of fun and then we meet Liam again (this is standalone book but part of a series and Liam was introduced in prior books; there are also references to other stories ans it was a lot of fun to see or read about some other favorites) Liam is more than willing to help her in her quest and operation orgasm blitz is on......Their relationship moved along quickly, but when you know you know. Definitely a new and fun twist on the Cinderella and her Prince HEA.
I love the steamy weekends series, this is the second book. Cici and Liam are adorable. Cici is a newly divorce, single mum to twins. When her divorce is final she heads to her best friends wedding, as the maid of honor. There she meets a sexy bartender and can resist a one night stand, with no names exchanged, which turns out to be the best night of her life. Liam is a hot hotel owner, that takes one look at the beautiful woman that has just walked into his bar and can't resist the offer she makes. After an explosive night, Liam discovers something he can't abide and leaves. Only to bump into her again at the wedding of his best friend. Another amazing story from Melanie Shawn, that you just can't put down.
Another great story from this sister duo. Liam, owner of Oasis resort that we met him briefly in the 1st book of this series, is hosting is best friends wedding at the resort. Cinderella or CiCi, is a recently, as in that day, divorcee that’s in town for her best friends wedding. Liam has a no hooking up with a guest at the hotel, that is until he locks eyes with CiCi. CiCi and Liam are magic together. The sparks fly immediately and as this series states it’s definitely a steamy weekend. Can these two make a weekend into a lifetime or are they both too fun shy from their pasts. Love this book!
CiCi is a newly divorced, single mom at the Oasis Hot Springs for her best friends wedding. A chance encounter with the hot bartender ends in a hot night spent together. When the hot bartender turns out to be the owner of the resort and the best man at the same wedding, defying the connection they felt proves impossible, along with their hands to themselves. I loved everything about this book from the way the past and future characters were woven into the story to the way the way the story progressed between CiCi and Liam. Though it was just over a weekend it felt longer and left me wanting more. Can’t wait to read Resisting Romeo.
Liam is a divorced ex-NFL player turn resort own and Cici is a freshly divorced mother of twin boys who was blindsided by how much life she hadn’t been living.
When Cici and Liam meet there’s an instant attraction, that was hot and steamy right from the start.
This is a hot HEA Romance with steamy love scenes that was an easy read and have you cheering for Liam and CiCi
Once I started reading I found it hard to put down, I just wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen with Liam and Cici.
Seducing Cinderella is book 2 in the Steamy Weekend series and is a stand alone book.
I received an ARC of Seducing Cinderella and this is my voluntary honest review.
This 48 hour story actually happens before and during the Charming Cupid story, but there are only a few references that cross over. Both are stand alone stories that share a setting. Family is always the most important for both Liam & CiCi. A little me time grows into an amazing relationship. The difference between lust and love are the deep connections that occur during the passionate times. When it’s right, it’s right. Learning from past mistakes helps both of them grow into stronger more self reliant people. Moving forward in their relationship takes time, dedication, and commitment. Thanks again for the HEA!
Start to finish in 4 hours, I couldn’t put this book down. It was so good. We go back to Oasis spa and get to know owner Liam, I loved Liam and Cici. Cici’s divorce is final, she cuts off her waist length hair and she has her first one night stand, but when that one night stand turns into so much more she finally finds her soul mate. Liam has a hard time trusting, thanks to his first wife and brother but while being a stand in bartender he finds his missing piece. Grand slam Melanie shawn!!!
I loved Liam when we were introduced to him in the first book in this series. I fell more in love with him as I read this book. Liam and Cici were honestly made for each other. The chemistry between them was noticeable from their very first meeting. Both of them have been burned badly in the past and they both have very big trust issues. Reading their story was so much fun. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Let me tell you a lot can happen in one weekend! I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
We return to The Oasis for a wedding. Some old characters pop in but this is definitely its own story! Liam (Sully), the owner of the resort is only covering the bar for one of his employees for the night and has a chance encounter with Cinderella (Ella/CiCi). She was looking for one night to let go and be all woman, a treat to herself after her divorce was finalized. Their chance encounter leads to both of them connecting souls in a way that no one in their lives has done before. The sisters have written another winning book!
I started and finished this book over the weekend - it was one of those books that once I started I had to finish. I loved the craft in this book - how it is not always what it seems. CiCi and Liam both made assumptions without waiting for the whole story - just like so many people do in their daily lives. I hope to see this couple appear in other books and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.