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Cress Brothers #1
One Night with Cinderella
Will their fairy tale last past midnight?
He’s a man used to getting what he wants.
Then he meets her…
Gabriel Cress is heir to his family’s restaurant empire—and is expected to behave as such. Not seduce the housekeeper. But beneath Monica Darby’s shy exterior is a siren who makes the jaded New Yorker burn for more. But when Gabe’s meddling family and a surprise inheritance raise doubts he can’t ignore, will the clock strike twelve on their budding affair?
He’s a man used to getting what he wants.
Then he meets her…
Gabriel Cress is heir to his family’s restaurant empire—and is expected to behave as such. Not seduce the housekeeper. But beneath Monica Darby’s shy exterior is a siren who makes the jaded New Yorker burn for more. But when Gabe’s meddling family and a surprise inheritance raise doubts he can’t ignore, will the clock strike twelve on their budding affair?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2021
94 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Niobia Bryant
111 books505 followersNiobia Bryant is the award-winning and national bestselling author of more than fifty works of romance and commercial mainstream fiction. Twice she has won RT Magazine's Best African-American/Multicultural Romance Award, "Kiss the Ring"--written under the pseudonym Meesha Mink--was listed as one of the Library Journal's Best Books, and her books have appeared in Ebony, Essence, The New York Post, The Star-Ledger, The Dallas Morning News and many other national publications. One of her bestselling books has been adapted to film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 20, 2021
4.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 8: Feb 21 – Feb 27, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 8: Feb 21 – Feb 27, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
March 7, 2021
Whew whew
🤓🤓🤓
💫💫💫💫
A friend told me to give this Author Niobia Bryant a try. I’m happy I did. The gave the book four star because I needed more drama from Monica’s side lol. This book is about overcoming obstacles to find love and people who stand in your way which can sometimes be your own family. I’m happy Gabe mother did the right thing at the end. Good job Niobia Bryant. Can’t wait to read the next one!!!
🤓🤓🤓
💫💫💫💫
A friend told me to give this Author Niobia Bryant a try. I’m happy I did. The gave the book four star because I needed more drama from Monica’s side lol. This book is about overcoming obstacles to find love and people who stand in your way which can sometimes be your own family. I’m happy Gabe mother did the right thing at the end. Good job Niobia Bryant. Can’t wait to read the next one!!!
March 11, 2021
This was just the good book I needed to pull me through a crappy day.
February 6, 2021
One Night with Cinderella by Niobia Bryant is a sexy romance between a former housekeeper turned millionaire and the man she’s had a crush on for years.
Monica Darby has seen it all in her job as housekeeper to the wealthy Cress family, a job she took because of its room and board options to help keep her afloat. But while she’s crushed on Gabriel Cress, one of the heirs to the Cress family’s restaurant empire from afar, her dreams come true when they spend one scintillating night together. She is firm that it’s a one time thing – after all, the housekeeper and the wealthy chef and businessman is a story ripped straight from the tabloids and she wants no part of that.
But things change in an instant when Monica finds herself the heir to a wealthy actor’s fortune – the father who never acknowledged her in life but named her his daughter in death. Instead of being the housekeeper she can now live her own life of luxury. And since she and Gabe are now on a level playing field, is there a chance they can start things for real?
I had not read this author before but really enjoyed her characters and the setting of this story. It takes place over several months and though Monica and Gabe had their one night stand, the reality of a relationship is definitely more complicated, especially with Gabe’s parents not being overly fond of him being involved with their former housekeeper. I did think it a bit odd that Monica, who really needed that job as their housekeeper, would chance discovery and ruin by having a tryst with Gabe but as they were both firm on keeping it a secret and not letting it happen again while Monica worked for the Cress family, I was able to put that misgiving aside. And then of course things take a turn for the better for Monica on the news of her inheritance. While the money is great of course, Monica also gains an aunt (her father’s sister) and that relationship is much more meaningful for her.
Gabe and Monica go through some challenging times even as their relationship progresses. At first they still keep everything a secret but it eventually comes out. Gabe is having some family problems with his father trying to get Gabe and his brothers to compete for a chance at running the company, such that eventually Gabe has to decide whether to pursue his true passion of cooking and running a restaurant or playing his father’s game. Sometimes I felt that Monica and Gabe’s pursuit of their individual goals didn’t mesh that well with their romance, and while I liked both the characters individually, I wasn’t completely sold on their relationship. But they do get their happy ending. Lots of sexy love scenes and family drama are the hallmark of this passionate romance.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-on...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Monica Darby has seen it all in her job as housekeeper to the wealthy Cress family, a job she took because of its room and board options to help keep her afloat. But while she’s crushed on Gabriel Cress, one of the heirs to the Cress family’s restaurant empire from afar, her dreams come true when they spend one scintillating night together. She is firm that it’s a one time thing – after all, the housekeeper and the wealthy chef and businessman is a story ripped straight from the tabloids and she wants no part of that.
But things change in an instant when Monica finds herself the heir to a wealthy actor’s fortune – the father who never acknowledged her in life but named her his daughter in death. Instead of being the housekeeper she can now live her own life of luxury. And since she and Gabe are now on a level playing field, is there a chance they can start things for real?
I had not read this author before but really enjoyed her characters and the setting of this story. It takes place over several months and though Monica and Gabe had their one night stand, the reality of a relationship is definitely more complicated, especially with Gabe’s parents not being overly fond of him being involved with their former housekeeper. I did think it a bit odd that Monica, who really needed that job as their housekeeper, would chance discovery and ruin by having a tryst with Gabe but as they were both firm on keeping it a secret and not letting it happen again while Monica worked for the Cress family, I was able to put that misgiving aside. And then of course things take a turn for the better for Monica on the news of her inheritance. While the money is great of course, Monica also gains an aunt (her father’s sister) and that relationship is much more meaningful for her.
Gabe and Monica go through some challenging times even as their relationship progresses. At first they still keep everything a secret but it eventually comes out. Gabe is having some family problems with his father trying to get Gabe and his brothers to compete for a chance at running the company, such that eventually Gabe has to decide whether to pursue his true passion of cooking and running a restaurant or playing his father’s game. Sometimes I felt that Monica and Gabe’s pursuit of their individual goals didn’t mesh that well with their romance, and while I liked both the characters individually, I wasn’t completely sold on their relationship. But they do get their happy ending. Lots of sexy love scenes and family drama are the hallmark of this passionate romance.
This review appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-on...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
March 9, 2022
Really wanted a page-turner and I got an interesting but slow-moving romance. I loved the heroine getting her due and the H and his judgy/bougie family having to eat crow. The NYC setting was fascinating as always. The Cress family is no shortage of drama but all of this should have made for a more compelling read. Another reviewer mentioned the lack of tension and that’s exactly it. Gabe and Monica didn’t have enough conflict after the first half of the story. I think the author is talented and would try again.
May 22, 2021
I feel like the story started in the wrong place. I liked the on and off affair, but there really wasn't a reason for Gabe and Monica not to be together, so it was missing that from a tension perspective.
March 17, 2021
Romance novels are fun to read during any season, but there's something about spring that makes them even more appealing. Maybe it's the warmer weather. Who knows? One thing is for certain my desire for suspensful Black romance novels like "One Night With Cinderella."
Monica Darby, the protagonist of the story is independent, guarded, and shy. She has been working as an on-site maid for the Cress Family for five years.
Gabriel Cress, the middle child of Nicolette and Phillip Cress, is driven, confident, and determined to take over the family's restaurant chain as his dad is stepping down. However, there is one thing getting in his way, he must fight with his brothers; Phillip Jr., Sean, Cole, and Lucas for the CEO position.
Gabe Cress is determined not to get into a serious relationship as he has been hurt in the past. Monica is still deeply wounded from her past relationship with James Gilligan. James broke her heart and abandoned her, leaving her emotionally closed off from the world.
One night Gabe and Monica share a passionate night together. Soon after Monica's life takes off in a whirlwind.
Set in Manhattan, New York, this novel has everything I love in a romance; family secrets, well developed characters, and tons of drama.
Monica Darby, the protagonist of the story is independent, guarded, and shy. She has been working as an on-site maid for the Cress Family for five years.
Gabriel Cress, the middle child of Nicolette and Phillip Cress, is driven, confident, and determined to take over the family's restaurant chain as his dad is stepping down. However, there is one thing getting in his way, he must fight with his brothers; Phillip Jr., Sean, Cole, and Lucas for the CEO position.
Gabe Cress is determined not to get into a serious relationship as he has been hurt in the past. Monica is still deeply wounded from her past relationship with James Gilligan. James broke her heart and abandoned her, leaving her emotionally closed off from the world.
One night Gabe and Monica share a passionate night together. Soon after Monica's life takes off in a whirlwind.
Set in Manhattan, New York, this novel has everything I love in a romance; family secrets, well developed characters, and tons of drama.
June 18, 2021
Gabriel Cress is part of his family's restaurant empire. He also happens to be an excellent chef. Monica Darby is the Cress family housekeeper. She is very quiet and does her best to stay in the background. Gabriel notices how she is one day they were in the home elevator together and is intrigued by her. They are just getting to know one another when Monica gets an unexpected inheritance. She quits her job and moves out of the Cress home. She is an orphan who gets money from a father she never knew but he is now dead. She is able to start a foundation for foster children who age out of the system. This happened to her and she wants to help others in the same situation.
Gabe is also struggling because he misses being a chef at a restaurant. Both he and Monica make moves that starts them on a new path professionally and personally. Interference from his mother and father almost derailed him and Monica, but it all worked out in the end
Gabe is also struggling because he misses being a chef at a restaurant. Both he and Monica make moves that starts them on a new path professionally and personally. Interference from his mother and father almost derailed him and Monica, but it all worked out in the end
November 29, 2021
Merde!
This was an amazing experience reading this story. Could "Monica's" resilience and determination be a motivation for "Gabriel"? I enjoyed this Sunday afternoon reading and learning about the foster system. Surprise that a mother knows her son and what he needs. The aunt, Phoebe was my favorite with her sage advice and family concept.
I enjoyed this author's writing and also the ability to express the ideas clearly. I will be reading more of her works.
This was an amazing experience reading this story. Could "Monica's" resilience and determination be a motivation for "Gabriel"? I enjoyed this Sunday afternoon reading and learning about the foster system. Surprise that a mother knows her son and what he needs. The aunt, Phoebe was my favorite with her sage advice and family concept.
I enjoyed this author's writing and also the ability to express the ideas clearly. I will be reading more of her works.
February 14, 2021
Always a fan
Niobia Bryant is my favorite author so purchasing this book was a no brainer. I love her stories with strong women and strong men characters. This book is about overcoming obstacles to find love and people who stand in your way which can sometimes be your own family. I do wish it elaborated more on her last but it was a great read
Niobia Bryant is my favorite author so purchasing this book was a no brainer. I love her stories with strong women and strong men characters. This book is about overcoming obstacles to find love and people who stand in your way which can sometimes be your own family. I do wish it elaborated more on her last but it was a great read
February 16, 2021
Wow... One Night with Cinderella
The book was fantastic 👏 Ms. Niobia Bryant did the damn thang! This is a page turner as usual. The family, the food, the humor and the love 💘 was everything. Thank you, Ms. Bryant for a fiery read.
The book was fantastic 👏 Ms. Niobia Bryant did the damn thang! This is a page turner as usual. The family, the food, the humor and the love 💘 was everything. Thank you, Ms. Bryant for a fiery read.
May 4, 2022
Amazing
Great read from start to finish. Monica's story will tug at your heart strings. I'm glad she found the live she deserved. Can't wait to read about the rest of the Cress brothers and their dalliances.
Great read from start to finish. Monica's story will tug at your heart strings. I'm glad she found the live she deserved. Can't wait to read about the rest of the Cress brothers and their dalliances.
February 20, 2021
Such a cute story!
Such a cute story! I loved the family dynamics and the character growth. I can’t wait to read about the next brother.
Such a cute story! I loved the family dynamics and the character growth. I can’t wait to read about the next brother.
February 24, 2021
Have always enjoyed her books, this was no different. Story didn’t follow as I thought it would. Twist happened early on. Very enjoyable read.
April 11, 2021
Great read
When is the next one coming out? Ma. Bryant always writes great stories, grabs you from the first page and takes you on a ride. Tear jerker but in a good way.
When is the next one coming out? Ma. Bryant always writes great stories, grabs you from the first page and takes you on a ride. Tear jerker but in a good way.
May 18, 2021
Great Read!
This was such a good book. I love a great have & have not live story and it was just what I needed to get me out my readers slump.
This was such a good book. I love a great have & have not live story and it was just what I needed to get me out my readers slump.
July 19, 2021
This was a really great read it took me a minute to get into it but once I did excellent the story of not belonging to making. Difference for others loved it
August 14, 2021
Great Read
This is a well-written story with a motivational theme of pursuing your dreams. I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading other books in the series.
This is a well-written story with a motivational theme of pursuing your dreams. I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading other books in the series.
September 13, 2024
Monica has worked as the Cress family housekeeper for 5 years. The Cress family (5 adult boys with the eldest married with a child and the patriarch and matriarch) is tight-knit and all live together in a huge NY home. She's had a huge crush on the middle brother, Gabe for years. He has never noticed her. Until now.
One night Monica and Gabe give in to passion and have a passionate one-time affair. Then nothing and they tiptoe around each other. It is only after Monica has a change in fortune do they get together- for real. Both characters are likable, Monica more so. I thought the family was very spoiled and I didn't care for some of them.
I did have some WTF moments. Monica does daily sheet changes on all the beds. Why? Do they wet the bed? Sweat profusely? In this day in age, that seemed such a ridiculous waste of water. Phillip's daughter spills her beverage. Okay, kids do that. Did the parent clean it up? Nope! Raquel (Phillips's wife) interrupted Monica doing her daily chores to clean it up. The Cress family is a family of chefs, but they have their own private chef (because they are too busy). I felt for Monica, it seemed like she was on 24/7.
One night Monica and Gabe give in to passion and have a passionate one-time affair. Then nothing and they tiptoe around each other. It is only after Monica has a change in fortune do they get together- for real. Both characters are likable, Monica more so. I thought the family was very spoiled and I didn't care for some of them.
I did have some WTF moments. Monica does daily sheet changes on all the beds. Why? Do they wet the bed? Sweat profusely? In this day in age, that seemed such a ridiculous waste of water. Phillip's daughter spills her beverage. Okay, kids do that. Did the parent clean it up? Nope! Raquel (Phillips's wife) interrupted Monica doing her daily chores to clean it up. The Cress family is a family of chefs, but they have their own private chef (because they are too busy). I felt for Monica, it seemed like she was on 24/7.
June 27, 2025
I love the Cress Brothers series and this book is a page turner.
He's a man used to getting what he wants. Then he meets her... Gabriel Cress is heir to his family's restaurant empire--and is expected to behave as such. Not seduce the housekeeper. But beneath Monica Darby's shy exterior is a siren who makes the jaded New Yorker burn for more. But when Gabe's meddling family and a surprise inheritance raise doubts he can't ignore, will the clock strike twelve on their budding affair?
#OneNightWithCinderella #NiobiaBryant
He's a man used to getting what he wants. Then he meets her... Gabriel Cress is heir to his family's restaurant empire--and is expected to behave as such. Not seduce the housekeeper. But beneath Monica Darby's shy exterior is a siren who makes the jaded New Yorker burn for more. But when Gabe's meddling family and a surprise inheritance raise doubts he can't ignore, will the clock strike twelve on their budding affair?
#OneNightWithCinderella #NiobiaBryant
January 25, 2024
The Haves and the Haves Not
A quick read love story. The introduction of this series was interesting of a family that have money and how the parents see others. Cinderella did not change after she received the news that she now have money and still not accepted. I am looking forward to finding out more about the Cress family.
A quick read love story. The introduction of this series was interesting of a family that have money and how the parents see others. Cinderella did not change after she received the news that she now have money and still not accepted. I am looking forward to finding out more about the Cress family.
August 18, 2024
Surprising story...with a great ending!!!
I just happened upon this book and surprised by the story as this is not the usual books that I tend to lean towards. However, I really enjoyed this story of overcoming your past for a better future with a little unexpected help. I did enjoy the story and can't wait to read about the next brother.
I just happened upon this book and surprised by the story as this is not the usual books that I tend to lean towards. However, I really enjoyed this story of overcoming your past for a better future with a little unexpected help. I did enjoy the story and can't wait to read about the next brother.
May 12, 2023
Great read
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Monica was the maid in Gabe’s family home. Their attraction was taboo, but their chemistry was strong. This is their journey to love.
Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Monica was the maid in Gabe’s family home. Their attraction was taboo, but their chemistry was strong. This is their journey to love.
January 9, 2024
Rags to Riches Indeed
Great story! I have to admit that it took me a while to get used to the run-on sentences, but it really was worth it. You captured the experience of upper class versus middle class. I will DEFINITELY be checking out the sequel 🙂
Great story! I have to admit that it took me a while to get used to the run-on sentences, but it really was worth it. You captured the experience of upper class versus middle class. I will DEFINITELY be checking out the sequel 🙂
July 10, 2024
This is the 2nd book I read by Niobia Bryant. This book's storyline was okay. I liked the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I liked Monica's character. I felt sorry for Monica. I liked Gabe's character. I liked the ending.
September 3, 2024
rags to riches
Took a minute but it was worth it. Awesome reading. Loved the aunt. Gabe and Monica did well. Would love to hear more of their story. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
Happy Reading‼️
Took a minute but it was worth it. Awesome reading. Loved the aunt. Gabe and Monica did well. Would love to hear more of their story. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
Happy Reading‼️
April 21, 2024
Good Read
It's so rewarding to read about true love. This book has all the things that would cause couples to let love go. Loved this story!
It's so rewarding to read about true love. This book has all the things that would cause couples to let love go. Loved this story!
May 27, 2024
Good book I look forward to the others in the series!
June 11, 2024
Great Cinderella story
Wow unbelievable how selfish some people can be.
I enjoyed Gabe and Monica's story. It took some twists and turcs but it was a good read.
Wow unbelievable how selfish some people can be.
I enjoyed Gabe and Monica's story. It took some twists and turcs but it was a good read.
June 16, 2024
great book
Loved it. This book was written very well. I would recommend it Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Loved it. This book was written very well. I would recommend it Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews