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California Billionaires #2
My Unexpected Vow
Have you ever thought there was a spider crawling on you only to discover it was a piece of hair?
But it’s not your hair—it’s your wife’s—a woman who just happens to be your best friend’s little sister that hates your guts as well.
And she wasn’t your wife until you drunkenly married her in Vegas, which meant a few weeks later she was living in your house and her hair was freaking everywhere, sending you into a panic attack multiple times a day.
Yeah, welcome to my life.
I, Hayes Weston, was perfectly content managing my nightclub investments until my father told me he was ready to retire and for me to take over his billion-dollar investment firm.
The catch? He didn’t want to hand it over until he was sure I had contemplated my future, including looking for a wife.
Now I’m married to Waverly Morgan, the girl I teased relentlessly growing up. But Waverly is all grown up now too, living in my house, and making me contemplate my sanity and the lonely life I lead before.
Suddenly, she’s not the annoying little sister of my best friend, but a woman with curves, determination, and a mind that surprises me at every turn.
We go from being married for convenience to married for real—until our reasons for staying married come to fruition and we’re forced to make a decision about our future.
But by then, I’m invested. I need her. But marriage is a lot harder than I thought.
Can I convince her to let me in? Can I convince her that she’s really what I want?
But more importantly, can I honor the vows we made that fateful night in Vegas and get her to honor them too?
But it’s not your hair—it’s your wife’s—a woman who just happens to be your best friend’s little sister that hates your guts as well.
And she wasn’t your wife until you drunkenly married her in Vegas, which meant a few weeks later she was living in your house and her hair was freaking everywhere, sending you into a panic attack multiple times a day.
Yeah, welcome to my life.
I, Hayes Weston, was perfectly content managing my nightclub investments until my father told me he was ready to retire and for me to take over his billion-dollar investment firm.
The catch? He didn’t want to hand it over until he was sure I had contemplated my future, including looking for a wife.
Now I’m married to Waverly Morgan, the girl I teased relentlessly growing up. But Waverly is all grown up now too, living in my house, and making me contemplate my sanity and the lonely life I lead before.
Suddenly, she’s not the annoying little sister of my best friend, but a woman with curves, determination, and a mind that surprises me at every turn.
We go from being married for convenience to married for real—until our reasons for staying married come to fruition and we’re forced to make a decision about our future.
But by then, I’m invested. I need her. But marriage is a lot harder than I thought.
Can I convince her to let me in? Can I convince her that she’s really what I want?
But more importantly, can I honor the vows we made that fateful night in Vegas and get her to honor them too?
354 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2021
About the author
Harlow James
41 books1,678 followersHarlow James is a wife and mom who fell in love with romance novels, so she decided to write her own.
NOW, she is a full time author!
Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found travelling, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking champagne or a blended margarita.
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Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/
NOW, she is a full time author!
Her books are the perfect blend of heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam with a guaranteed Happily Ever After, then Harlow is your new best friend.
When she's not writing, she can be found travelling, reading every romance novel she can find time for, laughing with her husband and kids, watching re-runs of FRIENDS, and spending time cooking for her friends and family while drinking champagne or a blended margarita.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowJamesA...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49499...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlowjames...
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2x1q8
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harlow-James/e...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/harlo...
Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 16, 2022
4.5 stars. My little heart was filled up, broken, and put back together. I adore a marriage of convenience story. This is a bit different because it’s a “I just married my frenemy on a bet” sort of marriage. The emotional arc felt real and believable. These two people scrapped and fought in the beginning… but in a way that screams “we’re kinda flirting but don’t know it”.
After they decide to make a go of their accidental marriage to save face, they also get to know each other through the forced proximity of living in the same house.
And once this slow burn paid off, the spice was DELIGHTFUL! They develop such a loving friendship throughout. There is a fight near the end that broke my heart… but also felt true to them and their story. And shows that marriage/living with someone isn’t all peaches and sometimes you’re going to have to work things out. It’s interesting because BOTH of them have plenty of money so there’s no weird power imbalance like some of these billionaire stories often have.
There are no OW/OM in this story and I didn’t have to hear about either of their sexual history, which is always a bonus. She has an ex-boyfriend that is a bit stalkery for a while, but I don't consider that as OM drama cause she's completely over him. And he has some woman hit on him... but he doesn't look twice to I don't consider that to be OW drama.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and won’t be the last. This book is going on my “deserves a future re-read” list. The only thing I would ask for is to make it into an audiobook.
After they decide to make a go of their accidental marriage to save face, they also get to know each other through the forced proximity of living in the same house.
And once this slow burn paid off, the spice was DELIGHTFUL! They develop such a loving friendship throughout. There is a fight near the end that broke my heart… but also felt true to them and their story. And shows that marriage/living with someone isn’t all peaches and sometimes you’re going to have to work things out. It’s interesting because BOTH of them have plenty of money so there’s no weird power imbalance like some of these billionaire stories often have.
There are no OW/OM in this story and I didn’t have to hear about either of their sexual history, which is always a bonus. She has an ex-boyfriend that is a bit stalkery for a while, but I don't consider that as OM drama cause she's completely over him. And he has some woman hit on him... but he doesn't look twice to I don't consider that to be OW drama.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and won’t be the last. This book is going on my “deserves a future re-read” list. The only thing I would ask for is to make it into an audiobook.
April 25, 2021
My Unexpected Vow is the second book in this series and trust me when I say you do not want to miss this one! Hayes and Waverly are a brothers best friend romance and after a drunken night in Vegas these two enemies turned lovers end up faking a marriage to get what they want. They each have their own agenda but the feelings come out and wow these two definitely heat up the pages!
I want to sit back and just hug this book. It is all the good words I can think of and may have just jumped to my very favorite. I felt everything along with them and just LOVE Hayes and Waverly so so much. While Hayes is a rich guy he is still so down to earth and their relationship is so very relatable. He is perfectly swoon worthy (that last big gesture!) and Waverly is a strong leading character we all can love. Fantastically wonderful story!
I want to sit back and just hug this book. It is all the good words I can think of and may have just jumped to my very favorite. I felt everything along with them and just LOVE Hayes and Waverly so so much. While Hayes is a rich guy he is still so down to earth and their relationship is so very relatable. He is perfectly swoon worthy (that last big gesture!) and Waverly is a strong leading character we all can love. Fantastically wonderful story!
April 25, 2021
We meet the hero and heroine of My Unexpected Vow, Hayes Weston and Wavelry Morgan, in book one of the California Billionaires series, My Unexpected Serenity. Waverly is Wes Morgan’s younger sister and best friends with Hayes. And as one would expect, Waverly is all grown up now, and with her degree in Interior Design in hand, she is looking to make her mark. Both families come from wealth and I admire their inner drive and work ethics and how they are successful in their own right.
I just loved how honest and loyal Hayes was; he admired and respected his parents and wanted to make them proud. He is in Las Vegas on business as he invests in Night Clubs, a sub-division of his father’s hugely successful financial conglomerate, and runs into Waverly and her friend on New Year’s Eve. These two bicker like the best of them and have a wonderful dynamic going on. Lots of sexual tension and push and pull, and the author does a wonderful job with the build up of will they or won’t they...
Hayes and Waverly have never really gotten along. She was always the annoying little sister and he did his best to provoke her, and she just couldn’t be bothered all those years ago. But when they wake up married, these frenemies have their own reasons for not having the marriage annulled, and that is when the magic begins.
I am a true romantic at heart and was routing for these two from the start. I loved each of them individually and together, especially how they complimented each other and took a chance. Loved their slow burn and character development and how they spent time getting to know one another and made each other a better person and more content. Loved how they would compliment each other and how surprised they were to learn the other felt that way.
I also loved the interactions with their friends and families, how supportive they were, and how they all could see what clearly took the couple awhile to realize. And when they came together, they gave themselves completely and their sexy times were smoking hot!
Most importantly, I loved how the author made these two so relatable and adorable. This wasn’t insta-love or even insta-lust. They had to work hard to make their marriage work, compromise, and learn how to forgive. I loved their sense of humor, how sweet they were to one another, and how they genuinely enjoyed spending time with one another. The only thing I didn’t like is how he would tease and call her “Beaverly” in both books, a mocking nick-name he gave her when she was young, even though she repeatedly asked him to stop.
When the going gets tough and life unexpectedly presents some challenges, are they going to honor their vows, be there for one another, and talk things through, or just give up? Waverly was strong and independent, and I loved how thoughtful she was and how she would self-reflect and talk things through with her friends and Shayla, Wes’ fiancé.
I loved Hayes’ parents too and the advice they passed on to him regarding relationships. I especially loved the last few chapters and was smiling the entire time as this marriage of convenience took a turn towards forever. Hayes melted my heart with his swoony gesture and heartfelt confession.
Looking forward to book three as Chloe hopefully finds love with the hot Italian chef!
I just loved how honest and loyal Hayes was; he admired and respected his parents and wanted to make them proud. He is in Las Vegas on business as he invests in Night Clubs, a sub-division of his father’s hugely successful financial conglomerate, and runs into Waverly and her friend on New Year’s Eve. These two bicker like the best of them and have a wonderful dynamic going on. Lots of sexual tension and push and pull, and the author does a wonderful job with the build up of will they or won’t they...
Hayes and Waverly have never really gotten along. She was always the annoying little sister and he did his best to provoke her, and she just couldn’t be bothered all those years ago. But when they wake up married, these frenemies have their own reasons for not having the marriage annulled, and that is when the magic begins.
I am a true romantic at heart and was routing for these two from the start. I loved each of them individually and together, especially how they complimented each other and took a chance. Loved their slow burn and character development and how they spent time getting to know one another and made each other a better person and more content. Loved how they would compliment each other and how surprised they were to learn the other felt that way.
I also loved the interactions with their friends and families, how supportive they were, and how they all could see what clearly took the couple awhile to realize. And when they came together, they gave themselves completely and their sexy times were smoking hot!
Most importantly, I loved how the author made these two so relatable and adorable. This wasn’t insta-love or even insta-lust. They had to work hard to make their marriage work, compromise, and learn how to forgive. I loved their sense of humor, how sweet they were to one another, and how they genuinely enjoyed spending time with one another. The only thing I didn’t like is how he would tease and call her “Beaverly” in both books, a mocking nick-name he gave her when she was young, even though she repeatedly asked him to stop.
When the going gets tough and life unexpectedly presents some challenges, are they going to honor their vows, be there for one another, and talk things through, or just give up? Waverly was strong and independent, and I loved how thoughtful she was and how she would self-reflect and talk things through with her friends and Shayla, Wes’ fiancé.
I loved Hayes’ parents too and the advice they passed on to him regarding relationships. I especially loved the last few chapters and was smiling the entire time as this marriage of convenience took a turn towards forever. Hayes melted my heart with his swoony gesture and heartfelt confession.
Looking forward to book three as Chloe hopefully finds love with the hot Italian chef!
April 16, 2021
The best marriage of convenience / enemies-to-lovers / little sister’s best friend in the world 💕 This is my first Harlow James book, I had high expectations of it and they were all surpassed by this amazing story and its characters.
For me this book is very original: to begin with, the marriage between Hayes & Waverly arises from a very funny mistake, and then they realize the benefits they can obtain of their blunder 🙈, besides Hayes & Wave have never had a romantic interest in each other, they really start to get to know each other while living together, they discover their manias, personalities and tastes.
Hayes is a man married to his job, and doesn’t plan to marry anyone else until he meets Waverly in Las Vegas, he has a family that loves him, supports him unconditionally and they just want him to be happy. Hayes is sarcastic and a bit cocky, but the more I read him the more I fell in love, he’s super cute, tender and it’s very funny to read his fear of spiders, he has manias that I understand perfectly, and I love how he gives himself the opportunity to meet the real Waverly, which is why he falls in love with her, also, I enjoyed every time he thought of her and how he was discovering his feelings. 🥰
Waverly has not been as lucky as Hayes when it comes to parents but he has Wes, her brother and constant support. She’s a girl with a huge heart, is brave, she know very well what she wants and works hard to get it, and although sometimes her insecurities overwhelm her, she is always able to overcome them.💪 One of my favorite things about her is the constant discovery she makes about Haye’s personality, how accepts his help, his advice and learns to trust him, I also love his personal story, it’s one of the most beautiful I have read.
As a couple Hayes & Waverly are explosive in every way: they have very obvious chemistry, their fights are fun and they make me enjoy the book a lot, but they are also enormous support for each other, as I already mentioned, I loved reading them discovering their mutual personalities, getting annoyed by each other's habits and enjoying their company, they share super tender, hot and beautiful moments throughout the book, and although they both make some mistakes that made me suffer a lot, I love the decisions they make at the end and the outcome of their story is the most beautiful I have read.
My Unexpected Vow goes straight to my favorites list, because of its incredible story, characters and universe, and the ending has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
🇪🇸
El mejor marriage of convenience/enemies-to-lovers/little sister’s best friend del mundo 💕 Éste es mi primer libro de Harlow James, tenía muchas expectativas en él y todas fueron superadas por esta asombrosa historia y sus personajes.
Para mi este libro es muy original: para empezar el matrimonio entre Hayes & Waverly surge a partir de un error muy divertido, y después se dan cuenta de los beneficios que pueden obtener de su metida de pata 🙈, además Hayes & Wave nunca han tenido interés romántico en el otro, realmente comienzan a conocerse mientras están viviendo juntos, descubren sus manias, personalidades y gustos.
Hayes es un hombre casado con su trabajo, y no planea casarse con nadie más hasta que se encuentra con Waverly en Las Vegas, tiene una familia que lo ama, lo apoya incondicionalmente y solo quieren que él sea feliz. Hayes es sarcástico y un poco engreído, pero mientras más lo leía más me enamoraba de él, es super lindo, tierno y es muy divertido leer su pavor a las arañas, tiene manias que comprendo perfectamente, y me encanta como se da la oportunidad de conocer a la verdadera Waverly, razón por la cual se enamora de ella, además, disfrute mucho cada vez que él pensaba en ella y como iba descubriendo sus sentimientos. 🥰
Waverly no ha tenido tanta suerte como Hayes en lo que a padres se refiere pero tiene a Wes, su hermano y apoyo constante. Ella es una chica con un corazón enorme, es valiente, saben muy bien lo que quiere y trabaja duro para conseguirlo, y aunque a veces sus inseguridades la abruman siempre es capaz de superarlas.💪 Una de mis cosas favoritas sobre ella es el descubrimiento constante que hace sobre la personalidad de Hayes, como acepta su ayuda, sus concejos y aprende a confiar en él, también me encanta su historia personal, es una de las más hermosas que he leído.
Como pareja Hayes & Waverly son explosivos en todos los sentidos: tienen una química muy obvia, sus peleas son divertidas y hacen que disfrute mucho del libro, pero también son un apoyo enorme el uno para el otro, como ya mencioné, me encantó leerlos descubriendo sus personalidades mutuas, molestándose por los hábitos del otros y disfrutando de su compañía, comparten momentos súper tiernos, candentes y hermosos a lo largo del libro, y aunque ambos cometen algunos errores que me hicieron sufrir muchísimo, me encantan las desiciones y que toman al final y el desenlace de su historia es de lo más hermoso que he leído.
My Unexpected Vow va directo a la lista de mis favoritos, por su historia, personajes y universo tan increíbles, además el final me tiene deseando leer el siguiente libro en la serie.
ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta
For me this book is very original: to begin with, the marriage between Hayes & Waverly arises from a very funny mistake, and then they realize the benefits they can obtain of their blunder 🙈, besides Hayes & Wave have never had a romantic interest in each other, they really start to get to know each other while living together, they discover their manias, personalities and tastes.
Hayes is a man married to his job, and doesn’t plan to marry anyone else until he meets Waverly in Las Vegas, he has a family that loves him, supports him unconditionally and they just want him to be happy. Hayes is sarcastic and a bit cocky, but the more I read him the more I fell in love, he’s super cute, tender and it’s very funny to read his fear of spiders, he has manias that I understand perfectly, and I love how he gives himself the opportunity to meet the real Waverly, which is why he falls in love with her, also, I enjoyed every time he thought of her and how he was discovering his feelings. 🥰
Waverly has not been as lucky as Hayes when it comes to parents but he has Wes, her brother and constant support. She’s a girl with a huge heart, is brave, she know very well what she wants and works hard to get it, and although sometimes her insecurities overwhelm her, she is always able to overcome them.💪 One of my favorite things about her is the constant discovery she makes about Haye’s personality, how accepts his help, his advice and learns to trust him, I also love his personal story, it’s one of the most beautiful I have read.
As a couple Hayes & Waverly are explosive in every way: they have very obvious chemistry, their fights are fun and they make me enjoy the book a lot, but they are also enormous support for each other, as I already mentioned, I loved reading them discovering their mutual personalities, getting annoyed by each other's habits and enjoying their company, they share super tender, hot and beautiful moments throughout the book, and although they both make some mistakes that made me suffer a lot, I love the decisions they make at the end and the outcome of their story is the most beautiful I have read.
My Unexpected Vow goes straight to my favorites list, because of its incredible story, characters and universe, and the ending has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
🇪🇸
El mejor marriage of convenience/enemies-to-lovers/little sister’s best friend del mundo 💕 Éste es mi primer libro de Harlow James, tenía muchas expectativas en él y todas fueron superadas por esta asombrosa historia y sus personajes.
Para mi este libro es muy original: para empezar el matrimonio entre Hayes & Waverly surge a partir de un error muy divertido, y después se dan cuenta de los beneficios que pueden obtener de su metida de pata 🙈, además Hayes & Wave nunca han tenido interés romántico en el otro, realmente comienzan a conocerse mientras están viviendo juntos, descubren sus manias, personalidades y gustos.
Hayes es un hombre casado con su trabajo, y no planea casarse con nadie más hasta que se encuentra con Waverly en Las Vegas, tiene una familia que lo ama, lo apoya incondicionalmente y solo quieren que él sea feliz. Hayes es sarcástico y un poco engreído, pero mientras más lo leía más me enamoraba de él, es super lindo, tierno y es muy divertido leer su pavor a las arañas, tiene manias que comprendo perfectamente, y me encanta como se da la oportunidad de conocer a la verdadera Waverly, razón por la cual se enamora de ella, además, disfrute mucho cada vez que él pensaba en ella y como iba descubriendo sus sentimientos. 🥰
Waverly no ha tenido tanta suerte como Hayes en lo que a padres se refiere pero tiene a Wes, su hermano y apoyo constante. Ella es una chica con un corazón enorme, es valiente, saben muy bien lo que quiere y trabaja duro para conseguirlo, y aunque a veces sus inseguridades la abruman siempre es capaz de superarlas.💪 Una de mis cosas favoritas sobre ella es el descubrimiento constante que hace sobre la personalidad de Hayes, como acepta su ayuda, sus concejos y aprende a confiar en él, también me encanta su historia personal, es una de las más hermosas que he leído.
Como pareja Hayes & Waverly son explosivos en todos los sentidos: tienen una química muy obvia, sus peleas son divertidas y hacen que disfrute mucho del libro, pero también son un apoyo enorme el uno para el otro, como ya mencioné, me encantó leerlos descubriendo sus personalidades mutuas, molestándose por los hábitos del otros y disfrutando de su compañía, comparten momentos súper tiernos, candentes y hermosos a lo largo del libro, y aunque ambos cometen algunos errores que me hicieron sufrir muchísimo, me encantan las desiciones y que toman al final y el desenlace de su historia es de lo más hermoso que he leído.
My Unexpected Vow va directo a la lista de mis favoritos, por su historia, personajes y universo tan increíbles, además el final me tiene deseando leer el siguiente libro en la serie.
ARC recibida a cambio de una reseña honesta
April 15, 2021
“My Unexpected Vow”—Harlow James [5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] This is book two in the California Billionaires series, and after the first one, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the story of Hayes and Waverly and damn this sure didn’t disappoint! This was an enemies to friends to lovers story done so right and the slow burn and chemistry between these two was seriously off the charts! 🔥Hayes has known Waverly pretty much all her life; she’s his best friends little sister and they’ve non stop bickered over the years. They run into each other one night in Vegas and after many drinks wake up the next morning married! They decide to just roll with it for a while for their own benefit so Hayes can show his dad he is serious about his future and so Waverly doesn’t taint her image as she’s just trying to start her career. These two living under the same roof should be quite interesting but they are learning so much about each other they never knew before and it seems that this marriage of convenience may actually be turning into something real. The reasons for staying married definitely are being tested as some important decisions need to be made about their future. Will they be able to honor those vows they made on that fateful night in Vegas or will life get in the way? I absolutely fell in love with Hayes and Waverly and this whole storyline and I promise you won’t be disappointed in this book 🥰 Can’t wait for book three! 👍🏼📚
February 8, 2023
After every new release I think Harlow James can't come up with something equally as good or better but she keeps surprising me.
Waverly and Hayes have known eachother for years and they don't like each other.
But does that change when they are forced to spend more time with each other?
I loved the constant banter between them, even after they got together they kept teasing but in a sweeter way.
To me it felt like there was less sex in this story than in other Harlow James books. It was a slow burn so there was lots of building up. More than once I screamed out of frustration when I thought it would happen but thrn it didn't.
When Hayes and Waverly finally had sex it was indescribably good.
Like usual in Harlow James books, the steam, emotion, drama, banter... it's all very well balanced. I loved this book, it will go on my list of favourite books of 2021.
Waverly and Hayes have known eachother for years and they don't like each other.
But does that change when they are forced to spend more time with each other?
I loved the constant banter between them, even after they got together they kept teasing but in a sweeter way.
To me it felt like there was less sex in this story than in other Harlow James books. It was a slow burn so there was lots of building up. More than once I screamed out of frustration when I thought it would happen but thrn it didn't.
When Hayes and Waverly finally had sex it was indescribably good.
Like usual in Harlow James books, the steam, emotion, drama, banter... it's all very well balanced. I loved this book, it will go on my list of favourite books of 2021.
April 11, 2021
Harlow James does it again yall, she brings her writing to life. Makes you feel like your inside the book. Get ready for a good ride!
My Unexpected Vow is the 2nd book in the series. A enemies-to-lovers that is filled with a lil drama, finding yourself and love.
The 2 main characters are thrown together after a night that they can't quite remember. They have to work together to make it believable. Soon enough they are starting to fall for each other. They have some bumps they have to over come and they do.
With the bombshell dropping that Harlow put in the end is making me itch for the next book to come out sooner than later!
My Unexpected Vow is the 2nd book in the series. A enemies-to-lovers that is filled with a lil drama, finding yourself and love.
The 2 main characters are thrown together after a night that they can't quite remember. They have to work together to make it believable. Soon enough they are starting to fall for each other. They have some bumps they have to over come and they do.
With the bombshell dropping that Harlow put in the end is making me itch for the next book to come out sooner than later!
April 25, 2021
Hayes and Waverly are easily my favorite new couple from Harlow James! We got a sense of the chemistry between these two in book one and they do not disappoint in their book! The back and forth between them is so exciting and the buildup is a fabulous slow burn! We are rewarded with extremely sexy scenes when they can’t fight their attraction and feelings anymore. I loved the development of their relationship from barely tolerating each other to friendly roommates, to lovers, to can’t live without each other epic love!
The marriage was one of convenience at first, but it turned into a beautiful love with depth, trust, support and amazing chemistry!! You do NOT want to miss this book from Harlow!
The marriage was one of convenience at first, but it turned into a beautiful love with depth, trust, support and amazing chemistry!! You do NOT want to miss this book from Harlow!
April 11, 2021
I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this one is spot on. Their relationship isn't traditional and their personalities clash, but they are married and need to make it work. Waverly and Hayes are the dream couple and I loved watching their relationship grow and their characters develop. The story line was perfection and every action in this book had a reason. I wanted to laugh, cry, and scream at one point or another in their story and to me that makes it a fantastic read. I finished this book very quickly because I couldn't put it down.
April 15, 2021
Love is made of pure gold, and pure gold can only get tested trough fire...
Oh my goodness, ALL THE FREAKING STARS to one of the best enemies to lover I’ve read!!!!!!
This book was everything I wanted and even MORE. Weaverly and Hayes are the sweetest and sexiest couple!
One crazy night in Vegas, one accidental marriage... that could probably benefit them both.
We meet Weaverly and Hayes in book 1 as two frienemies who tease each other nonstop. Their banter is hilarious, but what really got me about them from the start is how they joined forces and let the guard down for a little to help Wes and Shayla, they have always been a power couple, but they just didn’t know!
Hayes voice is so particular and so well written since book 1. I was able to start reading a line and know it was him before reading the tag. I loved his character so much. He was funny, sarcastic but so sweet and caring. He had a lot of confidence in himself. Being inside his head was very captivating. I loved how he took the husband role so serious without noticing. He was the most supportive, loyal and protective guy in the world. He believed in Weaverly and tried to prove that, he wanted to make her happy from the jump.
Weaverly was so badass. She was determined and talented, she wanted to make a name for herself without her family’s influence. She had so many insecurities but still fought till the end to get what she wanted. She just wanted to live out loud and be loved truly. I swooned with the way she took care of Hayes and how she wanted to be his support in everything he went through. I also loved to see her remembering her worth and what she really deserved even at times when she was really hurting. Weaverly is definitely a friend I want to have in my life!
I loved how in the end they both had something to prove and while they were getting there, they helped each other to reach their goals and fell so in love with each other in the process. They continually did things for each other, not because they felt obligated, but because they wanted to be there for one another. Just as they found more things to be annoyed, they discovered each other’s essence and noticed how compatible they really were in all ways. It was very emotional to see them fight for each other with all the love they truly had.
The steam was MIND BLOWING! The tension was built not only physically but emotionally. The love was so obvious by the time they got intimate and that made these scenes off the charts.
I loved seeing Wes and Shayla again, being the loyal friends they have always been!
The book hangover after this story is heavy! It was a true love story about fighting for love when it gets difficult and it feels like everything is lost.
Thank you, Harlow James for the kind copy of this book!
Is it to early to offer a kidney for an ARC of book 3?
Oh my goodness, ALL THE FREAKING STARS to one of the best enemies to lover I’ve read!!!!!!
This book was everything I wanted and even MORE. Weaverly and Hayes are the sweetest and sexiest couple!
One crazy night in Vegas, one accidental marriage... that could probably benefit them both.
We meet Weaverly and Hayes in book 1 as two frienemies who tease each other nonstop. Their banter is hilarious, but what really got me about them from the start is how they joined forces and let the guard down for a little to help Wes and Shayla, they have always been a power couple, but they just didn’t know!
Hayes voice is so particular and so well written since book 1. I was able to start reading a line and know it was him before reading the tag. I loved his character so much. He was funny, sarcastic but so sweet and caring. He had a lot of confidence in himself. Being inside his head was very captivating. I loved how he took the husband role so serious without noticing. He was the most supportive, loyal and protective guy in the world. He believed in Weaverly and tried to prove that, he wanted to make her happy from the jump.
Weaverly was so badass. She was determined and talented, she wanted to make a name for herself without her family’s influence. She had so many insecurities but still fought till the end to get what she wanted. She just wanted to live out loud and be loved truly. I swooned with the way she took care of Hayes and how she wanted to be his support in everything he went through. I also loved to see her remembering her worth and what she really deserved even at times when she was really hurting. Weaverly is definitely a friend I want to have in my life!
I loved how in the end they both had something to prove and while they were getting there, they helped each other to reach their goals and fell so in love with each other in the process. They continually did things for each other, not because they felt obligated, but because they wanted to be there for one another. Just as they found more things to be annoyed, they discovered each other’s essence and noticed how compatible they really were in all ways. It was very emotional to see them fight for each other with all the love they truly had.
The steam was MIND BLOWING! The tension was built not only physically but emotionally. The love was so obvious by the time they got intimate and that made these scenes off the charts.
I loved seeing Wes and Shayla again, being the loyal friends they have always been!
The book hangover after this story is heavy! It was a true love story about fighting for love when it gets difficult and it feels like everything is lost.
Thank you, Harlow James for the kind copy of this book!
Is it to early to offer a kidney for an ARC of book 3?
May 4, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up for GR.
I loved so much about this book. I think Hayes and Waverly’s love story was so much fun. They both have such great personalities and watching them go from enemies who constantly antagonize each other to playfully getting along, being there for each other, and falling in love was amazing. There was so much growth between these characters and I really enjoyed watching their development. They both started out their relationship having placed each other in a singular box and not seeing the whole picture of who the other person was. Watching them discover and learn more about each other was really sweet.
By far my favorite section in the book and their relationship is what I’m call the “what the heck” stage. Where both Waverly and Hayes are starting to see each other in a different light and starting to fall for one another but are constantly battling their feelings and thoughts about the other person. This section was filled with lots of “ i did not just think that/ what the heck is wrong with me for feeling this way” moments. Harlow left the characters in this limbo stage for the perfect amount of time and really let us feel their yearning for something more with each other.
Honestly the only reason this book is a 4.5 and not a 5 star read is because of one specific scene/moment that is a huge personal pet peeve of mine. The when, where, and how of the proposal completed ruined that moment for me, like I really hated it ya’ll. Luckily this book ended on a high note for me with their adorable wedding ceremony which perfectly encompassed their relationship and personalities. I really don’t think there could have been a more perfect ending for these two!
Also that setup for Silas and Chloe’s book.... I really don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for their story!
Thank you Harlow James for sending me this ARC in return for my honest review.
I loved so much about this book. I think Hayes and Waverly’s love story was so much fun. They both have such great personalities and watching them go from enemies who constantly antagonize each other to playfully getting along, being there for each other, and falling in love was amazing. There was so much growth between these characters and I really enjoyed watching their development. They both started out their relationship having placed each other in a singular box and not seeing the whole picture of who the other person was. Watching them discover and learn more about each other was really sweet.
By far my favorite section in the book and their relationship is what I’m call the “what the heck” stage. Where both Waverly and Hayes are starting to see each other in a different light and starting to fall for one another but are constantly battling their feelings and thoughts about the other person. This section was filled with lots of “ i did not just think that/ what the heck is wrong with me for feeling this way” moments. Harlow left the characters in this limbo stage for the perfect amount of time and really let us feel their yearning for something more with each other.
Honestly the only reason this book is a 4.5 and not a 5 star read is because of one specific scene/moment that is a huge personal pet peeve of mine. The when, where, and how of the proposal completed ruined that moment for me, like I really hated it ya’ll. Luckily this book ended on a high note for me with their adorable wedding ceremony which perfectly encompassed their relationship and personalities. I really don’t think there could have been a more perfect ending for these two!
Also that setup for Silas and Chloe’s book.... I really don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for their story!
Thank you Harlow James for sending me this ARC in return for my honest review.
April 17, 2021
One word to described this enemy to lovers romance: PERFECTION!!!
This book was so incredible good that once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Waverly and Hayes together were electric. Their banter was golden, each other driving crazy was superb and their sexy moments were steamy. What else do you need? I was in book heaven lol.
Waverly and Hayes were the perfect frenemies. Knowing each other for most of their lives these two really enjoyed driving each other crazy but after a drunken night at Vegas everything changes and they need to play house.
What I loved about this story is that they actually get to know each other in a deeper level, they were able to see, learn and appreciated each other little by little. Their relationship grew from a frenemies relationship to so much more. All the interactions they had were perfect. I laughed, swooned and cried over these characters. I had to re-read chapters because honestly those sticky notes were fantastic. I hope we get to see more of this couple maybe and extra extra epilogue (pleaseeee Harlow) One can only hope lol.
Anyways, I really really really loved this story so much and recommended it 1000 times. It was a very unexpected surprise.
April 5, 2021
I love when a book surprises me. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it makes my book loving heart happy. My Unexpected Vow is Book 2 of Harlow James’ California Billionaires Series and is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, close proximity romance. In other words, three of my least favorite tropes and here is the surprise, I loved it!
I loved the premise.
I loved the two main characters.
I loved their personalities.
I loved how they fought.
I loved how underneath all of that animosity, was a sexual chemistry that could not be contained.
I loved how their feelings developed, to match the underlying attraction, that drew them together like polar ends of a magnet.
All of this, made for a thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely pleasurable, romance read.
The buildup intense - until they finally gave into their feelings - head first and willingly.
Waverly and Hayes grew to love each gradually and the foundation of that love was stronger for it. Every single step in their journey brought them closer and closer to getting their well deserved, ever so satisfying, happily ever after.
My Unexpected Vow is my favorite book of the series (so far) and gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval - if I could, I’d give it two stamps, it was that good. TBR and Enjoy.
I loved the premise.
I loved the two main characters.
I loved their personalities.
I loved how they fought.
I loved how underneath all of that animosity, was a sexual chemistry that could not be contained.
I loved how their feelings developed, to match the underlying attraction, that drew them together like polar ends of a magnet.
All of this, made for a thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely pleasurable, romance read.
The buildup intense - until they finally gave into their feelings - head first and willingly.
Waverly and Hayes grew to love each gradually and the foundation of that love was stronger for it. Every single step in their journey brought them closer and closer to getting their well deserved, ever so satisfying, happily ever after.
My Unexpected Vow is my favorite book of the series (so far) and gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval - if I could, I’d give it two stamps, it was that good. TBR and Enjoy.
October 29, 2021
Uncapped Pens, open cupboards, “spiders”, the moon, tequila and the piano. These are some of my favorite parts of this book. There are many, many more parts of this book that had me laughing, crying, feeling heartbreak, and smiling as wide as the characters were. I knew I was excited for Hayes and Waverly story right after finishing My Unexpected Serenity but what I just read was beyond my expectations. There are so many little quirks in this story that just brought a huge smile to my face and the attention to detail really brought this story to life!
I knew there was something about Hayes and Waverly’s story that was going to set my heart on fire and I was right and once you read this book you will feel the same...in the best way! There are just times in your life when you find something unexpected and it is the best thing you could have ever imagined! “It’s a trust exercise. You jump, I jump, okay?”
Every time I read another book by Harlow James she just blows me away with her stories and her attention to detail and sometimes it’s the little things that really pull you in and immerse you in the story she is telling! This is an book I cannot recommend enough! Pick it up now. Make this a one-click! You won’t regret it!
I knew there was something about Hayes and Waverly’s story that was going to set my heart on fire and I was right and once you read this book you will feel the same...in the best way! There are just times in your life when you find something unexpected and it is the best thing you could have ever imagined! “It’s a trust exercise. You jump, I jump, okay?”
Every time I read another book by Harlow James she just blows me away with her stories and her attention to detail and sometimes it’s the little things that really pull you in and immerse you in the story she is telling! This is an book I cannot recommend enough! Pick it up now. Make this a one-click! You won’t regret it!
April 25, 2021
I love a good marriage of convenience story. A good brother's best friend story. A good enemies to lovers story. And when I get them all rolled into one? Well - that is My Unexpected Vow and it did not disappoint!
Hayes and Waverly despise each other. Or so they say. But when they find themselves married after a drunken night in Vegas, what happened in Vegas definitely did not stay there. They return home and realize this marriage could be convenient for both of them. Six months. They can hang in there for six months without offing each other, they agree. Waverly moves in and the fun begins.
I think we as readers (along with every other character in the book), saw they had feelings for each other from book 1 in this series. But it was definitely fun watching them figure that out for themselves. They both had quirks - from uncapped pens to open cabinet doors which made the ride even more amusing.
I adored this love story and these two characters are definitely a pair you root for!
Hayes and Waverly despise each other. Or so they say. But when they find themselves married after a drunken night in Vegas, what happened in Vegas definitely did not stay there. They return home and realize this marriage could be convenient for both of them. Six months. They can hang in there for six months without offing each other, they agree. Waverly moves in and the fun begins.
I think we as readers (along with every other character in the book), saw they had feelings for each other from book 1 in this series. But it was definitely fun watching them figure that out for themselves. They both had quirks - from uncapped pens to open cabinet doors which made the ride even more amusing.
I adored this love story and these two characters are definitely a pair you root for!
October 3, 2021
Hayes and Waverly are always at each other’s throats ever since Hayes and Wes (Waverlys older brother) have been friends. When Waverly and her best friend end up at the night club Hayes owns on NYE and they all start taking shots and blackout. Where the next morning Hayes and Waverly are in bed together and Waverly has a very expensive piece of jewelry on her important finger. With a lot at stake on both side they agree to 6 months of marriage. What happens when you start to enjoy each other’s company? What happens when they realize it’s not just a show anymore?
I am in love with Hayes Weston! I laughed, I cried, I cried again but happy tears! I loved this couple so much! The banter is amazing! The show of real marriage issues and coming through and showing it takes work is perfection! So good, that’s all I can say!
I am in love with Hayes Weston! I laughed, I cried, I cried again but happy tears! I loved this couple so much! The banter is amazing! The show of real marriage issues and coming through and showing it takes work is perfection! So good, that’s all I can say!
April 25, 2021
Cupboards, Pen Caps and Steam OH MY! Waverly and Hayes surpassed almost every Enemies to Lovers romance couples I’ve ever read. You get a sense of their hatred and banter in book 1 so you sort of know what your in for. the arguments and bickering was just twice as funny in this book. Besides the laugh out moments this was also filled with lots of heartfelt moments and plenty of steam. Harlow James has our done her self with book 2 and I can NOT wait what to see what she pulls out for Chole’s story in book 3!
April 10, 2021
Waverly and Haye’s story was a banter-filled blast and I loved every minute! These frenemies to lovers had me hooked from the start and I was cracking up in no time. I’m not saying things don’t get serious, because they do, but Harlow hasn’t failed me yet when it comes to delivering an emotionally fulfilling and very sexy read! She’s delivered another winner and I am already anticipating Chloe’s hot mess of a story!
Read
April 22, 2021Billionaire Romance ✅
Marriage of Convenience ✅
Forced Proximity ✅
Brother's Best Friend ✅
Hilarious Moments ✅
Steamy scenes that may involve a piano ✅
HEA with an ending that will make you swoon ✅
Coming April 25th!! Still Time to pre-order for ONLY $2.99!
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Marriage of Convenience ✅
Forced Proximity ✅
Brother's Best Friend ✅
Hilarious Moments ✅
Steamy scenes that may involve a piano ✅
HEA with an ending that will make you swoon ✅
Coming April 25th!! Still Time to pre-order for ONLY $2.99!
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08SKP4GF6
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08SKP4GF6
October 19, 2021
This was a good read.
Although the story starts off with the MCs getting married when drunk, the rest of the story unfolds at a much slower pace. It honestly took me a while to get into the book because I didn't feel like I saw much progress in their relationship, despite their feeling, for quiet a while. But once the two of them give into their chemistry and feelings, the story moved beautifully well.
The conflict was not too much drama but still had me seething in anger and made my heart hurt for these two. The resolution was quick and satisfactory.
The amazing relationships that the MCs have with their friends was very beautiful. Hayes's relationship with his parents was also real and endearing to read about.
Overall, this was a good story that you can finish in a day. But you might want to go into it with some patience.
Although the story starts off with the MCs getting married when drunk, the rest of the story unfolds at a much slower pace. It honestly took me a while to get into the book because I didn't feel like I saw much progress in their relationship, despite their feeling, for quiet a while. But once the two of them give into their chemistry and feelings, the story moved beautifully well.
The conflict was not too much drama but still had me seething in anger and made my heart hurt for these two. The resolution was quick and satisfactory.
The amazing relationships that the MCs have with their friends was very beautiful. Hayes's relationship with his parents was also real and endearing to read about.
Overall, this was a good story that you can finish in a day. But you might want to go into it with some patience.
April 25, 2021
4.5 stars
My Unexpected Vow is book two in Harlow’s new series, California Billionaires, and Waverley and Hayes’ story is a brother’s best friend, accidental marriage romance, which shows that sometimes, the person you are meant to be with has been in front of you all along. Their banter and bickering in book one only made me more intrigued by their relationship and how it would develop from almost enemies to more.
Waverley and Hayes aren’t enemies, but they’re not exactly friends either. As Waverley’s brother’s best friend, Hayes sees it as his job to look out for her, and if he can antagonize her too then it’s just a bonus. So, when he runs into Waverley and her best friend Emma in Vegas, he takes it up himself to party with them. And it’s all going well, until Waverley and Hayes wake up the next morning as man and wife…. In shock and sure that it was all a terrible mistake, they soon realise they both have something to gain from this slipup, Waverley can get her ex to stop harassing her and Hayes can prove to his parents he can commit and is ready to take on the family business. With a deadline of six months, Waverley moves in and the pretence of being a married couple starts, but it doesn’t take long for the lines to start to blur over what is real and fake. Once the time is up, will they decide to give their marriage a real shot?
One of the things I liked about this was how it was different to so many other books in this genre, because Waverley and Hayes, despite having known each other for decades, didn’t go into this marriage with any feelings, it was just a bet that went too far. It was a mix between a marriage of convenience, as they both realised, they had something to lose if they didn’t keep up the pretence of being a real-life married couple. But on top of these benefits, all it did was create a forced proximity setting which meant they both slowly developed feelings. Wes even says that he never noticed Waverley as anything more than Wes’s sister, but their bickering in book one did seem like some kind of foreplay looking back. They had chemistry all along, even if they never realised it. And their banter over silly things, like the open cupboard doors and the left of pen caps made their marriage seem much more real, the bickering started to become about mundane couple things which I loved.
Another thing Harlow did so well was peel back the layers of both Hayes and Waverley at the same time they both learnt something new about each other. Despite having been in each other’s lives for so long, they still didn’t know much about each other, and what they thought they did was based off assumptions and usually way off base. Waverley thought Hayes was this playboy party goer who lived in the ultimate bachelor pad but actually he was ready to settle down, even if he didn’t realise it himself, who also had a sensitive and softer side that he only showed those he really let in. In return, she opened up a part of her world that only her inner circle knew about, one that meant more to her than anything else.
Hayes was shocked by the sudden change in expectations from his parents, and although the whole scenario began with him trying to get what he wanted out of it career wise, it quickly became clear what he really wanted in the long term was Waverley. She opened his eyes to how life could be, someone who would be there for you when you need them at the end of a hard day’s work, and how that someone could become your whole world. He was charming, funny, and possessive at times, which only added to his attractiveness, and watching him fall for Waverley was such a fun experience because it crept up on him.
Waverley’s childhood meant she wasn’t open to the idea of letting someone, other than her brother and her best friend in, at the risk of them hurting her as badly as other’s had in the past, but Hayes snuck under the radar without her noticing. What started off as a mutually beneficial arrangement turned to more as Hayes proved with little things that he cared for her, a bunch of flowers here, a well-timed cuddle there. But I did wish she didn’t lose faith in him so quickly, poor guy needed a break and she was ready to jump ship at the slightest problem, even though I could see that it was almost a subconscious action.
Again, the secondary characters had such a huge part in the plot. I loved seeing Wes and Shayla in their happily ever after, but also the continuation of Chloe, the still elusive Silas and now Waverley’s best friend Emma. They were all there in different ways for both Hayes and Waverley, to talk them off the edge when needed, but also to knock some sense into them too when they both had blinkers on for their future together
My Unexpected Vow lived up to every single one of my expectations, these characters were so real, and I just wanted to dive into their group and become friends with them all. I knew the minute I started this series; it would be another must read set of books from Harlow. Ever since she reached out in 2019 asking me to read Tangled, I have not read a book by her that hasn’t captured my heart or a world she’s created that I haven’t become immediately invested in. She has set up this series so perfectly, and as always has left the ultimate bombshell at the end which leaves you desperate for the next book. I can’t wait for Chloe next, but for now I am happy and content with how Waverley and Hayes’ story ended!
*I voluntarily left my honest review after an advanced review copy was provided.*
My Unexpected Vow is book two in Harlow’s new series, California Billionaires, and Waverley and Hayes’ story is a brother’s best friend, accidental marriage romance, which shows that sometimes, the person you are meant to be with has been in front of you all along. Their banter and bickering in book one only made me more intrigued by their relationship and how it would develop from almost enemies to more.
Waverley and Hayes aren’t enemies, but they’re not exactly friends either. As Waverley’s brother’s best friend, Hayes sees it as his job to look out for her, and if he can antagonize her too then it’s just a bonus. So, when he runs into Waverley and her best friend Emma in Vegas, he takes it up himself to party with them. And it’s all going well, until Waverley and Hayes wake up the next morning as man and wife…. In shock and sure that it was all a terrible mistake, they soon realise they both have something to gain from this slipup, Waverley can get her ex to stop harassing her and Hayes can prove to his parents he can commit and is ready to take on the family business. With a deadline of six months, Waverley moves in and the pretence of being a married couple starts, but it doesn’t take long for the lines to start to blur over what is real and fake. Once the time is up, will they decide to give their marriage a real shot?
One of the things I liked about this was how it was different to so many other books in this genre, because Waverley and Hayes, despite having known each other for decades, didn’t go into this marriage with any feelings, it was just a bet that went too far. It was a mix between a marriage of convenience, as they both realised, they had something to lose if they didn’t keep up the pretence of being a real-life married couple. But on top of these benefits, all it did was create a forced proximity setting which meant they both slowly developed feelings. Wes even says that he never noticed Waverley as anything more than Wes’s sister, but their bickering in book one did seem like some kind of foreplay looking back. They had chemistry all along, even if they never realised it. And their banter over silly things, like the open cupboard doors and the left of pen caps made their marriage seem much more real, the bickering started to become about mundane couple things which I loved.
Another thing Harlow did so well was peel back the layers of both Hayes and Waverley at the same time they both learnt something new about each other. Despite having been in each other’s lives for so long, they still didn’t know much about each other, and what they thought they did was based off assumptions and usually way off base. Waverley thought Hayes was this playboy party goer who lived in the ultimate bachelor pad but actually he was ready to settle down, even if he didn’t realise it himself, who also had a sensitive and softer side that he only showed those he really let in. In return, she opened up a part of her world that only her inner circle knew about, one that meant more to her than anything else.
Hayes was shocked by the sudden change in expectations from his parents, and although the whole scenario began with him trying to get what he wanted out of it career wise, it quickly became clear what he really wanted in the long term was Waverley. She opened his eyes to how life could be, someone who would be there for you when you need them at the end of a hard day’s work, and how that someone could become your whole world. He was charming, funny, and possessive at times, which only added to his attractiveness, and watching him fall for Waverley was such a fun experience because it crept up on him.
Waverley’s childhood meant she wasn’t open to the idea of letting someone, other than her brother and her best friend in, at the risk of them hurting her as badly as other’s had in the past, but Hayes snuck under the radar without her noticing. What started off as a mutually beneficial arrangement turned to more as Hayes proved with little things that he cared for her, a bunch of flowers here, a well-timed cuddle there. But I did wish she didn’t lose faith in him so quickly, poor guy needed a break and she was ready to jump ship at the slightest problem, even though I could see that it was almost a subconscious action.
Again, the secondary characters had such a huge part in the plot. I loved seeing Wes and Shayla in their happily ever after, but also the continuation of Chloe, the still elusive Silas and now Waverley’s best friend Emma. They were all there in different ways for both Hayes and Waverley, to talk them off the edge when needed, but also to knock some sense into them too when they both had blinkers on for their future together
My Unexpected Vow lived up to every single one of my expectations, these characters were so real, and I just wanted to dive into their group and become friends with them all. I knew the minute I started this series; it would be another must read set of books from Harlow. Ever since she reached out in 2019 asking me to read Tangled, I have not read a book by her that hasn’t captured my heart or a world she’s created that I haven’t become immediately invested in. She has set up this series so perfectly, and as always has left the ultimate bombshell at the end which leaves you desperate for the next book. I can’t wait for Chloe next, but for now I am happy and content with how Waverley and Hayes’ story ended!
*I voluntarily left my honest review after an advanced review copy was provided.*
May 6, 2021
“Sometimes the things we fight are the things we really need.”
Welcome back to the “I love Harlow James” fan club. I am obsessed with her and this series. If that wasn’t clear enough in my review of My Unexpected Serenity, let me impress upon you further with this blog post. Here we goooo!
This series has basically everything you could ever need. The characters fill your heart and the stories fill your soul. I am drowning in my obsession. In this book we jump into Hayes and Waverly’s journey as they wade through the struggles of marriage. Yes, that’s right, Hayes and Wav GOT MARRIED IN VEGAS. And let me set you straight before we continue, yes they were drunk and woke up married not remembering anything about the night before. It was glorious. You couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face if you tried! Hayes and Waverly’s story is explosive. These two fight like nobody’s business throughout the first book. You know there’s something there, hiding under the surface. Hayes and Waverly are oblivious to their attraction, clouded by their supposed hatred for each other. It isn’t until alcohol lowers their inhibitions that they are able to see past the layers of disdain into each other’s hearts. There is so much good in every one of these characters. It’s beautiful.
So yes, when Hayes and Waverly wake up married they make the decision to stay married for 6 months to avoid scandal and also help both of them further their careers. As time goes on, these two get to know each other and feelings grow. The attraction was already there, but once the real feelings kick in there is no stopping the inevitable. There were so many things that stood out to me in this novel. Okay, let’s break this down:
#1 - Hayes and Waverly both have SO much they don’t know about each other. I don’t want give too much away and spoil the book, but Hayes has a special talent that no one knows about. He shares it with Waverly, initially on accident, but then it becomes something meaningful to both of them. Waverly, on the other hand, holds something very close to her heart as well. When she shares this with Hayes, it’s almost like he sees a whole other side of her that he never saw before. It only makes him fall that much harder. Reading about each of these characters unique and special things is what truly elevates this story. The book was already incredible, don’t get me wrong, but Harlow has taken her characters to another level by introducing these elements.
#2 - Let’s talk chemistry. Wes and Shayla had great chemistry in book one but HOLY SH*T, Hayes and Waverly are off-the-charts hot. I mean, talk about taking it to the next level! And add that Pretty Woman plug and I am SOLD. Give me more! I couldn’t get enough of these two. Hayes…my dear, sweet, yummy man. I am obsessed with him.
#3 - Umm hello Jake Calhoun!! WHAT?! Haven’t thought about him in a hot second. How amazing is it when worlds cross? I love it. It’s one of my favorite things that authors do.
To sum everything up…basically…just read the darn book. I mean, honestly, read everything Harlow has ever written because it’s all amazing, but this series is GOLD. She really hit it out of the park here. I cannot wait to read Chloe and Silas’ story. I just know it’s going to be my favorite. I FaceTimed with Harlow after I finished My Unexpected Serenity and I told her that my heart belongs to Silas…she thought I might lean more towards Hayes. TBH - Hayes it totally leading the way right now. We’ll have to see if Silas can beat him! I’m so excited! I can’t wait!! 5 incredible stars as always!
“We don’t leave an impression on someone by what we can offer them, we do it through the time we invest in them.”
Welcome back to the “I love Harlow James” fan club. I am obsessed with her and this series. If that wasn’t clear enough in my review of My Unexpected Serenity, let me impress upon you further with this blog post. Here we goooo!
This series has basically everything you could ever need. The characters fill your heart and the stories fill your soul. I am drowning in my obsession. In this book we jump into Hayes and Waverly’s journey as they wade through the struggles of marriage. Yes, that’s right, Hayes and Wav GOT MARRIED IN VEGAS. And let me set you straight before we continue, yes they were drunk and woke up married not remembering anything about the night before. It was glorious. You couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face if you tried! Hayes and Waverly’s story is explosive. These two fight like nobody’s business throughout the first book. You know there’s something there, hiding under the surface. Hayes and Waverly are oblivious to their attraction, clouded by their supposed hatred for each other. It isn’t until alcohol lowers their inhibitions that they are able to see past the layers of disdain into each other’s hearts. There is so much good in every one of these characters. It’s beautiful.
So yes, when Hayes and Waverly wake up married they make the decision to stay married for 6 months to avoid scandal and also help both of them further their careers. As time goes on, these two get to know each other and feelings grow. The attraction was already there, but once the real feelings kick in there is no stopping the inevitable. There were so many things that stood out to me in this novel. Okay, let’s break this down:
#1 - Hayes and Waverly both have SO much they don’t know about each other. I don’t want give too much away and spoil the book, but Hayes has a special talent that no one knows about. He shares it with Waverly, initially on accident, but then it becomes something meaningful to both of them. Waverly, on the other hand, holds something very close to her heart as well. When she shares this with Hayes, it’s almost like he sees a whole other side of her that he never saw before. It only makes him fall that much harder. Reading about each of these characters unique and special things is what truly elevates this story. The book was already incredible, don’t get me wrong, but Harlow has taken her characters to another level by introducing these elements.
#2 - Let’s talk chemistry. Wes and Shayla had great chemistry in book one but HOLY SH*T, Hayes and Waverly are off-the-charts hot. I mean, talk about taking it to the next level! And add that Pretty Woman plug and I am SOLD. Give me more! I couldn’t get enough of these two. Hayes…my dear, sweet, yummy man. I am obsessed with him.
#3 - Umm hello Jake Calhoun!! WHAT?! Haven’t thought about him in a hot second. How amazing is it when worlds cross? I love it. It’s one of my favorite things that authors do.
To sum everything up…basically…just read the darn book. I mean, honestly, read everything Harlow has ever written because it’s all amazing, but this series is GOLD. She really hit it out of the park here. I cannot wait to read Chloe and Silas’ story. I just know it’s going to be my favorite. I FaceTimed with Harlow after I finished My Unexpected Serenity and I told her that my heart belongs to Silas…she thought I might lean more towards Hayes. TBH - Hayes it totally leading the way right now. We’ll have to see if Silas can beat him! I’m so excited! I can’t wait!! 5 incredible stars as always!
“We don’t leave an impression on someone by what we can offer them, we do it through the time we invest in them.”
May 26, 2021
What happens in Vegas, does it always stay in Vegas? What happens when you end up married to your best friend's little sister. In My Unexpected Vow, we meet Hayes and Waverly, and let say these two aren’t the best friends and can’t stand one another. But, can their unexpected vow make them change all that and find love in the process?
After a night out in Vegas, Hayes and Waverly wake up married and avoid unwanted bad press, they decide to give their marriage six months. But, a lot can happen in those six months. Hayes and Waverly's journey was so beautiful. Once enemies, they grew to trust and love each other. They also found themselves in the process. Hayes was all about his work, and marriage wasn't was the last thing on his mind. But, he started to see what was important and what he really wanted in life. I love how he cared and supported Waverly in her own journey. They did have bumps in the road, but they saw that marriage is built on trust and communication. When you have that, you can have your happily ever after when you fight for what you want. I love how Hayes did that. I saw Hayes grow the most in this story, and I loved it. Hayes and Waverly are one of my top favorites couples. Their first date was everything, and Oh, the notes from Hayes, my gosh, I just about melted. Talk about swoon city.
Maybe what happens in Vegas can be a blessing you never knew you needed. In My Unexpected Vow, you see that happen with these two characters. Harlow James did an amazing job writing two characters that you will love. She takes you on a journey with them. If you haven't read anything by Harlow James, you should check out My Unexpected Serenity and My Unexpected Vow. You will not be left disappointed.
I am so looking forward to book 3 when we get Silas and Chloe's story. And boy, I know it's going to be good.
Favorite Quotes
"I'm seeing you now, and I don't think I could ever go back to a world where you're not the center of it."
"I realized, Waverly Ann Morgan, that I'm hopelessly in love with you."
"Sometimes, the things we fight are the things we really need."
After a night out in Vegas, Hayes and Waverly wake up married and avoid unwanted bad press, they decide to give their marriage six months. But, a lot can happen in those six months. Hayes and Waverly's journey was so beautiful. Once enemies, they grew to trust and love each other. They also found themselves in the process. Hayes was all about his work, and marriage wasn't was the last thing on his mind. But, he started to see what was important and what he really wanted in life. I love how he cared and supported Waverly in her own journey. They did have bumps in the road, but they saw that marriage is built on trust and communication. When you have that, you can have your happily ever after when you fight for what you want. I love how Hayes did that. I saw Hayes grow the most in this story, and I loved it. Hayes and Waverly are one of my top favorites couples. Their first date was everything, and Oh, the notes from Hayes, my gosh, I just about melted. Talk about swoon city.
Maybe what happens in Vegas can be a blessing you never knew you needed. In My Unexpected Vow, you see that happen with these two characters. Harlow James did an amazing job writing two characters that you will love. She takes you on a journey with them. If you haven't read anything by Harlow James, you should check out My Unexpected Serenity and My Unexpected Vow. You will not be left disappointed.
I am so looking forward to book 3 when we get Silas and Chloe's story. And boy, I know it's going to be good.
Favorite Quotes
"I'm seeing you now, and I don't think I could ever go back to a world where you're not the center of it."
"I realized, Waverly Ann Morgan, that I'm hopelessly in love with you."
"Sometimes, the things we fight are the things we really need."
April 24, 2021
~ARC Review~
Unexpected Vow by @harlowjamesauthor was my second read of her so far. First was the very first book in the California Billionaire Series. I was not expecting to get hooked so fast so easily. The story of Hayes and Waverly was amazing since the very beginning of the novel. Her characters are as amazing as they can get.❤️
Hayes was a son of multibillionaire empire and was always after proving himself to his perfect parents. He was a workaholic and always went to drinking when stressed. Relationships weren’t his thing as he has only little time to even invest on himself. To the person who never had a relationship before, marriage and kids was a foreign concept.
Waverly was also daughter of a successful name in the industry and a sister to a billionaire. She was always considered second in everything. She was expected to reap fruits from the money in the family and her dreams seemed useless to anyone. Her last name held more power than her own personal identity. She was too dealt a wrong hand when it came to love and relationships. So her, only motive in life became to fulfil her dreams and make a name of her own.
Hayes and Waverly were two ends of a pole. They fought like the biggest enemies and always made their lives miserable. Until one drunken night in a bar led to their super-fast wedding in Las Vegas. Divorce was not an option in their already pubic world. So, they made it to be a six month arrangement till things settle down.
The most exciting part of the whole story was their, to and fro banter, their journey from enemies to lovers and their hardships to overcome and realise that they were meant for each other. An unexpected vow became their happily ever after….😍😍
“Bite Me Hayes”
“Just tell me where Sweetheart”
Unexpected Vow by @harlowjamesauthor was my second read of her so far. First was the very first book in the California Billionaire Series. I was not expecting to get hooked so fast so easily. The story of Hayes and Waverly was amazing since the very beginning of the novel. Her characters are as amazing as they can get.❤️
Hayes was a son of multibillionaire empire and was always after proving himself to his perfect parents. He was a workaholic and always went to drinking when stressed. Relationships weren’t his thing as he has only little time to even invest on himself. To the person who never had a relationship before, marriage and kids was a foreign concept.
Waverly was also daughter of a successful name in the industry and a sister to a billionaire. She was always considered second in everything. She was expected to reap fruits from the money in the family and her dreams seemed useless to anyone. Her last name held more power than her own personal identity. She was too dealt a wrong hand when it came to love and relationships. So her, only motive in life became to fulfil her dreams and make a name of her own.
Hayes and Waverly were two ends of a pole. They fought like the biggest enemies and always made their lives miserable. Until one drunken night in a bar led to their super-fast wedding in Las Vegas. Divorce was not an option in their already pubic world. So, they made it to be a six month arrangement till things settle down.
The most exciting part of the whole story was their, to and fro banter, their journey from enemies to lovers and their hardships to overcome and realise that they were meant for each other. An unexpected vow became their happily ever after….😍😍
“Bite Me Hayes”
“Just tell me where Sweetheart”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
I was given this ARC by the author in return for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
This is book 2 in the California Billionaire series and I definitely recommend reading book 1 first as you will really get to know everyone.
Oh wow Miss Harlow, you really gave us a good one here, I loved this book so much and devoured it in a day!
I absolutely adored Hayes and Waverly so so so much, they are a brilliant couple. They always made me laugh in book one with their banter and they continued to make me laugh in this book, but on a whole other level. This pair literally drive each other crazy, who knew they would end up a married couple one day and capable of being in the same room as each other without murderer being committed 🙈
🖤 Best friends sister
🖤 Brothers best friend
🖤 Fake marriage
🖤 Marriage of convenience
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Funny
🖤 Billionaire
I really loved this storyline a lot and I loved the setting between Las vegas and California. I loved the interaction between Hayes and Waverly and I loved the strong friendships between everyone both male and female and how adorable are Hayes parents ❤ Harlow you always make me fall in love with your characters and you have done it again.
I loved that we got to be a part of Wes and Shaylas wedding, having seen their relationship develop in book 1.
Oh and best wedding wows EVER!!!!
The ending in this book is perfect and omgoodness we are in for a treat with book 3, I can not wait ❤
Thanks again for having me Harlow. Its always a pleasure ❤
This is book 2 in the California Billionaire series and I definitely recommend reading book 1 first as you will really get to know everyone.
Oh wow Miss Harlow, you really gave us a good one here, I loved this book so much and devoured it in a day!
I absolutely adored Hayes and Waverly so so so much, they are a brilliant couple. They always made me laugh in book one with their banter and they continued to make me laugh in this book, but on a whole other level. This pair literally drive each other crazy, who knew they would end up a married couple one day and capable of being in the same room as each other without murderer being committed 🙈
🖤 Best friends sister
🖤 Brothers best friend
🖤 Fake marriage
🖤 Marriage of convenience
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Funny
🖤 Billionaire
I really loved this storyline a lot and I loved the setting between Las vegas and California. I loved the interaction between Hayes and Waverly and I loved the strong friendships between everyone both male and female and how adorable are Hayes parents ❤ Harlow you always make me fall in love with your characters and you have done it again.
I loved that we got to be a part of Wes and Shaylas wedding, having seen their relationship develop in book 1.
Oh and best wedding wows EVER!!!!
The ending in this book is perfect and omgoodness we are in for a treat with book 3, I can not wait ❤
Thanks again for having me Harlow. Its always a pleasure ❤
April 26, 2021
My Unexpected Vow by Harlow James is book two in the California Billionaires Series. This book is an enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience, romance. Hayes Weston and Waverly Morgan have known each other for most of their lives and they have never gotten along. On New Year’s Eve, they meet at a club in Vegas, get blackout drunk, and accidentally get married. Sounds like a recipe for disaster right? However, Hayes and Morgan enter a mutually beneficial agreement to stay married for six months and it remains to be seen if they will make it to the end before their teasing and banter destroys their relationship.
I LOVED Hayes and Waverly! They have a seamless chemistry and banter one would see in couples who are soulmates. I loved the give and take of their relationship and how they went from despising the other to finding comfort and love in each other. I loved the slow buildup of their relationship and the way they came together. Both characters are so real, unique, and they work so well together. I have no more words to express how much I loved this book.
Enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, and marriage of convenience are all my favorite tropes and I had high expectations going into this book. Harlow James has written a beautiful book that checks all my boxes for a fantastic book! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series so I can get another dose of Harlow James’ writing because after this book I’m a fan of hers for life!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I LOVED Hayes and Waverly! They have a seamless chemistry and banter one would see in couples who are soulmates. I loved the give and take of their relationship and how they went from despising the other to finding comfort and love in each other. I loved the slow buildup of their relationship and the way they came together. Both characters are so real, unique, and they work so well together. I have no more words to express how much I loved this book.
Enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, and marriage of convenience are all my favorite tropes and I had high expectations going into this book. Harlow James has written a beautiful book that checks all my boxes for a fantastic book! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series so I can get another dose of Harlow James’ writing because after this book I’m a fan of hers for life!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 25, 2021
The Unexpected Vow by Harlow James
California Billionaires #2 - Releasing April 25th 2021
“You, Me, and a bottle of tequila is the best combination of disaster and serendipity.”
Harlow does it again, this brothers best friend, marriage of convenience, enemies to lover story is everything I thought it would be and more. We meet the hero, Hayes Weston and the heroine, Waverly Morgan in the first book in this series My Unexpected Serenity.
It follows the unexpected vow these two took whilst in Vegas and why sometimes what happens in Vegas can’t stay in Vegas. The story show their love hate relationship and how they have learn to tolerate one another to help them both succeed. But they have so much chemistry that’s been slowly building over the years that now that they have to give it a chance it starting to show it’s face in them both, but what lays a head for them isn’t what they expected and might just leave them in a place neither of them expected.
I absolutely loved this book and this series so far. If you haven’t read it would recommend grabbing it and giving it a go. Now I need book 3 asap!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Unexpected Vow and for that I’m very grateful.
California Billionaires #2 - Releasing April 25th 2021
“You, Me, and a bottle of tequila is the best combination of disaster and serendipity.”
Harlow does it again, this brothers best friend, marriage of convenience, enemies to lover story is everything I thought it would be and more. We meet the hero, Hayes Weston and the heroine, Waverly Morgan in the first book in this series My Unexpected Serenity.
It follows the unexpected vow these two took whilst in Vegas and why sometimes what happens in Vegas can’t stay in Vegas. The story show their love hate relationship and how they have learn to tolerate one another to help them both succeed. But they have so much chemistry that’s been slowly building over the years that now that they have to give it a chance it starting to show it’s face in them both, but what lays a head for them isn’t what they expected and might just leave them in a place neither of them expected.
I absolutely loved this book and this series so far. If you haven’t read it would recommend grabbing it and giving it a go. Now I need book 3 asap!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Unexpected Vow and for that I’m very grateful.
April 23, 2021
Absolutely loved every single thing about Hayes and Waverly’s story!! Their chemistry is undeniable, but I think what I loved the most was their back and forth. Those two would argue for the sake of arguing, and they pick at each other and it had me laughing out loud at certain moments. But what I also really loved was watching them realize that maybe their marriage of convenience was more than just that. Watching both of them realize that there was more to the other than they realized was fantastic.
Harlow James is one of my favorite authors at this point. I just started reading her books last year, and she’s quickly become a staple for me. She has this really great ability to create characters that you can’t help but love, and everything from the plot to the setting of the stories are perfection! This is one of my favorites in the falling in love with your best friends little sister trope! Outside of just Waverly and Hayes, I also really love that Harlow gives us a look at past couples, as well as future couplings! I really loved Wes and Shayla, but I have to say, Waverly and Hayes are now my favorites!!
Bring on the next book because the ending of this one has me super pumped!!
Harlow James is one of my favorite authors at this point. I just started reading her books last year, and she’s quickly become a staple for me. She has this really great ability to create characters that you can’t help but love, and everything from the plot to the setting of the stories are perfection! This is one of my favorites in the falling in love with your best friends little sister trope! Outside of just Waverly and Hayes, I also really love that Harlow gives us a look at past couples, as well as future couplings! I really loved Wes and Shayla, but I have to say, Waverly and Hayes are now my favorites!!
Bring on the next book because the ending of this one has me super pumped!!
June 27, 2021
Enemies to Lovers DONE RIGHT — With a Touch of Fake Relationship and Best Friend's Sister
Hayes has a problem. He feels he’s ready to take over the family business, but his parents don’t think he’s ready. Until he can show them he’s serious about his life outside of work, his dad will still run things.
Waverly’s friend, Emma, convinces her to take a trip to Vegas so her ex will get the hint that they’re over. While there, she meets her nemesis, her brother’s best friend, Hayes. And after a night of way too much to drink, they wake up in bed together. Married.
I LOVED watching Hayes and Waverly get together. They were definitely at each other’s throats, but they weren’t mean to each other, and I loved that. With a touch of fake relationship and the best friend’s sister trope along with enemies to lovers, this book checked all the boxes.
Oh, and I loved how they drove each other crazy but loved each other fiercely. And a guy who secretly plays piano?? I didn’t hate that.
This book is surprisingly sweet and heartwarming while still being sexy and steamy. Hayes and Waverly are just so amazing together, and I was swooning as I read their story. These two are unstoppable together.
My FAVORITE book in the series. SO GOOD. ALL. THE. STARS.
Hayes has a problem. He feels he’s ready to take over the family business, but his parents don’t think he’s ready. Until he can show them he’s serious about his life outside of work, his dad will still run things.
Waverly’s friend, Emma, convinces her to take a trip to Vegas so her ex will get the hint that they’re over. While there, she meets her nemesis, her brother’s best friend, Hayes. And after a night of way too much to drink, they wake up in bed together. Married.
I LOVED watching Hayes and Waverly get together. They were definitely at each other’s throats, but they weren’t mean to each other, and I loved that. With a touch of fake relationship and the best friend’s sister trope along with enemies to lovers, this book checked all the boxes.
Oh, and I loved how they drove each other crazy but loved each other fiercely. And a guy who secretly plays piano?? I didn’t hate that.
This book is surprisingly sweet and heartwarming while still being sexy and steamy. Hayes and Waverly are just so amazing together, and I was swooning as I read their story. These two are unstoppable together.
My FAVORITE book in the series. SO GOOD. ALL. THE. STARS.
April 19, 2021
From the moment that we read Hayes and Waverly together in My Unexpected Serenity it was clear that these two had a lot of chemistry going on and oh my
goodness I just loved them together!!
These two just can’t help but wind each other up and what I liked was it wasn’t nasty, but rather an affectionate hate!!
Their journey together in their unexpected marriage is so beautifully written...it totally captures the difficulties of a committed relationship, but also the joy and comfort found when you have that one person who brings out the best in you whilst still loving you at your worst!!
I appreciated the slow burn and steady realisation of both characters as it slowly dawned on them how much they felt for the other person, how easily they found a life together and how each other’s quirks and humour became their own favourite things.
But like all things worth having there is often a struggle and a huge amount of effort needed which Hayes and Waverly’s story portrays perfectly.
Thank you Ms James for another captivating story and I am so looking forward to Chloe’s story with her lack of filter!!
goodness I just loved them together!!
These two just can’t help but wind each other up and what I liked was it wasn’t nasty, but rather an affectionate hate!!
Their journey together in their unexpected marriage is so beautifully written...it totally captures the difficulties of a committed relationship, but also the joy and comfort found when you have that one person who brings out the best in you whilst still loving you at your worst!!
I appreciated the slow burn and steady realisation of both characters as it slowly dawned on them how much they felt for the other person, how easily they found a life together and how each other’s quirks and humour became their own favourite things.
But like all things worth having there is often a struggle and a huge amount of effort needed which Hayes and Waverly’s story portrays perfectly.
Thank you Ms James for another captivating story and I am so looking forward to Chloe’s story with her lack of filter!!
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