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California Billionaires #1
My Unexpected Serenity
I sent her a basket of cheese.
But in my defense, it was gourmet cheese… you know, the expensive stuff.
How did I, Wesley Morgan, hotel billionaire and recovering alcoholic, end up sending a woman a basket of cheese?
Well, it was only one of two morsels of information I knew about Shayla Mitchel that I thought would get her attention.
The bartender across the dimly lit club took me by surprise the moment I saw her, but then I ran into her twice more upon my return to Santa Barbara, California, and that’s when I knew I didn’t stand a chance.
You see, I never expected Shayla. I was on a mission to correct my mistakes and make amends for the choices I made over six years ago, and then we crossed paths and turned down a road we both never saw coming.
And of course, I couldn’t fall head-over-heels for an easy woman.
No.
I had to be drawn to the sass and poise of a girl who doesn’t believe in love, at least the kind that comes from a man like me.
Now she’s all I can think about. All I never knew I needed. But she’s putting up a fight and testing us both.
Can I convince her to let me in? Can I convince myself that we both deserve happiness?
But most importantly, can I convince her that sometimes good people can cause irreparable harm before they can cultivate good?
But in my defense, it was gourmet cheese… you know, the expensive stuff.
How did I, Wesley Morgan, hotel billionaire and recovering alcoholic, end up sending a woman a basket of cheese?
Well, it was only one of two morsels of information I knew about Shayla Mitchel that I thought would get her attention.
The bartender across the dimly lit club took me by surprise the moment I saw her, but then I ran into her twice more upon my return to Santa Barbara, California, and that’s when I knew I didn’t stand a chance.
You see, I never expected Shayla. I was on a mission to correct my mistakes and make amends for the choices I made over six years ago, and then we crossed paths and turned down a road we both never saw coming.
And of course, I couldn’t fall head-over-heels for an easy woman.
No.
I had to be drawn to the sass and poise of a girl who doesn’t believe in love, at least the kind that comes from a man like me.
Now she’s all I can think about. All I never knew I needed. But she’s putting up a fight and testing us both.
Can I convince her to let me in? Can I convince myself that we both deserve happiness?
But most importantly, can I convince her that sometimes good people can cause irreparable harm before they can cultivate good?
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2021
151 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Harlow James
33 books1,440 followersHarlow James is a wife and mom who fell in love with romance novels, so she decided to write her own.
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 working her day job, 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/
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 working her day job, 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 123 reviews
February 10, 2021
Harlow has become a one click signup and buy for me. I just love her writing voice and stories. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a billionaire story after the small town vibe stories of Emerson Falls, but My Unexpected Serenity didn’t disappoint.
Wes and Shayla couldn’t be from two more different worlds, one a billionaire CEO and the other a girl who has always had to work extra hard for her to get everything she has in life. But when Wes and Shayla meet, its instant attraction, one neither of them can deny. Only Shayla won’t let herself be charmed by Wes’ overwhelming lifestyle, making him work for more than just “the right now”. Despite being a billionaire and wanting for nothing, Wes is not without his real life struggles and realizes pretty quickly that Shayla may just be the girl and solid foundation he needs in his life.
I loved watch these two figure out each other, what made them tick, chasing the chemistry between each other and not only holding one another accountable, but pushing each other to be better. I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to come around to Shayla. I loved Wes right from the beginning but it took me a while to love Shayla just as much and by the end of the book I did! So if you’ve been reading and you’re on the fence, give her time 😉 And as always, I love any secondary character and I can’t wait for Hayes and Waverly’s story later this year!
So in summery, all I can say is she keeps knocking these books out of the park! This story is filled with so many different layers and had twists I didn’t see coming! And most of all, I loved the character growth. Make sure you add this to your TBR today!
Wes and Shayla couldn’t be from two more different worlds, one a billionaire CEO and the other a girl who has always had to work extra hard for her to get everything she has in life. But when Wes and Shayla meet, its instant attraction, one neither of them can deny. Only Shayla won’t let herself be charmed by Wes’ overwhelming lifestyle, making him work for more than just “the right now”. Despite being a billionaire and wanting for nothing, Wes is not without his real life struggles and realizes pretty quickly that Shayla may just be the girl and solid foundation he needs in his life.
I loved watch these two figure out each other, what made them tick, chasing the chemistry between each other and not only holding one another accountable, but pushing each other to be better. I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to come around to Shayla. I loved Wes right from the beginning but it took me a while to love Shayla just as much and by the end of the book I did! So if you’ve been reading and you’re on the fence, give her time 😉 And as always, I love any secondary character and I can’t wait for Hayes and Waverly’s story later this year!
So in summery, all I can say is she keeps knocking these books out of the park! This story is filled with so many different layers and had twists I didn’t see coming! And most of all, I loved the character growth. Make sure you add this to your TBR today!
January 12, 2022
Wow. I’m almost kind of speechless.
This was a crazy rollercoaster of secrets, that at times I was super nervous that it was going to be a disaster. Yes, there were moments where I had to stop because I didn’t know how it was going to unfold. All I can say now is I can comfortable rest easy now after finishing this book lol.
I love troubled characters who are overcoming tragedies from their past. I find often I read more about females with those characteristics, but it was so great to read about a male character with so much hurt and grief.
I really enjoyed the side characters, except her mom his dad and Trinity (just rude human beings, we don’t like them).
I will admit, I did get annoyed after the second time she jumped to conclusion that he was trying to almost “use his money on her”…etc. I was like come on, girl just stop! You know exactly how he is considering you’ve told him what you want and don’t want. But it’s fine, cause I quickly got over it once she FINALLY accept it
This was a crazy rollercoaster of secrets, that at times I was super nervous that it was going to be a disaster. Yes, there were moments where I had to stop because I didn’t know how it was going to unfold. All I can say now is I can comfortable rest easy now after finishing this book lol.
I love troubled characters who are overcoming tragedies from their past. I find often I read more about females with those characteristics, but it was so great to read about a male character with so much hurt and grief.
I really enjoyed the side characters, except her mom his dad and Trinity (just rude human beings, we don’t like them).
I will admit, I did get annoyed after the second time she jumped to conclusion that he was trying to almost “use his money on her”…etc. I was like come on, girl just stop! You know exactly how he is considering you’ve told him what you want and don’t want. But it’s fine, cause I quickly got over it once she FINALLY accept it
March 8, 2021
"I sent her a basket of cheese"
This is why I love Harlow James 😂 Dude knows she loves cheese, sends her cheese 🧀!🤷♂️
𝙼𝚢 𝚄𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 is a beautiful book about guilt, healing, addiction, regret, insecurities, forgiveness and love.
Shayla is a fiercely independent woman due to the MANY men her mother has dated through her life. She has trust issues and is learning to work on them because not every man is like the men her mother has been with.
Wes is a recovering alcoholic after the passing of his grandfather who he was very close to. He's now also a billionaire because his granddad left his lifes legacy, his company to Wes.
Wes is instantly attracted to Shayla, and wants more that just instant gratification. He is mesmerized by her and that has never happened to him before, he realizes he wants to pursue a relationship with her and this scares him at first. I think the thought of him not having her in his life changes his outlook and he decides she's important to him and wants to pursue a relationship.
From the get go both Wes and Shayla were 100% honest with their feelings, of their insecurities and what scared them. This was something you don't see in many romance books, and was amazing to see.
Their chemistry.....🔥🔥🔥🔥 right off the pages! But made you feel and understand all their feelings. Also as expected the sex scenes were typical Harlow James style * 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓯𝓼 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼*
🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
If you haven't read a book by Harlow before, definitely suggest this book. I dm'd her on Instagram when I finished abs told her how amazing the book was and I felt emotionally drained, classic book hangover 😅. But all of that is truly a compliment to her and her writing. It's is raw,emotional and you feel everything the characters do, that is a sign of a great writer.
Side note: the side characters are amazing...I can't wait for the next book Waverly and Hayes story!!!
I would like to thank the author herself in providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is why I love Harlow James 😂 Dude knows she loves cheese, sends her cheese 🧀!🤷♂️
𝙼𝚢 𝚄𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 is a beautiful book about guilt, healing, addiction, regret, insecurities, forgiveness and love.
Shayla is a fiercely independent woman due to the MANY men her mother has dated through her life. She has trust issues and is learning to work on them because not every man is like the men her mother has been with.
Wes is a recovering alcoholic after the passing of his grandfather who he was very close to. He's now also a billionaire because his granddad left his lifes legacy, his company to Wes.
Wes is instantly attracted to Shayla, and wants more that just instant gratification. He is mesmerized by her and that has never happened to him before, he realizes he wants to pursue a relationship with her and this scares him at first. I think the thought of him not having her in his life changes his outlook and he decides she's important to him and wants to pursue a relationship.
From the get go both Wes and Shayla were 100% honest with their feelings, of their insecurities and what scared them. This was something you don't see in many romance books, and was amazing to see.
Their chemistry.....🔥🔥🔥🔥 right off the pages! But made you feel and understand all their feelings. Also as expected the sex scenes were typical Harlow James style * 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓯𝓼 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼*
🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
If you haven't read a book by Harlow before, definitely suggest this book. I dm'd her on Instagram when I finished abs told her how amazing the book was and I felt emotionally drained, classic book hangover 😅. But all of that is truly a compliment to her and her writing. It's is raw,emotional and you feel everything the characters do, that is a sign of a great writer.
Side note: the side characters are amazing...I can't wait for the next book Waverly and Hayes story!!!
I would like to thank the author herself in providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2021
5 Stars! A must read!
Shayla - after seeing her mum go through boyfriend after boyfriend, only to constantly get her heart broken, Shayla has decided to be not make the same mistakes and only focus on work and finishing her degree. This all changes when she keeps repeatedly bumping into the hunky Wes (literally at one point), and can't deny the connection they seem to have. Slowly she starts to lower her walls and let him into her heart. But when secrets from Wes's past come to the surface, can their relationship survive?
Wes - the billionaire CEO of his late grandfather's business. He has many demons in his past that he's working hard to try and make amends for. After a downward spiral into alcoholism led him to hurt someone close to him, 6 years later he's on the path to finally do the right thing. However when he starts to get to know Shayla, he can't help but become addicted to her, like she's his new craving. As their relationship starts to deepen, will he open up about his past before it's too late?
This story was just perfect for me. Sweet and sexy, but with that element of angst and drama to keep you wanting to read more. What had Wes done in the past? How was he making it right? My heart broke for him at points, as you could see he really is a great guy who really has changed, but is just afraid he'll lose the one he loves when he finally reveals his secrets.
Plus the side characters are just hilarious. I need a Chloe and Hayes in my life! I cannot wait for Waverly and Hayes book!
No cheating. No Cliff-hanger. HEA guaranteed.
Harlow James is new author to me, but after this book I'm on the hunt for more of hers!
Shayla - after seeing her mum go through boyfriend after boyfriend, only to constantly get her heart broken, Shayla has decided to be not make the same mistakes and only focus on work and finishing her degree. This all changes when she keeps repeatedly bumping into the hunky Wes (literally at one point), and can't deny the connection they seem to have. Slowly she starts to lower her walls and let him into her heart. But when secrets from Wes's past come to the surface, can their relationship survive?
Wes - the billionaire CEO of his late grandfather's business. He has many demons in his past that he's working hard to try and make amends for. After a downward spiral into alcoholism led him to hurt someone close to him, 6 years later he's on the path to finally do the right thing. However when he starts to get to know Shayla, he can't help but become addicted to her, like she's his new craving. As their relationship starts to deepen, will he open up about his past before it's too late?
This story was just perfect for me. Sweet and sexy, but with that element of angst and drama to keep you wanting to read more. What had Wes done in the past? How was he making it right? My heart broke for him at points, as you could see he really is a great guy who really has changed, but is just afraid he'll lose the one he loves when he finally reveals his secrets.
Plus the side characters are just hilarious. I need a Chloe and Hayes in my life! I cannot wait for Waverly and Hayes book!
No cheating. No Cliff-hanger. HEA guaranteed.
Harlow James is new author to me, but after this book I'm on the hunt for more of hers!
February 2, 2021
4.5 stars
Harlow James has done it again, creating a world that you have no choice but to become invested in. My Unexpected Serenity is book one in her new series, California Billionaires, and Shayla and Wes’s story of accepting your past mistakes and learning to open your heart to others kicks it all off with a bang.
Wes is trying his best to make up for his past mistakes, running his family’s billion-dollar hotel empire and fighting his demons on the side, means there is no space for a woman in his life. Until he runs into Shayla, quite literally, a woman he can’t escape from and is everything he’s not used to from women in his world. Shayla has been brought up by a mother who is adamant a woman cannot be happy without a man, and she’s determined to prove her wrong. When handsome Wes asks her out, she’s hesitant, because despite their attraction, she knows that he could be the one man who could hurt her the most, if she gave him that power. But Wes proves that he’s just as anxious about a relationship as she is, and together they slowly enter into the world of love together. But Wes has been keeping secrets, something Shayla doesn’t deal well with, so how will she react when they are revealed?
Set in the beautiful town of Santa Barbara, Harlow brought this world to life in a way only she could. I felt like I was hiking with Wes and Shayla in the mountains, running along the beaches and going for ice cream with them, it all felt so real.
Wes’s strength was underneath the surface, he was quiet but when you got his possessive side, it was like a whole different person. His past is hinted at throughout, giving glimpses as to why he is so worried about opening up to a woman, but my heart broke when it was all revealed. I felt for him, because he was learning from his mistakes but was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, and for everything to fall apart. He kept his secrets hidden for understandable reasons, living in the limelight is bad enough without a difficult past, but he knew that it could ruin everything if he told Shayla, which is why he kept them for so long. But he loved Shayla hard, he saw what he wanted and went after it, for once fighting for something he wanted after so long pushing that to one side.
Shayla’s tenacity and feistiness were some of my favourite things about her. At no point did she bow down to the elite world Wes was apart of, and the minute it looked like he was trying to win her over with materialistic items, she called him out on it. She was honest with him from the start, telling him why she was so hesitant about starting a relationship but also how much different he was to every other man she’d met, which is why she gave him a chance. I loved her determination to work hard for her future, never letting anyone, especially her mother, derail her plans. Her friendship with Chloe was brilliant, the exact person she needed in any scenario, to be a shoulder to cry on or to give her a push to go after what she wanted. Shayla fell for Wes deeply, because he taught her how to trust someone other than herself or Chloe, and rely on someone to be there for her, when for so long it was just her.
I cannot stress to you enough how much I loved these secondary characters. Hayes, Waverley, Chloe and even the mysterious Silas, they all contributed something to the plot, and I need more from Hayes asap, he was the perfect opposite to Wes’s seriousness, his jokes and banter with Waverley made me laugh out loud often in scenes with him in. I am hoping we see more from Chloe as the series progresses too! Harlow knows how to intrigue you from book one as to who the rest of the series will be about, and after the bombshell at the end, I am going to be on waiting on the edge of my seat until book 2 is released.
My Unexpected Serenity is my favourite standalone by Harlow that I’ve read so far, these characters were so real, and I just wanted to dive into their group and become friends with them all. Harlow has set up this series so perfectly, leaving breadcrumbs throughout as to who the future couples will be, but also making you feel for Wes and Shayla in different ways. An incredible start to the California Billionaire’s series!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Harlow James has done it again, creating a world that you have no choice but to become invested in. My Unexpected Serenity is book one in her new series, California Billionaires, and Shayla and Wes’s story of accepting your past mistakes and learning to open your heart to others kicks it all off with a bang.
Wes is trying his best to make up for his past mistakes, running his family’s billion-dollar hotel empire and fighting his demons on the side, means there is no space for a woman in his life. Until he runs into Shayla, quite literally, a woman he can’t escape from and is everything he’s not used to from women in his world. Shayla has been brought up by a mother who is adamant a woman cannot be happy without a man, and she’s determined to prove her wrong. When handsome Wes asks her out, she’s hesitant, because despite their attraction, she knows that he could be the one man who could hurt her the most, if she gave him that power. But Wes proves that he’s just as anxious about a relationship as she is, and together they slowly enter into the world of love together. But Wes has been keeping secrets, something Shayla doesn’t deal well with, so how will she react when they are revealed?
Set in the beautiful town of Santa Barbara, Harlow brought this world to life in a way only she could. I felt like I was hiking with Wes and Shayla in the mountains, running along the beaches and going for ice cream with them, it all felt so real.
Wes’s strength was underneath the surface, he was quiet but when you got his possessive side, it was like a whole different person. His past is hinted at throughout, giving glimpses as to why he is so worried about opening up to a woman, but my heart broke when it was all revealed. I felt for him, because he was learning from his mistakes but was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, and for everything to fall apart. He kept his secrets hidden for understandable reasons, living in the limelight is bad enough without a difficult past, but he knew that it could ruin everything if he told Shayla, which is why he kept them for so long. But he loved Shayla hard, he saw what he wanted and went after it, for once fighting for something he wanted after so long pushing that to one side.
Shayla’s tenacity and feistiness were some of my favourite things about her. At no point did she bow down to the elite world Wes was apart of, and the minute it looked like he was trying to win her over with materialistic items, she called him out on it. She was honest with him from the start, telling him why she was so hesitant about starting a relationship but also how much different he was to every other man she’d met, which is why she gave him a chance. I loved her determination to work hard for her future, never letting anyone, especially her mother, derail her plans. Her friendship with Chloe was brilliant, the exact person she needed in any scenario, to be a shoulder to cry on or to give her a push to go after what she wanted. Shayla fell for Wes deeply, because he taught her how to trust someone other than herself or Chloe, and rely on someone to be there for her, when for so long it was just her.
I cannot stress to you enough how much I loved these secondary characters. Hayes, Waverley, Chloe and even the mysterious Silas, they all contributed something to the plot, and I need more from Hayes asap, he was the perfect opposite to Wes’s seriousness, his jokes and banter with Waverley made me laugh out loud often in scenes with him in. I am hoping we see more from Chloe as the series progresses too! Harlow knows how to intrigue you from book one as to who the rest of the series will be about, and after the bombshell at the end, I am going to be on waiting on the edge of my seat until book 2 is released.
My Unexpected Serenity is my favourite standalone by Harlow that I’ve read so far, these characters were so real, and I just wanted to dive into their group and become friends with them all. Harlow has set up this series so perfectly, leaving breadcrumbs throughout as to who the future couples will be, but also making you feel for Wes and Shayla in different ways. An incredible start to the California Billionaire’s series!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
February 8, 2021
I was generously given an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
h: Shayla
H: Wes
(Dual POVs)
Wes is an alcoholic, been sober for approximately 6 years and is returning to Santa Barbara after being gone for just as long. His return to Santa Barbara is driven by an event that happened before he left that he feels he needs to make amends for. Shayla has lived in Santa Barbara for years and is currently working two jobs and going to school to get her degree in sociology. Shayla’s relationship with her mother practically had Shayla running from home when she turned 18 and has left her with having insecurities about men.
I loved Shayla’s sass and spunk just as much as Wes loved her sass and spunk! I admired her determination to be independent and make it on her own, not needing to rely on a man. I enjoyed her unimpressed attitude towards Wes’ charm and money and her unwillingness to be bought with materialistic things. I was impressed with Wes’ creativity and thoughtfulness he put into wooing Shayla, including the cheesy cheese basket!
Both Wes and Shayla actively avoid getting involved with anyone and neither have the burning desire to have a relationship with a significant other. Despite not wanting any distractions from their goals that they have, neither can avoid the pull and attraction they feel towards one another. I really enjoyed how these two were opposites in some ways and how they had to figure out navigating a relationship with each other. For instance, Shayla being independent and non materialistic, and Wes wanting to take care of and spoil Shayla created some interesting conversations for these two.
I enjoyed the journey this plot took me on as Wes’ secrets kept me intrigued and I CANNOT WAIT FOR HAYES AND WAVERLY’S BOOK!!!
Favorite Quotes:
”I want you to accept that you are the exception.” -Wes
”that’s what love is. It’s not one person being in control, or taking on the weight of the relationship. It’s two people supporting each other through ups and downs, and that means we both get to be strong at some point.” -Shayla
h: Shayla
H: Wes
(Dual POVs)
Wes is an alcoholic, been sober for approximately 6 years and is returning to Santa Barbara after being gone for just as long. His return to Santa Barbara is driven by an event that happened before he left that he feels he needs to make amends for. Shayla has lived in Santa Barbara for years and is currently working two jobs and going to school to get her degree in sociology. Shayla’s relationship with her mother practically had Shayla running from home when she turned 18 and has left her with having insecurities about men.
I loved Shayla’s sass and spunk just as much as Wes loved her sass and spunk! I admired her determination to be independent and make it on her own, not needing to rely on a man. I enjoyed her unimpressed attitude towards Wes’ charm and money and her unwillingness to be bought with materialistic things. I was impressed with Wes’ creativity and thoughtfulness he put into wooing Shayla, including the cheesy cheese basket!
Both Wes and Shayla actively avoid getting involved with anyone and neither have the burning desire to have a relationship with a significant other. Despite not wanting any distractions from their goals that they have, neither can avoid the pull and attraction they feel towards one another. I really enjoyed how these two were opposites in some ways and how they had to figure out navigating a relationship with each other. For instance, Shayla being independent and non materialistic, and Wes wanting to take care of and spoil Shayla created some interesting conversations for these two.
I enjoyed the journey this plot took me on as Wes’ secrets kept me intrigued and I CANNOT WAIT FOR HAYES AND WAVERLY’S BOOK!!!
Favorite Quotes:
”I want you to accept that you are the exception.” -Wes
”that’s what love is. It’s not one person being in control, or taking on the weight of the relationship. It’s two people supporting each other through ups and downs, and that means we both get to be strong at some point.” -Shayla
February 7, 2021
Wes and Shayla are everything! Shayla is fiercely independent and Wes is knocked on his ass when he literally runs into her. The meet cute was awesome and the chemistry between them right of the bat is electric! The cheese basket had me laughing! I love how down to earth Wes is.
Wes is trying to make amends for something in his past and believes he doesn’t deserve happiness. He’s good at his job but is dealing with pressure to be successful and an inferiority complex. Shayla saw her mom’s flavor of the week growing up and how it affected her mother’s self worth and confidence. Shayla has decided she will focus on herself, her education and disregard men, because they only get in the way of her goals and dreams. She falls for Wes quickly but keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is her self preservation really worth it, when support and love from Wes is exactly what she needs to complement her life? She deserves happiness too.
The development of this relationship is expertly executed. The breadcrumbs Harlow dropped throughout are delicious morsels I kept eating up as I devoured this emotionally layered and sexy story! I can’t wait for book 2, Hayes and Waverly!
Wes is trying to make amends for something in his past and believes he doesn’t deserve happiness. He’s good at his job but is dealing with pressure to be successful and an inferiority complex. Shayla saw her mom’s flavor of the week growing up and how it affected her mother’s self worth and confidence. Shayla has decided she will focus on herself, her education and disregard men, because they only get in the way of her goals and dreams. She falls for Wes quickly but keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is her self preservation really worth it, when support and love from Wes is exactly what she needs to complement her life? She deserves happiness too.
The development of this relationship is expertly executed. The breadcrumbs Harlow dropped throughout are delicious morsels I kept eating up as I devoured this emotionally layered and sexy story! I can’t wait for book 2, Hayes and Waverly!
February 7, 2021
Billionaire romance with small town appeal and I was hooked! From the prologue to the first meet to the cheese basket and everything after I enjoyed Wes and Shayla's story.
Shayla is a headstrong woman and definitely isn't afraid to go after what she wants and what she doesn't. She does not want to be played the fool and she almost gets in her own way. Wes is not just your average billionaire (is that a thing?) and has his own demons he is battling. He has to work hard to win over Shayla and prove he doesn't just want a fling.
Shayla and Wes were a great story. I loved that it wasn't your typical billionaire romance story and that Wes was a regular guy with real problems. Their dates were fun and the back story for each character will have you feeling for them and not wanting to let them go. I loved every person in this book and look forward to more from this crew!
Shayla is a headstrong woman and definitely isn't afraid to go after what she wants and what she doesn't. She does not want to be played the fool and she almost gets in her own way. Wes is not just your average billionaire (is that a thing?) and has his own demons he is battling. He has to work hard to win over Shayla and prove he doesn't just want a fling.
Shayla and Wes were a great story. I loved that it wasn't your typical billionaire romance story and that Wes was a regular guy with real problems. Their dates were fun and the back story for each character will have you feeling for them and not wanting to let them go. I loved every person in this book and look forward to more from this crew!
January 24, 2021
Harlow James previous book McKenzie's turn to fall was my favourite book of 2020. I adored Dylan and McKenzie and their love. Because that book was so good I was scared My Unexpected Serenity wouldn't be able to top that.
Thank God I was wrong! I was wrong to even compare these books because they are nothing like each other.
Sheyla was fierce, independent and sassy, but also sweet, vulnerable and scared. The relationship history of her mother made her reluctant to date, especially a rich man like Wes. Because she really didn't want to end up like her mother, she fought Wes for everything he wanted to give Sheyla.
I liked her, especially because she set a goal and did everything to make it there. She is so independent, but had to learn it isn't always a bad thing when a man wants to take care of you.
Wesley (Wes) was a handsome billionaire with plenty of scares. He was mesmerised by Sheyla from the first second he saw her. For someone who usually doesn't pursue a woman he immediately felt this attraction wasn't something he would be able to fight. Instead of fighting the attraction, he fought to have Sheyla in his life. Wes wasn't the billionaire douchebag you usually read in billionaire romance, and thats that I really enjoyed. Wes was honest about his feeling, he didn't play games and was able to show his vulnerability. He also was friendly towards other people, greeting them, thanking them... something what just general politeness, but billionaire don't get portrayed like that a lot, this was really refreshing.
Wes and Sheyla have so much chemistry and it's written to make you feel and understand all their feelings.
The sex scènes were in real Harlow James style, descriptive and hot AF.
The side characters which were all amazing and fiercely loyal.
I hope they will all get a chance to have a story in this series.
My Unexpected Serenity is a beautiful story about guilt, healing, addiction, regret insecurity, forgiveness and love. It isn't packed with drama, but has so many layers with raw, deep emotions. The way it was written made me feel every little emotion, I laughed till I had tears in my eyes but I also cried.
I love every letter of this book and it isn't inferior to any other of Harlow's stories.
And I already know it will be at the top of my favourite books of 2021.
I got an ARC from the author in return for an honest review
Thank God I was wrong! I was wrong to even compare these books because they are nothing like each other.
Sheyla was fierce, independent and sassy, but also sweet, vulnerable and scared. The relationship history of her mother made her reluctant to date, especially a rich man like Wes. Because she really didn't want to end up like her mother, she fought Wes for everything he wanted to give Sheyla.
I liked her, especially because she set a goal and did everything to make it there. She is so independent, but had to learn it isn't always a bad thing when a man wants to take care of you.
Wesley (Wes) was a handsome billionaire with plenty of scares. He was mesmerised by Sheyla from the first second he saw her. For someone who usually doesn't pursue a woman he immediately felt this attraction wasn't something he would be able to fight. Instead of fighting the attraction, he fought to have Sheyla in his life. Wes wasn't the billionaire douchebag you usually read in billionaire romance, and thats that I really enjoyed. Wes was honest about his feeling, he didn't play games and was able to show his vulnerability. He also was friendly towards other people, greeting them, thanking them... something what just general politeness, but billionaire don't get portrayed like that a lot, this was really refreshing.
Wes and Sheyla have so much chemistry and it's written to make you feel and understand all their feelings.
The sex scènes were in real Harlow James style, descriptive and hot AF.
The side characters which were all amazing and fiercely loyal.
I hope they will all get a chance to have a story in this series.
My Unexpected Serenity is a beautiful story about guilt, healing, addiction, regret insecurity, forgiveness and love. It isn't packed with drama, but has so many layers with raw, deep emotions. The way it was written made me feel every little emotion, I laughed till I had tears in my eyes but I also cried.
I love every letter of this book and it isn't inferior to any other of Harlow's stories.
And I already know it will be at the top of my favourite books of 2021.
I got an ARC from the author in return for an honest review
February 17, 2021
Instant connection.
Billionaire romance
two people coming together from two different worlds. This is Romance gold for me.
Wes and Shayla come from very different upbringings but both come with lots of baggage and outside forces dictating their choices. Their story is on for the ages honestly. There is a natural beauty to the progression of their love.
Wes was a super frustrating character for me. Shayla does not trust easy.
It took me a minute to get into the story but once I did I was consumed with it.
For more of my thoughts on this story check out Buzzing about Romance Podcast. We will have a quick shot up soon!
Billionaire romance
two people coming together from two different worlds. This is Romance gold for me.
Wes and Shayla come from very different upbringings but both come with lots of baggage and outside forces dictating their choices. Their story is on for the ages honestly. There is a natural beauty to the progression of their love.
Wes was a super frustrating character for me. Shayla does not trust easy.
It took me a minute to get into the story but once I did I was consumed with it.
For more of my thoughts on this story check out Buzzing about Romance Podcast. We will have a quick shot up soon!
August 15, 2021
Loved this one! I’ve had so much fun finding Indie Romance authors! And this book by Harlow James did not disappoint! I loved the story, the main characters and the side characters as well!!! Now I want to binge the other two books in this series!
February 3, 2021
This is my third book by @harlowjamesauthor and I really liked it! This is the first book in the California Billionaires series and follows the story of Wes and Shayla. This book was funny and I love when a book can make me laugh out loud. It had swoony moments, steamy scenes, secrets, along with some twists and turns! There were a few things I wasn’t expecting to happen. I loved Wes and Shayla together, watching their characters grow and seeing them overcome their struggles, insecurities, pasts. They were so perfect for each other, and each held something the other needed to get through things that were holding them back.
I am so curious to find out more about Hayes and Waverly in the next book!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I am so curious to find out more about Hayes and Waverly in the next book!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
I am a huge fan of Harlow James’ books and have read pretty much everything she has published and loved it. So when My Unexpected Serenity - Book 1 of her new California Billionaires Series hit my Kindle I was over the moon. Full disclosure, this book was not what I expected but a whole heck of a lot of what I needed.
Wes and Shayla are perhaps two of the most interesting main characters I’ve come across in a good long while. Shayla is an incredible woman. She is motivated, loyal and determined. She’s also stubborn, closed off and on her guard. Her childhood was rocky and taught her exactly what she didn’t want in her future. But as with all plans, life has a way of throwing you off your path. And then there is Wes.... Wes is complicated as are my feelings about him. His life revolves around running his family’s hotel empire but that was not always the case. For a small portion of his life he lost sight of who he was and became someone he would learn to despise. But life is about learning from your mistakes, redeeming yourself and owning your truth. Watching Wes struggle with his demons and become the man he was meant to be, the man Shayla needed him to be, made My Unexpected Serenity the incredible love story that it is.
TBR My Unexpected Serenity and fall in love with the beautifully damaged man and the woman that brings him serenity.
Wes and Shayla are perhaps two of the most interesting main characters I’ve come across in a good long while. Shayla is an incredible woman. She is motivated, loyal and determined. She’s also stubborn, closed off and on her guard. Her childhood was rocky and taught her exactly what she didn’t want in her future. But as with all plans, life has a way of throwing you off your path. And then there is Wes.... Wes is complicated as are my feelings about him. His life revolves around running his family’s hotel empire but that was not always the case. For a small portion of his life he lost sight of who he was and became someone he would learn to despise. But life is about learning from your mistakes, redeeming yourself and owning your truth. Watching Wes struggle with his demons and become the man he was meant to be, the man Shayla needed him to be, made My Unexpected Serenity the incredible love story that it is.
TBR My Unexpected Serenity and fall in love with the beautifully damaged man and the woman that brings him serenity.
January 28, 2021
I fell in love with Harlow James’ writing with her Emerson Falls series, so when she said she was writing a billionaire romance I was stoked! Billionaire romance is a genre that I can’t get enough of, so I was excited to see Harlow diving in! Let me just tell you, she absolutely nailed this story.
Wes isn’t like the billionaires I’ve read before, he’s more reserved and not so full of himself. He doesn’t have that cocky exterior you would expect. He’s got demons he’s battling and past wrongs he’s trying to make right. He’s someone who doesn’t think he deserves to be happy because of those demons, but when he meets Shayla, you can see him start to question that mindset.
Shayla is a fierce and independent woman, she doesn’t take anyone’s crap and she’ll do whatever she can to succeed. Her childhood has made her hesitant with men, especially men like Wes. Her mother’s endless cycle of boyfriends and relationships was something that Shayla refused to continue, which I admired her for. However, I will admit there were some instances where I wanted to slap her and just yell at her to LOVE WES, but I could understand her trepidation.
I absolutely loved everything about this story, and watching Wes and Shayla navigate their relationship was everything I didn’t know I needed! Harlow James created a world and a couple that I can’t get enough of. Harlow does an amazing job of making her readers feel like they are a part of the story and this book was no different! And she always does an amazing job of making me fall in love with the secondary characters too! I absolutely loved Chloe, Hayes and Waverly and I’m excited to see what’s next for all of these characters!
Wes isn’t like the billionaires I’ve read before, he’s more reserved and not so full of himself. He doesn’t have that cocky exterior you would expect. He’s got demons he’s battling and past wrongs he’s trying to make right. He’s someone who doesn’t think he deserves to be happy because of those demons, but when he meets Shayla, you can see him start to question that mindset.
Shayla is a fierce and independent woman, she doesn’t take anyone’s crap and she’ll do whatever she can to succeed. Her childhood has made her hesitant with men, especially men like Wes. Her mother’s endless cycle of boyfriends and relationships was something that Shayla refused to continue, which I admired her for. However, I will admit there were some instances where I wanted to slap her and just yell at her to LOVE WES, but I could understand her trepidation.
I absolutely loved everything about this story, and watching Wes and Shayla navigate their relationship was everything I didn’t know I needed! Harlow James created a world and a couple that I can’t get enough of. Harlow does an amazing job of making her readers feel like they are a part of the story and this book was no different! And she always does an amazing job of making me fall in love with the secondary characters too! I absolutely loved Chloe, Hayes and Waverly and I’m excited to see what’s next for all of these characters!
January 24, 2021
Oh My Heart & Emotions!
My Unexpected Serenity is a raw and beautiful romance story that takes you on an equally heartbreaking, and heartwarming journey about addiction, guilt, regret, insecurities, trust, love, forgiveness, and remembering that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
Wes the broken billionaire stole my heart. He may be drowning in regret and guilt, and fighting his alcohol addiction daily but Wes was also sweet, considerate, humorous, sexy, and oh so swoony.
Fate brings Shayla to Wes and she quickly becomes the light to his dark, and the calm to his storm.
While Shayla is independent, humorous, and so so sassy moments from her past have impacted her self worth and caused insecurities particularly when it comes to men and relationships.
As I devoured Wes and Shayla's story my heart ached and warmed, I found myself laughing out loud (possibly snorting), and at times I found myself reaching for the tissues. While I reached 'The End' with a warmed heart and a big smile the little hints and sprinkles throughout this story and seriously that ending!!! has me beyond excited for what's to come. Bring on Book 2!! I can't wait for more of these addictive, hilarious, and wonderful characters!!
My Unexpected Serenity is a raw and beautiful romance story that takes you on an equally heartbreaking, and heartwarming journey about addiction, guilt, regret, insecurities, trust, love, forgiveness, and remembering that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
Wes the broken billionaire stole my heart. He may be drowning in regret and guilt, and fighting his alcohol addiction daily but Wes was also sweet, considerate, humorous, sexy, and oh so swoony.
Fate brings Shayla to Wes and she quickly becomes the light to his dark, and the calm to his storm.
While Shayla is independent, humorous, and so so sassy moments from her past have impacted her self worth and caused insecurities particularly when it comes to men and relationships.
As I devoured Wes and Shayla's story my heart ached and warmed, I found myself laughing out loud (possibly snorting), and at times I found myself reaching for the tissues. While I reached 'The End' with a warmed heart and a big smile the little hints and sprinkles throughout this story and seriously that ending!!! has me beyond excited for what's to come. Bring on Book 2!! I can't wait for more of these addictive, hilarious, and wonderful characters!!
Want to read
April 19, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2021)! 🎁
June 28, 2021
I finally got to read Wes & Shayla! Since I read My Unexpected Vow I needed to know the story of these two and it was nothing that I expected: this book is much more raw and with a more intense plot, but it also has funny, sensual and a beautiful story of second chances.
Wes was a character that I fell in love with the first time I read him and I really enjoyed him as the main character. Wes is a kind, loving man and willing to correct the mistakes of his past, he has a beautiful and funny friendship with Hayes, I loved all their conversations and how much they love each other, he also has a very close relationship with Waverly, her younger sister, but the relationship with her father is quite strained. Throughout the book we learn more about Wes's addiction to alcohol, how it started and the consequences it had on his life and that of those around him, one of my favorite things about his character was that Harlow James portrayed his constant struggle with alcoholism and guilt, especially when things got really tough for him, but he never relapsed, which made me very happy. Another super important person in Wes's story of recovery and redemption is Nolan, a boy I loved and was amazed with his maturity and big heart.
The girl in this story is Shayla, someone who managed to win my heart with her strong and funny personality, and of course, with her big heart. Shayla is a girl who had a difficult childhood that led her to close herself to everyone, except her best friend Chloe, to be an independent woman and not believe in love, until Wes comes into his life. I have to say that the first time I read it in My Unexpected Vow it was not a character that made me want to meet, but once I started reading it my opinion changed completely, also, for me It was very easy to empathize with her, her feelings and decisions she makes to protect her heart.
Wes & Shayla's relationship starts out a bit strained due to Shay's insecurities, but once that she’s allowed to live the experience with Wes, they both show different sides of their personality, he’s super cute, adorable and with a flirtatious side that melted my heart, she’s the most sarcastic and feisty girl ever! I love her for that. Together they learn to trust each other and reveal their scars from the past, but Wes is a bit more reluctant to confess to Shayla his secrets, which does nothing to calm the insecurities she has, and on more than one occasion they have some misunderstandings that make Shayla lose her mind, completely understandable, but in the end they never cease to be the refuge of the other.
Needless to say that I loved reading the fights between Hayes & Wave and loved each of their appearances. My opinion regarding Chloe has changed a lot too, it's hilarious and I can't wait to read her story with Silas .
🇪🇸
¡Por fin pude leer a Wes & Shayla! Desde que leí My Unexpected Vow necesitaba conocer la historia de estos dos y no fue nada de lo que esperaba: este libro es mucho más crudo y con una trama más intensa, pero también tiene momentos divertidos, sensuales y una hermosa historia de segundas oportunidades.
Wes fue un personaje que me enamoro la primera vez que lo leí y disfruté mucho de él como personaje principal. Wes es un hombre amable, amoroso y dispuesto a corregir los errores del pasado, tiene una amistad hermosa y divertida con Hayes, me encantaron todas sus conversaciones y lo mucho que se aman, también tiene una relación muy estrecha con Waverly, su hermana menor, pero la relación con su padre es bastante tensa. A lo largo del libro vamos conociendo más sobre la adicción de Wes al alcohol, cómo comenzó y las consecuencias que tuvo en su vida y en la de quienes lo rodeaban, una de mis cosas favoritas con respecto a su personaje fue que Harlow James retrato su lucha constante contra el alcoholismo y la culpa, especialmente cuando las cosas se pusieron realmente difíciles para él, pero nunca recayó, algo que me hizo muy feliz. Otra persona súper importante en la historia de recuperación y redención de Wes es Nolan, un chico al que amé y me sorprendió con su madurez y gran corazón.
La chica en esta historia es Shayla, alguien que logró conquistar mi corazón con su fuerte y divertida personalidad, y por supuesto, con su gran corazón. Shayla es un chica que tuvo una infancia bastante difícil que la llevo a cerrarse a todo el mundo, excepto su mejor amiga Chloe, a ser una mujer independiente y no creer en el amor, hasta que llega Wes a su vida. Tengo que decir que la primera vez que la leí en My Unexpected Vow no fue un personaje que me dieran ganas de conocer, pero una vez que la comencé a leer mi opinión cambió por completo, además, para mi fue muy sencillo empatizar con ella, sus sentimientos y desiciones que toma para proteger su corazón.
La relación de Wes & Shayla comienza de una manera un poco tensa debido a las inseguridades de Shay, pero una vez que se permite vivir la experiencia con Wes, ambos muestran lados diferentes de su personalidad, él es súper lindo, adorable y con un lado coqueto que derritió mi corazón, ella es la más sarcástica y luchadora. Juntos aprenden a confiar en el otro y revelar sus cicatrices del pasado, pero Wes es un poco más renuente a confesarle a Shayla sus secretos, lo que no ayuda nada a calmar las inseguridades que ella tiene y en más de una ocasión tienen algunos malentendidos que hacen a Shayla perder la cabeza, de forma completamente comprensible, pero al final nunca dejan de ser el refugio del otro.
Esta de más decir que me encantó leer las peleas entre Hayes & Wave y que amé cada una de sus apariciones. Mi opinión con respecto a Chloe también cambió muchísimo, es hilarante y no puedo esperar a leer su historia con Silas.
Wes was a character that I fell in love with the first time I read him and I really enjoyed him as the main character. Wes is a kind, loving man and willing to correct the mistakes of his past, he has a beautiful and funny friendship with Hayes, I loved all their conversations and how much they love each other, he also has a very close relationship with Waverly, her younger sister, but the relationship with her father is quite strained. Throughout the book we learn more about Wes's addiction to alcohol, how it started and the consequences it had on his life and that of those around him, one of my favorite things about his character was that Harlow James portrayed his constant struggle with alcoholism and guilt, especially when things got really tough for him, but he never relapsed, which made me very happy. Another super important person in Wes's story of recovery and redemption is Nolan, a boy I loved and was amazed with his maturity and big heart.
The girl in this story is Shayla, someone who managed to win my heart with her strong and funny personality, and of course, with her big heart. Shayla is a girl who had a difficult childhood that led her to close herself to everyone, except her best friend Chloe, to be an independent woman and not believe in love, until Wes comes into his life. I have to say that the first time I read it in My Unexpected Vow it was not a character that made me want to meet, but once I started reading it my opinion changed completely, also, for me It was very easy to empathize with her, her feelings and decisions she makes to protect her heart.
Wes & Shayla's relationship starts out a bit strained due to Shay's insecurities, but once that she’s allowed to live the experience with Wes, they both show different sides of their personality, he’s super cute, adorable and with a flirtatious side that melted my heart, she’s the most sarcastic and feisty girl ever! I love her for that. Together they learn to trust each other and reveal their scars from the past, but Wes is a bit more reluctant to confess to Shayla his secrets, which does nothing to calm the insecurities she has, and on more than one occasion they have some misunderstandings that make Shayla lose her mind, completely understandable, but in the end they never cease to be the refuge of the other.
Needless to say that I loved reading the fights between Hayes & Wave and loved each of their appearances. My opinion regarding Chloe has changed a lot too, it's hilarious and I can't wait to read her story with Silas .
🇪🇸
¡Por fin pude leer a Wes & Shayla! Desde que leí My Unexpected Vow necesitaba conocer la historia de estos dos y no fue nada de lo que esperaba: este libro es mucho más crudo y con una trama más intensa, pero también tiene momentos divertidos, sensuales y una hermosa historia de segundas oportunidades.
Wes fue un personaje que me enamoro la primera vez que lo leí y disfruté mucho de él como personaje principal. Wes es un hombre amable, amoroso y dispuesto a corregir los errores del pasado, tiene una amistad hermosa y divertida con Hayes, me encantaron todas sus conversaciones y lo mucho que se aman, también tiene una relación muy estrecha con Waverly, su hermana menor, pero la relación con su padre es bastante tensa. A lo largo del libro vamos conociendo más sobre la adicción de Wes al alcohol, cómo comenzó y las consecuencias que tuvo en su vida y en la de quienes lo rodeaban, una de mis cosas favoritas con respecto a su personaje fue que Harlow James retrato su lucha constante contra el alcoholismo y la culpa, especialmente cuando las cosas se pusieron realmente difíciles para él, pero nunca recayó, algo que me hizo muy feliz. Otra persona súper importante en la historia de recuperación y redención de Wes es Nolan, un chico al que amé y me sorprendió con su madurez y gran corazón.
La chica en esta historia es Shayla, alguien que logró conquistar mi corazón con su fuerte y divertida personalidad, y por supuesto, con su gran corazón. Shayla es un chica que tuvo una infancia bastante difícil que la llevo a cerrarse a todo el mundo, excepto su mejor amiga Chloe, a ser una mujer independiente y no creer en el amor, hasta que llega Wes a su vida. Tengo que decir que la primera vez que la leí en My Unexpected Vow no fue un personaje que me dieran ganas de conocer, pero una vez que la comencé a leer mi opinión cambió por completo, además, para mi fue muy sencillo empatizar con ella, sus sentimientos y desiciones que toma para proteger su corazón.
La relación de Wes & Shayla comienza de una manera un poco tensa debido a las inseguridades de Shay, pero una vez que se permite vivir la experiencia con Wes, ambos muestran lados diferentes de su personalidad, él es súper lindo, adorable y con un lado coqueto que derritió mi corazón, ella es la más sarcástica y luchadora. Juntos aprenden a confiar en el otro y revelar sus cicatrices del pasado, pero Wes es un poco más renuente a confesarle a Shayla sus secretos, lo que no ayuda nada a calmar las inseguridades que ella tiene y en más de una ocasión tienen algunos malentendidos que hacen a Shayla perder la cabeza, de forma completamente comprensible, pero al final nunca dejan de ser el refugio del otro.
Esta de más decir que me encantó leer las peleas entre Hayes & Wave y que amé cada una de sus apariciones. Mi opinión con respecto a Chloe también cambió muchísimo, es hilarante y no puedo esperar a leer su historia con Silas.
October 3, 2021
Book 1 of the California Billionaires and I am not disappointed at all!
We have a Billionaire, Wesley Morgan, a recovering alcoholic who is focused on his company and Grandfather's legacy along with trying to right his personal wrongs and with that will be working on a project up in Santa Barbara.
Shayla Mitchell. The independent, sassy, sarcastic women who is living in Santa Barbara by the ocean, working two jobs and will soon be graduating with her Masters from college. She doesn't date and she cannot be bought.
Wesley and Shayla have a handful run-ins with each other and until she gets a cheese basket sent to her, from him, she makes the move, goes to his office and ask what he trying to get at with her because if it is just sex....she ain't having it!
Throughout the book their relationship grows. Both Wesley and Shayla have things they have to work on and they do this together within their relationship by communication and by being honest with each other.. for the most part!
I adored both Wesley and Shayla. Wesley right away and Shayla eventually grew on me. There were just times when I wanted to shake her when she would react to situations but knowing her past and what she has been through I came to an understanding with myself she wasn't just doing it to do it! Wesley was no angel either as his past as well but he was so charming and sweet that I if I had to pick one to want to shake it would be Shayla. LOL
This book was soooo good! It kept my attention and I did not want to put it down. The additional plus along with Wesley and Shayla were there friends. I love a book where the comic relief comes from the characters friends AND then those characters then get their own book ;) ... with that said... I am not reading Book 2 of the California Billionaires, My Unexpected Vow.
We have a Billionaire, Wesley Morgan, a recovering alcoholic who is focused on his company and Grandfather's legacy along with trying to right his personal wrongs and with that will be working on a project up in Santa Barbara.
Shayla Mitchell. The independent, sassy, sarcastic women who is living in Santa Barbara by the ocean, working two jobs and will soon be graduating with her Masters from college. She doesn't date and she cannot be bought.
Wesley and Shayla have a handful run-ins with each other and until she gets a cheese basket sent to her, from him, she makes the move, goes to his office and ask what he trying to get at with her because if it is just sex....she ain't having it!
Throughout the book their relationship grows. Both Wesley and Shayla have things they have to work on and they do this together within their relationship by communication and by being honest with each other.. for the most part!
I adored both Wesley and Shayla. Wesley right away and Shayla eventually grew on me. There were just times when I wanted to shake her when she would react to situations but knowing her past and what she has been through I came to an understanding with myself she wasn't just doing it to do it! Wesley was no angel either as his past as well but he was so charming and sweet that I if I had to pick one to want to shake it would be Shayla. LOL
This book was soooo good! It kept my attention and I did not want to put it down. The additional plus along with Wesley and Shayla were there friends. I love a book where the comic relief comes from the characters friends AND then those characters then get their own book ;) ... with that said... I am not reading Book 2 of the California Billionaires, My Unexpected Vow.
April 11, 2021
It was a beautiful rainy day to read inside. And what a beautiful read this was!
Wes and Shayla’s story was full of the hope that only true love gives us when we let it take the reins. I loved every moment of it, even the moments when uncertainty was taking over them.
Both Shayla and Wes had difficult pasts and hard demos to vanquish. I loved how relatable they were and the empathy they genuinely brought out from my heart. They were both scared and hiding behind big and thick walls, but once they found each other, they were able to see how worthy of love they both were and the beautiful couple they made.
Shayla was strong, independent, allergic to bullshit and everything that would get in her way to achieve her goals. Her insecurities were real to me and made me root for her all the way. I truly enjoyed her character and seeing her falling in love with Wes’ true essence.
Wes was book boyfriend goals from the start. Even with the darkness of his past and his pain. He was a guy who wanted to be happy but was convinced he didn’t deserve it. I loved how quickly he was able to see through Shayla’s tough exterior and find the support he needed and his second chance in life. Hos journey to self-forgiveness and finding out how worthy he was of loving and being loved was heart warming and full of hope.
The chemistry of this couple was beyond swoony and captivating(that meet cute was off the charts). Their interactions and fun conversation, the flirty banter and sweet scenes they had together had me sighing hard.
Can’t wait to read Hayes and Waverly’s story, who I truly enjoyed getting to know in this book
Wes and Shayla’s story was full of the hope that only true love gives us when we let it take the reins. I loved every moment of it, even the moments when uncertainty was taking over them.
Both Shayla and Wes had difficult pasts and hard demos to vanquish. I loved how relatable they were and the empathy they genuinely brought out from my heart. They were both scared and hiding behind big and thick walls, but once they found each other, they were able to see how worthy of love they both were and the beautiful couple they made.
Shayla was strong, independent, allergic to bullshit and everything that would get in her way to achieve her goals. Her insecurities were real to me and made me root for her all the way. I truly enjoyed her character and seeing her falling in love with Wes’ true essence.
Wes was book boyfriend goals from the start. Even with the darkness of his past and his pain. He was a guy who wanted to be happy but was convinced he didn’t deserve it. I loved how quickly he was able to see through Shayla’s tough exterior and find the support he needed and his second chance in life. Hos journey to self-forgiveness and finding out how worthy he was of loving and being loved was heart warming and full of hope.
The chemistry of this couple was beyond swoony and captivating(that meet cute was off the charts). Their interactions and fun conversation, the flirty banter and sweet scenes they had together had me sighing hard.
Can’t wait to read Hayes and Waverly’s story, who I truly enjoyed getting to know in this book
February 8, 2021
Loved! 5+ Star read!!
My Unexpected Serenity is the start of a brand new series that will be centered around some gorgeous California billionaires. In this book we meet Wes and Shayla who are both running from the past until they literally run into each other.
This book is real and authentic and I think that’s what I liked the best. Sure Wes is crazy rich but he had issues that had nothing to do with wealth. He was working hard to be better and right his wrongs. Shayla had so many fears about relationships and reaching her goals in life. Again, so many will relate to that. I liked reading about two people who became better because of the other. It’s a really beautiful love story.
The steam factor is OFF THE CHARTS! This is definitely Harlow steamiest book I think. Goodness, Wes is so dreamy. This book is filled with chemistry, passion and sexual tension.
The storyline is so original and I’ve honestly haven’t read a story like this with so many layers, and some twists & turns that have invested in their story and HEA. The writing is amazing and she is able to just pull you into this story. I feel like I know Santa Barbara despite having never been there.
Overall, if you are looking for a story with passion, depth, laughter (wait for the cheese basket), healing and love then this is a book you will love. I would highly recommend and this is a 5+ star book for me.
My Unexpected Serenity is the start of a brand new series that will be centered around some gorgeous California billionaires. In this book we meet Wes and Shayla who are both running from the past until they literally run into each other.
This book is real and authentic and I think that’s what I liked the best. Sure Wes is crazy rich but he had issues that had nothing to do with wealth. He was working hard to be better and right his wrongs. Shayla had so many fears about relationships and reaching her goals in life. Again, so many will relate to that. I liked reading about two people who became better because of the other. It’s a really beautiful love story.
The steam factor is OFF THE CHARTS! This is definitely Harlow steamiest book I think. Goodness, Wes is so dreamy. This book is filled with chemistry, passion and sexual tension.
The storyline is so original and I’ve honestly haven’t read a story like this with so many layers, and some twists & turns that have invested in their story and HEA. The writing is amazing and she is able to just pull you into this story. I feel like I know Santa Barbara despite having never been there.
Overall, if you are looking for a story with passion, depth, laughter (wait for the cheese basket), healing and love then this is a book you will love. I would highly recommend and this is a 5+ star book for me.
January 27, 2021
ARC Review
*Releasing 07 Feb 2021*
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)
Harlow James is synonymous with small town romance to me. When she announced she’s writing a billionaire romance series, I didn’t fear, I was quite excited for this new trope! Welcome to My Unexpected Serenity! It was quite an unexpected read filled with twists and turns. Be aware you’ll want to burn through the book while trying to savor each page.
Wesley Morgan, billionaire hotelier, is a broken recovering alcoholic. Shayla Mitchel, graduate student/barista/bartender, is headstrong, sassy, and no nonsense. When these two run into each other, literally, they fall into a whirlwind romance. Secrets, fears, and longing plague Wesley and tests the boundaries of Shayla.
Throughout the book, I was hoping that Wesley can overcome his self-imposed shackles. While, Shayla left me begging her to accept love. Together these two are quite the enamored lovesick fools. Of course, in true Harlow James fashion, she gives us amazing support characters who always leave me begging for more! It’s in the little twists of the book that left me panting for what’s to come in the billionaire series!!!
*note: I tried to predict the outcomes and pairings and I got it all wrong.
*Releasing 07 Feb 2021*
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5)
Harlow James is synonymous with small town romance to me. When she announced she’s writing a billionaire romance series, I didn’t fear, I was quite excited for this new trope! Welcome to My Unexpected Serenity! It was quite an unexpected read filled with twists and turns. Be aware you’ll want to burn through the book while trying to savor each page.
Wesley Morgan, billionaire hotelier, is a broken recovering alcoholic. Shayla Mitchel, graduate student/barista/bartender, is headstrong, sassy, and no nonsense. When these two run into each other, literally, they fall into a whirlwind romance. Secrets, fears, and longing plague Wesley and tests the boundaries of Shayla.
Throughout the book, I was hoping that Wesley can overcome his self-imposed shackles. While, Shayla left me begging her to accept love. Together these two are quite the enamored lovesick fools. Of course, in true Harlow James fashion, she gives us amazing support characters who always leave me begging for more! It’s in the little twists of the book that left me panting for what’s to come in the billionaire series!!!
*note: I tried to predict the outcomes and pairings and I got it all wrong.
June 27, 2021
A Perfect California Romance with Heart and Plenty of Steam
I saw this book all over Instagram for WEEKS before I finally bought it. And I am SO GLAD I did.
What I loved most about Wes and Shayla was their otherworldly connection, how they were drawn to each other without realizing it at first. I loved how they kept getting pulled into each other’s orbit until their connection could not be ignored.
Wes has a lot of demons, but he was so considerate (probably because of them), and I loved how he worked through them over the course of the book to become the best man he could be. Shayla is driven but guarded, and I loved watching her character grow as well. These two were perfect for each other, as much as they struggled to admit it and let each other in.
And, I mean, the cheese basket!
This is the perfect start to an incredible series. An enthusiastic five stars!
I saw this book all over Instagram for WEEKS before I finally bought it. And I am SO GLAD I did.
What I loved most about Wes and Shayla was their otherworldly connection, how they were drawn to each other without realizing it at first. I loved how they kept getting pulled into each other’s orbit until their connection could not be ignored.
Wes has a lot of demons, but he was so considerate (probably because of them), and I loved how he worked through them over the course of the book to become the best man he could be. Shayla is driven but guarded, and I loved watching her character grow as well. These two were perfect for each other, as much as they struggled to admit it and let each other in.
And, I mean, the cheese basket!
This is the perfect start to an incredible series. An enthusiastic five stars!
February 7, 2021
I enjoyed so much about this book, but the connection between Wes and Shayla was my favorite. These two just clicked in the best possible way. I also loved Wes and Shayla’s best friends. They were unfiltered and holy heck hilarious, but also extremely supportive and encouraging when necessary.
If you like a billionaire with interesting baggage, the sassy, independent bartender he falls for, have an appreciation for unique gift giving -props to Wes for thinking outside the box- smexy smoking hot romance, and the most supportive, sometimes raunchiest besties to be found, then My Unexpected Serenity is for you!
If you like a billionaire with interesting baggage, the sassy, independent bartender he falls for, have an appreciation for unique gift giving -props to Wes for thinking outside the box- smexy smoking hot romance, and the most supportive, sometimes raunchiest besties to be found, then My Unexpected Serenity is for you!
February 15, 2021
Let me preface this by saying, I’m not huge fan of the billionaire trope. I take issue with a lot of billionaire “heros” — I keep meaning to write a blind about it (lol).
But I really enjoyed Wes and Shayla’s story. Wes is a hot young (though older than Shayla) billionaire struggling with a dark past. Shayla is a young woman on the verge of graduating college hell bent on keeping her freedom especially when it comes to a man like Wes. She’s not impressed by his money or place society.
And that’s probably what saved it along with Wes’ awareness of himself.
This different from the small town, blue collar romance I’ve read from this author so far and I’m so happy she’s now creating a completely different world for her readers to enjoy and YES I need to hear about Hayes and Waverley.
May 11, 2021
Wow! This book kept me coming back for more. I'm not sure if it's the romance, the ups and downs, or the setting. Maybe it's all of the above. Scratch that. It IS all of the above! These characters are realistic and unique. Each character has a voice that sets them apart. I could go on; however, I'll just ramble. I highly recommend this book!
October 5, 2021
Can I give a book more than 5 stars?!? This book wrecked me in all the right ways. It tore me down and put me back together, right with Wes and Shayla. Beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once, with the perfect amount of heat. I’ve already grabbed the next book in the series. Harlow James is amazingly talented!
April 11, 2021
I loved the dynamic between Shayla and Wes. She's feisty and knows what she wants, however, that chip on her shoulder was annoying as hell at times. He's a recovering alcoholic still fighting his demons and learning to trust and be open. Together they balance each other. A wonderful story.
February 24, 2022
Such an easy read. Really enjoyed the dynamic of everyone’s relationships in this one.
February 7, 2021
4.5 stars
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this book. The blurb had me super excited to dive in. And I was not disappointed. This book had some fun and unexpected moments. I loved the characters and some pretty sassy (and cheesy) moments they created. If you are looking to get lost in a book, pick this one up!
Random sidenote- I have been reading Harlows book for awhile know and I have to say the growth of this author is quite amazing. Can’t wait to read what’s next!!
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this book. The blurb had me super excited to dive in. And I was not disappointed. This book had some fun and unexpected moments. I loved the characters and some pretty sassy (and cheesy) moments they created. If you are looking to get lost in a book, pick this one up!
Random sidenote- I have been reading Harlows book for awhile know and I have to say the growth of this author is quite amazing. Can’t wait to read what’s next!!
February 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. First of all, Shayla is my girl! Cheese and Coffee for the win! 😆 I love how independent and strong she is. Although a little bit too stubborn at times, but you can’t blame her, she got her reasons (her mom is a piece of work! 🙄) Plus that’s why you have a best friend like Chloe to help knock sense into you sometimes! 😆
And Wes, beautiful, slightly damaged, guilt ridden and lovable man. He got his demons and his past. It was heartbreakingly beautiful to see his growth and eventually forgiving himself from his past mistakes while also falling in love.
Both Shayla and Wes had to deal with their past so that they can move forward together and realize what love is.
“It’s not one person being in control, or taking on the weight of the relationship. It’s two people supporting each other through ups and downs, and that means we both get to be strong at some point.”
If you like strong and smart heroines, sexy and sweet billionaires, entertaining and hilarious friends and a heartwarming romance with lots of layers and heart then this book is for you!
And Wes, beautiful, slightly damaged, guilt ridden and lovable man. He got his demons and his past. It was heartbreakingly beautiful to see his growth and eventually forgiving himself from his past mistakes while also falling in love.
Both Shayla and Wes had to deal with their past so that they can move forward together and realize what love is.
“It’s not one person being in control, or taking on the weight of the relationship. It’s two people supporting each other through ups and downs, and that means we both get to be strong at some point.”
If you like strong and smart heroines, sexy and sweet billionaires, entertaining and hilarious friends and a heartwarming romance with lots of layers and heart then this book is for you!
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