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rachelreadsromance_'s review
4.0
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
emily_sk's review
1.0
I had difficult time finishing this book, i only finished because i skimmed through last half. The characters were pretty flat, the romance was meh, FMC was annoying and got mad at MMC for the smallest issues. I didnt feel anything for the characters nor did i like any one of them. So many times i wanted to just dnf but skimmed hoping it would get better but it really didnt do it for me.
tammys_timeout's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
This book made me smile as we follow the relationship journey of Wes and Shayla, while also feeling their past hurts and commitment to moving forward, despite the hurdles that are thrown their way.
Shayla, a part-time student working two jobs is worlds away from Wes, the billionaire business man who despite outward appearances, has his own personal struggles, yet cannot help but feel the attraction pulling him towards Shayla even though he feels he doesn’t deserve love. Shayla is not easily won over, and I enjoyed reading this part, as they start to really fall for one another. Shayla is one tough cookie, strong in nature and I love that the money side of Wes played little part in her attraction, in fact it deterred her as Shayla had grown up experiencing her mother looking towards men to provide financial gain and support. Wes is so hard on himself, determined that love isn’t for him, he has certainly found his own place in my heart with his personal growth and swoon worthy actions!
Harlow James has produced a book that has wonderful character depth, a story with twists and turns and set in the gorgeous California city of Santa Barbara. There are some glorious steamy scenes and some tearjerker ones too. The secondary characters are fun and ones I want to see more of in the continuation of this series. This is possibly my favourite of all Harlow James books so far!
What I really liked:
- Both main characters have flaws
- Wes’ brokenness but ability to stay strong
- Shayla’s independent streak and strong nature
- Their friends
- The gorgeous Santa Barbara setting
- Harlow James’ writing, it kept me engaged throughout.
Please note this book discusses alcoholism.
Thank you for the early copy of this book I received from the author. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Merged review:
4.5 stars.
This book made me smile as we follow the relationship journey of Wes and Shayla, while also feeling their past hurts and commitment to moving forward, despite the hurdles that are thrown their way.
Shayla, a part-time student working two jobs is worlds away from Wes, the billionaire business man who despite outward appearances, has his own personal struggles, yet cannot help but feel the attraction pulling him towards Shayla even though he feels he doesn’t deserve love. Shayla is not easily won over, and I enjoyed reading this part, as they start to really fall for one another. Shayla is one tough cookie, strong in nature and I love that the money side of Wes played little part in her attraction, in fact it deterred her as Shayla had grown up experiencing her mother looking towards men to provide financial gain and support. Wes is so hard on himself, determined that love isn’t for him, he has certainly found his own place in my heart with his personal growth and swoon worthy actions!
Harlow James has produced a book that has wonderful character depth, a story with twists and turns and set in the gorgeous California city of Santa Barbara. There are some glorious steamy scenes and some tearjerker ones too. The secondary characters are fun and ones I want to see more of in the continuation of this series. This is possibly my favourite of all Harlow James books so far!
What I really liked:
- Both main characters have flaws
- Wes’ brokenness but ability to stay strong
- Shayla’s independent streak and strong nature
- Their friends
- The gorgeous Santa Barbara setting
- Harlow James’ writing, it kept me engaged throughout.
Please note this book discusses alcoholism.
Thank you for the early copy of this book I received from the author. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
This book made me smile as we follow the relationship journey of Wes and Shayla, while also feeling their past hurts and commitment to moving forward, despite the hurdles that are thrown their way.
Shayla, a part-time student working two jobs is worlds away from Wes, the billionaire business man who despite outward appearances, has his own personal struggles, yet cannot help but feel the attraction pulling him towards Shayla even though he feels he doesn’t deserve love. Shayla is not easily won over, and I enjoyed reading this part, as they start to really fall for one another. Shayla is one tough cookie, strong in nature and I love that the money side of Wes played little part in her attraction, in fact it deterred her as Shayla had grown up experiencing her mother looking towards men to provide financial gain and support. Wes is so hard on himself, determined that love isn’t for him, he has certainly found his own place in my heart with his personal growth and swoon worthy actions!
Harlow James has produced a book that has wonderful character depth, a story with twists and turns and set in the gorgeous California city of Santa Barbara. There are some glorious steamy scenes and some tearjerker ones too. The secondary characters are fun and ones I want to see more of in the continuation of this series. This is possibly my favourite of all Harlow James books so far!
What I really liked:
- Both main characters have flaws
- Wes’ brokenness but ability to stay strong
- Shayla’s independent streak and strong nature
- Their friends
- The gorgeous Santa Barbara setting
- Harlow James’ writing, it kept me engaged throughout.
Please note this book discusses alcoholism.
Thank you for the early copy of this book I received from the author. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Merged review:
4.5 stars.
This book made me smile as we follow the relationship journey of Wes and Shayla, while also feeling their past hurts and commitment to moving forward, despite the hurdles that are thrown their way.
Shayla, a part-time student working two jobs is worlds away from Wes, the billionaire business man who despite outward appearances, has his own personal struggles, yet cannot help but feel the attraction pulling him towards Shayla even though he feels he doesn’t deserve love. Shayla is not easily won over, and I enjoyed reading this part, as they start to really fall for one another. Shayla is one tough cookie, strong in nature and I love that the money side of Wes played little part in her attraction, in fact it deterred her as Shayla had grown up experiencing her mother looking towards men to provide financial gain and support. Wes is so hard on himself, determined that love isn’t for him, he has certainly found his own place in my heart with his personal growth and swoon worthy actions!
Harlow James has produced a book that has wonderful character depth, a story with twists and turns and set in the gorgeous California city of Santa Barbara. There are some glorious steamy scenes and some tearjerker ones too. The secondary characters are fun and ones I want to see more of in the continuation of this series. This is possibly my favourite of all Harlow James books so far!
What I really liked:
- Both main characters have flaws
- Wes’ brokenness but ability to stay strong
- Shayla’s independent streak and strong nature
- Their friends
- The gorgeous Santa Barbara setting
- Harlow James’ writing, it kept me engaged throughout.
Please note this book discusses alcoholism.
Thank you for the early copy of this book I received from the author. This is an honest review and all opinions are my own.
theromanticbibliotheca's review
5.0
The story of Wesley and Shayla is a heart-gushing story about finding happiness, letting go of your demons, forgiving yourself, and finding freedom from a self-imposed prison of regret.
And of course with a mix of some sweet lovin’.
Wesley – aka Mr. Billionaire – is a recovering alcoholic who is working hard at moving on from a life-changing event six years ago, but of course, like anyone who has addictions, the temptations don’t just disappear. What remains constant, however, is the support system that Wes is surrounded with – and it is this support from his sister, best friend, and houseworker that encourage Wes to pursue Shayla, the woman he runs into at the beach (which happens to be the same mesmerizing bar server he had seen before).
Shayla has her own share of triggers but what keeps her attention is her strive for independence, work ethic, and academic excellence as she holds two jobs while completing her college degree at the age of 27. With the love and support from her bestie, Chloe, Shayla shines bright wherever she is. She’s an eloquently spoken sass, but she is also sensitive and fears that she’ll end up as her mom who clings on to the notion that rich men equals happiness.
Through their ups and downs, Wes and Shayla grow together – and their sexual chemistry is sizzling hot and bookmark-worthy. I appreciated how their relationship is described as one that has good and bad days, like “rough patches and smooth sailing”. Love “comes in waves – some are the perfect crest and others are jagged and harsh, but you still love the ocean just the same”.
And of course with a mix of some sweet lovin’.
Wesley – aka Mr. Billionaire – is a recovering alcoholic who is working hard at moving on from a life-changing event six years ago, but of course, like anyone who has addictions, the temptations don’t just disappear. What remains constant, however, is the support system that Wes is surrounded with – and it is this support from his sister, best friend, and houseworker that encourage Wes to pursue Shayla, the woman he runs into at the beach (which happens to be the same mesmerizing bar server he had seen before).
Shayla has her own share of triggers but what keeps her attention is her strive for independence, work ethic, and academic excellence as she holds two jobs while completing her college degree at the age of 27. With the love and support from her bestie, Chloe, Shayla shines bright wherever she is. She’s an eloquently spoken sass, but she is also sensitive and fears that she’ll end up as her mom who clings on to the notion that rich men equals happiness.
Through their ups and downs, Wes and Shayla grow together – and their sexual chemistry is sizzling hot and bookmark-worthy. I appreciated how their relationship is described as one that has good and bad days, like “rough patches and smooth sailing”. Love “comes in waves – some are the perfect crest and others are jagged and harsh, but you still love the ocean just the same”.
proud_book_nerd's review
4.0
A peace we all need
Solid 3.5 stars
I've had this series on my shelf for sometime now, bit had a friend recommend it to me pushed it to the front of the pile.
From the first pages its clear that both Wesley and Shayla are two very focused individuals who feel a spark across a crowded club. I loved how their connection had them both stumbling to one another. The chemistry was hot, but I didn't connection to them as a couple. Individually they both were strong yet beautifully flawed. This book was a great starting book for a series.
I am looking forward to the other books in the series.
(Being from SoCal, I find I'm very particularly how people describe home and some things were a miss for me)
Solid 3.5 stars
I've had this series on my shelf for sometime now, bit had a friend recommend it to me pushed it to the front of the pile.
From the first pages its clear that both Wesley and Shayla are two very focused individuals who feel a spark across a crowded club. I loved how their connection had them both stumbling to one another. The chemistry was hot, but I didn't connection to them as a couple. Individually they both were strong yet beautifully flawed. This book was a great starting book for a series.
I am looking forward to the other books in the series.
(Being from SoCal, I find I'm very particularly how people describe home and some things were a miss for me)
messing_with_book's review
4.0
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 .
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 .
rihoward's review
4.0
4 stars
Cute quick story. This is a new to me author. I was intrigued by the cheese basket. I enjoyed the story and will look for more in the future from this author.
My frustration with the book was in the HFN ending. I was hoping for more than a week down the line.
Cute quick story. This is a new to me author. I was intrigued by the cheese basket. I enjoyed the story and will look for more in the future from this author.
My frustration with the book was in the HFN ending. I was hoping for more than a week down the line.
mcapuco's review
5.0
When I heard the synopsis of Harlow Jame's newest book, My Unexpected Serenity, I was like sign me up I must read this book. I found My Expected Serenity to be different than most billionaire romances, Wes isn't a dominate I'm in charge type of guy in the relationship, he doesn't try and buy Shayla's affections, and he accepts his faults and tries to move past them.
My Unexpected Serenity is about billionaire Wesley "Wes" Morgan and grad student Shayla Mitchel. Shayla grew up with a mother that went from man to man, always looking for her next meal ticket and because of that she doesn't trust men, especially men with money. Wes is a billionaire with a past that has changed him for the better. Wes is a former alcoholic that, after the death of his grandfather, was made the CEO of his family's hotel business before he was ready. Because of an accident that he inadvertently caused Wes made the decision to get sober and to take control over the family business.
When Wes sees Shayla for the first time at a club that she bartends at he can tell she's something special, but he can also tell that she would turn him down flat. But when fate has them keep running into one another, first at her other job at a coffee shop and then running on the beach Wes decides he can't let her go. After some wooing that involved cheese (and that is my type of wooing) Shayla puts aside her hang ups about Wes being wealthy to explore the pulls she feels towards him. All is going well until a series of misunderstandings, half truths and lies Shayla isn't sure she can trust Wes anymore. Can Wes convince Shayla that he truly loves her and that he's not like her mother's ex-boyfriends? Can Shayla put aside her past to have the future she deserves?
My Unexpected Serenity is about billionaire Wesley "Wes" Morgan and grad student Shayla Mitchel. Shayla grew up with a mother that went from man to man, always looking for her next meal ticket and because of that she doesn't trust men, especially men with money. Wes is a billionaire with a past that has changed him for the better. Wes is a former alcoholic that, after the death of his grandfather, was made the CEO of his family's hotel business before he was ready. Because of an accident that he inadvertently caused Wes made the decision to get sober and to take control over the family business.
When Wes sees Shayla for the first time at a club that she bartends at he can tell she's something special, but he can also tell that she would turn him down flat. But when fate has them keep running into one another, first at her other job at a coffee shop and then running on the beach Wes decides he can't let her go. After some wooing that involved cheese (and that is my type of wooing) Shayla puts aside her hang ups about Wes being wealthy to explore the pulls she feels towards him. All is going well until a series of misunderstandings, half truths and lies Shayla isn't sure she can trust Wes anymore. Can Wes convince Shayla that he truly loves her and that he's not like her mother's ex-boyfriends? Can Shayla put aside her past to have the future she deserves?