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readkerryread's review
4.0
I was a little worried about reading this book as alcoholism runs in my family, and it was described as a billionaire recovering alcoholic who falls in love with a bartender. However, it was handled so well, and it was so much more.
Wes, spots Shayla at a bar when he’s discussing business. However he didn’t expect to see her again especially when he was leaving town for a few months to work on a new project. When he runs into her at the local coffee shop, and then at the beach, he takes it as a sign. Sending her a cheese basket as an inside joke. Shayla is weary of wealthy men, having watched her mom desperately trying to attach herself to one.
Trying to break each other’s walls down is a challenge but one they can’t seem to walk away from.
Wesley doesn’t feel worthy especially with the things he is trying to make amends for from his past. So many beautiful wonderful moments in this story, and lots of steamy moments too. Also Shayla’s roommate and Wesley’s friend Hayes provide inappropriate hilarious humor breaks. Give this one a read!
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”
Thank you to the author for an ARC for review, and your honest conversation. All opinions are my own and given freely.
Wes, spots Shayla at a bar when he’s discussing business. However he didn’t expect to see her again especially when he was leaving town for a few months to work on a new project. When he runs into her at the local coffee shop, and then at the beach, he takes it as a sign. Sending her a cheese basket as an inside joke. Shayla is weary of wealthy men, having watched her mom desperately trying to attach herself to one.
Trying to break each other’s walls down is a challenge but one they can’t seem to walk away from.
Wesley doesn’t feel worthy especially with the things he is trying to make amends for from his past. So many beautiful wonderful moments in this story, and lots of steamy moments too. Also Shayla’s roommate and Wesley’s friend Hayes provide inappropriate hilarious humor breaks. Give this one a read!
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”
Thank you to the author for an ARC for review, and your honest conversation. All opinions are my own and given freely.
readwithrach's review
5.0
I loved this story about Wes and Shayla. I was captivated from the beginning and found myself really rooting for them. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance I definitely recommend checking out one of Harlow’s books! Also, this is the first in a new series and I already can’t wait for book 2
gretareadsromance's review
5.0
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!
lovebooksaddict's review
5.0
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!
nixbix_reads's review
1.0
This had the potential to be an entertaining read but it was a flop. From the tortured rich guy who won’t share information that may be relevant to the person he’s dating, to the woman with a massive chip on her shoulder about being poor & not good enough for him but also being angry at him for being rich & not telling her, these two just rubbed me the wrong way. The juvenile banter between the side characters was what kept me reading this but it’s not enough to make me read the rest of the series.
cinnamoncatgirl's review
3.0
4.04pm 3.5
that was very cute and entertaining but i felt like shayla blows up too much too often and wesley doesn't have enough of a backbone to resist it and he just keeps on grovelling and i found it so annoying when he keep on going on about 'oooh im going to fuck you into submission' ugh that's so gross ill never get on board with all that gross gross gross and everytime waverly said something like 'big brother' ugh it would boil my blood idk why. AND I AM SO SICK OF THE PEOPLE THINKINH WITHOLDING INFORMATION IS LYING ITS NOT IM SO SICK OF IT
but regardless of all that i really did enjoy it i was genuine shocked when i found out who nolan was
that was very cute and entertaining but i felt like shayla blows up too much too often and wesley doesn't have enough of a backbone to resist it and he just keeps on grovelling and i found it so annoying when he keep on going on about 'oooh im going to fuck you into submission' ugh that's so gross ill never get on board with all that gross gross gross and everytime waverly said something like 'big brother' ugh it would boil my blood idk why. AND I AM SO SICK OF THE PEOPLE THINKINH WITHOLDING INFORMATION IS LYING ITS NOT IM SO SICK OF IT
but regardless of all that i really did enjoy it i was genuine shocked when i found out who nolan was
breeze_books's review
5.0
Holy Moly! This book was so good. I absolutely love the billionaire-type tropes and Harlow James literally blew it out of the water with this one!! I was hooked from the beginning.
Wes is not your typical rich man, with an ego that matches his bank account. He is a definitely the tortured Hero type, which I was completely here for. He made mistakes in his past that he is still trying to make up during this book. Harlow wastes no time throwing in these hints that keep you glued to the pages wanting to know what happened. Poor Wes will have you believe the absolute worst because that is how guilt works.
Shayla (I really freaking love the name!!) is one of THE BEST heroines I believe Harlow has written to date. She is not afraid to speak her mind. If she feels uncomfortable or like she is being taken advantage of, she will let you know real quick how that will end for you! She also has the best sarcastic comebacks.
She grew up with an unstable mother and a non-existent father and struggles trying to overcome her mother’s choices and how they affected her outlook on love and life. She has a hard time trusting people in general. (especially Wes but I love how he handled the situation every time).
Their chemistry was perfectly written to make you feel everything they felt. They were literally perfect for each other. He was the type of man she thought she should run from, but he proved otherwise. And she was the head-strong, loving person that he needed to truly confront his past mistakes.
& of course, without a doubt, in true HJ fashion, the steamy scenes in this book were freaking HOT.
Wes is not your typical rich man, with an ego that matches his bank account. He is a definitely the tortured Hero type, which I was completely here for. He made mistakes in his past that he is still trying to make up during this book. Harlow wastes no time throwing in these hints that keep you glued to the pages wanting to know what happened. Poor Wes will have you believe the absolute worst because that is how guilt works.
Shayla (I really freaking love the name!!) is one of THE BEST heroines I believe Harlow has written to date. She is not afraid to speak her mind. If she feels uncomfortable or like she is being taken advantage of, she will let you know real quick how that will end for you! She also has the best sarcastic comebacks.
She grew up with an unstable mother and a non-existent father and struggles trying to overcome her mother’s choices and how they affected her outlook on love and life. She has a hard time trusting people in general. (especially Wes but I love how he handled the situation every time).
Their chemistry was perfectly written to make you feel everything they felt. They were literally perfect for each other. He was the type of man she thought she should run from, but he proved otherwise. And she was the head-strong, loving person that he needed to truly confront his past mistakes.
& of course, without a doubt, in true HJ fashion, the steamy scenes in this book were freaking HOT.
chulaisreadingromance's review
5.0
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
ashleyanreads's review
5.0
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.
coffeebooksdogsnaps's review
5.0
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!