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rosielovesreading's review
5.0
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.*
canadiangirlreads's review
4.0
"If I thought he looked good in a suit, he'd do society a much bigger favor if he just walked around shirtless all the time."
My Unexpected Serenity is a billionaire romance that gives you that small town emotional feel that will pull you in and make you want to stay.
Wes is a successful hotel billionaire who is dealing with some past demons. Shayla is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants in life and does not want to end up like her mother. When Wes runs into Shayla, literally, sparks fly, but when Wes asks Shayla out, she is hesitant because she knows that he could be the one who could hurt her the most.
Harlow James delivers another amazing book. This is not your typical billionaire romance. Wes was so sweet and down to earth behind his mask that he wears in the public eye. Shayla was such a strong heroine and was very tender once she opened up her heart. They complimented each other perfectly. Their best friends were so much fun also. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
*Review copy requested and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
debs_shelves's review
5.0
Wesley is a hot billionaire with a lot of secrets and carrying a lot of pain. Shayla is a strong, motivated, independent woman determined not to follow in her mother's footsteps.
When the two of them collide (literally!), sparks fly and their attraction is magnetic and magical. Can they overcome their pasts & create a future together?
Their character growth was amazing, both as a couple and individually. And that bomb at the end has me more than ready for book two.
Plus, who doesn't love a man who is original and sends and cheese basket instead of flowers?!
When the two of them collide (literally!), sparks fly and their attraction is magnetic and magical. Can they overcome their pasts & create a future together?
Their character growth was amazing, both as a couple and individually. And that bomb at the end has me more than ready for book two.
Plus, who doesn't love a man who is original and sends and cheese basket instead of flowers?!
smalltowncutie's review
5.0
Shayla is a girl who is just trying to make it in this world working 2 jobs while trying to get her masters degree, while trying to live her dream living on the beach in Santa Barbra. Wesley is back in Santa Barbra building a new facility for something important to him to help him move on from his past. When he keeps “running” into Shayla they can’t shake the chemistry between them no matter how “cheesy” that might sound. She doesn’t want to be bought and he just wants someone who loves him for him. What happens when his past starts to come out? How will they handle the pressure of being in the spotlight?
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down and fell so hard for Wes I can’t even tell you! I can’t tell you how funny and swoon worthy this book is! I fell for this man so hard! The banter and the sarcasm with in this book was amazing!
When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down and fell so hard for Wes I can’t even tell you! I can’t tell you how funny and swoon worthy this book is! I fell for this man so hard! The banter and the sarcasm with in this book was amazing!
i_read_2_escape's review
5.0
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.
shaez's review
5.0
Wes and Shayla's story!
Rating 4.5
My Unexpected Serenity is my introduction to reading Harlow James work. I kept saying I would read a book but never got the chance until now.
Wes and Shayla are such an interesting couple that you will become invested in their relationship. They are both very independent but they also have some serious hangups because of past experiences in life. However, they both have this strong connection to each other that makes them want to spend time learning each other.
Wes is a young billionaire with some secrets that he would rather not reveal. Shayla is a young woman working two jobs and going to college. She has serious issues with men after seeing her mother in relationship after relationship.
Is Shayla the serenity that he needs and can Wes prove to her that he is not like the men that her mother keeps choosing?
I absolutely loved the way this story is written, the main characters and even the supporting characters are well developed. I am now excited to read more in this series and also the other Harlow James books that I missed out on.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Wonderful characters
Rating 4.5
My Unexpected Serenity is my introduction to reading Harlow James work. I kept saying I would read a book but never got the chance until now.
Wes and Shayla are such an interesting couple that you will become invested in their relationship. They are both very independent but they also have some serious hangups because of past experiences in life. However, they both have this strong connection to each other that makes them want to spend time learning each other.
Wes is a young billionaire with some secrets that he would rather not reveal. Shayla is a young woman working two jobs and going to college. She has serious issues with men after seeing her mother in relationship after relationship.
Is Shayla the serenity that he needs and can Wes prove to her that he is not like the men that her mother keeps choosing?
I absolutely loved the way this story is written, the main characters and even the supporting characters are well developed. I am now excited to read more in this series and also the other Harlow James books that I missed out on.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Wonderful characters
brandisipsandreads's review
5.0
Such a beautiful romance with tastefully worked in topics of alcoholism, grief and power of love. I loved this billionaire romance because Wesley is so sweet beneath his public mask and Shayla is tender once she trusts to open her heart. The steam is hot, the fiends are hilarious and the twists keep the plot moving quickly, I couldn’t put it down.
Read it for the:
Picturesque Santa Barbara, California
Sweet billionaire
Independent strong woman
Happy ever after
Xx brandiballreads
Read it for the:
Picturesque Santa Barbara, California
Sweet billionaire
Independent strong woman
Happy ever after
Xx brandiballreads
thebluehaired_reader's review
4.0
3 and a half stars. I was really into this book at first and I don’t know if it was me, but it just wasn’t keeping my attention. I went back and forth to being really into it and then not. I really enjoyed all the twists and I loved the best friend characters! I guess I didn’t connect great with the main characters. When I enjoyed it I really enjoyed it though! I haven’t read too much of this trope either so maybe it’s just not for me. I am however excited to read the next book!
kathrinreads's review
5.0
I was provided with an ARC for this novel for an honest review
I was a bit hesitant going into this novel because even though I love Harlow James as a writer, the billionaire trope is one of my least favorite tropes but I have to say Harlow pulled it off spectacularly and I absolutely fell in love with the Wes and his and Shayla's story.
The story follows Wes and Shayla. Wes is a recovering alcoholic and billionaire, who has inherited his empire from his grandfather. He returns to Santa Barbara to make amends for his past actions and meets Shayla there. Shayla is wary of relationships because her mother never gave her a good example how a healthy relationship should look like.
I fell in love with the characters from the start and I was definitely gone for both of them after the cheese basket scene. I loved how topics were discussed in this novel and that it does not shy away from including heavy topics. There was some amazing banter in this novel and I loved the friendship dynamics between Shayla and Chloe as well as Wes and Hayes and I cannot want to see more of them in the upcoming stories.
Overall this was an amazing read and as always I am just blown away by Harlow's writing and her stories.
I was a bit hesitant going into this novel because even though I love Harlow James as a writer, the billionaire trope is one of my least favorite tropes but I have to say Harlow pulled it off spectacularly and I absolutely fell in love with the Wes and his and Shayla's story.
The story follows Wes and Shayla. Wes is a recovering alcoholic and billionaire, who has inherited his empire from his grandfather. He returns to Santa Barbara to make amends for his past actions and meets Shayla there. Shayla is wary of relationships because her mother never gave her a good example how a healthy relationship should look like.
I fell in love with the characters from the start and I was definitely gone for both of them after the cheese basket scene. I loved how topics were discussed in this novel and that it does not shy away from including heavy topics. There was some amazing banter in this novel and I loved the friendship dynamics between Shayla and Chloe as well as Wes and Hayes and I cannot want to see more of them in the upcoming stories.
Overall this was an amazing read and as always I am just blown away by Harlow's writing and her stories.