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Harlow James
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My Unexpected Serenity: California Billionaires Book 1 Kindle Edition

by Harlow James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 218 ratings
I sent her a basket of cheese. But in my defense, it was gourmet cheese… you know, the expensive stuff.

How did 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?
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    California Billionaires
  2. Print length
    380 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 7, 2021
  6. File size
    1.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 218
4.4 out of 5 stars 218
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4.5 out of 5 stars 280
Price $4.99 $15.99 $16.99 $4.99
California Billionaires Series Read the Ebook on your Kindle or other devices Paperback with the original cover Discreet Special Edition Paperback Available Continue the series with Hayes' Story

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08R6R6Q3Q
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 380 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ California Billionaires
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 218 ratings

About the author

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Harlow James

Harlow James

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Harlow 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 emotional, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories 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 shots of tequila.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlowJamesA...

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49499...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlowjames...

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e5ff1c34d522/harlo...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Harlow-James/e...

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/harlo...

Website: harlowjamesauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
218 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers love this book for its remarkable love story and well-developed supporting characters, with one customer noting how the story develops organically. The book receives positive feedback for its humor, with one customer highlighting the amazing sarcasm, and customers appreciate its independence theme. Customers find the book readable, with one noting its realistic portrayal, while another describes it as a perfect start to an incredible series.

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13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, appreciating its engaging banter, with one customer describing it as real and another noting its purity.

"...Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Wonderful characters" Read more

"...Still a great read, I don’t regret it and now I cannot WAIT for Hayes and Waverly - I LOVE enemies to lovers!" Read more

"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...." Read more

"...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!" Read more

12 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of this book, describing it as a remarkable love story that develops organically, with one customer noting its perfect start to an incredible series.

"...I absolutely loved the way this story is written, the main characters and even the supporting characters are well developed...." Read more

"What a great story! Wes and Shayla are opposites that attract and drawn together by fate. It’s instalove at its finest...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...I absolutely loved everything about this story, and watching Wes and Shayla navigate their relationship was everything I didn’t know I needed!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the supporting characters are well developed, with one customer mentioning that the pull from these characters is electric.

"...I absolutely loved the way this story is written, the main characters and even the supporting characters are well developed...." Read more

"...We have amazing supporting characters in this book that open up to the next 2 books of the series...." Read more

"...Overall I liked this book and thought that it set up the secondary characters and future events nicely." Read more

"...The characters were well written. You have the bff Chloe with a big mouth and has her girl Shayla's back until they die. Love this friendship...." Read more

5 customers mention "Enlightenedness"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening, with reviews highlighting its depth, thought-provoking content, and honest approach.

"...Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Wonderful characters" Read more

"...and holy heck hilarious, but also extremely supportive and encouraging when necessary...." Read more

"...This book was real and raw and made you think and I also love when a book does that to...." Read more

"...Loved these two together, her sass and his humbling nature made for a wonderful story!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Love for wes"5 positive0 negative

Customers love the relationship between Wes and Shayla's best friends, with one customer noting how perfect they are for each other.

"...Wes was a sweetheart. He is trying to overcome his past mistakes and make his life mean something than what it was in the past...." Read more

"...These two just clicked in the best possible way. I also loved Wes and Shayla’s best friends...." Read more

"...These two were perfect for each other, as much as they struggled to admit it and let each other in...." Read more

"...Love this friendship. Waverly and Hayes constantly bickering. They just need to sleep together already. Lol...." Read more

5 customers mention "Steam content"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steam content of the book, with one customer noting it's "off the charts."

"...It’s a really beautiful love story. The steam factor is OFF THE CHARTS! This is definitely Harlow steamiest book I think...." Read more

"...Their story is fun but also emotional! There are steamy times in there as well, for fans of that. ;)..." Read more

"...Wes finds love when he’s not looking and it is sizzling." Read more

"...This has the best banter, perfect steamy vibes and a swoony down to earth billionaire! And also he sends a cheese basket! 🤣 5 stars read it!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one mentioning the amazing sarcasm throughout the story.

"...They were unfiltered and holy heck hilarious, but also extremely supportive and encouraging when necessary...." Read more

"...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!" Read more

"It's funny, serious, and surprising. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud many times while reading...." Read more

3 customers mention "Independence"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the independence of the book.

"...They are both very independent but they also have some serious hangups because of past experiences in life...." Read more

"...Shayla is sassy and fiercely independent. Trying to finish her degree and chase after what she wants in life...." Read more

"...Shayla is a fierce and independent woman; she doesn’t take anyone’s crap and she’ll do whatever she can to succeed...." Read more

A Beautiful Love Story ♥️
5 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful Love Story ♥️
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.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Shaez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wes and Shayla's story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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
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  • Kaylee Mignone
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mr Billionaire 😏
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What a great story! Wes and Shayla are opposites that attract and drawn together by fate. It’s instalove at its finest. They struggle with demons and outside forces trying to keep them apart but their love brings them back together every time.

    I love the story so much and enjoyed the twists and turns but I found myself only mildly rooting for the couple. I didn’t get a strong connection to them like I do with some books. Still a great read, I don’t regret it and now I cannot WAIT for Hayes and Waverly - I LOVE enemies to lovers!
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  • @DearBooksLoveSkye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved! 5+ Star read!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • monique.reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved Wes and Shayla ♥️
    Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Gosh, I loved Wes and Shayla. Two people from different worlds coming together when they least expected or wanted it. But they couldn't stop their attention to each other.

    Shayla is sassy and fiercely independent. Trying to finish her degree and chase after what she wants in life. Starting a relationship was not on her list of priorities. I liked how Wes understood that Shayla needed her Independence and to work. Wes was a sweetheart. He is trying to overcome his past mistakes and make his life mean something than what it was in the past.

    Wes and Shayla’s first time meeting when they ran into each other was the best. Then the cheese basket, oh my gosh. I was laughing out loud. There were a lot of parts of the book that had me laughing out loud.

    Can we talk about the other characters in the book? Hayes and Waverly I loved them! They were the best and their chemistry, my goodness. 🔥🔥 I can't wait for their book. Can I put this out there that Chloe needs a book? I want to know her story. ☺️

    If you haven't read My Unexpected Serenity, you should read it. Harlow James delivers the laughs and swoons to the book.

    𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨

    “I feel like I’m fighting gravity, and I think we both know that gravity is inevitable. Eventually, you wind back down on earth.”

    “I love you, Wes. You were the last type of man I ever saw myself letting in. You were everything I didn’t want, and yet somehow, someone knew that we needed each other.”
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  • jewlsbookblog
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this one
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Anna P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A smart, sexy, fun and captivating romance.
    Reviewed in India on November 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I will be honest and say whenever I see books featuring billionaires and women that are not their usual type, I get a little nervous. But Harlow James could write all of the billionaire romances and I think I would hungrily suck them up with a straw. Especially if those billionaires are like Wes. I mean...I went into this book half-blind and could not put it down till I reached the end. The characters were so incredible, the storytelling was fantastic and the attention to detail just won me over 100%. Everything about this book was fantastic and I am so glad I picked this up, because I am dying to see how the other billionaires find love and I cannot wait to fall in love with their feisty, sassy and bada** women.

    My favourite thing about My Unexpected Serenity was the characters. We’ve got Shayla who is an all round bada**––she’s fiercely independent, works hard and is the kind of person you want as a friend. She’s also incredibly focused on her future and does whatever it takes to get herself there. Shayla also comes from a complicated life where her mother spent more time finding her next meal ticket and not looking after Shayla. Which obviously means she’s got an issue with handsome rich men who think that money can solve all of her problems. I love that she didn’t back down from an argument, that she went head first into every thing she believed in and she didn’t let Wes tell her how to live her life––Shayla did it her own way and she did a good job of it too. Speaking of Wes, he’s got so much going on for him! I loved the depth we got in this character––his history is riddled with pain and struggles and all Wes wants is to stand on steady feet and not let everyone around hm down. His passion for his family and his friends, his strength in the face of adversity and his constant need to be strong for himself were just a few of the things I loved about him. Wes has so much baggage––at one point I thought we had learned everything there was to know about him and another one swooped in and knocked me out!

    While Wes’ secrets kept multiplying and he kept them from Shayla for a good portion of their relationship, the more you get to know Wes, the more you understand why he did it. But I gotta say, I love that Shayla made herself heard every single time. And she didn’t pitch hissy fits, no. Not Shayla. She would address them head on and she would put Wes in uncomfortable situations till she got what she came for and that, in my opinion, is bada**ery and so much awesomeness.

    Their relationship? HAWT. They have so much chemistry from the moment they meet, but I enjoyed watching them take it slow and get to know each other. Shayla doesn’t want the glitz and glamour that comes with dating a billionaire, so Wes keeps it simple and every date and every interaction they have is so wonderful. The banter, the flirting, the teasing––it was all incredible. And the steam was off the charts! Harlow James writes some ridiculously good steam and while this may only be my second book by her, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of them being naked together. It blew me away, no lie.

    Let’s not forget the supporting characters––they get their own books, which makes me so giddy––because Chloe is, without a doubt, the best best friend I’ve read in a long time. And I really loved Waverly and how tough she was, but how much of a marshmallow she is for her brother too. Let’s not forget Hayes and his constant need to talk about Wes’ dick or profess his love for him. While we only got a glimpse of Silas, I am ready to see what kind of shenanigans we can expect from his book!

    Harlow James joins the list of my favourite indie authors and I honestly cannot wait to read more of her books and get sucked into her incredible writing, because this book had me hook, line and sinker from start to finish!
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  • Laura Fabian Alaniz
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good start for the series
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    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 .
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  • Kathrin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book
    Reviewed in Germany on February 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This novel was absolutely amazing and I loved every second of reading it. It is not only a super fun Lovestory but also discusses important topics while never losing its lightness.
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  • Jessica (mylovelyhobbies)
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wow. I’m left almost speechless…
    Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    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 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.
    Report
  • Melissa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the development of the characters and that there wasn’t too much angst. They are both flawed snd vulnerable snd have to overcome their own fears to fight for their love. The supporting characters in their friends really bring the story alive. Enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series once it comes out.
    Report

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