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Two Brothers #2

California Secrets

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Will he still love her every touch…

when he finds out who she really is?

For years, Ethan Michaels has plotted to reclaim the resort his mother founded. His plan never included a lover…or a pregnancy. But his desire-fueled fling with smart, stunning Harper Williams results in just that. Now he’s getting used to the idea of a baby…until he finds out Harper’s father is the very man who stole everything from him years ago.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 3, 2019

30 people are currently reading
69 people want to read

About the author

Jules Bennett

629 books456 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has written for multiple publishing houses and currently has books with Harlequin and Kensington.

She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com

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5 stars
42 (44%)
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30 (31%)
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16 (16%)
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7 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
779 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2019
Wow this was a terrific read.
Ethan Michaels is at the hotel in California that was by rights belonged to his brother and himself, left to them by their mother. But their stepfather took their inheritance from them and they have both vowed to get back this hotel, plus the hotel in Montana.
Little did he know that the woman he was having a fun with a the beach is his step-father's daughter, who he knew nothing about, but when those nights of passion result in a baby, well all the secrets coming pouring out. Harper Williams, is there to meet her father and redesign the hotel. When she learns who Ethan is and what her father has done, she feels betrayed in the worst way, but knows she must make the right decisions for her as well as the coming child.

I really liked this story, It was a quick paced book and kept me turning the pages. Both Ethan and Harper were carrying a lot of emotional baggage and it made for a great story.
Jules Bennett always gives her readers a great story and characters that we can relate to and enjoy.
1,022 reviews17 followers
September 4, 2019
Good until the disappointing end

The book was light and entertaining until the ending twist. I have real issues with them not turning Robert in. He might be Harper sperm donor but that shouldn’t absolve him from going to jail. How about the other families that he has destroyed and will continue to destroy? Don’t they deserve justice? I would have enjoyed it more if Harper had been the one to insist on turning him in, far more noble. i disliked this “revenge is a bad thing message”, because in my mind wanting justice is not the same as revenge. It’s perfectly normal to want to get back something stolen from you, when your car is stolen you want it back. What really annoyed me though with the book is this lack of physical description. I understand it’s probably a marketing thing to attract a wider audience but I find it irritating and it takes away from really enjoying the books. What do they look like? What are piecing eyes? What constitutes dark skin? What does curvy mean? Being a size 14 when you’re 6ft is not overweight so it’s all relative.
Profile Image for Christa.
2,218 reviews585 followers
June 18, 2019
California Secrets is a quick, easy to read, romance. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. It was good for a short book.

In the beginning of this story, Ethan and Harper, who have had a month long casual fling at a resort, are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. They make some plans, and feel like they have everything worked out well, when a secret Ethan is keeping comes between them.

Both of the main characters, Ethan, and Harper, were pretty closed off emotionally. As the book progressed, they both had to let go of some of the tight control they kept over their feelings. I ended up liking them both quite well. While the unplanned pregnancy trope is a common one, this one had a little different spin, with both main characters having a connection to a secondary character that could have derailed their future. The storyline kept me interested through out the book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Harper Miller.
Author 6 books438 followers
November 8, 2019
THE HEROINE’S NAME IS HARPER! *insert all the heart emojis* #imbiased

Listen, it’s very rare to come across a romance novel written by a white author that paints a black woman in a realistic light. Real characterization that’s not full of awkwardness or steeped in stereotypes. Harper Williams is navigating life and finding comfort in what makes her happy, and it’s so refreshing!

Jules Bennett did a hell of a job with this story. California Secrets is a masterclass in writing the other without othering. I adored Harper and loved Ethan to pieces! This couple’s openness was delightful. When I read, “He likes knowing they were going to build a life together...a dynasty” I legit screamed, “NOW THAT’S A HERO! GO BIG, MY DUDE!” Super swoon-worthy.

I swear these Desire books are catnip. Deliciously satisfying.
Profile Image for Ms. Woc Reader.
794 reviews903 followers
June 8, 2019
Harlequin Romances are such a mixed bag. Sometimes you get a great love story with characters that have growth. Other times it's just smut with a thin plot. This was one of those smut with an ultra thin plot lines. I didn't even feel the love between Ethan and Harper. She revealed she was pregnant and suddenly after only knowing each other for a month they were madly in love. Plus this story sounds like a redux of the author's previous story with Ethan's twin brother. Quick read but unmemorable book.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
1,216 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2019
Ethan is stunned to learn his fling, Harper, is pregnant and even more stunned to learn her father is his former stepfather he is trying to get the resort they are staying at from. He struggles to find a way to get his rightful inheritance and keep the woman he has fallen for.

Good romance and it was nice to catch up with Dane and Stella from the first book as well. I wish there had been an epilogue to know how they ended up.

Thanks to the author for a review copy.
Profile Image for Michelle Lindo-Rice.
Author 53 books336 followers
June 23, 2019
Ethan and Harper story is hot as ever. It starts out with a bang where Harper reveals her pregnancy when all he and Ethan were looking for was some adult fun. This revenge story with a twist kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the ride until they got to the Happy-Ever-After.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,358 reviews38 followers
March 3, 2020
I liked this book's storyline. I liked the hot & steamy scenes. I liked Harper's character. I liked Ethan's character. I liked the ending.
Profile Image for Donna.
855 reviews44 followers
August 3, 2019
California Secrets by Jules Bennet is the second book in the series. The first book was about his twin brother. This one can be read as a stand alone. I read this book because I am a fan of Jules.

When the book opened you realize that Ethan has been having a fling for the last 30 days with a woman in a red string bikini. I wasn’t sure where that was going until I realized the woman was Harper.

When you understand Harper’s back story you totally get her and understand why she made the decisions she made. I was surprised that she got pregnant and that was never addressed. Did they discuss protection?

I read this book because I am a fan of Jules. It is a good story. However if this is your first book by Jules Bennett, I recommend you read some of her other books. I enjoyed them more than this one; maybe because they were longer and you could get to know the characters more.
Sexual content – 4 when they were not having sex they were thinking about it.
Drinking – casual drinking

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
Profile Image for Lisa.
923 reviews26 followers
September 8, 2019
Ethan Michaels has had it in for his Step father for years. He stole the resorts his mom meant to leave to him and his twin brother when she died. He had his twin Dane have been working on getting them back. Dane got his in his book and now it's time for Ethan to claim his. Harper Williams is at the resort working on a project to remodel it and at the same time grieving the passing of her sister. She was always the conservative homebody sister but she's finally decided to let loose a little when she meets Ethan. It's just a vacation type fling until Harper comes up pregnant. Ethan is this guy whose in control of his world and now he isn't. Harper is not what he expected and when she tells him she's pregnant his heart begins to thaw toward love. Maybe he's not as closed off as he thought. Unfortunately there's a monkey wrench getting tossed at him he can't control. Harper's dad is also his step father his enemy. I really enjoyed this two part book series. Both brothers have cut off their emotions even toward each other. The Jules Bennett gives two brothers a happy ending they deserve with the help of two amazing women. Finally the Michaels brothers get back together again. A quick enjoyable easy read.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,540 reviews46 followers
September 2, 2019
4 1/2 STARS!

CALIFORNIA SECRETS is the second book in the Two Brothers duet by Jules Bennett. In book one, we met Dane and in this book we meet his twin brother Ethan.

Ethan is a predictable character because we already knew from book one that he was trying to reclaim the resort that was stolen out from underneath him years ago. He thinks he's simply passing time while he waits to make his final move, but the feelings he is starting to have for Harper are starting to blow his mind.

Harper is trying to forge a relationship with her father by improving the resort. She has no idea Ethan is there with any nefarious plan. Times get a little crazy when they figure out that they are expecting a baby, just slightly before the pieces fall into place that her father and the man he's out to ruin are one and the same.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, sexy escape with a hint of intrigue and a whole lot of sass. This duet was a fulfilling read, and it was especially heartwarming to see Dane and Ethan reconnecting in the end.
1 review
August 9, 2019
Ethan Michaels appears to be the typical bachelor, egotistical and career driven. That is until the curvy Harper Williams and her desire to have an unattached fling at the adults only resort they both stay at. An unexpected soul-tie causes both Ethan and Harper to re-evaluate what is most important to them. This book is so well written and did justice to curvy women everywhere with Harper not being the typical size 6 love interest. What I love most about this book, is that it didn't take long to hop into the meat of the story. All of the details made the plot easy to follow. It did become a bit repetitive when discussing the issue that Ethan had with the perceived antagonist, but it is easy to overlook. Overall, I will definitely be reading other books by this author. There is nothing like a good romance novel, with a nice amount of drama to keep readers interested in the story line. I plan to recommend this book to our libraries new book collection.
Profile Image for Carma.
474 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2019
Ethan and Harper had an instant attraction. He saw her on the beach in her little red bikini and knew he had to have her. She saw him and was drawn to his passion for life, and love and knew she had to have him. They were never supposed to be forever.

Ethan and his twin brother Dane are out to get what’s owed them. Years before, just after their mother died, their Step-Father took control of the 2 resorts their mother had started years ago. Dane has successfully regained control of one resort and now it is up to Ethan to reclaim the other. He never counts on Harper and the full distraction she becomes.

Harper is still reeling after the loss of her sister months ago. She knows now is the time to make a name for the design company they started. Having been offered the job of renovating the Mirage resort, she feels this will be a great stepping-stone to getting their business off the ground. She doesn’t, however, realize how much her attraction to Ethan will get in the way.

When Ethan and Harper both have secrets that come out, they will have to decide if their new and blossoming relationship can withstand the test of family.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectations. This is the second and last book in the Two Brothers duet and although I enjoyed Dane’s book a little more, this was still a pretty good installment. I enjoyed how the author weaved to the two brothers into each other’s book without overpowering the main character storyline flow.
Profile Image for Julie Eichelberger-Ford.
879 reviews12 followers
August 24, 2019
California Secrets is the conclusion of the duet series but can also be a stand alone story. This series is about reclaiming an inheritance and getting revenge for what was stolen at a tragic time in Dane and Ethan's lives. This is Ethan's story. Ethan is finally set to reclaim his Mirage Resort and send his stepfather to prison, but while waiting for him to show up, he enjoys a hot fling with Harper. Harper is at Mirage to redecorate and reconnect with her father whom she only just met at the age of 20. An unplanned pregnancy, lies, revenge and secrets revealed lead to an explosive plot that will keep you turning the pages. This was a well written, engaging story with great characters and a strong conclusion.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

526 reviews11 followers
August 27, 2019
California Secrets is the second book in Jules Bennett’s Two Brothers duet series. I absolutely loved this series: Two brothers sought to reclaim the inheritance that was lost to them.

In California Secrets, Ethan Michaels has his eyes set on the property his mother intended for him to have. While biding his time, he falls for the daughter of his nemesis. Of course, Harper Williams has ties to the man who he wants to bring down. Add in an unplanned pregnancy and California Secrets is the perfect beach read!

I loved how Ms. Bennett wove into the storyline Harper’s insecurities and how she handled them. This is definitely a standalone book but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series.

I received an advance copy of California Secrets which I chose to read and review. This is my honest review.
576 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2019
CAN I GIVE THIS 10!!! OMG...bravo Jules Bennett to a great ending to the series. I LOVED Ethan and Harper’s story so much. Ethan starts a hot affair with Harper while he is waiting for his step-father to arrive at the Mirage. He’s ready to put the nail in the coffin (with Dane) and send him to prison and finally get his late mom’s hotel back. Ethan finds out that Harper is Robert’s daughter AND she also ends up pregnant.

This book has hot chemistry, a sweet/sexy heroine, a hot male, and a few aww moments. My heart broke for Harper when she thought she was being used and to realize her father was never going to give her the “family” she wanted. I love when Stella and Dane show up and I loved the ending on the beach...like a movie!

Great job Jules!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Humston-Barton.
32 reviews
September 4, 2019
California secrets is the second book in Two brothers duet series. This book was amazing loved it so much I couldn't put the book down. Ethan is out to claim his late mother's resort, wich was taken from him by his mother's husband after she passed away. Ethan has his plan's set ready to take what was his back. While waiting for his moms ex to get back harper catches his eye. They have a fling and while he doesn't plan on anything long lasting she gets pregnant. What he doesn't know is that Harper's father is the man he plans on taking down! The rest you will have to read! Awesome book Jules Bennett doesn't disappoint once again.
Profile Image for Stella Thompson.
487 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2019
Quick, enjoyable read!!

This is the second book in Jules Bennett’s Two Brothers series. In this book, Ethan is set on reclaiming the Mirage that he feels has been stolen from his mother by his step-father. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with having some fun with a beautiful woman while he’s working out how to reclaim the resort. With an unplanned pregnancy, secrets and betrayal, lies and an eventual HEA, this book has a lot to offer the reader. Albeit a typical Harlequin Romance, it’s a well written book that will fill that need for a HEA novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,148 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2019
This book was fabulous. This is the second book in this series! We get to know Ethan more. It starts off and is so good you have to keep turning the pages. Harper is the woman he has been having a fling with. She comes to him with surprising news, he is stunned but happy. He is still trying to bring down the stepfather. But things start getting complicated. When the stepfather shows up things are even more complicated. Can he get back the resort that belongs to him? A wonderful story that is a must read.
1,487 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2019
California Secrets is book two of the Two Brothers Series, is quick, enjoyable read.
Ethan is staying at his stepfather hotel, hotel which should be his and his brother. Ethan has the plan to get the hotel back to him and his brother. While waiting for his stepfather to come he has a fling with Harper, but now he finds out that she is pregnant. He will do everything to be in live of his child, but will this be possible when he finds out who the Harper is and will she be ok when she gets to know the truth?
Profile Image for Traci Westling.
425 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2019
I’m happy to share my honest review in exchange for having read this story!
Ethan & Harper were both beautiful & powerful characters to read about since they had this powerful undeniable chemistry & then the unexpected pregnancy kind of forced them to think about their future logistically being they didn’t know each other well! This is a beautiful & colorful read with the ocean setting so naturally that makes for a great Story especially when revenge is involved with secrets ! I absolutely LOVED them . The sense of family is heartfelt and i could hardly put this down as I read it!
638 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2019
This is the 2nd story in the duet Two Brothers but can be read as a standalone. In this book we have Ethan's story and he seems to be a typical bachelor, but things change when he realizes there has been a consequence in the form of a baby. Ethan is staying at a resort that should be his & his twin brother's and he is working hard to get it back. While there he met Harper and really liked her. However he doesn't know who she is, and it's interesting to see what happens when he finds out her father is.
Profile Image for Marcie Robinson.
357 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2019
“California Secrets” is the last book in the Two Brothers duet by Jules Bennett and features Ethan Michaels and Harper Williams.

Ethan is on Sunset Cove to get back Mirage, one of his mother’s adult-only resorts.
Harper has been tasked by the owner to redesign the hotel.
When Harper’s secret is revealed, Ethan will have to decide between revenge or love.

Ms. Bennett writes a story that is emotional and dramatic.
Profile Image for Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets.
934 reviews41 followers
September 1, 2019
California Secrets is book 2 in the Two Brothers series. Ethan is determined to get back the resort his step-father “stole” from him when his mom passed away years ago…but why not pass the time with a fling with a hot woman. This book is a quick read, with an unexpected pregnancy, betrayal, lies, secrets, heat, and a HEA. I enjoyed how the author, Jules Bennett, included Dane and Stella from book one as well!
1,649 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2019
This is the second book of the series about the twins. Ethan was at the California resort he wanted to get back that his stepfather stole out from under he and his brother. While waiting for the stepfather to arrive he had a month long affair with Harper, not knowing she was his daughter. When he did find out, he did not tell her right away. As in the first book, secrecy caused all sorts of problems. It was a good second book that I enjoyed
Profile Image for Keitha.
35 reviews
September 22, 2019
I normally don't read Harlequins but I saw this book in the store with this hot couple on the cover and it jumped in my hand. This was a quick read despite being over 200 pages. The chemistry was great and I got all tingly from everything that came out of Ethans mouth. I also really liked Harper. She wasn't a doormat. The hero realized this and was turned on by it. Wished the ending wasn't so tidy but it was still satisfying.
980 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2019
I loved this continuation of the Michaels brothers saga.

Now that Dean has his Mirage resort, it is up to Ethan to get his Mirage resort that their mother worked so hard on to make a legacy for them.

Enter a fling that turns to more! What a tangled web we weave when we don't tell the truth.

Loved it!
Profile Image for Katryna.
163 reviews
August 24, 2019
As a reader I’m finding that I’m becoming more of a fan of romances where an unplanned pregnancy is thrown into the mix. It’s interesting to see how the situation is handled.

Ethan and Harper had a fling at the adults only resort that they were both staying at. There was a surprise unplanned pregnancy.

This was a short read that I read in one day.
Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,264 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2019
Found this to be a quick read that I could not put down. The story line is filled with doubt, lust, quick decisions and revenge. The characters are unique and have great connections and interactions throughout. Enjoyed Ethan and Harpers journey and highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly Johnson.
7 reviews
September 2, 2019
I was hooked from the first page. Ethan and Harper's story is one I enjoyed reading very much. These two were meant to meet and find their happily ever after especially considering the circumstances they had to face. Jules is exceptional in creating realistic characters you want to root for and I highly recommend you give this book a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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