Borrowed Time

by D.D. Lorenzo

In the bustling chaos of New York City, journalist Lily Malone finds solace in the serene charm of Brighton Wharf, a seaside town steeped in nostalgia. Along with her parents, she buys the cottage of her childhood dreams, hoping to create new memories while escaping the pressures of city life.

But Brighton Wharf isn’t just a retreat—it’s a turning point. A chance encounter with Evan St. Claire, the enigmatic owner of a cozy coffee shop, sparks more than just a mutual appreciation for good coffee. Evan’s warmth and shared love of the town draw Lily closer, stirring emotions she thought she’d buried.

When Lily stumbles upon a mysterious antique ring with a tragic love story, her journalist instincts ignite. As she pieces together the fragments of a past romance, she begins to question the chapters of her own life—and whether fate has written Evan into her story.

112 pages, ebook

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

DD Lorenzo is an award-winning author of Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Romantic
Suspense. She crafts stories that explore love, transformation, and emotional healing, often
through complex characters and deeply intimate journeys. Her books have earned a devoted
readership drawn to powerful storytelling, emotionally immersive scenes, and a touch of
mystery.

Born and raised in Maryland, DD now writes full-time from the Delaware Shore, where she lives with her two cats. Audiobook editions of her work are currently in production, crafted with the same heart and intentionality that fill her pages.

She finds joy in strong coffee, fresh flowers, and accessory shopping, which balance her
obsession with brooding anti-heroes and slow-burn second chances. When she’s not writing, you can find her walking the shoreline, dreaming up her next unforgettable story.

Stay connected with DD and follow her creative journey at ddlorenzobooks.com, where you can
sign up for her newsletter, as well as on Instagram and TikTok @ddlorenzobooks.

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare when you read a story that engulfs you in love and hope, but this one beautifully did just that and more. Lily Malone has a stressful job as a journalist and takes a long-needed break and returns "home" to Brighton Wharf, a quaint city Lily spent memorable family vacations. Her parents have purchased the cottage they vacationed in and insist that Lily's name be on the deed, so she always has a place to "land". Evan has lived in Brighton Wharf for about three years as the owner of the Evil Bean, the town's quaint coffee shop. Fate, karma or whatever people might believe that allows two seemingly random strangers to find themselves irrevocably entwined as they find their own love story as they discover and unravel a love story that will bring even the most hardened heat to cry. Be sure to have plenty of tissue handy as you read this beautifully written story that is the first book in the Rock Hills series I have read but it DEFINITELY won't be my last.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg, this book is absolutely phenomenal and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end. You will definitely feel this book to your soul and maybe have tissues on hand because if you are like me, you get so connected to the characters' emotions and pain. Lily visits an atinque store and buys a ring ,but ends up with box with it is a letter that starts a story and being a journalist Lily wants to know this story.Evan runs a coffee shop Evil Bean where he meets Lily and sparks fly between them, but can he help her find the person who owned the ring? I was so captivated by this book and just felt it to my soul. It's truly a must-read .Thank You DD Lorenzo for allowing me to step into your writing word and fall in love with your books.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this story to the depths of my soul, it felt real, moving and needing to be told. The ring! Garnets are my birthstone, maybe that had something to do with me getting emotionally caught up and sentimental while reading, I don't know but they are my favourite gem as well. The connection of the characters as the story moved through family members and towns, the past finally getting a voice and two people joining together to uncover what happened and give answers and peace to those who absolutely needed it. So emotional, sad and inspiring, a read that is truly special.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The words that kept coming to mind as I read Borrowed Time were; easy, gentle, serene and hopeful. This was such an effortless and comfortable book to read and enjoy. Evan and Lily were destined to meet and are perfectly matched. A garnet ring tied to the past takes them on a cross country journey searching for answers. Their travels bring them closer together, provide glimpses into the past and gives closure to two families as they tie pieces of information together. It also gives these two a place to start a new life together. This is heartwarming love at its best.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and Evan's story surrounds themselves in mysteries and new beginnings. What starts off as the purchase of a ring in an antique store sets them both up for a connection neither one of them ever saw coming. D.D. Lorenzo once again captures her reader's hearts while her characters fall in love. But that ending - I need more NOW!!

[Vic · Rating 1 out of 5]

The formatting on Kindle was awful, which really didn't help. So I found it hard to get in and enjoy this story.