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The Enemy of Time
Some loves destroy you. Some save you. Some do both.
Alexandria Jinks thought she could outrun the past. Five years later, she's learned it's impossible. When a high school reunion forces her back to the town she abandoned, Alex finds herself face to face with everything she tried to forget — and the boy she can never truly let go.
Jamie was her first friend, her first kiss, her first love, her almost forever — the other half of every breath she took. Together, they survived broken families, impossible choices, and a love that always seemed just one step out of reach.
Until one night — and one decision — changed the course of their future forever.
As the past and present collide and old faces resurface — her brother Lucas and her childhood friend Kayla — buried betrayals come back to haunt her, and Alex finds herself caught between memories she can’t outrun and truths she’s tried to forget.
The Enemy of Time is a story of first loves, last chances, and how a single moment can unravel everything you thought you knew about love, time, and fate.
Alexandria Jinks thought she could outrun the past. Five years later, she's learned it's impossible. When a high school reunion forces her back to the town she abandoned, Alex finds herself face to face with everything she tried to forget — and the boy she can never truly let go.
Jamie was her first friend, her first kiss, her first love, her almost forever — the other half of every breath she took. Together, they survived broken families, impossible choices, and a love that always seemed just one step out of reach.
Until one night — and one decision — changed the course of their future forever.
As the past and present collide and old faces resurface — her brother Lucas and her childhood friend Kayla — buried betrayals come back to haunt her, and Alex finds herself caught between memories she can’t outrun and truths she’s tried to forget.
The Enemy of Time is a story of first loves, last chances, and how a single moment can unravel everything you thought you knew about love, time, and fate.
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2026
16 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Want to read
May 3, 2025YAYAY CANT WAIT FOR THIS!!
knowing haley's love for books (and fictional men), she has our back and this is gonna be amazing 🥹🫶
(ahhh she liked my review 😭🥰)
knowing haley's love for books (and fictional men), she has our back and this is gonna be amazing 🥹🫶
(ahhh she liked my review 😭🥰)
March 8, 2026
Haley the ending what the heck girl 😭😭😭😭😭😭
February 14, 2026
This is advertised as an adult novel, but all of the dialogue is mad immature. Also the characters are just plain infuriating. Dnf at 50%
February 2, 2026
NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW:
I consistently dive into books without knowing anything about them. I went into this book thinking I was going to be reading a time travel book just based on the cover and title. But this is not a time travel story, instead, it was a beautiful coming of age tale about love, loss, heartbreak and family, both by blood and by bond.
I just loved these characters. They were flawed and frustrating at times but also funny and full of love for one another. I thought the dual timelines worked really well and the personal growth of each of the core group of characters was incredible.
I can't believe the number of times I chuckled throughout and while the story is very deep and emotional, the comic relief throughout is a welcomed reprieve from the heaviness.
I think the story is incredibly relatable and the challenges of young love and just growing pains in general were portrayed very well. And each chapter began with some of the most poignant quotes I have possibly ever read. The writing style was beautiful and easy to follow. I noticed a few errors that a little more editing could correct, but minimal.
While I saw the ending coming, I still wasn't really prepared for it. And my one major critique of the book is I felt the ending was a little abrupt. I think it could have used just a little more to fully wrap it up
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a story to pull at your heartstrings and your laugh lines!
I consistently dive into books without knowing anything about them. I went into this book thinking I was going to be reading a time travel book just based on the cover and title. But this is not a time travel story, instead, it was a beautiful coming of age tale about love, loss, heartbreak and family, both by blood and by bond.
I just loved these characters. They were flawed and frustrating at times but also funny and full of love for one another. I thought the dual timelines worked really well and the personal growth of each of the core group of characters was incredible.
I can't believe the number of times I chuckled throughout and while the story is very deep and emotional, the comic relief throughout is a welcomed reprieve from the heaviness.
I think the story is incredibly relatable and the challenges of young love and just growing pains in general were portrayed very well. And each chapter began with some of the most poignant quotes I have possibly ever read. The writing style was beautiful and easy to follow. I noticed a few errors that a little more editing could correct, but minimal.
While I saw the ending coming, I still wasn't really prepared for it. And my one major critique of the book is I felt the ending was a little abrupt. I think it could have used just a little more to fully wrap it up
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a story to pull at your heartstrings and your laugh lines!
February 19, 2026
I got about halfway through this book although it was a slog, skip ahead to the end, and that's when I became enraged instead of just frustrated. this book was marketed as a romance. romances have a happy ending. therefore, this is not a romance. do with that information what you will.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
They say time is the enemy, but in these pages, it felt like a friend, slowing down so I could underline every aching sentence.
From the very first page, this story captivated me. The nostalgic small-town atmosphere and the tender thread of memory woven through every scene made it feel both intimate and universal — like revisiting a place I once loved and had somehow forgotten.
Alex and Jamie’s connection begins in childhood, and their first meeting is simply unforgettable. It’s the kind of moment that stays tucked inside you like a secret. I wasn’t sure I liked Alex at first; she’s fiery and stubborn, but beneath that spark lies a softness that pokes out every now and again.
Jamie, meanwhile, is the kind of boy who feels real: rough edges, a bruised heart, and a loyalty that never quite fades.
The book moves seamlessly between past and present, utilizing journal entries and memories to illustrate how love can grow, break, and linger. The pacing never faltered, and each chapter drew me deeper, every emotion sharpened by the writing’s honesty.
And the writing! Oh, the writing. Poetic, raw, and full of moments that made me pause to feel them. I highlighted so many lines, especially the quotes and poems that opened each chapter. They carried their own weight — little echoes of the story’s bigger truths.
While some parts felt a little juvenile for the characters’ ages, it didn’t dull the impact. If anything, it reminded me how first love often makes us feel forever seventeen. By the end, I was wrecked in the best way.
It’s been a long time since a book made me ugly cry like this. Forgiveness, loss, the ache of almosts — it’s all here. And when the final truth hit, it shattered me. The Enemy of Time isn’t just a story about love and memory; it’s about the moments that slip through our fingers and the people who change us forever. Every chapter felt like a heartbeat, each quote a whisper from the past, reminding me how fragile time really is.
I wasn’t ready for this story to end. Some characters take root in your heart, and Alex and Jamie are two I’ll be carrying with me for a long time. Beautiful, haunting, and unforgettable — The Enemy of Time is destined to be one of 2026’s standout releases.
From the very first page, this story captivated me. The nostalgic small-town atmosphere and the tender thread of memory woven through every scene made it feel both intimate and universal — like revisiting a place I once loved and had somehow forgotten.
Alex and Jamie’s connection begins in childhood, and their first meeting is simply unforgettable. It’s the kind of moment that stays tucked inside you like a secret. I wasn’t sure I liked Alex at first; she’s fiery and stubborn, but beneath that spark lies a softness that pokes out every now and again.
Jamie, meanwhile, is the kind of boy who feels real: rough edges, a bruised heart, and a loyalty that never quite fades.
The book moves seamlessly between past and present, utilizing journal entries and memories to illustrate how love can grow, break, and linger. The pacing never faltered, and each chapter drew me deeper, every emotion sharpened by the writing’s honesty.
And the writing! Oh, the writing. Poetic, raw, and full of moments that made me pause to feel them. I highlighted so many lines, especially the quotes and poems that opened each chapter. They carried their own weight — little echoes of the story’s bigger truths.
While some parts felt a little juvenile for the characters’ ages, it didn’t dull the impact. If anything, it reminded me how first love often makes us feel forever seventeen. By the end, I was wrecked in the best way.
It’s been a long time since a book made me ugly cry like this. Forgiveness, loss, the ache of almosts — it’s all here. And when the final truth hit, it shattered me. The Enemy of Time isn’t just a story about love and memory; it’s about the moments that slip through our fingers and the people who change us forever. Every chapter felt like a heartbeat, each quote a whisper from the past, reminding me how fragile time really is.
I wasn’t ready for this story to end. Some characters take root in your heart, and Alex and Jamie are two I’ll be carrying with me for a long time. Beautiful, haunting, and unforgettable — The Enemy of Time is destined to be one of 2026’s standout releases.
March 6, 2026
4.5 rounded up to 5!
I met Haley-Grace, the author, during her first book tour stop, in Denton, TX! Hearing her story and all the challenges she has had to overcome as a person diagnosed with dyslexia, discaculia, AND dysgraphia was inspiring! As a Dyslexia Therapist myself, I am beyond proud to know that the author refused to let a trifecta of learning disabilities prevent her from writing and then publishing her first novel. Incredible!
While I naturally kept Haley-Grace’s background in mind as I read, I was truly impressed with how she structured this novel. The non-linear plot kept me engaged and was easy to keep up with thanks to the illustrations and time stamps she inserted at each new chapter.
The characters were sometimes one-dimensional, immature, and frustrating, but… that’s how they were supposed to be! This story kept them oscillating between being seniors in high school to being in their early 20s. Their quartet friend group was messy but solid. They loved each other fiercely and called each other out on their sh!t. So much of what they experienced is beyond relatable to many — especially when it comes to a friendship falling out. We have all been there! Their behaviors and (sometimes very poor) decision-making perfectly aligned with their respective age groups. In fact, the main character — while somewhat hard-headed and emotionally immature — was wise beyond her years. She and the author both recognize the value of time and just how quickly it passes.
At times, the plot slightly dragged. But overall, all of the subplots and side stories melded together nicely!
A few scenes weren’t necessarily my cup of tea, but I understand the role they played in the overarching narrative.
As for the ending… whewwwww. I did not see that coming. It got me good! I criiiied. Ughhhh. Whyyy? 😭
With that said, I do think the author should have included a trigger/content warning. But the fact that she didn’t include one made the unexpected ending that much more shocking and gut-wrenching.
I honestly feel like I need to go back and reread it to see what Easter eggs I may have missed along the way!
I read several comments bashing Haley-Grace for slotting this novel under the Romance genre despite it not having a happy ending (aka “HEA” or “HFN”), but I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with that. It’s considered an Adult Contemporary Second-Chance Romance… and that’s essentially what it was.
I love a good cross-genre, and if a novel includes any sort of romance, why can’t it be considered as such?
Job well done, Haley-Grace!!! I hope you’re so proud of yourself!
“Our differences are our strengths.” 🫶🏼
I met Haley-Grace, the author, during her first book tour stop, in Denton, TX! Hearing her story and all the challenges she has had to overcome as a person diagnosed with dyslexia, discaculia, AND dysgraphia was inspiring! As a Dyslexia Therapist myself, I am beyond proud to know that the author refused to let a trifecta of learning disabilities prevent her from writing and then publishing her first novel. Incredible!
While I naturally kept Haley-Grace’s background in mind as I read, I was truly impressed with how she structured this novel. The non-linear plot kept me engaged and was easy to keep up with thanks to the illustrations and time stamps she inserted at each new chapter.
The characters were sometimes one-dimensional, immature, and frustrating, but… that’s how they were supposed to be! This story kept them oscillating between being seniors in high school to being in their early 20s. Their quartet friend group was messy but solid. They loved each other fiercely and called each other out on their sh!t. So much of what they experienced is beyond relatable to many — especially when it comes to a friendship falling out. We have all been there! Their behaviors and (sometimes very poor) decision-making perfectly aligned with their respective age groups. In fact, the main character — while somewhat hard-headed and emotionally immature — was wise beyond her years. She and the author both recognize the value of time and just how quickly it passes.
At times, the plot slightly dragged. But overall, all of the subplots and side stories melded together nicely!
A few scenes weren’t necessarily my cup of tea, but I understand the role they played in the overarching narrative.
As for the ending… whewwwww. I did not see that coming. It got me good! I criiiied. Ughhhh. Whyyy? 😭
With that said, I do think the author should have included a trigger/content warning. But the fact that she didn’t include one made the unexpected ending that much more shocking and gut-wrenching.
I honestly feel like I need to go back and reread it to see what Easter eggs I may have missed along the way!
I read several comments bashing Haley-Grace for slotting this novel under the Romance genre despite it not having a happy ending (aka “HEA” or “HFN”), but I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with that. It’s considered an Adult Contemporary Second-Chance Romance… and that’s essentially what it was.
I love a good cross-genre, and if a novel includes any sort of romance, why can’t it be considered as such?
Job well done, Haley-Grace!!! I hope you’re so proud of yourself!
“Our differences are our strengths.” 🫶🏼
February 18, 2026
Some stories don’t just unfold—they ache. The Enemy of Time is one of those rare books that doesn’t simply tell a love story; it excavates one, layer by fragile layer, exposing every tender bruise left behind by time, memory, and unfinished feelings.
Alex’s return to her Massachusetts hometown feels less like a homecoming and more like stepping into a preserved version of herself she thought she’d outgrown. The yellow shutters and red door aren’t just nostalgic—they’re haunted. And when she finds her old journal, it becomes a key unlocking emotions she never fully processed, particularly those tied to Jamie—the boy who wasn’t just her first love, but her first understanding of heartbreak, loyalty, and emotional complexity.
Jamie is written with extraordinary nuance. He isn’t idealized or simplified; he’s messy, wounded, protective, and painfully real. His struggles and vulnerabilities ripple through every memory Alex revisits, making their connection feel both inevitable and fragile. Their relationship isn’t defined by grand gestures, but by quiet moments—shared silences, stolen glances, and the kind of emotional intimacy that lingers long after it ends.
What makes this story especially powerful is its exploration of memory as both refuge and reckoning. Alex isn’t simply remembering Jamie—she’s confronting the version of herself she became because of him. The journal serves as a bridge between who she was and who she is now, forcing her to reevaluate truths she thought were settled.
The emotional pacing is deliberate and immersive, allowing readers to sit with each revelation and feel the weight of every realization. This is not a story about fixing the past—it’s about understanding it, and finding the courage to live forward anyway.
By the final pages, The Enemy of Time leaves you with the quiet, devastating truth that love doesn’t disappear just because time passes. Sometimes it evolves. Sometimes it scars. And sometimes, it gives you the strength to finally heal.
This book doesn’t just break your heart—it honors it.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
Alex’s return to her Massachusetts hometown feels less like a homecoming and more like stepping into a preserved version of herself she thought she’d outgrown. The yellow shutters and red door aren’t just nostalgic—they’re haunted. And when she finds her old journal, it becomes a key unlocking emotions she never fully processed, particularly those tied to Jamie—the boy who wasn’t just her first love, but her first understanding of heartbreak, loyalty, and emotional complexity.
Jamie is written with extraordinary nuance. He isn’t idealized or simplified; he’s messy, wounded, protective, and painfully real. His struggles and vulnerabilities ripple through every memory Alex revisits, making their connection feel both inevitable and fragile. Their relationship isn’t defined by grand gestures, but by quiet moments—shared silences, stolen glances, and the kind of emotional intimacy that lingers long after it ends.
What makes this story especially powerful is its exploration of memory as both refuge and reckoning. Alex isn’t simply remembering Jamie—she’s confronting the version of herself she became because of him. The journal serves as a bridge between who she was and who she is now, forcing her to reevaluate truths she thought were settled.
The emotional pacing is deliberate and immersive, allowing readers to sit with each revelation and feel the weight of every realization. This is not a story about fixing the past—it’s about understanding it, and finding the courage to live forward anyway.
By the final pages, The Enemy of Time leaves you with the quiet, devastating truth that love doesn’t disappear just because time passes. Sometimes it evolves. Sometimes it scars. And sometimes, it gives you the strength to finally heal.
This book doesn’t just break your heart—it honors it.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
February 20, 2026
To market it as a Romance and Second Chance Romance when it's anything but… That was a choice.
Do not promote a book as an Adult Romance when the love interest only appears in the flashbacks because in the present, , and the reader finds that out on the last 3 pages of the book …..
And then to say it's for fans of Ali Hazelwood and that it's an “unforgettable second-chance romance,” is not going to help you AT ALL.
The characters were incredibly annoying and extremely immature. Using the as a shock factor ruined the characters’ arcs. If he's , why keep it a secret? Just for shock factor? No.
What pisses me off even more is that the book doesn't have a trigger warning! When I shared about this book on Threads, two people reached out to let me know they had and that this would've triggered them heavily.
For the author and publisher to not consider that, to the point that when asked if it ends in an HEA, she just says, "You have to read it to find out,"... It's a no for me. I'll never read anything by this author.
The Romance genre has ONE rule: it needs to end in an HEA (Happy Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now). Otherwise, it's not a romance. It's like marketing a book as Mystery, only for it to not have anything to solve—then it shouldn't be a mystery. It's the same thing with Romance. Follow the rule, and romance readers will be happy. Don't, and you'll know exactly what they think for ruining their reading experience.
I received an ARC for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Do not promote a book as an Adult Romance when the love interest only appears in the flashbacks because in the present, , and the reader finds that out on the last 3 pages of the book …..
And then to say it's for fans of Ali Hazelwood and that it's an “unforgettable second-chance romance,” is not going to help you AT ALL.
The characters were incredibly annoying and extremely immature. Using the as a shock factor ruined the characters’ arcs. If he's , why keep it a secret? Just for shock factor? No.
What pisses me off even more is that the book doesn't have a trigger warning! When I shared about this book on Threads, two people reached out to let me know they had and that this would've triggered them heavily.
For the author and publisher to not consider that, to the point that when asked if it ends in an HEA, she just says, "You have to read it to find out,"... It's a no for me. I'll never read anything by this author.
The Romance genre has ONE rule: it needs to end in an HEA (Happy Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now). Otherwise, it's not a romance. It's like marketing a book as Mystery, only for it to not have anything to solve—then it shouldn't be a mystery. It's the same thing with Romance. Follow the rule, and romance readers will be happy. Don't, and you'll know exactly what they think for ruining their reading experience.
I received an ARC for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 18, 2026
Oh wow, this was one of those books I could have read in one sitting. It was so captivating and had me just wanting to keep reading (unfortunately work got in the way 😅). This book was a story about love, heartbreak, loss, growing up and heartfelt characters. Did the characters annoy me somethimes, yes, but tbh they needed to. It made the story better and made it feel more real.
I can say I saw the end coming, so bonus points for that. However I did feel like it was a bit rushed near the end. It kinda wrapper up too fast imo.
I would def recommend it <3
I can say I saw the end coming, so bonus points for that. However I did feel like it was a bit rushed near the end. It kinda wrapper up too fast imo.
I would def recommend it <3
Want to read
May 3, 2025The summary sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to buy her book when it comes out!
Read
May 27, 2025Can’t wait to read this book. I’ve been following her on instagram for a long time.
Read
October 29, 2025I love a good two-timeline, friends-to-lovers story that includes adolescent hijinks. The Enemy of Time had plenty of that. The FMC, Alex, an overcompetitive hothead, was a fun character to follow. Her adventures with her brother, Lucas, and two friends, Jamie and Kayla, were the best parts of the book. The final chapters, however, ended up being a complete letdown. The ending was hacky and rushed.
🛑 Mild Spoilers Ahead!
This book was totally designed with the final shock value in mind. I know it because it simply ends once the shock is revealed. To conceal this information from the reader, the narrative outright lies to us in the beginning, and the characters behave in ways that don't align with the truth of this world. There was also this big deliberate misunderstanding that made Alex cut off her friend group for FIVE YEARS! -- mind you, this group includes her BROTHER -- which would have been a perfect twist for a book written in the 2000s. The last third of the book was a trope-filled, melodramatic mess. I had so many questions by the end:
This book also features one of my worst pet peeves -- Surprise! I got you a publisher! Anyone who has ever tried to get an agent/publisher knows that it's ludicrous and entirely unbelievable for someone else to pitch the book for you. In this case,
Thanks NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for the arc.
🛑 Mild Spoilers Ahead!
This book was totally designed with the final shock value in mind. I know it because it simply ends once the shock is revealed. To conceal this information from the reader, the narrative outright lies to us in the beginning, and the characters behave in ways that don't align with the truth of this world. There was also this big deliberate misunderstanding that made Alex cut off her friend group for FIVE YEARS! -- mind you, this group includes her BROTHER -- which would have been a perfect twist for a book written in the 2000s. The last third of the book was a trope-filled, melodramatic mess. I had so many questions by the end:
This book also features one of my worst pet peeves -- Surprise! I got you a publisher! Anyone who has ever tried to get an agent/publisher knows that it's ludicrous and entirely unbelievable for someone else to pitch the book for you. In this case,
Thanks NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for the arc.
November 23, 2025
I went into this book with a lot of expectations because the synopsis really sold me on nostalgia, emotional chaos and all that good stuff. But somewhere along the way, it started feeling less like a time bending emotional ride and more like watching a group of teenagers confidently choosing the worst possible option every single time. And the wild part? They knew they were doing it.
Jamie especially left me confused. I kept waiting for some personality, some depth, some hint of what he actually wanted and… nothing. Half the time I wasn’t even sure if he knew whether he wanted Alex or just the idea of her. The characters had potential but they stayed surface level when I wanted them to pull me in and make me feel something.
The story itself had moments where I could see what it was trying to do and honestly, the potential was right there staring at me. It just didn’t land the way I hoped. Maybe it was the emotional distance, maybe the pacing, maybe the choices that made me want to gently shake everyone involved. Still I can appreciate what the book aimed for even if it didn’t become the nostalgic, heart clenching ride I was expecting.
Jamie especially left me confused. I kept waiting for some personality, some depth, some hint of what he actually wanted and… nothing. Half the time I wasn’t even sure if he knew whether he wanted Alex or just the idea of her. The characters had potential but they stayed surface level when I wanted them to pull me in and make me feel something.
The story itself had moments where I could see what it was trying to do and honestly, the potential was right there staring at me. It just didn’t land the way I hoped. Maybe it was the emotional distance, maybe the pacing, maybe the choices that made me want to gently shake everyone involved. Still I can appreciate what the book aimed for even if it didn’t become the nostalgic, heart clenching ride I was expecting.
Want to read
July 7, 2025I'm very happy for you and I can't wait to read it!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Going into The Enemy of Time, I was expecting a time travel story based on the cover and title. What I got instead was a coming-of-age story about love, loss, and family.
My first ever note in this book (in chapter 2) was: "I'm not sure what happened, but so far this whole story reads like somebody died. It feels like the MC has some big trauma, but also, nobody else seems to quite act like it..." Oh boy. And that disconnect didn't really go away until some chapters into the book. The writing leaned hard on heavy, traumatic phrasing, while the characters did things like resolve fights by throwing food and randomly dropping pop-culture references. Not to mention the bizarre amount of talk about molars (especially back molars). As a non-native speaker, I had no idea that a separate word for a specific tooth existed—but hey, you learn something new every day.
The characters felt surface-level and, honestly, all of them talked kind of the same. Jamie especially was a blank space—I kept waiting for depth or motive, but got nothing. Did he even want Alex? Half the time, I felt like I was watching random teenagers confidently (and aggressively!) choose the worst possible option, again and again.
I confess, it's an interesting twist that the whole setup was a lie. But at the same time, You would have to be pretty clueless to not guess this twist was coming. I knew for sure around halfway through the book. The book felt designed for the final shock value—so much so that it just kind of... ends once the twist hits. To get there, the narrative and character behavior in the early chapters feel intentionally misleading and unaligned. Again, I think it's an interesting idea, but the execution would have had to be much more precise for it to feel believable (and also maybe for the reader to not know what the twist is going to be so early on).
Also, the whole central conflict between the main character and her closest relationships over one big—deliberate—misunderstanding felt like one of those artificially manufactured conflicts, that is really just miscommunication, from older movies. I'm not a fan.
And the poems? They’re supposed to be outstanding , but they are not that good... I really don't have an ear/eye for poems, but even I can see that these are below grade-level.
The last third slid into some melodramatic tropes, and left way too much unanswered. I had sooo many questions.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. The story had moments of real potential, and I breezed through it quickly, curious to see how it ended. I like that it closes on a twist that makes you piece things together yourself, and the length felt just right. But in the end, I didn’t connect deeply enough with the characters for the emotional hit to land, and too many loose threads kept it from feeling complete. An interesting idea that didn’t quite deliver.
I rated it 3,5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars, because of the potential and the good reading experience.
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheEnemyOfTime #NetGalley
My first ever note in this book (in chapter 2) was: "I'm not sure what happened, but so far this whole story reads like somebody died. It feels like the MC has some big trauma, but also, nobody else seems to quite act like it..." Oh boy. And that disconnect didn't really go away until some chapters into the book. The writing leaned hard on heavy, traumatic phrasing, while the characters did things like resolve fights by throwing food and randomly dropping pop-culture references. Not to mention the bizarre amount of talk about molars (especially back molars). As a non-native speaker, I had no idea that a separate word for a specific tooth existed—but hey, you learn something new every day.
The characters felt surface-level and, honestly, all of them talked kind of the same. Jamie especially was a blank space—I kept waiting for depth or motive, but got nothing. Did he even want Alex? Half the time, I felt like I was watching random teenagers confidently (and aggressively!) choose the worst possible option, again and again.
I confess, it's an interesting twist that the whole setup was a lie. But at the same time, You would have to be pretty clueless to not guess this twist was coming. I knew for sure around halfway through the book. The book felt designed for the final shock value—so much so that it just kind of... ends once the twist hits. To get there, the narrative and character behavior in the early chapters feel intentionally misleading and unaligned. Again, I think it's an interesting idea, but the execution would have had to be much more precise for it to feel believable (and also maybe for the reader to not know what the twist is going to be so early on).
Also, the whole central conflict between the main character and her closest relationships over one big—deliberate—misunderstanding felt like one of those artificially manufactured conflicts, that is really just miscommunication, from older movies. I'm not a fan.
And the poems? They’re supposed to be outstanding , but they are not that good... I really don't have an ear/eye for poems, but even I can see that these are below grade-level.
The last third slid into some melodramatic tropes, and left way too much unanswered. I had sooo many questions.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. The story had moments of real potential, and I breezed through it quickly, curious to see how it ended. I like that it closes on a twist that makes you piece things together yourself, and the length felt just right. But in the end, I didn’t connect deeply enough with the characters for the emotional hit to land, and too many loose threads kept it from feeling complete. An interesting idea that didn’t quite deliver.
I rated it 3,5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars, because of the potential and the good reading experience.
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheEnemyOfTime #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Haley-Grace McCormick, her team, and Rising Action Publishing Co. / Simon and Schuster for this gifted eARC! 🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️
⏳The Enemy of Time
🩵by Haley-Grace McCormick
⏳Available February 17th, 2026
One word: WOW. Okay, my thoughts have been simmering for several days and I still have not recovered from this book. To prove my point even more, I have officially added this book to my 6 STAR ⭐️ read collection and will be buying a physical copy ASAP.
The fact that this was Haley-Grace’s debut blows my mind because everything was so nicely polished! The writing, characters, plot, pacing, structure…it was all a masterpiece.
🩵Reading about these characters, was such a touching and relatable experience. The way our FMC, Alex, is portrayed exactly how I think every girl can see herself at one point in her life. Alex and Jamie stick with you. Your heart, your mind, and I will be shouting about this book forever.
⏳The Enemy of Time is a masterpiece, in every sense of the word, that will capture your attention as well as your hearts. The poetic nature of Haley-Grace’s writing is one of my favorite things I’ve ever read. I also don’t remember the last book that had me ready to cry my eyes out like this one! I remember the feeling when I finished this book and had my mouth agape, jaw on the floor, trying to comprehend the heart-tugging and beautiful world that Haley-Grace created with this story. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her career because this book is going to be a true staple!
🩵Thank you so much again to Haley-Grace and her team for this eARC opportunity as well as for asking me to host an author chat with her! It was such a an honor. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️
⏳The Enemy of Time
🩵by Haley-Grace McCormick
⏳Available February 17th, 2026
One word: WOW. Okay, my thoughts have been simmering for several days and I still have not recovered from this book. To prove my point even more, I have officially added this book to my 6 STAR ⭐️ read collection and will be buying a physical copy ASAP.
The fact that this was Haley-Grace’s debut blows my mind because everything was so nicely polished! The writing, characters, plot, pacing, structure…it was all a masterpiece.
🩵Reading about these characters, was such a touching and relatable experience. The way our FMC, Alex, is portrayed exactly how I think every girl can see herself at one point in her life. Alex and Jamie stick with you. Your heart, your mind, and I will be shouting about this book forever.
⏳The Enemy of Time is a masterpiece, in every sense of the word, that will capture your attention as well as your hearts. The poetic nature of Haley-Grace’s writing is one of my favorite things I’ve ever read. I also don’t remember the last book that had me ready to cry my eyes out like this one! I remember the feeling when I finished this book and had my mouth agape, jaw on the floor, trying to comprehend the heart-tugging and beautiful world that Haley-Grace created with this story. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her career because this book is going to be a true staple!
🩵Thank you so much again to Haley-Grace and her team for this eARC opportunity as well as for asking me to host an author chat with her! It was such a an honor. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
March 5, 2026
spoilers
I wanted to really love this. but ultimately it felt like 95% YA, 5% (at best) second chance adult romance. and I love YA. I'm still not sure I know where the second chance came in. what happened to the reunion? did I blackout during that part? The writing of the story itself read very high school, which is appropriate for context, but the quotes at the start of each chapter and sprinkled throughout felt cliche and too deep.
The idea of the book was great, and having heard the author explain in person where the idea came from, and how the story evolved into a book, I felt like it lacked a lot.
p.s. how many ways can we spell Megan/Meghan/Maghen? even different on the same page!? come on editors, do better. you let the author down there.
p.s.s. I guess the upside down spine was another publishing error? it bothers my brain seeing it on a shelf with all the other books facing the right way.
I wanted to really love this. but ultimately it felt like 95% YA, 5% (at best) second chance adult romance. and I love YA. I'm still not sure I know where the second chance came in. what happened to the reunion? did I blackout during that part? The writing of the story itself read very high school, which is appropriate for context, but the quotes at the start of each chapter and sprinkled throughout felt cliche and too deep.
The idea of the book was great, and having heard the author explain in person where the idea came from, and how the story evolved into a book, I felt like it lacked a lot.
p.s. how many ways can we spell Megan/Meghan/Maghen? even different on the same page!? come on editors, do better. you let the author down there.
p.s.s. I guess the upside down spine was another publishing error? it bothers my brain seeing it on a shelf with all the other books facing the right way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TL/DR - this book is NOT a Romance. Proper labeling and marketing are important.
Calling this book a Romance when it is actually a Romantic Tragedy is disingenuous at best. There is ONE rule in Romance - that there is a Happily Ever After or Happy For Now ending. The blurb calls this a Love Story, which is accurate. It also calls it a Second Chance Romance, and it is NOT. There's a huge readership for this kind of story in General Fiction. Nicholas Sparks comes to mind.
If you want Romance reader views and money, do not do this bait and switch BS and call it a twist. It is not clever, or pushing genre boundaries or genre subversion. It is dishonest. It tells Romance readers you don't understand the rules of the genre and don't care about them or why they read Romance in the first place.
Calling this book a Romance when it is actually a Romantic Tragedy is disingenuous at best. There is ONE rule in Romance - that there is a Happily Ever After or Happy For Now ending. The blurb calls this a Love Story, which is accurate. It also calls it a Second Chance Romance, and it is NOT. There's a huge readership for this kind of story in General Fiction. Nicholas Sparks comes to mind.
If you want Romance reader views and money, do not do this bait and switch BS and call it a twist. It is not clever, or pushing genre boundaries or genre subversion. It is dishonest. It tells Romance readers you don't understand the rules of the genre and don't care about them or why they read Romance in the first place.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Enemy of Time by Haley-Grace McCormick
Standalone
267 Pages
Release Date: 2/17/26
WOW! What a thought provoking read…… It really makes you think of your choices and their consequences. 4 misfits who have an unbreakable friendship until they don’t. Two sets of lovers with unwavering devotion in their hearts…. Until 1 incident changes everything. The book was told in past and present time. It gives the reader a full understanding of what the characters are thinking and doing during that time period. The end was shocking and I did not see that coming. I do suggest having some tissues handy because you will need them.
I am still thinking about this book days later and if you want a story that will make you think about your choices and how things can change based on those actions….. this is your book! I cannot recommend this story enough.
Standalone
267 Pages
Release Date: 2/17/26
WOW! What a thought provoking read…… It really makes you think of your choices and their consequences. 4 misfits who have an unbreakable friendship until they don’t. Two sets of lovers with unwavering devotion in their hearts…. Until 1 incident changes everything. The book was told in past and present time. It gives the reader a full understanding of what the characters are thinking and doing during that time period. The end was shocking and I did not see that coming. I do suggest having some tissues handy because you will need them.
I am still thinking about this book days later and if you want a story that will make you think about your choices and how things can change based on those actions….. this is your book! I cannot recommend this story enough.
March 3, 2026
I enjoyed the book, i loved the characters trials and challenges they went though and everything in between. i hated the ending because im a sucker for a happy ending and i hate drunk drivers but i did love the foreshadowing of all the parties and the party when lucas was supposed to be the dd but got drunk instead. very cleaver.
one thing that bothered the shit out of me was the spelling of the character “megan” who then became “meghan” who then was also “maghen” if they’re different characters they needed different names but unless it was just my copy, whah the actual fuck was up with that?! i couldn’t get that out of my head after i read it in the beginning of the book. other than that i liked it.
looking foreword to another haley-grace book!!
one thing that bothered the shit out of me was the spelling of the character “megan” who then became “meghan” who then was also “maghen” if they’re different characters they needed different names but unless it was just my copy, whah the actual fuck was up with that?! i couldn’t get that out of my head after i read it in the beginning of the book. other than that i liked it.
looking foreword to another haley-grace book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
very stuck with a rating of 2.75 and 3 🌟
i will say it was a 3 🌟was because of the ending. i read this book more like a YA.. i just felt like a lot of the writing going back and forth to high school and 5 years later, there were parts that was sometimes not very nesscary to be in the book. Not really a spoiler but there was just one chapter about them eating breakfast and going to school and chapter ended….like idk if that was needed but maybe it was i just didn’t see it like that. i am extremely grateful to the author for gifting me a free ACR copy of her book. but i think i wish we got more from
the ending earlier on in the book instead of the last 30 pages !
i will say it was a 3 🌟was because of the ending. i read this book more like a YA.. i just felt like a lot of the writing going back and forth to high school and 5 years later, there were parts that was sometimes not very nesscary to be in the book. Not really a spoiler but there was just one chapter about them eating breakfast and going to school and chapter ended….like idk if that was needed but maybe it was i just didn’t see it like that. i am extremely grateful to the author for gifting me a free ACR copy of her book. but i think i wish we got more from
the ending earlier on in the book instead of the last 30 pages !
Read
March 1, 2026I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s emotional with no HEA and I did enjoy the storyline, but it’s in desperate need of an editor.
There are not only multiple instances with character names being misspelled, but horrible grammar (ie: missing quotations when characters are speaking), times when the tense is wrong or doesn’t match the rest of the book, and issues with the completely wrong word being used like “champaign” being used instead of “champagne.” So either this wasn’t edited whatsoever or it was written with AI.
There are not only multiple instances with character names being misspelled, but horrible grammar (ie: missing quotations when characters are speaking), times when the tense is wrong or doesn’t match the rest of the book, and issues with the completely wrong word being used like “champaign” being used instead of “champagne.” So either this wasn’t edited whatsoever or it was written with AI.
February 17, 2026
A really interesting coming of age story with a friends-to-lovers romance arc. The FMC, Alex, is fierce and stubborn, but she has a softer truth inside. Her connection with Jamie begins in childhood and grows. Because the characters are young and the writing makes them feel a bit younger, this felt very YA to me at times (not in a bad way, just more in that realm than adult fiction). I would have liked a stronger ending, but it was overall a good read.
March 4, 2026
I knew Haley on her social account, so when I saw that she made a book, I was so excited. Reading this book is made me so happy to read how their characters grow up together. Little details in this book made me want to read more of it. Almost to the end there is a surprising that is a bit sad. I didn’t think I would like this book since it wasn’t my type of book genre, but after finishing the book, I loved it. That’s just my opinion. <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first second chance and I absolutely loved it. she set everything up so well and did transitions from present to past sooooo well. I also loved the characters and I love when I read a book and I can get a great grasp of which character is which by the writing and this was definitely that. They all had a life of their own and I loved following their stories.
February 28, 2026
An author wise beyond her years who writes unabashedly from the heart. Each chapter is structured to impart a poignant (and poetic) lesson, which is not only a unique and touching stylistic choice, but also an immense feat as a writer to include. The book as a whole leaves you in tears: a testament to its raw exploration of love and emotion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I told Haley..for this to be her debut book she really blew it out of the water. This book had me hooked on the story of Alex and Jamie I was so invested but I was not prepared for this ending. No spoilers but this book definitely will make you relate back to some of your high school days.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fantastic second-chance romance with some great plotting and characters. it felt very natural. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy
This is not a "romance with a twist". This is not a romance novel. There is no HEA.
Also the author is a weirdo commenting on fake reviews of the book on GR. Get out of reader spaces, weirdo.
Also the author is a weirdo commenting on fake reviews of the book on GR. Get out of reader spaces, weirdo.
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