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Blossom Peak #2

On Borrowed Time

Not yet published
Expected 16 Jan 26
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Being a nanny for a newly single dad wasn’t the job I applied for when I decided to lick my wounds in Blossom Peak.

But showing Henley Clark my bare backside wasn’t in my plans either.

When the pursuit of my dream career seemed unattainable, instead of going home and proving my parents right, I made a detour to the small mountain town I remember visiting as a kid.

I just wanted a waitressing job to make some extra money while I figured out my next steps.

But then the lumberjack of an owner begged me to help him with his three month-old daughter that he just found out existed, and I couldn’t resist his plea.

Or his massive physique—the one I saw every detail of when he appeared shirtless in front of me three times in the first week.

The problem with living together though is there’s little space, especially when my boss is so closed off that he’s like a nut I want to crack open.

And when I do, he steals the breath from my lungs—and reignites my creativity as well.

But I gave myself a deadline to figure out what’s next.

Nowhere in that plan though did I account for falling for Henley Clark.

Turns out the heart doesn’t care, even when you’re on borrowed time.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 16, 2026

36 people are currently reading
560 people want to read

About the author

Harlow James

37 books1,410 followers
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 heartwarming, addictive, and steamy romance. If you love stories with strong females, found family and friend groups, and plenty of emotion and steam 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 champagne or a blended margarita.

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Website: https://harlowjamesauthor.com/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
252 reviews39 followers
January 6, 2026
Narration: Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin. These two brought these characters so much emotion and made this one so perfect!

I absolutely love this book!!! Henley & Elodie were everything. I was literally hooked from the first chapter & I am blown away by Harlow James’ writing! She brought so much emotion and depth to these characters while also adding so much pining and just all around feel good moments. The tension and chemistry with these characters were off the charts! Boy did the spice hit!!

I loved how these two opened up and helped each other past some dark moments & just made each other feel so safe. Truly such an amazing story & I love the friend & family group in this one!! I cannot wait for more from this series!
Profile Image for Cindy thismomreadsbooks.
523 reviews22 followers
January 5, 2026
I am always blown away by Harlow’s writing and stories! She always gives raw and real moments to her characters that I find myself relating to easily and being sucked into. This book is no exception!

I loved how Henley and Elodie met! From the moment I started this book I was completely obsessed. They have an instant attraction and connection. It scared them both and the more they felt like they needed to keep things professional, the more the tension grew-and what delicious tension it was. I loved each and every interaction, watching them get closer, develop a friendship while stealing hidden glances was so fun.

Henley was an amazing character, the depth and growth that this man went through was beyond wonderful. I desperately wanted him come to his senses and see about himself what Elodie and his friends see in him.
Elodie was so sweet and caring, but also strong, determined and just as completely caught off guard by Henley as he was with her-in the best way!

Henley and Elodie have a beautiful story. I laughed tons, had my heart hurting at times, but also could not have been happier with how this book went! These two were exactly what the other needed!

I had the audiobook of this story as well so was able to do an immersive read, and oh boy was it fantastic! Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin truly brought these character to life; I couldn’t stop listening. They had great chemistry and so much emotion in their performances really elevating the experience. Highly recommend this one on audio!

Another great addition to the Blossom Peak series. I’m excited for book 3!

5⭐️

**thank you to the author for the copy this book. This review and its opinions are my own
Profile Image for rickies.reads.
327 reviews15 followers
January 3, 2026
I am not sure Harlow James could miss in my eyes.

On Borrowed Time is all the things I need to check off as a 5 star read. It’s a single dad x nanny, grumpy x sunshine (with sass), emotional packed plot, with the perfect amount of pining on both ends- which leads to all the dirty things Henley Clark graces us with.. see PERFECTION.

When Henleys life is flipped upside down with his daughter- Eloide shows up at the perfect time - call it fate, kismet, just dang luck- whatever you want!! He needed help and she just happened to be looking for a job. Elodie is only in town for a few months but she agrees to help him. Even though he’s the hottest thing she’s seen, well ever. The scenes between him, Elodie and Remy are literally, REAL LIFE SITUATIONS new parents get into and it’s just so good!!!

Both the MMC & FMC have something they’re dealing with, one darker than the other but the way she gets him to open up was written perfectly. That’s all we truly want.. to feel so safe with our human we can tell them all our truths.. Harlow does the best job of letting you feel this off the pages.

I really enjoyed this book- like I do all of her stuff! The new series has bd honestly excited for each couples story to come!! Thank you to the author and her team for the E-ARC & ALC. Vanessa Edwin & Connor Crais are my dream team narrators and they were the perfect Henley & El. 😉
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,055 reviews40 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
It was fantastic to be back with these characters! I enjoy how this author builds her character's friendships and all the relationships in Blossom Peak. This story was incredibly easy to connect with and I finished quicker than I expected, so plan your time. 😉

Henley honestly has no business being a parent, as he and Dilynne had a traumatic childhood, but when his baby girl shows up, he steps up. Love it.
Fate steps in, and delivers the perfect woman who agrees to be his nanny.

Elodie isn't looking to be in Blossom Peak for long. Just a little time to reset and reflect on where to go next. Unfortunately, being Remy's nanny, and being in close proximity to sexy-as-sin Henley isn't making it easy to leave. They try to fight their sizzling chemistry, but we all know how that goes! 😁

The banter and support these guys have with each other is my favorite part of this series. I absolutely love this friend group. But, Elliot is still struggling (IYKYK) and something has to give. I can't wait for more from this talented author, and this storyline! Soo good!

Please read this series in order for the best experience and to avoid spoilers.
Profile Image for Sam.
419 reviews62 followers
Review of advance copy
January 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️/ 1.5 🌶️

This book was my first swoony, fluffy romance of 2026, and what a way to start! Henley and Elodie, both the MCs, were so amazing. 💕

Henley's reluctance to accept his feelings and Eodi's indecisiveness regarding her future make them so much more relatable. Plus the adorable Remy! I loved the scenes with that cutie! 🥰

The plot, the writing, the angst and the spice were just so 🤌🏼

If you are looking for something sweet in between your dark reads, this one is definitely the one!
Profile Image for Beth.
1,169 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
January 6, 2026
Thank you for the ALC of this story. I have ahd Harlow James on my TBR for years and this one did not disappoint. I was really interested in it for the single dad/nanny trope. I eat that up. and this one was no different. I dont love when he doesn't fight for her and let's her go even when its only for a chapter or two. but I do love that he saw the error of his ways and went to her in LA.
Profile Image for Rondi.
112 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
January 6, 2026
I was gifted both the ARC and ALC for On Borrowed Time, which meant I got to tandem read and listen—and honestly, this has become my absolute favorite way to consume books. I only sign up for things I truly believe I’ll love, and Harlow James is one of my favorite authors for a reason. Not just because of her writing, but because she genuinely seems like a kind, wonderful human—and that matters to me.

At its core, this story is about two broken people finding something they never thought they deserved. Henley has spent his entire life believing he isn’t worthy of love, and you feel that on every page. Elodie is battling her own personal demons, trying to heal while keeping her heart protected.

And then there’s our little baby bear—who unintentionally kicks off this entire love story. Henley has a one-night stand that results in a pregnancy, and the mother decides she doesn’t want to be a parent. That alone would be hard, but it hits even deeper because Henley’s biological parents were awful. Thankfully, his adoptive parents? Absolute 10/10 perfection.

Henley hires Elodie as his nanny—though it’s not even the job she originally applied for—and they both go into it knowing it’s temporary. Henley is convinced Elodie will leave, and Elodie is determined not to fall for him… which is easier said than done when he’s tall, attractive, successful, and only slightly emotionally messy (we’ll allow it).

The push and pull between them is emotional, tender, and real. Watching them fight their feelings while trying to protect themselves—and each other—was everything I wanted it to be.

There truly isn’t a Harlow James book I haven’t loved. With the Blossom Peak series, we know every guy in this friend group is getting his story, and I cannot wait. The audiobook is pure perfection—Connor and Vanessa deliver in a way that makes the entire experience unforgettable.

I’ve been looking forward to this book since Harlow first started teasing it, and getting to review it this way made it even more special. Trust me—you’re going to want this story. Especially if you love:

✨ Small town
✨ Single dad
✨ Nanny romance
✨ Adorable baby
✨ Light miscommunication
✨ Emotional healing

And while you’re waiting, definitely pick up book one in the series.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,737 reviews140 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
I was so excited to start my year back in Blossom Peak for this, the second in the series, after reading the first book, All This Time, only back in October.

It was great to be back and if course, these books could be read in any order as we do follow a new couple here, but we do also see returning characters and a continuation of the overall town storyline - so as ever, I'd recommend that these be read in order if you can.

This is Henley's book and it was nice to start this book off with a little background into his and Dilynne's upbringing as this then explained a little bit about Henley's reluctance to settle or start a relationship at all.

This changes when a one night stand turns up with a baby and then leaves, leaving poor Henley in a position he never dreamed he'd ever encounter.

Cue Elodie. Running from her own demons back in LA, she arrives just at the perfect time to rescue Henley and help him learn about his new addition to the household.

This is pretty predictable from here in our, but oh how I loved getting to know all about both Henley and Elodie and seeing them navigate life with a new baby and a whole load of feelings!

It was lovely that we also spent some time with friends and family which brought together Fletcher and Lainey's story from book one - but also gave us some ideas for the future focus for the series.

I loved seeing Henley change and learn to let down his walls for Elodie and Remi and I can't wait to see whose story will be next.

Beautifully written as ever - can't get enough of this author's writing.
Profile Image for Amoné.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
- ARC review -
On Borrowed Time by Harlow James
Blossom Peak series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Single dad x nanny
Grumpy x sunshine (with sass),
Small town
Surprise baby - MMC baby
Forced proximity

I was completely captivated by the way Henley and Elodie first crossed paths! From the very first page, I found myself utterly engrossed. Their chemistry was immediate and undeniable. It unnerved them both, and the more they tried to maintain a professional distance, the more the tension escalated—and what a delightful tension it was. I cherished every moment of their interactions, witnessing their bond grow as they developed a friendship while exchanging secret glances was such a joy.

Henley was a remarkable character; the depth and transformation he experienced were truly impressive. I found myself wishing he would realize what Elodie and his friends saw in him.
Elodie was incredibly sweet and nurturing, yet also strong and resolute, equally taken aback by Henley as he was by her—in the most wonderful way!

The story of Henley and Elodie is beautiful. I laughed a lot, felt my heart ache at times, but ultimately, I couldn't have been more pleased with how everything unfolded! They were precisely what each other needed!
I adored how they both opened up and supported one another through some tough times, creating a sense of safety for each other. It’s truly an extraordinary tale, and I love the friend and family dynamics in this one!! I eagerly anticipate more from this series!

Thank you to @HarlowJamesAuthor and @thesmuthood for this fantastic arc read.
Profile Image for Willie Mercedes.
1,461 reviews136 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
✨ ON BORROWED TIME ✨ Book 2 in the Blossom Peak series—and whew, it does not come to play.

We pick up right where Book 1 left us, with the shock heard ‘round the lodge: Henley has a baby. 👀❄️
Enter Remi, his 3-month-old daughter… and his immediate need for a nanny like yesterday.

Cue Elodie, who applies for a job at his ski lodge and somehow walks out as the nanny—and quickly becomes the missing piece in Henley’s life. She fits perfectly into his home, bonds effortlessly with Remi, and absolutely wrecks Henley’s carefully built emotional walls.

Henley wants nothing to do with relationships (thanks, trauma 😮‍💨), but Elodie? She settles right into his heart anyway. Their connection is soft, deep, and impossible to ignore—even when both of them swear they’re not ready for more.

Both MCs are carrying heavy baggage (one darker than the other), and watching Elodie gently coax Henley into opening up? Beautifully done. Emotional. Tender. A+ hurt/comfort.

🎧 AUDIOBOOK BESTIES—RUN.
Vanessa Edwin + Connor Crais = pure magic.
The chemistry. The emotion. The delivery.
Chef’s kiss. No crumbs. No notes. 👏💋

Things to know

1st person pov, dual pov, duet narration, small town, single dad x nanny, surprise baby, new in town, “i want you, you want me”, forced proximity, mutual pining, boss x employee, grumpy x sunshine, panic attack, mention of foster care
1,361 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Ebook review:

Single dad trope is my favorite to read and I absolutely loved On Borrowed Time by Harlow James, book 2 in her Blossom Peak series. The storytelling was simply amazing with so much heart, heat and found family vibes. Henley and Elodie’s story will give you all the feels as Henley learns to be a single dad to baby Remy when he hires Elodie as her nanny and she is able to open his heart to love and family, but are they on borrowed time? Both Henley and Elodie have their own issues to overcome before they can truly get their HEA. I devoured this book all in one day because I could not put it down. I was so invested in seeing this couple’s journey and their growth as individuals and as a couple. I highly recommend this book and series by this author.

Audiobook review:

On Borrow Time by Harlow James was beautifully written with so much heart, heat and found family vibes that will give you all the feels. Narrating duo Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwins are two of my favorites; Their performances in bringing Henley and Elodie’s story to life and ability to convey all the emotions this couple felt throughout the book was chef’s kiss perfection along with the secondary characters they portrayed. I devoured this audiobook all in one day and I highly recommend listening to it to get the full experience.
Profile Image for Chelsea Mansell.
280 reviews22 followers
January 2, 2026
On Borrowed Time by Harlow James ALC & ARC Review 🌻

I did an immersive read for this one and I’m so glad I did. This story is so perfect and Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin narrating brought it up to the absolute next level.

This is such a sweet and emotional story. Henley and Elodie have such a special connection and even though they are both in a place where they don’t want a relationship, they can’t deny their connection.

After finding out that he has a 3 month old daughter, Henley needs a nanny and he needs a nanny now. Elodie applies for a job at his ski lodge and leaves with a job as his nanny. She fits in so perfectly in his home and taking care of his daughter, Remi. Henley tries to deny his feelings because his past has done some serious damage on his view of relationships but Elodie just works her way into his heart anyway.

This book is such a great story about being open and vulnerable even when it’s hard. How it’s so important to work through issues in your past so you can move forward and experience the love and happiness that you deserve.

What to expect:
Small town
Single dad x nanny
Forced proximity
Surprise baby
Boss x employee
Grumpy x sunshine
Mutual pining

Thank you so much Harlow for the ALC & ARC!

Profile Image for Katie Wiggins.
300 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘥, 𝘌𝘭. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘩!𝘵 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰.”

Audio Review:
This audiobook is performed in Duet Narration by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin and they did an amazing job telling this story!!

Book Review:
I had such an amazing time with this story! Henley had been through so much in his life that caused him to not believe that love is real. That is until the day his one night stand drops off the baby he didn't know about and he learns what love really is. I loved that Henley instantly claimed and loved his baby even though being a father wasn't part of his plan. Elodie was such a sweet character that just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I absolutely loved reading this book and highly recommend if you love a swoony single dad that can't help but have heart eyes for his nanny!

“𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦.”
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦— 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦— 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬."

🍼 Single Dad
🖤 Live In Nanny
🍼 Slow Burn
🖤 Off Limits
🍼 Forced Proximity
🖤 "Use Me"
🍼 He 💦 in his Pants
🖤 You Can Take It
🍼 Made for Me
813 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
I am absolutely in love with Blossom Peak! I adored Henley in book one, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth and complexity of his character in this instalment. The story picks up right after Fletcher and Laney’s journey, and we see Henley as a new dad to the adorable 3-month-old Remy. It’s not the life he had planned, but his determination to step up, despite his own challenging childhood, is truly inspiring. However, he can’t do it alone. Enter Elodie, who arrives at the resort for a job and unexpectedly becomes the new nanny. Watching their friendship blossom and their feelings grow was such a joy.
Of course, the rest of the gang is there to lend a hand in their own unique ways! Dillyane shines even brighter in this book—her one-liners are pure gold, and I adore her more with every page. I also loved seeing Elodie form meaningful friendships with Laney and Dillyane. The boys try to help too, though not always successfully, with Fletch standing out as a truly supportive friend.
The story also delves into some tough, emotional topics, and as always, Harlow handles them with such care and sensitivity. I loved every single thing about this book, and now I’m counting down the days until book three!
Profile Image for Gabby (bookishandballgowns).
526 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
The last thing Henley expected was for a past hook-up to appear on his front door with a baby she’s eager to abandon in tow. Now he’s in over his head, a single dad, and in desperate need of a helping hand. Fortunately it comes in the form of Elodie Olsen.

Elodie is at a crossroads in her career. Her time in LA was abruptly cut short and she needs a temporary job while she regroups. Helping Henley out with Remy isn’t the job she showed up to do, but she can’t help but be sucked in by the adorable baby and her frazzled dad. It’s only until the holidays and then she’ll leave Blossom Peak behind.

I really enjoyed watching Henley heal through out this book. It’s clear his upbringing affected him deeply, but he’s surrounded such great people. I liked that they weren’t afraid to push him when he needed some extra motivation to chase after his happily ever after. This book showed the true ins and outs of friendship. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I loved the rawness and am excited to continue the series.

Get ready for:
🎤 Single Dad x Nanny
🧡 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎤 Close Proximity
🧡 Mutual Pining
🎤 Small Town
Profile Image for CourtneyS.
654 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
*Advanced Listener Review*

•Tropes: Single dad/Nanny, Surprise Baby, Close Proximity, Grumpy-Sunshine

• Thoughts:
These two had sass for days! They truly matched snark for snark and I was here for it. I loved how out of his element Henly was. Elodie jumped into her situation head first and she totally saved and opened up Henley eyes with who he is as a person and who he became. I feel the growth that Henly experienced was so heartwarming! (He needed a swift kick in the butt lol) I loved the connection between Elodie, Remy and Henly. Not only did He fall in love and infatuated with Elodie, but for his daughter Remy. This series is gonna have a lot of valuable lessons and I am here for it!!!!

Narrator Thoughts:
Narrators: Vanessa Edwin and Connor Crais
•Duet Narration. 1.7x
You know when there is a super sassy FMC and a grumpy yet snarky MMC I really cannot picture better narrator ls casted for these roles! They brought the characters to life and really just brought all the heart and emotion!!

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶️ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥹/5
•Banter: 😂😂/5

•Platform:Audiobook
Profile Image for Mandy Durnil.
125 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2026
Review in process

An amazing story about two people that believe they aren’t good enough. Henley, never getting close to anyone because he thinks they are going to leave him just like his parents did. Elodie’s parents never supported her dream in the music world and with no luck she almost gave up. But that all changes the day Elodie literally crashed into Henley and spills her coffee on him.

On Borrow Time is about healing and supporting each other no matter what. I defiantly had tears in my eyes towards the end when he was talking to his foster parents.

I loved the back and forth teasing between them right from the start.

How slowing over time Henley opened up Elodie about things he hasn’t ever told anyone.

For someone that never wanted to be a dad sure was an amazing farther.

The narrators for the audio book were amazing . I felt like they both put their heart and soul into the worlds. You could feel the emotions that each person was going through. I have to say the spicy parts were 🥵, oh and Connor and his growl.
Profile Image for Caylee T..
970 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
Oh my gosh. Elodie & Henley were a match made in heaven.

She was the sweetness & brightness that would help heal Henley’s dark & broody personality. Especially now that he just found out he has a daughter who is only a few months old.

When Elodie is back in Blossom Peak looking to escape for a while, she looks for a job but she never expected to have a run in with Henley and accept a job as his nanny.

But the sparks are instantly there between these two and Henley has to do a lot of soul searching and healing to cope with the trauma from his past & to try a relationship with Elodie.

Their relationship is quickly tested between Henley’s fear of love & hope, & Elodie’s dream of a music career.

Thankfully they work things out & Elodie stays with Henley & sweet baby Remi. I really enjoyed reading about the three of them together. Elodie really helped Henley ease into the fatherly role & really helped him grow to such a great father.

I was so so happy they got their happiness & I am very curious about Rhonan’s story next. I can’t wait!

Amazing job!
Profile Image for Megan.
1,305 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2026
A great addition to the Blossom Peak series!! I really enjoyed this one! I was hooked immediately and didn’t want to put it down! It was pretty much a one sit read/listen for me.

I truly got immersed into this world! I didn’t even notice the time passing by! The authors words and world building were obvious huge factors in that, but another reason I was so hooked were the narrators. If you enjoy audios this is a must listen! They were amazing. They brought so much more to an already amazing book! They truly brought even more life to the characters!

This was one of those reads that went by way too fast for me! Not in a bad way, but in the way that I wasn’t ready to leave them! I loved Henley and Elodie so much!! I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us!!

So if you’re in the mood for a forced proximity, surprise baby, boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine, single dad/nanny, small town romance look no further!

Received an arc and alc for a honest review.
Profile Image for Stacey Kelley.
371 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
What do you do when your one night stand from more than a year ago drops a 3 month old baby girl and leaves? You freak out and then hire a nanny.

Both Henley and Elodie have been through some stuff. Henleys much darker than Elodie’s. She’s at a crossroads in her life, and he’s finally learning to deal with his past.

The mutual pining in this book is top notch. There were times I wanted to hug and throttle Henley in equal measure. If you’re looking for a grumpy MMC, there is no one grumpier than Henley. Elodie is the definition of sunshine. She’s going through her own issues, but she doesn’t let it get her down.

As with all of Harlow’s books, the found family is incredible. The way everyone in this friends group has each other’s backs is unparalleled.

I did an immersive read for this book. Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin absolutely knocked it out of the park. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Chelsea✨.
140 reviews2 followers
Read
January 3, 2026
Not ready to give a start rating yet.

Henley gets surprised as an old one night stand drops off his daughter and skips town. Stressed about finding a nanny Elodie comes to the lodge to apply for a restaurant job but Henley ends up asking her to be his live in nanny instead. Elodie is only in town til Christmas as she’s taking a break from singing/ songwriting in LA. With a deadline to leave, both of them still can’t fight their feelings.
nanny x single dad, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity.



SPOILERS🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 and thoughts ✨

- Henley is our MMC and a GRUMPY MAN! also doesn’t know how to communicate…. also likes to yell at people and start fights….. LIKE HES A RUNNER HES A TRACK STAR. thankfully by the end he got his shit together
- Elodie I was screaming at her at the end DONT GIVE UP YOUR DREAM FOR A MAN BABE!!
- I love when men call each other out!!!!
Profile Image for Kristen.
695 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Elodie Olsen is at a crossroads, dos she continue to fight for her dreams or pack it up and find a new dream. While she is deciding she finds a temporary job in Blossom Peak. Although she expected to be a waitress and ended up a nanny! Henley Clark is a new dad, like found out he had a 3 month old daughter yesterday. Now he is struggling to figure out how to be a father but when his interviewee has childcare experience he jumps at the opportunity.

Elodie and Henley had so much tension and chemistry from the moment they met. It just took both of them awhile to decide if it was something they should act on. These two were just what the other needed and I enjoyed their story! I especially loved the side characters having constant opinions about everything!
Profile Image for Nicole Wheelbarger.
628 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 5, 2026
4.5 -
This was a sweet and emotional journey of a brand new single dad (surprise baby) who was a foster kid and doesn’t get the parental attachment or conditional love associated with parenthood… unless his little girl shows up.

Meanwhile, our FMC is running from a failed music career in LA, applies for a seasonal position at his ski lodge and ends up being his nanny.

Lots of healing, lots of growth, a sweet courtship between the two as fear is on both sides.

This is book 2 and we continue with the same friend group, which I love!

Audio was fantastic - Connor Crais can do no wrong! Female narrator - Vanessa Edwin.

Tropes:
Surprise baby
Single dad x Nanny
Female musician
Found Family
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jordyn Royal.
192 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
i absolutely lovedddd this book. single dad/nanny will always be one of my favorite tropes.

the way henley stepped up when he found out he had a daughter and didn't want her to feel unloved and raised how he was raised had me in my feels 😭 and then in comes elodie who he hires to be his nanny who is taking a break from her music career in LA.

elodie and henley are so perfect for each other. they had an immediate attraction and no matter how hard henley tried to fight it off he couldn't.

the friend group in this book is one of my favorites i love all the characters so much! and the set up at the end for the next book in the series???? ugh i can't wait.

i listened to this book on audio and connor crais and vanessa edwin were perfect as usual!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Danielle Beckham.
251 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Seriously, I cannot rave about this book (and series) enough! I am a HUGE fan of every Harlow James book I’ve read (I haven’t made it through all of them yet because well, life) but I swear every book I have read/listened to of hers is absolutely gold! Connor Crais voicing new dad Henley Clark just made the story even better, I mean the audiobook girlies know😘, and Vanessa Edwin as the sassy nanny Elodie who literally comes crashing into his life, yeah perfection! And the story, well I mean an MMC who didn’t was kids or a relationship is thrust into fatherhood when his baby is left for him because mom doesn’t want to be a mom, oh yeah that will get me EVERY TIME! Just trust me go listen to this book, you won’t be sorry!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Bennett.
240 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 6, 2026
Arc Review

3.5⭐️
2🌶

I've gotta be 100% honest when I say that the single dad x nanny trope is feeling a little repetitive lately. Henley wasn't grumpy, he was an asshole to Elodie. It was hard for me to understand why she had feelings for him by the way he treated her most of the time. I know he had been through some crap but she was only helping him.

I enjoyed the ending and how it all played out after Henley had a major wake up call that he needed. I really liked Elodie. I like that she put Henley in his place and didn't let him walk all over her. I wish she would have stood up for herself with her parents though.

Overall, it wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed the plot. I'm excited to see who's story is next.
Profile Image for Jessreads3.
545 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
*I received an ARC and an ALC in exchange for an honest review*

this series is hands down amazing. Harlow James's writing just keeps getting better and better. I loved Henley ( he had so much character growth and at the end he had me in tears) and I loved Elodie (I love her name so much) and Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin were both phenomenal narrators for both Henley and Elodie. This was hands down one of my favorite surprise baby/single Dad/ nanny Romances ive read in a long time. this group of characters are amazing and I cannot wait for book 3 😭
Profile Image for Lakshmi Praveen.
498 reviews26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Wow, this one was such a beautiful story. Henley Clark and Elodie Olsen, two beautiful souls trying to get by with their day to day lives. Until a bomb is dropped on Henley, an infant , who is his daughter and Elodie who is escaping from her life and wants a change comes to blossom peak and ends up being a nanny for Henley's daughter, Remy. And what follows is just so sweet , how both of them change each other's lives, understanding each other's triggers, giving each other grace and time. Oh it was everything I needed. And Remy, she is my star in the whole book. It was perfect!
Profile Image for Kersten MommyReadsForFun.
105 reviews
January 4, 2026
The perfect second book in the series. Henley and Elodie allowed a great story to unfold with lots of growth and healing. I loved the entire premise of the book and the focus on allowing time before leaping into the relationship.

Also I will always swoon for the emotional relationship between the 4 friends. I can’t wait for the next book

Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin were PERFECTION for the narration and really embodied the characters so perfectly well.
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