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Blossom Peak #2

On Borrowed Time: Blossom Peak, Book 2

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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.

Audible Audio

Published January 16, 2026

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942 people want to read

About the author

Harlow James

33 books1,440 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 433 reviews
Profile Image for kileigh✨.
231 reviews50 followers
Review of advance copy
January 10, 2026
Thank you, The Smuthood, and Harlow James, for the ALC and ARC of the second book in the Blossom Peak Series!

I ARC and ALC read the first book All This Time, and I absolutely loved it. One thing about Harlow James is, she’s GONNAAA leave you wanting more by the end of the book. She did it to me with the last, and we finally got Henley’s story!!! I was so excited for this one!

This was my second Harlow James book, and I’m so impressed with her writing, and the way she adds so much emotion and depth to real life moments and her characters. Not only was this a beautiful, heartfelt romance, but it was about learning how to believe in yourself and love, despite how cruel your past has treated you, or lack of support you’ve been shown.

“Everything with this girl is tilting my world on its axis, and even though I feel completely off balance, I feel like I’m learning a new way to stay upright too- the one that involves being able to lean on someone and trust them completely.”

Henley, Henley… Sweet Henley. I kind of knew where this was going, because of the way book one ended, but Harlow James took it to a whole other level. I didn’t think that I would get so much depth with Henley. I thought we already saw the kind of man he was going to be in the first book, but boy was I wrong. He struggled so much, because of his past, and it was nice to finally see him open up and become content with the way his life turned out. His character development was a slow burn. Occasionally, his playful personality would peak through his usually serious demeanor, and I loved every minute of him!

Elodie was his perfect match. Just like Henley, Elodie was figuring herself out, but from a very different perspective. Elodie needed the confidence, that Henley helped her to reach, to truly believe in herself and chase her dreams.
Not saying that confidence is found in a man (gross) I’m just saying that, it’s nice to have someone in your corner, that brings out the best in yourself, and that’s what they did for each other.
The character development was flawless, and, the tension between them grew at the perfect pace. It had me internally screaming at them to come to their senses!!!

“We don’t fall in love with the other person as much as we fall in love with who that person allows us to be.”

The ending… Once again, the PERFECT set up for book three. I’M SO READY!

🧡Single dad X Nanny
📷Found Family
🧡She sings
📷Small town romance
🧡Surprise baby
📷Forced Proximity
🧡Grumpy X sunshine

~Audiobook~

Let me just add, I love when authors send out an ALC with the ARC, so you can listen and follow along. Immersive reading is one of my favorite things to do, because then, I can highlight my favorite parts, or quotes, from the book! THANK YOU!

The audiobook is DUET NARRATION! WIN! Narrated by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin. At this point, I have a long list of audiobook narrators that are my go-to’s, and they’re two of them. Both narrators have a way of bringing characters to life every.single.time! So much emotion in their voices. It really makes my reading experience that much better.
Profile Image for Harlow James.
Author 33 books1,440 followers
Read
January 16, 2026
🎉NOW LIVE🎉

Henley and Elodie are ready to steal your hearts!

This single dad-nanny, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity romance is NOW AVAILABLE!

And the AUDIO is DUET with Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin! Pure perfection! 😍😍

Read or listen today!

https://mybook.to/onborrowedtime2
Profile Image for Amity Bailey.
261 reviews40 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.
526 reviews23 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 Cokiereads.
711 reviews39 followers
January 17, 2026
Henley gets the surprise of his life when an old hook up (who'd been trying to contact him) decided that no, she didn't want to be a mother. And left the baby with him. A guy whos never been around babies. Who's always said no kids. Except the baby is here. And hes clueless.

Elodie is trying to make a fresh start. After her plan bombed, shes in a town from her childhood and not her actual hometown. The first day of interviewing leads her to becoming Henleys nanny. Because he was desperate. I mean really desperate. (Shes a great choice though, even if shes a practical stranger)

This book has some angst. Henleys got a carriage full of baggage hes still carrying around from his past. Hes got the support of his sister (dang i love her) and his found family. But its so hard to get back up when you've been knocked down a time or two. And been a total playboy.

The relationships the three of them build is pretty sweet. We've got a commitment phone, a baby, and a girl whos just trying to get right financially. But theyre also on a deadline. Elodie has big dreams not found in this small town. Its all going to be temporary. Right???

I love this group of ball busting friends. Anytime it was a group scene I knew I'd be laughing it up.
Profile Image for Ruth_Reads1.
258 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2026
Single Dad • Nanny • Slow Burn
While I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first book in the series, it was still an easy read. I read the book alongside the audiobook, and the duet narration really elevated the experience. Elodie especially stood out and brought great energy to the story.
Henley took a while for me to warm up to. I usually love a grumpy hero, but he was a bit of a dick at the start. As more of his backstory came out, though, it made sense why he was that way, particularly given the neglect he experienced in his past. That context helped his character arc land much better for me.
This is a slow burn with plenty of mutual pining, set in a small-town setting and centred around the single dad/nanny dynamic.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,407 reviews624 followers
January 17, 2026
🎧📚ARC/ALC Review📚🎧

I love that when I pick up a Harlow James story there is 10:1 odd that I am going to fall head over elbow for the story and the characters pretty much every time! I adored so many aspects of this story but there’s one aspect that really made this story stand out to me. If you follow my reviews or know me at all, you know that any “last minute” conflict thrown into a story that does not need to happen to maintain the integrity of the story is going to suck the life out of that story for me. Almost every single time. I hate it. But there are stories, such as this one, that actually need what happened at 89% in order for it to maintain its realistic nature. So, I’m not mad about it. I’m actually really proud of the way this was written and give a resounding 👏👏round of applause👏👏!!

I fell hard for Henley, Elodie & Remy *heart eyes*! I am a sucker for a single parent romance story and when it’s a surprise baby, I’m an even bigger sucker! It took me longer than I want to admit to really root for henley because he was written in such a way that honestly came across more as an asshole than anything else, but he grew and developed throughout the story so I’m not that mad about it. He showed his true growth at that 89% mark, and I am stupid giddy about it. I love the relationship that grew with Elodie and Remy and I won’t lie and say I didn’t cry like a baby just reading the title of the song Elodie wrote for her. I honestly just loved all the relationships in this story, if that makes sense, and the writing of the story was spectacular as per usual!

I started my journey with this story by 🎧listening🎧 to 🎤Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin🎤 perform in DUET and at about 30% I took advantage of being able to 📚read📚 it as well. I can’t tell you how huge of an advantage it is to have both formats available to you when there’s so much of a story you want to remember/highlight! I can’t think of a single female narrator that could have captured Elodie better than Vanessa did at this very moment, and the same goes for Connor with Henley. They always deliver and were seamless in this DUET performance!
Profile Image for Magalie Bonneau.
574 reviews
January 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️.5

Main tropes 📖
Surprise baby
Single dad X Nanny
Traumatic past
Small town
Forced proximity

First of all, thank you the Smuthood and Harlow James for the ALC

This was my first book of hers. If you enjoy Hallmark kind book, this is for you. The story starts with Henley who, after a one night stand, ends up with a baby without having a clue what to do with it. The very next day, a stranger falls into Henley’s life and help him out. Elodie is an aspiring signer who fled LA after not making it after 3 years and wants to regroup and find herself again.

Opinions and spoilers ************

1. I loved the fact that Henley stepped up for Remington and that even if she would have turned out not being biologically his, he would have kept her to prevent her going in the system.
2. Thank god for friends calling Henley out on his BS.
3. I really really really don’t like miscommunication and around the halfway point it became a bit painful. The whole drama around the night when Henley went out was so immature? Over the top for nothing? And it carried through till the end of the book.
4. The fact that Elodie answered Ellis’s question about princesses saying that her favourite was Ariel cause she found it commendable that she gave up her voice for a man made me want to bitchslap a fictional character real bad.
5. Can’t stand third act breakup. Just find a solution and talk like two adults
Profile Image for Catherine M..
268 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Harlow James delivers another story filled with emotion, growth and characters you can’t help but love completely with On Borrowed Time.

When Henley discovers he’s a father to the sweetest baby girl, he needs helps. And that help happens to be Elodie, who’s in town to rediscover who she is. What follows is a incredibly beautiful story about growth, letting go of the past and accepting that everyone deserves love. On Borrowed Time was filled with tender, sweet moments and plenty of emotional ones. I have to say that Henley’s growth and healing was such a beautiful part of this story and made me love his character even more. He was made to be Remi’s dad!!

One of my favourite things about Harlow’s books is the friendship and connection she builds between her characters. The banter between them is simply exquisite. I’m, also, completely invested in this group of friends and look foward to what comes next for them.

I would like to thank Harlow James for the opportunity to read and review On Borrowed Time.
Profile Image for Sam.
423 reviews63 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 Katie.
574 reviews32 followers
January 9, 2026
This wasn’t just a fluffy romance—it delivered trauma, angst, yearning, and a touch of spice, all of which were written really well. I especially enjoyed watching the MMC’s growth and the deepening connection between him and the FMC. The story made me reflect on how deeply past trauma and upbringing can shape adult relationships and love. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Danique.
27 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2026
“It means that for the first time in my life, I'm letting myself feel something instead of running from it.”

Well there goes the coffee.., taming the gorilla, who knew a voice could be so soothing, adrenaline >>> therapy, flannels and forearms for days, golden memories turned into photographs, and insights in life at places you never expect to find them.

I’ve been (impatiently) waiting to continue this series since ‘All this time’. During the first book I already fell in love with both Blossom Peak as well as the guys from the blackjack brotherhood and Laney & Dilynne. I am therefore intensely grateful and feel so lucky that I was able to receive the ARC of part 2 in this series. Because truthfully? This town has a special place in my heart. So thanks smuthoodPR and HarlowJamesauthor for this opportunity.

When Elodie came to Blossom Peak for a detour and figuring out her next step in life, she didn’t expect to become a nanny. But when the sexy lumberjack owner of the lodge you applied for as a waitress begs you to help him, it’s hard to resist.
The deadline she set herself is sharp, but so is the tension. Because even if her boss is closed off, with a wall of ice around his heart, the chemistry between the two is on fire. The sparks don’t only crackle between the two, but also enlighten the once lost creativity.
Even if they knew they were on borrowed time from the start, the heart wants what it wants and doesn’t care about planned timelines at all.

Harlow James has done it again. Damn... The only negative is that the other parts of the Blossom Peak series aren't out yet, because damn I want to stay in this world and keep reading about this lovely small town and its heartwarming residents.
I love a great Grumpy x Sunshine romance and this is just that. Henley.., god damn, I wish I could hug the man - among other things..- since he has been through a lot. Small snippets were introduced during 'All this time'. But to finally really find out his life story? No wonder the man turned out this closed off for literally everything and everyone. But the development that man makes?! Incredible, but also in a credible way.
And god Elodie. Even if she is 7 years younger than her grumpy boss, she sure as hell knows how to stand up for herself and does not tolerate his bullshit. If only she is more confident regarding her own strength and creative power. To watch her grow, but also find her own way, with or without her parents approval, was beautiful to see.
A book I could not put down, but also didn't want to finish so I could stay longer with them. I'm 100% sure that I will reread this series because this? This is home. Can't wait for part 3 and finally learn more about the man that has the lead in that one. And since I also have a feeling of the couple who are going to take over book 4 I will be impatiently waiting for that one as well.

If you’re looking for a steamy small town series, with a heartwarming found family, emotional depth and all the feels? Trust me, you want to join the Blossom Peak family. It is such a bummer that you can’t transport yourself into a book world, because I really would love to live in this one.

This e-ARC was received voluntarily

Tropes you can expect:
🌸Single dad x Nanny
🏔️Small town
🌸Mutual pining
🏔️Grumpy x sunshine
🌸Found family
🏔️Emotional scars
🌸 Surprise baby
🏔️ Close proximity
🌸 Found family
🏔️ He is her boss


Profile Image for Spinster Pam.
181 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
What an absolutely sweet & enjoyable read! I love a single parent story and when it also has a nanny? Yes, please!

Elodie is a singer/songwriter who is looking for a temporary job while she figures out if music is really for her.

Henley is a small town ski lodge owner who recently found out he has a baby girl.

They meet when she applies for a seasonal job at his lodge. She has baby tending experience. He does not. At all.

Elodie is so wonderful. She is sweet, living, talented, bold, outspoken, sarcastic, and fun. I adore her. She is working through some things and trying to figure out what she wants her life to be and what her dreams are. She says so many important things because she doesn't believe in keeping sweet and I was here for it! And I loved her journey of healing, empowering and living her truth.

Henley is a sweet but hurting man. He had a very rough start to life and spent his teen years being raised in the foster care system. He has a lot of hurt & trauma from his parents and their lack of care. It has impacted every area of his life, including his ability to love. But when he finds out about his baby girl, his heart opens up to her like he never thought possible and it is the freaking sweetest thing. I love his journey and growth. Growth is a choice and he chooses it big time. Yes, it is a painful journey but so rewarding.

I really enjoy Harlow's books. The characters are fun & interesting and their stories are enjoyable and tug at the heartstrings.

I received this as an ARC and am so, so thankful. This had zero impact on my review.
Profile Image for Daisy.readsromance.
880 reviews21 followers
January 17, 2026
ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴀᴍᴀᴢɪɴɢ sᴛᴏʀʏ ʙʏ Hᴀʀʟᴏᴡ Jᴀᴍᴇs!😍

ᗯᕼᗩT TO ᗴ᙭ᑭᗴᑕT:
🧡𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆
🧡𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗱 & 𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆
🧡𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀/𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲
🧡𝗺𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
🧡𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘆/𝘀𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲
🧡𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
🧡𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝗜 immediately fell in love with this story. The 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 is seriously good, I have yet to meet a story by Harlow James that I didn’t love. "𝗢𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲" centers around Henley and how all of a sudden his life is turned upside down when he becomes a single dad to a 3-month-old baby. Desperate for assistance, he hires Elodie on the spot, who proves to be a natural with the baby. As they bond over caring for baby Remy, their connection deepens unexpectedly and I was here for it!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 narration by 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗻 and 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀 perfectly complements Harlow James' writing, creating a wonderful listening experience. My affection for the characters, particularly baby Remy, grew throughout the story. The bond between Henley and Elodie felt so genuine, fueled by their shared experiences with baby Remy, is heartwarming. Henley's struggle to express his feelings but it’s beautifully portrayed through his actions, making his love for his daughter and Elodie truly special. 🥹

𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘀 of surprise baby and single dad + nanny romance will love "On Borrowed Time." A huge thank you to 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 and 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 for the listening and reading copies. All thoughts shared here are my own.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟱⭐️ |𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟱🎧 |𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 𝟯/𝟱🌶️
Profile Image for rickies.reads.
328 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 Reading Romance with Kate.
97 reviews34 followers
January 15, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
On Borrowed Time by Harlow James
Rating: 4.25⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
First Person, Dual POV
Release Day: 01/16/26

I really liked this book! Henley and Elodie (and Remy!) are adorable together. My two favorite things about this book were the emphasis on and representation of found family, and James’s refreshingly realistic portrayal of what caring for a baby is like.

The single dad/nanny trope is one of my favorites, but oftentimes, the child (especially if they are extremely young, like Remy) is just kind of “there.” The way that James wrote Henley’s and Elodie’s interactions with Remy definitely had me thinking, as I was reading, that, like Elodie, the author was either a mom herself or had experience with caring for babies. And a glance at her author’s bio confirmed that! I felt like this not only made Remy seem more real, but it also added a sense of emotional depth and humor that any parent or person who has ever cared for a child can relate to.

On Borrowed Time is a beautiful story packed with realism, tenderness, and vulnerability, and I highly recommend it.

Tropes:
⛅️ Grumpy/Sunshine
👩‍❤️‍👨 Mutual Pining
🫂 Forced Proximity
👶 Surprise Baby
💼 Boss x Employee
👩‍🍼 Single Dad x Nanny
💟 Found Family
🌸 Small Town Romance

Thank you to Harlow James and @thesmuthood for this opportunity and the gifted eARC. This review was left voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

#thesmuthood #HarlowJames #OnBorrowedTime
Profile Image for Bethiana.
129 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2026
ARC/ALC Review

Henley was living his bachelor life so happily, until one day a phone call changes his life. He has a daughter. His daughter is about 3 months and the mother doesn't want to be in her life. Now he's scrambling trying to figure out what to do.

Elodie is a singer/songwriter taking a break from L.A and went to Blossom Peak torecharge. She was interviewing for a job at the lodge Henley owns, but instead she gets hired as Henley's daughter nanny.

It was instant attraction between these 2. My god the tension between them was so good. It had me at the edge of my seat wondering if either of them was going to make a move. But once Henley got over himself and stopped being afraid of what happen, they burned. The mouth on Henley made me blush so much.

This was narrated in duet by Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin. Connor knows how to play the grumpy man. He can be growly, grumpy gorilla man. But when he talked to Remy his daughter, he knew how to be loving and sweet.

Vanessa was amazing as Elodie. She brought out the sweetness and the patience of Elodie, especially when dealing with the grumpy gorilla.

Overall, this story was amazing. I love a single dad/nanny book and this one is one of my favorites.

Thank you Harlow James for the book/audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Dawn Smit.
160 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
This is my 2nd visit to Blossom Peak 🌸 and it's official... I'm moving there immediately

Harlow James has done it again with her beautiful emotional writing, she had me sobbing and laughing in equal quantities. I loved this book so damn much!!

Henley 🫠 well if you thought you knew who he was from book one then prepare for an emotional ride, this man has some serious baggage but his character growth was absolute perfection to read.

Elodie is his perfect match but she's just the nanny and only staying a few months...

The tension, the yearning, the chemistry, the banter, the friend group - shear perfection 💕
And the ending 😱 setting us up beautifully for book 3 and I can't wait for it!!!

Thank you Harlow for sending the ARC and the ALC together 💕 it always makes for such a wonderful reading experience to have both

Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin did a fabulous narration of this book and brought the perfect amount of emotion to these characters

I highly recommend you read both Blossom Peak books and then come sit over here and join the que waiting for book 3 💕

Again, thank you Harlow and The Smuthood for this wonderful ARC & ALC opportunity
Profile Image for Lauren.
240 reviews53 followers
January 10, 2026
On Borrowed Time by Harlow James is a beautifully written, emotional slow-burn romance that completely pulled me in from the start.

This story shines in its tenderness. The romance builds gradually through shared space, quiet moments, and emotional vulnerability, making the connection feel authentic and deeply earned. The single-dad/nanny trope is done so well, and the inclusion of a newborn adds an extra layer of softness and heart without overpowering the love story.

The small-town mountain setting creates a cozy, comforting atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of healing, starting over, and finding home in unexpected places. Both main characters feel emotionally layered and real, and watching their walls slowly come down was incredibly satisfying.

If you love slow burns, found family, emotionally reserved heroes, and character-driven romance that focuses on connection over instant sparks, this is absolutely worth picking up. A tender, heartfelt read that stays with you.
Profile Image for Marrissa Horton.
550 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2026
I just love Harlow’s writing style, and the small town feels she creates. Her characters are so endearing, and it was fun getting to know Henley and Elodie. I loved how his paternal instincts kicked in, and he immediately adored his daughter, Remy, a three month old surprise. The attraction and pining between Henley and Elodie, how their relationship grew and chemistry took off, was all perfect. I was constantly smiling over how cute they were. If you’re looking for something sweet and swoony, definitely check this one out!

🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Narrated in duet by Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin - Connor as a dad is one of my favorite Connors. And paired with Vanessa, they made a sweet story even sweeter. She uses a gentle, soft tone that is perfect for Elodie.
Produced by @onenightstandstudios 👏🏼👏🏼

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
Small town
Single dad x nanny
She’s a musician
Close proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Mutual pining
Surprise baby
Dual POV
Spice
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
January 16, 2026
This is the second book in this series, and this is Henley and Elodie’s story.
Elodie is a singer / songwriter and needs a fresh start when she realized her dream job is unattainable, and rather than head home and prove her parents right, she makes a detour to a small mountain town looking for a job as a waitress. Henley is a newly single dad, lumberjack, and an owner, and when Elodie walks in he convinces her to become nanny to his 3-month-old baby girl.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, close proximity, boss / employee, surprise, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,060 reviews55 followers
January 6, 2026
Henley and Elodie

This is the second book in the series. Can be read/listened to as a standalone but the couple from the first book is it and if your like me I am curious to their story and you get an introduction into the next book. The narrators did a good job telling this story and giving all the characters a voice. Both characters are dealing with issues Henley from his past and finding himself a single dad to a little girl. Elodie escaping and trying to figure out what she's going to do next. Elodie goes in to interview to work at Henley's lodge but ends up becoming his live in nanny. I really enjoyed this I found it entertaining, hot, funny and a bit emotional. Not only did I like Henley and Elodie's story I also liked the side characters and the way they interacted and can't wait to read their stories.

I received an ALC and ARC and listened/read it through BookFunnel.
Profile Image for Vivien Richards.
1,454 reviews19 followers
January 18, 2026
This was such a fantastic audiobook and story. The audio is narrated by Connor Crais & Vanessa Edwin . Vanessa's voice is so cheerful and soothing as the "sunshine" part of this relationship, playing character Elodie. Henley is the grumpy MMC who's is in desperate need of a nanny for his baby girl that he only just found out about. Connor did a fabulous job as the jaded character who finds it hard to love or let people in. But somehow Elodie is the perfect person at the right time for both Henley and his daughter. This was a sweet slow burn and when the spicy parts come, they are so good! I loved these characters and the narrators made it that much more enjoyable for me. I definitely recommend this story.
Profile Image for Taylor D.
12 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 10, 2026
Book #2 in the Blossom Peak Series! I absolutely devoured this one. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in the series, so as soon as I saw ARC signups I had to get my hands on this one as soon as possible. I love Harlow James style of writing. She has a way of just engulfing you into this small town and you feel like you are almost part of this family and friend gang.

I love Henley and Elodies story. There is such great character development in this book through out. There are banter and scenes in this book that will have you laughing until you cry and also serious subjects and scenes that will tug at your heartstrings and maybe have you teary a little bit. Watching Henley develop from a single guy to a dad, all while his musically talented nanny who adores his daughter and coaches him through fatherhood as they develop their own feelings and relationship is such a beautiful story to watch unfold.

I can’t wait for Book #3 in this series!

Tropes:

Single dad/nanny
Surprise baby
Close proximity
Boss/employee
Grumpy/Sunshine
Mutual Pining
Small town

Favorite Quote:

“Oh, you certainly have a way with words, Elodie Olsen, and I’m beginning to think I don’t just want your voice in my life, I need it.”
Profile Image for Nikenya Rodney.
785 reviews26 followers
January 11, 2026
Henley is a new dad thanks to a one night stand who drops baby Remy off when she decides being a mom is not for her. Henley hires Elodie to be his nanny instead of taking a job at his lodge. Elodie is gorgeous and Henley can’t help but notice. Not only is she gorgeous, she is great with his baby and with his friends. Henley tries to resist the pull to Elodie but he fails. They finally give in to their attraction but Henley knows he’s on borrowed time with Elodie since she planned to leave after a few months. Elodie has dreams of being a singer/songwriter and she is taking a break. Henley wants Elodie to stay but he doesn’t want her to give up her dream and grow to resent him. Plus in Henley’s mind, everyone leaves eventually. Henley has to deal with his abandonment issues and show his woman that he wants her and loves her. Elodie learns that dreams change and that’s okay!!

**I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
Profile Image for Nicole.
173 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2026
Connor Crais as Henley & Vanessa Edwin as Elodie yes please! These two did such an amazing job of bringing to life all the feelings and emotions of Henley & Elodie

The last thing Henley Clark expected was to find out he had a daughter. Now struggling with running his business and being a single dad he needs help. That’s when Elodie Olsen walks in and while she was originally supposed to be interviewing for a waitressing job Henley decides she’d be perfect as Remy’s temporary nanny. The more time they spend together the less they can resist their chemistry even if Elodie has an end date for when she’s leaving town…

Henley & Elodie both have personal struggles they are working through. Henley with his past and his parents and Elodie on her choice of deciding if she still wants to peruse her dreams of a music career. Loved seeing Henley not only grow in his role as a father but also the person who will be in Eloise’s corner no matter what. 🧡


Thank you to The Author Agency & Harlow James for the ARC & ALC
Profile Image for Kaylee Salsbury-Nelson.
655 reviews86 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️ | 🎧

Dare I say this is Harlow's best work?! She came to PLAY with Henley and Elodie. I loved the premise of him becoming a dad out of nowhere and watching his character development through the book. And maybe this is weird, but I felt like their jealous reactions with one another felt so real and relatable. The spice was great, the banter was top tier and the development from start to finish was some of the best she has ever written. I has a great time with this one.

And the duet narration with Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin, hard to miss with them.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,223 reviews219 followers
January 16, 2026
4 Star Review On Borrowed Time (Blossom Peak #2) by Harlow James

eBook/Audio:
I enjoy single parent stories and I fell hard and fast for Henley Clark and his newly hired nanny, Elodie’s story.

Well written this is at times an emotional read/listen and one I had a hard time putting down.

The last thing Henley expected was to find out he has a three mo th old daughter. Now he needs to scramble.

A well written love story about finding love when you least expect it.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,174 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 Courtney | romancereadswithcourt.
249 reviews129 followers
January 9, 2026
4.5 🌟 another chance to go back to blossom peak!!

Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin knocked this one out of the park!

GRUMPY single dad x sweet, sunshine nanny is always a yes for me. It was fun to have the rest of the gang back too 🫶🏼

There was a lot of ups and downs in this story, but it ends on such a sweet note.

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