It&#x27;s About Time: Blossom Peak, Book 4

I have been anxiously awaiting Dilynne and Elliot's story and this absolutely did not disappoint. What a great ending to this series. These two have always bantered and argued back and forth. But when Elliot's ex-fiance leaves him at the altar, it's Dilynne who is always there to make sure he's okay. When the ex shows back up in town, Dilynne makes a plan to help them both with their exes by pretending they are engaged.

Dilynn is passionate, sassy, and super independent. I love how she isn't afraid to speak her mind and doesn't take anyone's crap. Elliot seems like a grumpy lawyer, but underneath that exterior is a loyal, protective man. I loved the relationship between the two of them. Seeing them go from frenemies, to friends, to more was such a beautiful story. I loved seeing it all unfold and see them learn to trust each other. And when Elliot was all in with her my heart turned to mush. I loved how he was always there to let her shine esp with her being in a male dominated field. On top of that, they challenged each other in the best ways and I think that's what they both needed.

Overall 4.5/5 stars!

🎧 This was a duet narration by James Cassidy and Mollie Stark. I'm relatively new to both of these narrators but they are both easily becoming favorites for me. The narration was incredible and I absolutely recommend it.

Thank you to Harlow James for this e-ARC/ALC. All opinions are my own.

alc arc-s audiobook

Laura Fabian

700 reviews56 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

2026-favorites alc-2026 arc-2026

ARC & ALC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

Now I understand why Harlow James left Elliot & Dilynne to close out this series: they were such a fun, charming couple, with one of the most beautiful and interesting love stories the author has ever written—one I enjoyed so much and became my favorite in the series, and one of my favorite Harlow James stories as well!

I have to say that Dilynne hadn't been my favorite character throughout the series; however, I fell in love with her from the very beginning of It's About Time, her personality is so funny and witty, and she has a beautiful heart, but I think what I loved most about her was her love for cars and the way she's committed to her work, to fulfilling her dreams, and to showcasing her talent, especially after learning about her whole story and the obstacles she faced along her journey. I LOVED reading about her friendship with Laney more, the way they've always been there for each other, how they're each other's biggest cheerleaders and the person the other trusts most. I also enjoyed reading about her with her dad and how special their bond is, and the love they share for cars.

Elliott is a character I hated in the first two books, partly because of his attitude towards Dilynne, but also because of how rude he is after what happens with Tori, I started to understand him a little more in the last book, especially after that very honest conversation with Rhonan, and in this book, I fell completely in love with him!! I LOVED that Harlow James showed me everything he went through in those first months after Tori, how much he grew, and also how important his grandfather's memory is to him, something that really touched me. It was also a surprise to read him as the hottest of the boys and how much he feels for Dilynne.

I had a great time reading Dilynne & Elliott; they're such a fun couple, I loved the dynamic the author created, where Elliott acts like the more mature, rude and grumpy one who can't stand Dilynne's nosy, direct, and confrontational personality, but he really can't live without her. I loved every pastrie she send him, and the way Elliott believes in and supports Dilynne's talent and dreams. I also really enjoyed the subplot with Elliott's dad and how he trusts Dilynne to uncover the truth. These two are definitely one of the best stories of 2026!

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🚘Narrators: James Cassidy & Mollie Stark
🩵Duet narration
🚘Narration: 5/5

This audiobook is one of the best I've listened to this year. There couldn't have been a better choice of narrators because James Cassidy is the Elliott I imagined while reading his story! He captured perfectly the grumpy and rude side of the character we've come to know from the other books. He also made me empathize much more with his love for his grandfather, with his vulnerable scenes, and I absolutely loved that sexy side of him that I hadn't expected.

This audiobook was my first time listening to Mollie Stark, and I think she's going to become one of my favorite narrators! I also think she's partly responsible for how much I loved listening to Dilynne, I loved that her narration captured that fun side of this character that she made me laugh so much while reading, and even more so while listening. I loved the scenes where she teased Elliot, when she was with Laney, and when she showed her passion for cars and her garage. Plus, the fact that the narrator also captured the character's expressions and smiles made me enjoy the audiobook even more.

🚘Dilynne: 5/5
🚘Elliott: 5/5
🚘plot: 5/5
🚘love story: 5/5
🚘secondary characters: 5/5
🚘universe: 5/5
🚘cover: 5/5
🥵: 4/5

ARC & ALC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

Ahora entiendo porque Harlow James dejó a Elliot & Dilynne para cerrar esta serie: fueron una pareja muy divertida, encantadora, con una de las historias de amor más hermosas e interesantes que la autora ha escrito, una que disfruté MUCHO y que se convirtió en mi favorita de la serie, y una de mis favoritas de Harlow también!

Tengo que decir que Dilynne no había sido mi personaje favorito a lo largo de la serie, sin embargo, me enamoré de ella desde el principio de It's About Time, su personalidad es realmente divertida, ocurrente y tiene un corazón hermoso, pero creo que lo que más amé de ella fue su amor por los autos y la manera en la que se compromete con su trabajo, con cumplir sus sueños y demostrar su talento, especialmente después de conocer toda su historia y los obstáculos que tuvo a lo largo de su viaje. AMÉ leer su amistad con Laney, la manera en la que siempre han estado ahí la una para la otra, son sus principales porristas y la persona en la que la otra más confía, también me gustó mucho y me derritió el corazón leerla con su papá y lo especial que es el vinculo que tienen y el amor que comparten por los autos.

Elliott es un personaje que odié los primeros dos libros, en parte por su actitud hacia Dilynne, pero también por lo grosero que es después de lo que pasa con Tori, lo empecé a entender un poco más en el libro anterior, especialmente después de que tiene esa conversación tan sincera con Rhonan, y en este libro me enamoré perdidamente de él!! AMÉ que Harlow James me mostrara todo lo que vivió en esos primeros meses después de Tori, lo mucho que creció y también lo importante que es para él la memoria de su abuelo, algo que me conmovió mucho. También fue un sorpresa leerlo como el más atrevido de los chicos y lo mucho que siente por Dilynne.

Me la pasé muy bien leyendo a Dilynne & Elliott, son una pareja muy divertida, amé la dinámica que la autora les dio en la que Elliott se comporta como el más maduro, a veces grosero y gruñón que no soporta la personalidad entrometida, directa y confrontativa de Dilynne, pero en realidad no puede vivir sin ella, me encantó cada entrega de respostería que ella tenía para él, la manera en la que Elliott cree y apoya el talento y los sueños de Dilynne. También disfruté mucho de la trama con el papá de Elliott y como él confía en Dilynne para descubrir la verdad. Estos dos son, sin duda, una de las mejores historias de este 2026!!

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

🚘narradores: James Cassidy & Mollie Stark
🩵duet narration
🚘narration: 5/5

El audiolibro es uno de los mejores que escuchado este año: no pudo haber mejor elección de narradores que esta porque James Cassidy es el Elliott que imaginé mientras leía su historia! Este narrador interpretó perfectamente bien ese lado gruñón y grosero por el que hemos conocido a este personaje en los últimos libros, también me hizo empatizar mucho más con su amor por su abuelo, con escenas vulnerables y amar con locura ese lado sexy que no me esperaba de este personaje

Este audiolibro fue mi primera vez escuchando a Mollie Stark y creo que se va a convertir en una de mis narradoras favoritas! Además creo que es en parte responsable de lo mucho que amé escuchar a Dilynne, me encantó que su narración tuviera ese lado divertido de este personaje que tanto me hizo reír mientras la leía, y aún más mientras la escuchaba. Amé las escenas donde molestaba a Elliot, cuando está con Laney y cuando este personaje demostraba su pasión por los autos y su taller, además, que esta narradora también me diera las expresiones y sonrisas de este personaje me hizo disfrutar mucho más el audiolibro.

🚘Dilynne: 5/5
🚘Elliott: 5/5
🚘trama: 5/5
🚘historia de amor: 5/5
🚘personajes secundarios: 5/5
🚘universo: 5/5
🚘portada: 5/5
🥵: 4/5

Kirstie

63 reviews9 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4.5⭐️

It's about time is all about truly seeing someone for who they are, accepting every part of them, confronting old wounds, and finally admitting the feelings that have been there all along.

Dilynne is a thirty-something mechanic with a passion for restoring classic cars. Growing up with addict parents and spending time in foster care forced her to develop a tough exterior, but underneath her sharp wit and quick comebacks is a huge heart that fiercely protects the people she loves.

Elliot is a successful lawyer carrying the weight of a complicated family history. His father let him down, but his grandfather showed him what love, loyalty, and honour really look like. After a painful breakup, he's become guarded and cynical... until Dilynne, his best friend's little sister and the woman who's considered him her enemy since high school, unexpectedly becomes the person who helps him find himself again.

What starts as reluctant friendship and a fake engagement slowly turns into something so much deeper. As old resentments are peeled back, they begin to realise that maybe all that "hate" was covering something else entirely. Along the way, Elliot has to face long-buried family secrets, while Dilynne prepares for the biggest moment of her career and comes face to face with her past. Watching them finally see each other clearly was such a rewarding journey.

I have been desperate for Dilynne's story ever since she appeared in the earlier books, and it absolutely lived up to everything I hoped for. She's humble, kind (unless you're Elliot!), fiercely independent, hilarious, and loves with her whole heart. Even though she hides it well, she carries so much self-doubt, which made her feel incredibly real.

One thing I especially loved was seeing her thrive in a male-dominated industry. Harlow James doesn't shy away from showing the challenges Dilynne faces, and it only made me admire her determination even more. Her love for restoring cars isn't just a hobby, it's part of who she is, and watching her chase her dreams despite every obstacle was inspiring.

I also loved getting more of her relationships outside the romance. Her friendship with Laney was beautiful. They truly are each other's biggest cheerleaders, and I loved seeing how much trust and love they share. Her relationship with her dad was another highlight, especially the way they bond over their shared love of cars.

Then there's Elliot... what a man. He's the biggest green flag with the filthiest mouth, and I couldn't love him more. I really appreciated that Harlow James showed everything Elliot went through after Tori, rather than glossing over those difficult months. His personal growth felt authentic, and the love and respect he has for his grandfather's memory genuinely touched me.

The enemies-to-lovers romance was everything I wanted. The banter between Elliot and Dilynne is absolutely top tier. They're constantly throwing witty jabs at each other, teasing relentlessly, and pretending they can't stand one another, but underneath all the sarcasm is so much respect, loyalty, and undeniable chemistry. Watching them slowly realise they've been exactly what the other needed all along had me grinning from beginning to end.

The found family aspect continues to be one of my favourite parts of this series. The friendships feel so genuine, and every member of the group adds something special to the story.

And the spice? Harlow James delivered once again. The hood of the car... if you know, you know. The dirty talk, the piercing... every spicy scene was perfection.

The audiobook deserves a special mention because it was phenomenal. I absolutely love duet narration, and James Cassidy and Mollie Stark completely brought Elliot and Dilynne to life. Their performances made the banter even funnier, the emotional moments hit harder, and the chemistry practically leapt through my headphones. I can't recommend listening enough, the entire series is fantastic, a superb cast of narrators.

There was only one thing that stood out to me and it was that some of the events that happened in previous books where out of order, I've just read them all and I found myself thinking as I was read "I'm sure this happened before this" but it was minor and the only thing that really bothered me.

Thank you to Harlow James and the Smuthood for my ARC and ALC. I've had the best time reading this series, and Dilynne and Elliot's story was everything I'd been hoping for.

Christina Loshikian

94 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 5, 2026

✨ARC REVIEW: It’s About Time

It’s About Time
By: Harlow James
Book 4 (final book) in The Blossom Peak Series

🔥enemies to lovers
🔥fake engagement
🔥he falls first
🔥brother’s best friend/best friend’s little sister
🔥pierced hero
🔥blue collar FMC
🔥small town

5⭐️ 5🌶️

My girl Harlow James, this book…..I have no words. I think you broke me with this final book and holy hell, boy did you save the best for last! I don’t know about YOU, but I have waited for Elliot and Dilynne’s story since book one “All This Time” and it did not disappoint in any way, I could not put the book down. I did not want to come up for air, from the first page all the way to the very! ELLIOT FREAKING THORNE, I see you….holy HOTNESS. Elliot and Dilynne, I truly have no words for the two of you, there were no two perfect people for each other than the two of you. They were the pure definition of enemies to lovers and the way he falls hard first for her chef’s kiss.

Dilynne, who is very sassy, smart, loyal to her family and friends, and will give you the shirt off of her back. She is fiercely independent, she has a tough exterior but deep down inside she has a big heart, but she has walls that are so high and very hard to break through. Her passion to restore old cars and that she owns her own body shop gave the story a unique touch. She is a woman in a very heavily male dominated industry and there are times where she lets a little bit of self doubt get the best of her and that’s mainly due to the fact that she was hurt by an ex boyfriend who took advantage of her knowledge she has for cars and restoring them.

Elliot freaking Thorne, he has a side to him that I was not ready for, he is a successful attorney at his family owned law firm that his grandfather started. He has a complicated family life to say the least, his parents aren’t the best example of what a happy marriage should be, his grandfather was the one who showed him what real love and happiness should look like. After his break up which left him jaded, Elliot has his walls up pretty high as well. Dilynne is preparing for the biggest car show of her life where she will run into her ex, the very ex who broke her and Elliot’s ex is now back in town looking for a second chance with him. Dilynne comes up with a great plan to pretend that the both of them are engaged to ward off both of their exes, I mean what could go wrong?

We knew that Dilynne and Elliot would be perfect for each other but they didn’t know it yet and when those walls came down, oh boy was it pure perfection. Their chemistry has been building throughout the whole series and we all knew it, we just had to wait for them to catch up and realize that they were perfect for one another. The banter between these two was everything, the way they were there for each other and helped each other through pain and healing was everything. I loved this whole series and I loved this journey with the Blossom Peak family! This was such a great read from the first page all the way to the very last. As the final chapter in the Blossom Peak series, this was the perfect wrap up to all the storylines and watching Elliot and Dilynee get their happily ever after was the icing on the cake. If you have not read any of the previous books in this series, I recommend it 100%. Start from the beginning with All This Time and thank me later. I LOVED every single one of these books and the couples but all good things must come to an end and this was such a great ending to such a great series. Harlow James, I adore you and I cannot wait for our next journey! Thank you to author Harlow James and The Author Agency for this opportunity to read this eARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#HarlowJames #smalltownromance #enemiestolovers

Nahal TC

396 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

4-stars arc-alc enemies-to-lovers

Perfect Timing & Unexpected Favorites

ARC/ALC Review – About Time (Blossom Peak #4)
Narrated by James Cassidy & Mollie Stark

After enjoying the first three installments of this series, I was really looking forward to Elliot’s story. It all began with his ruined wedding in Book 1, and this final installment brings everything full circle.

And I have to admit something: Dilynne annoyed the hell out of me in the earlier books. She came across as way too strong, too mouthy, and often overly aggressive and hostile toward Elliot. I genuinely wasn’t sure if I would enjoy her character—and consequently her story. But to my surprise, this book ended up being one of my favorites of the entire series.

As it turns out, the way Dilynne was portrayed in the previous audiobooks—especially through the voices and interpretations of other narrators—played a big role in my perception of her. Mollie Stark completely changed that for me. In fact, while we’re on the topic, the narration of this audiobook was phenomenal. Period.

James Cassidy and Mollie Stark were the perfect fit for these characters. Individually, they were excellent, but together they were outstanding. I have rarely listened to an audiobook where both narrators harmonized so perfectly in tone, pacing, volume, emotion, and overall performance. I’ve listened to plenty of audiobooks where I loved both narrators separately, but something always felt slightly off—one was too loud, one too fast, one too emotional, one too flat. Not here. These two complemented each other flawlessly, creating one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I’ve had in a long time.

Now to the story itself…

Elliot and Dilynne were incredibly relatable characters. Both had flaws, but nothing felt exaggerated or over the top. Their issues felt realistic, and I appreciated that there weren’t endless misunderstandings or unnecessary fillers dragging the story out for chapters.

I especially loved that Dilynne wasn’t the typical feminine FMC. She’s a tomboy through and through—working on cars, wearing overalls, sporting grease-stained hands, and smelling like motor oil. Yet she could still embrace her softer, vulnerable, and feminine side when the moment called for it. It made her feel authentic and refreshingly different.

And then there was Elliot, who had absolutely no clue about cars or even how to change a tire. I loved that role reversal. Their strengths and weaknesses complemented each other perfectly, and it made their dynamic fun, balanced, and believable.

One of my favorite tropes also made an appearance here: fake dating. But even that felt fresh. Almost everyone around them knew they were faking it—except for the few people who weren’t supposed to know. It added a fun twist to a trope I’ve read countless times.

The slow-burn progression from enemies to friends to lovers was wonderfully done. The spice was steamy and delicious, but never excessive or overwhelming. It fit naturally within the story and felt earned after all the tension and build-up.

I also have to mention how satisfying it was to see the consequences for the villains of the story. And while there is a HEA, I appreciated that Harlow James avoided an overly cheesy epilogue. We get a subtle, believable wrap-up for Elliot and Dilynne, as well as a lovely glimpse into the lives of all four friends and their significant others.

All in all, this was a beautiful conclusion to a wonderful interconnected standalone series filled with lovable characters, heartfelt romances, and engaging stories. Definitely a series worth reading—or even better, listening to.

Thank you to Harlow James and The Author Agency for providing me with an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Breakdown

📖 Story: 4⭐
🖤 Characters: 4⭐
✍️ Writing: 4⭐
🌶️ Spice: 3⭐
🎧 Narration: 5⭐

kileigh

287 reviews55 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 1, 2026

The last installment of the Blossom Peak series... I'm not crying, you're crying!

It's About Time is a funny, emotionally driven, fake engagement romance. It's the last installment of the Blossom Peak interconnected series. It can technically be read as a standalone, but is best enjoyed if you've read the first 3 books!

There couldn't have been a more fitting title, because I've been wanting Dilynne's story SO BAD! Even in the previous books, when she was a side character, I absolutely adored her. Dilynne is so humble and kind (if you're not Elliot) and she loves with her whole heart. She's funny and fiercely independent, but she carries a lot of self doubt around, even though she doesn't let anyone see it. I think what really stood out to me is the fact that she's a woman in a male dominated field of work. I love that Harlow James included some of the struggles that she went through because of that.

Elliot “This pussy loves my piercing, doesn’t it?” Thorne
Elliot “Let me clean you up” Thorne
Elliot Thorne... Please. The man that you are. He completely stole my heart. He's your typical grump, and I mean that in the best way. A grumpy MC with a soft interior will always be my downfall. Acts of service and reassurance are his love languages. He was there to encourage Dilynne when her confidence slipped, and he was there making sure she ate when she worked long nights at the garage. He's the one Dilynne was able to turn to when life became overwhelming, and he did the same with her.

"Because she’s who I want in a partner—someone who isn’t afraid to call me on my shit, who can accept my neurotic moments but not try to change me, and a person who makes me want to be better."

Watching their reluctance of each other grow into something beautiful is what we were all waiting for!!! WE KNEW Dilynne and Elliot would be a perfect match, but they didn't. They mirror each other so well, it's insane. They're basically the same person, and it just took a fake engagement scenario for them to figure it out. Go figure! The chemistry has been building all series between them. It was like popping open a pressure cooker when these two finally realized that they had real feelings for each other!

I have arc read every single book in this series, and the journey it's taken me on is one I'll never forget! Top 5 favorite contemporary romance series, for me. Harlow James' writing is so freaking good! It's funny and witty when it needs to be, and the conversations between the characters flow so well, and feel like real life. The relationships that she builds between these characters, starting strong with book one, is phenomenal. Every single character is different and has their own complex situation, yet they all fit so well together. This group is like a warm hug! I'll miss them so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harlow James... If you're reading this, I read this book in one day... ONE!

I also received the ALC to this book, and the narrators are James Cassidy and Mollie Stark. They do a phenomenal job, as always. I'm not new to their work, and they're both high on my 'favorite narrators list'. They add so much emotion to the story, and it was very well done!

💗Fake Engagement
🔧Enemies to Lovers
💗Small Town Romance
🔧Mechanic FMC
💗He Falls First
🔧Emotional Healing
💗Found Family

All This Time- Book One
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On Borrowed Time- Book Two
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Test of Time- Book Three
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Smuthood, and Harlow James, for a free copy of this book and audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

2026-favorites arc-and-alc contemporary

Tara

139 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

**The banter alone deserves five stars.**

I never thought I'd be sitting here saying Elliot Thorne became one of my favorite Harlow James heroes, but I am more than happy to eat my words.

After the first few Blossom Peak books, I had Elliot pegged as the uptight, grumpy lawyer who needed to loosen up. Turns out, beneath those tailored suits is one giant green flag with an absolutely filthy mouth. Seriously... I had **no** idea.

But as much as Elliot surprised me, Dilynne completely stole this book. She restores classic cars, owns her own body shop, has zero filter, and isn't afraid to call people out when they deserve it. She's confident, hilarious, and just the right amount of chaotic. Underneath all that sass, though, is a woman who's worked incredibly hard to build the life she has after a childhood that gave her every reason to quit. Watching her fight for her place in a male-dominated industry while refusing to let anyone diminish her talent made me admire her even more.

And can we talk about the banter? Because it honestly deserves its own review.

Dilynne's version of affection is threatening to backhand Elliot in the balls, insisting he needs a penis exorcism to fix his terrible attitude, and delivering beautifully decorated cookies covered in personalized insults. Elliot never misses an opportunity to fire right back. Their conversations had me laughing out loud because every sarcastic jab, ridiculous argument, and perfectly timed comeback somehow doubled as flirting. Long before either of them admitted what was happening, everyone else—and every reader—could already see they were absolutely gone for each other.

The fake engagement was so much fun, but it was everything underneath the fake relationship that made this story special. Elliot quietly becomes the person reminding Dilynne to eat, believing in her talent when she starts doubting herself, and showing up exactly when she needs him. Meanwhile, Dilynne challenges Elliot in ways no one else ever has, helping him finally confront the hurt he's been carrying since his life imploded. Neither of them swoops in to save the other—they simply become the safe place each of them has been missing.

I also loved that Harlow James gave both characters lives that extended beyond the romance. Dilynne's friendship with Laney was one of my favorite parts of the book, her relationship with her dad was incredibly sweet, and Elliot's family story—especially the influence of his grandfather—added so much depth to his character. Those relationships made the world of Blossom Peak feel every bit as important as the romance itself.

And yes... the spice absolutely delivers. Elliot Thorne is the biggest green flag with the filthiest mouth, and I was not prepared for him to become the hottest hero in the series. Between the dirty talk, the years of built-up tension, and one unforgettable scene involving the hood of a car... Harlow James knew exactly what she was doing.

I genuinely didn't expect Elliot and Dilynne to become my favorite couple in the Blossom Peak series, especially since neither of them topped my list in the earlier books. But somewhere between the nonstop banter, the fake engagement, the healing, and two people finally realizing they'd been exactly what the other needed all along, Harlow James completely won me over.

She really did save the best for last.

Cigi cini

778 reviews53 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

June 30, 2026

💍 Fake Engagement
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🚗 Small Town Romance
🔧 Mechanic FMC
💘 Revenge Plot
🔥 Forced Proximity
💕 He Falls First
🛡️ Protective Hero
💋 Opposites Attract
🌶️ Spicy Romance
🥹 Emotional Healing
✨ Found Family
❤️ Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75

Narrators: James Cassidy | Mollie Stark

It's About Time is another fantastic addition to Harlow James' Blossom Peak series, blending humor, heart, sizzling chemistry, and emotional vulnerability into a romance that was impossible to put down. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books first to fully appreciate the friendships, family dynamics, and recurring characters that make Blossom Peak feel like home.

The fake engagement trope is always one of my favorites, and watching Elliott and Dylan navigate pretending to be in love while dealing with the fallout from their respective exes was endlessly entertaining. Their relationship starts with plenty of sharp banter and unresolved tension, but beneath the bickering is years of misunderstanding that slowly unravels in the most satisfying way.

I absolutely loved Dylan. She is fiercely independent, talented, and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated industry, even while carrying more self-doubt than she lets anyone see. Her passion for restoring cars gave the story a unique touch, and I appreciated how her career wasn't simply background detail but an important part of who she is.

Elliott completely won me over. Beneath his gruff exterior is an incredibly thoughtful and protective man who quietly supports Dylan in all the ways she needs most. Whether he's making sure she eats during long days in the garage, encouraging her when her confidence slips, or standing beside her when life becomes overwhelming, his actions consistently spoke louder than his words. Watching the walls between them crumble as they discovered the truth about their past made their romance feel authentic and deeply emotional.

The chemistry between Elliott and Dylan is undeniable from the very beginning. The transition from enemies to reluctant allies and eventually something much deeper felt natural, with plenty of swoony moments balanced by emotional revelations that added real depth to their relationship. Harlow James once again delivers the perfect balance of steam, humor, and heartfelt emotion.

James Cassidy and Mollie Stark delivered another wonderful audiobook performance. Both narrators captured the emotional growth of Elliott and Dylan beautifully while bringing the witty dialogue and heartfelt moments to life. Their performances made it incredibly easy to become immersed in the story.

It's About Time is a heartfelt, funny, and wonderfully romantic fake engagement story filled with emotional healing, unforgettable chemistry, and a hero who shows his love through every thoughtful action. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances with protective heroes, small-town charm, and plenty of heart will absolutely love this one

arc

HollyJane

412 reviews8 followers

July 3, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | It’s About Time (Blossom Peak #4) by Harlow James

Audiobook Narrated by: James Cassidy & Mollie Stark
Format: Audiobook (ALC)
Thank you to The Author Agency for providing me with an advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

Harlow James has officially become an auto-read author for me.

This is the fourth book in the Blossom Peak series, and somehow each book just keeps getting better. If you’re a fan of emotional, suspenseful small-town romances with incredible chemistry and unforgettable characters, Harlow James absolutely delivers every single time.

I was so excited to finally get Elliot’s story, and it did not disappoint. Elliot and Dylan have one of my favorite dynamics in the entire series. Their enemies-to-lovers journey is packed with sharp banter, constant teasing, and the kind of chemistry that has you grinning from chapter one.

When Elliot is left at the altar and Dylan is forced to face her own painful past, these two reluctantly come together in a fake engagement that quickly becomes so much more. Dylan understands heartbreak better than anyone, and despite convincing herself she can’t stand Elliot, her caring heart shines through. Watching their walls slowly come down as they fought their feelings was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The pacing was fantastic. I was completely invested from beginning to end and never found myself wanting to put it down. The romance develops naturally, making every emotional moment and every confession feel earned. The fake relationship trope, enemies-to-lovers tension, and just a touch of miscommunication all blended together perfectly without ever feeling frustrating.

And the banter? Absolutely top tier. Elliot and Dylan constantly throw witty jabs at each other, but underneath all that sarcasm is so much respect, loyalty, and undeniable attraction. Their relationship unfolds beautifully, and I loved every second of watching them realize that maybe the person they’ve been fighting is exactly the person they’ve needed all along.

The supporting cast continues to make Blossom Peak feel like home. Every return to this town feels like catching up with old friends, and that’s one of the things I love most about this series.

James Cassidy and Mollie Stark were fantastic narrators. They captured Elliot and Dylan’s personalities perfectly, bringing every sarcastic exchange, emotional moment, and romantic scene to life. Their performances added so much depth to an already wonderful story.

Harlow James’ writing is effortless to read. It’s engaging, emotionally mature, easy to follow, and balances humor, romance, and heart so well. Every time I finish one of her books, I’m immediately ready for the next.

This series has completely won me over, and I honestly can’t wait to see what Harlow James writes next.

⭐️ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️ Spice: 2/5

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Fake Engagement, Fake Relationship, Frenemies, Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, Family Dynamics, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Emotional Healing, Witty Banter, Ex Drama

read-2026 reviewed

Melanie Gates

28 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

This story is full of tension, incredible banter and more of a semi-enemies to lovers story. In reality, old wounds and miscommunication lead to the “enemies” portion of this story.

Really, another top notch story from Harlow James.

I love a strong, independent FMC and Dilynne’s the perfect description of that. A girl who knows exactly what she wants, a female mechanic, ready to blow into the world of restoring classic cars, with her grit, tenacity and sharp wit. But deep down, she’s a softie for those she loves and fiercely protects them. She related to Elliot in the world of heartbreaking break-ups and she decides she’s going to be the one who helps him get back to himself overtime.

On the other hand, a want-to-be grumpy/black cat MMC (most of the time), Elliot, maybe due to the loss of his idol, his grandfather, but also from being left at the alter… he has every reason to be grumpy. But when it comes down to it, he’s also a softie for those he loves. A successful lawyer in the middle of a complicated family, in the family business, he is doing the best he can with a father who is less-than-ideal, a mom who won’t stand up for herself and his true family lost (grandparents), he’s dedicated to moving forward.

The desire to prove to both of their ex’s (in two different places), they devise the plan to get involved in a fake engagement. But you know the old saying, fake it til you make it? Well… you watch this slow burn unravel quickly as they face family secrets, past events and work through the real reason behind their resentment.

I was given the opportunity to read and listen to this story through ARC and ALC, so I decided to listen and read through at the same time… a dual moment for a duet audiobook, if you would.

It was fun to hear the duet narrators as I was reading along… James Cassidy as Elliot really nailed it. There were times when the inflection or shift in tone really made me hear the story in my head differently while reading alone. Mollie Stark is legitimately the perfect person to read for Dilynne. She read the story exactly as I did in my head, perfect quick wit inflection and the snark that made me giggle.

What you need to know about this story, which is #4 in the series, is you don’t need to read the previous books to be right in with the story, however, I think you’d get a bit more definition in some of the secondary characters; but it can be read as a standalone and does not end on a cliffhanger so you can feel resolved that the story was wrapped up between the main characters.

What leads me to my 4.5/5 star rating?
5/5 characters (primary and secondary)
4/5 story (for me the slow burn was a little too slow)
5/5 discussion of sensitive topics (death, semi-toxic relationships, deception from family)
5/5 relationship between FMC and MMC

And for fun… 5/5 banter

TL:DR
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
💍 Fake Engagement
🏡 Small Town Romance
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Found Family
🔧 Mechanic FMC
💼 Lawyer MMC
🍆 Piercing
🌶️ 3/5 (car hood IYKYK)

🎧 Audiobook 5/5

Bette

3,473 reviews23 followers

Review of advance copy

July 6, 2026

Superb Story, Narration & Listen🎧Enthralling & Emotional!

It’s About Time
Blossom Peak, Book
By: Harlow James
Narrated by: James Cassidy, Mollie Stark

Harlow James welcomes you back to Blossom Peak with another amazing novel, an enthralling enemies-to-lovers small-town romance that captivates your attention the entire time. James created something very special when she created this series, and what makes it special is the characters, starting with four friends in the blackjack brotherhood, which grew into so much more. This fourth book in the series is Elliot Thorne and Dilynne Clarke’s story, a story I have been looking forward to since I first met them earlier in the series. Elliot was in some of the most memorable scenes, and I still laugh thinking about some of them, including his broken, you know what, his wanting his hand held for when he got said, you know what pierced. Elliot was a mess after his fiancé left him at the altar, and it was Dilynne who was there for him, despite not even liking him. Having gone through her own breakup and heartbreak in the recent past, she knows what he is going through and does her best to get him out of his funk. You can’t help but love that girl, admire her spunk, wit, and tenacity. Just when he is getting back on his feet again, his father does the unthinkable and brings his ex back into his life by hiring her, then trying to get them to reconcile. Elliot wants nothing to do with her, and Dilynne comes to his rescue with a plan to put an end to whatever his father and ex were playing at, which was definitely not good. It was great watching these two bonk heads at first, and then work together and still bonk heads. Also great to learn their backstories and the reasons they were enemies, which was mostly one-sided, stemming back to their younger years. This masterfully crafted, multi-layered story is entertaining and has the perfect balance of drama, angst, humor via witty dialogue, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and a slow-burn but so worth the wait romance. As always, James’ writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the complexity of the characters, their development and growth too. Thank you for this amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride, loved catching up with the characters from the previous books, a beautiful found family, and how things wrapped up.

🎧📚🎧 James Cassidy and Mollie Stark are the perfect cast to bring the characters to life, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every facet of their personalities, with Cassidy nailing it as Elliot and Stark as Dilynne, both handling the witty dialogue and back-and-forth banter effortlessly. They were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters too. Their expressive performance conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel each one. These two are a fabulous narration team, with voices and talent that complement each other and an entertaining performance that not only hooks you to the story, but it takes the already amazing story to another level.

Bette

3,473 reviews23 followers

Review of advance copy

July 6, 2026

Rondi

253 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

June 28, 2026

Elliott and Dilynne … my new favorites

A couple of things before I start …

I received both an ARC and an ALC as part of Harlow’s team, but all thoughts in this review are completely my own. And for me? This was an easy five star read and listen.

I’m also going to do something I don’t normally do—there are a couple of mild spoilers ahead. Nothing major, but if you want to go in completely blind, now’s your chance to scroll.

So …

Elliott and Dilynne have known each other their entire lives. Remember the pact the guys made that none of them would ever go after each other’s sisters? Yeah … we all know how well that worked out.

One of my favorite parts of this book is that we get to relive parts of book one, but from a completely different perspective. We finally see just how devastated Elliott was after Tori left, and the one person everyone thought could get through to him? The one person he couldn’t stand … Dilynne.

At first, you really don’t know why he dislikes her so much. She’s just been a thorn in his side for years. But as the story unfolds, we finally learn why she became so guarded and why she kept him at arm’s length. It made so much sense, and I loved watching all those layers peel back.

Then there’s Elliott’s family.

He’s a lawyer. His dad is a lawyer. His grandfather was a lawyer. The family legacy runs deep, but there are little cracks starting to show. Things aren’t quite what they seem, and when his dad decides to bring Elliott’s ex back into the picture after he’s finally started moving on… let’s just say Elliott’s dad landed firmly on my “we don’t like you” list.

The fake engagement? Absolute chaos in the best possible way.

And can we talk about Dilynne? She is an absolute motorhead. She knows her cars, she’s rebuilding one herself, and she’s incredibly talented. But she’s also carrying the weight of having someone steal her work and take all the credit. That heartbreak hit differently because it wasn’t just about losing something - it was about losing recognition for something she’d poured herself into.
This book honestly has so many moments I could talk about for hours.

Now for the part that meant the most to me …

We find out that Dilynne doesn’t want children.
That may not seem like a huge reveal to everyone, but it meant everything to me. As someone who can’t have children, seeing a heroine who is genuinely happy with the life she chooses - who is fulfilled being an amazing aunt, loving her career, and building a beautiful future with the man she loves- felt incredibly validating.

It reminded me that happiness doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

That moment hit me right in the heart, and I’ll never forget it.

Harlow has a way of writing characters that feel like people you’ve known forever, and saying goodbye to Blossom Peak is bittersweet. What a beautiful way to end a series.

Rebecca

1,126 reviews34 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

It’s About Time by Harlow James is the perfect, bittersweet conclusion to the Blossom Peak series, and frankly, the author saved the absolute best for last. Having followed the explosive, chemistry-filled tension between Elliott and Dilynne since the first book, I was desperate to finally uncover the truth behind their mutual animosity. Seeing their progression from sworn enemies to a couple who is, on paper, a mismatch but in reality completely perfect for each other, was incredibly satisfying.

The story brilliantly utilizes a fake-engagement trope that spirals into chaotic, delicious territory. Facing the pressure of a major car show and a looming run-in with a messy ex, Dilynne proposes a deal: they’ll use each other as buffers to keep their respective exes at bay. The plan is simple, but it quickly becomes complicated when Elliott takes his role as her protector a little too seriously, moving from providing support in the garage to becoming the man who silences her self-doubt. Watching the wall of hate between them melt away—and discovering the secrets that held them back—made for a deeply rewarding slow-burn journey.

I particularly loved how the book re-contextualizes events from the previous installments. We finally see the depth of Elliott’s heartbreak after being left at the altar, which explains so much about his character, and we get to peel back the layers of Dilynne’s guarded nature. As a talented motorhead who has had her hard work stolen by others, Dilynne’s vulnerability regarding her career path was deeply relatable. Furthermore, the revelation that she does not want children was profoundly validating to read; seeing a heroine who is fulfilled in her career, her role as an amazing aunt, and her beautiful relationship was a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn't look the same for everyone.

The narration by James Cassidy and Mollie Stark is stellar. Cassidy brings an intense, gruff masculinity to Elliott, while Stark perfectly embodies Dilynne’s sass, vulnerability, and mischief. Beyond the romance, the "found family" aspect of this series is at its peak here; the support system between the characters is heartwarming, and I especially loved the maturity shown by Dilynne’s brother, Henley. It’s refreshing to see a brother who, rather than resorting to violence, trusts his sister and his best friend enough to support their relationship.

If you’ve been following the series, this finale is everything you’ve been waiting for. It manages to wrap up the Blossom Peak saga while giving Elliott and Dilynne the complex, spicy, and deeply emotional love story they deserve. Saying goodbye to this world is hard, but it’s hard to imagine a more fitting end.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Novellaworm

260 reviews13 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

June 30, 2026

✨ Well… I can’t believe another series has come to an end. And seriously… what is it with these authors? Are they like a fine wine, getting better with every book? Or do they simply know exactly how to keep us hanging on until they completely destroy us in the finale? Because, for me, Harlow James absolutely saved the best until last.

🎧 Pairing It’s About Time with the phenomenal narration from James Cassidy and Mollie Stark wasn’t just the right choice… it was the choice. Their performances didn’t just tell Elliot and Dil’s story—they made me live every sarcastic comeback, every vulnerable confession, every simmering moment of tension. My heart broke right alongside these characters… and I’m fairly certain my AirPods deserve a medal for surviving what these two narrators put them through.

From the very first page, Harlow weaves together everything we’ve fallen in love with throughout this series. Every familiar face returns with purpose, every friendship matters, every relationship feels earned, and by the final chapter you’re left with that rare feeling of complete satisfaction… a true full-circle ending that reminds you why you fell in love with this world in the first place.

Can we talk about Dil? What an absolute force. Fierce, unapologetic, hilarious and one of my favourite FMCs of the entire series. Her banter? Elite. Every interaction had me grinning, laughing or wanting to highlight another quote.

And Elliot… I’ll admit it—I wasn’t his biggest fan in the earlier books. We only ever really saw the broken man left behind after his failed engagement. But Harlow completely changed my opinion. Peeling back those layers, revealing his heart, his loyalty and his quiet strength made his story impossible not to fall for. Watching these two enemies slowly realise they understood each other better than anyone else was beautifully written.

The fake engagement? Perfection.
The enemies-to-lovers tension? Delicious.
The slow burn? Excruciating in the very best way.

And when that burn finally ignited…

🔥 Holy. Hell.

Let’s just say Harlow rewarded every ounce of patience with spice that absolutely delivered.

More than anything though, it’s the found family that makes this series unforgettable. The friendships. The unwavering support. The laughter. The chaos. The way every previous couple returns without ever overshadowing Elliot and Dil’s story. It feels like coming home one last time before saying goodbye.

Closing this book felt like saying goodbye to friends I’d happily spend another hundred chapters with.

Harlow James didn’t just end a series.

She gave it the ending it deserved.

Now if you’ll excuse me… I’m off to recharge my AirPods while I figure out how to fill the Elliot-and-Dil-shaped hole this series has left in my heart. ❤️🎧📚

Sassy Southern Book Blog

5,605 reviews277 followers

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

July 6, 2026

I Love books like this were the characters act like they Hate eachother...But deep,deep down they don't not really...They are actually attracted to one another and get along when given the chance.
This is the situation Dilynne and Elliot are in...they have known one another since they were teenagers and I have always been so curious about Elliot and Dilynne,I was so intrigued by the dynamics of their relationship.There has always been some sort of chemistry between them.
Everything changes between them when Elliot is left at the altar on his wedding day,because Dilynne has been betrayed in the past by her Ex boyfriend..She feels empathy for Elliot so for one year she checks on him everyday...But those wellness checks are NOT appreciated by Elliot he wants her to stop bothering him.
But strangely they form some sort of friendship through texts and witty funny banter and that evolves into having other feelings for one another..like feelings of desire,which they can't understand or explain.
They end up involved in a fake engagement when Elliot's ex Fiance comes back and wants Elliot back.So pretending they are engaged will keep her away(Hopefully)..PLUS it will help Dilynne to in making her Ex boyfriend that she has moved on..
I Loved Dilynne she is hilarious and some of the things she says are so funny and witty,and Elliot turns from a grump to a swoony love sick dream.
When they actually cross the line and explore the sexual chemistry OMG it is so HOT !!..and this is amplified by the Narration and James Cassidy having him voice Elliot in these scenes it is DYNAMITE,!!.
Listening to this audiobook was such a delight and the voice actors of Mollie Stark and like I said James Cassidy is AMAZING.
Mollie Stark is the ideal voice for Dilynne as she captures her humour,wit and sarcasm perfectly,and James Cassidy is Excellent he is so versatile with his voice from a random guy,to Elliots Dad and of course Elliot he does fantastic individual voices for all of them.I really enjoyed listening to this story.
There is a storyline that involves Elliot and his Father and Dilynne has things to deal with about her past and her ex.The friendships are so enviable and they are all so close and supportive and even though the boys had a stupid pact about not dating anyones sister..which keeps getting broken,they all obviously love eachother.
I think this is my favourite book of the series so far and it exceeded all my expectations about Dilynne and Elliot..they are PERFECT together.
There is a fine line between Love and Hate and this story is an ideal example of that...Bravo Harlow James this is a Superb story,and the writing is Brilliant.
I LOVED it.!!
Magnificent 5 Stars.- Cat W.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Melissa

157 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love Harlow James. I'm also so happy she's retired from teaching because it means she can keep giving me more characters to fall in love with! Where do I even start with It’s About Time…how are we already at Book 4 in the Blossom Peak series? I feel so lucky to have been an ARC/ALC reader for this series. Elliot and Dilynne... This was the most beautiful, layered love story and is officially my favorite of the series!

It's About Time is about truly seeing someone for who they are, accepting every part of them, facing old wounds, and finally admitting the feelings that have been there all along.

Dilynne is a thirty-something mechanic with a passion for restoring classic cars. Growing up with addict parents and spending time in foster care forced her to build a tough exterior, but beneath the sharp wit and sarcastic comebacks is a huge heart that's fiercely loyal to the people she loves.

Elliot is a successful lawyer carrying the weight of a complicated family history. His father let him down, but his grandfather taught him what love, loyalty, and honor really look like. After a painful breakup, he's become guarded and a little cynical... until Dilynne—his best friend's little sister and the woman who's considered him her enemy since high school—unexpectedly becomes the person who helps him find himself again.

The banter between Elliot and Dilynne is top-tier. They're constantly trading witty insults, teasing each other relentlessly, and pretending they can't stand one another, but underneath all that sarcasm is so much respect, loyalty, and chemistry. I ate up every single interaction between them. And can we talk about Dilynne and Laney's friendship? That is exactly the kind of friendship I want in my life. Their bond felt so genuine, supportive, and effortless. Honestly, the entire book was chef's kiss.

The found family aspect continues to be one of my favorite things in my reads. Harlow James has mastered found family! She creates friendships that feel authentic, and every member of the Blossom Peak crew brings something special to the story. And the spice? The hood of the car... if you know, you know.

I also have to give props to the audiobook because it was phenomenal. I love duet narration, and James Cassidy and Mollie Stark completely brought Elliot and Dilynne to life. Their performances made the banter even sharper, the emotional moments hit even harder, and the chemistry……I cannot recommend the audiobooks enough—the entire Blossom Peak series has an incredible cast of narrators.

Thank you so much to Harlow James, The Author Agency and The Smuthood for my ARC and ALC. I've had the absolute best time reading this series, and Dilynne and Elliot's story was everything….

Cat

2,309 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy

July 3, 2026

Jaclyn H

110 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 2, 2026

Could this be my favorite Blossom Peak book? Absolutely. Did I wait patiently for Dilynne and Elliot's story? Not even a little. So you can imagine how excited I was when the ARC and ALC landed in my inbox from Harlow James and The Smuthood.

Dilynne and Elliot have been at each other's throats since high school, never missing an opportunity to trade hilarious insults. With Elliot being her brother's best friend and their lives constantly overlapping, avoiding each other has never been an option.

After Elliot is left at the altar, his world falls apart. The last person he expects to help pick up the pieces is Dilynne. Armed with take out meals, personalized cookies, blunt honesty, and even spraying him with water when necessary, she refuses to let him wallow, even if he wants nothing to do with her.

Dilynne is a total badass mechanic who has spent her career proving herself in a male-dominated industry. As she restores a Porsche for the prestigious Motorlux competition, she discovers her ex will be competing too, giving her the perfect opportunity to prove just how far she's come without him.

When Elliot's ex returns to town and joins his father's law firm, Dilynne and Elliot come up with the perfect solution on the whim, a fake engagement. What starts as a plan to make their exes jealous quickly becomes something much harder to fake, and the chemistry between them is absolutely off the charts.

I've been waiting for this couple ever since catching glimpses of them in the previous Blossom Peak books, and their story exceeded every expectation. Watching scenes from earlier books unfold from their perspective was so much fun, and their constant banter had me laughing out loud. Beneath all the humor is a heartfelt story about healing, self-discovery, and finally understanding the years of tension between them. While this could be read on its own, it's even more rewarding after reading the first three books.

The audiobook made the experience even better. Narrated in duet by Mollie Stark and James Cassidy, they completely embodied these characters. Mollie perfectly captured Dilynne's confidence, wit, and sass, while James delivered Elliot's heartbreak, vulnerability, and emotional growth beautifully. Even the little sighs, laughs, and sound effects made the performances feel incredibly immersive.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement, brother's best friend, hilarious banter, emotional healing, a strong FMC, and plenty of steam, this one is a must read.

Brea

610 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

July 3, 2026

Every time I think Harlow James has written my favorite Blossom Peak book... she somehow raises the bar again.
It's About Time is the perfect reminder that sometimes the person you're looking for has been standing right in front of you all along. The fake engagement storyline was fun, but it was everything underneath it that made this book unforgettable. Watching years of resentment, assumptions, and hurt slowly unravel into trust and love felt authentic from beginning to end.
Elliot completely stole the show for me. Beneath the sarcasm and dirty mouth is a man who loves through actions. The way he quietly took care of Dilynne—bringing her food, encouraging her when her confidence slipped, and constantly showing up when she needed someone—was so much more romantic than any grand gesture. His character growth was just as satisfying as the romance itself.
Dilynne was equally incredible. I loved seeing a mechanic FMC in a male-dominated field who was strong, funny, fiercely independent, yet still struggling with self-doubt. Her emotional journey felt honest, and I found myself rooting for her just as much as I was rooting for the relationship.
One of the biggest reasons Harlow James has become an auto-buy author for me is her writing. Her prose feels effortless. The dialogue is witty, natural, and genuinely funny, while the emotional moments hit without ever feeling forced. She has a way of making every conversation matter, building chemistry through banter instead of relying solely on big romantic moments. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel messy, genuine, and lived in.
The audiobook elevated an already fantastic story. James Cassidy and Mollie Stark delivered performances that brought so much personality to these characters. Their comedic timing made the banter even sharper, their emotional delivery gave every vulnerable scene extra weight, and the chemistry between Elliot and Dilynne felt completely believable. They didn't just narrate the story—they brought it to life.
This was funny, heartfelt, emotional, and full of those quiet moments that end up meaning the most. It was the perfect conclusion to the Blossom Peak series and, without question, my favorite Harlow James book yet.
💕 Fake Engagement
🔧 Mechanic FMC
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town Romance
🩵 He Falls First
👨‍👩‍👧 Found Family
🎧 Outstanding Dual Narration
Thank you to Harlow James and The Smuthood for the ALC and audiobook. Blossom Peak has been such a special series, and this was the perfect ending

Elizabeth

830 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

A perfect ending to a fantastic series.

Elliott and Dilynne have been fighting each other since high school. So when Dilynne proposes a fake engagement that will benefit them both, Elliott isn't convinced it will work—or that he'll survive it. To say they have an antagonistic relationship is putting it mildly.

I loved the glimpses of their relationship throughout the first three books. While this can absolutely be read as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the series in order—you won't be disappointed! Not only will you get a front-row seat to Elliott and Dilynne's epic sparring matches, but the other stories are phenomenal as well. As their story unfolds, flashbacks reveal the history behind their friendship, why Dilynne is so fiercely opposed to Elliott, and why he's determined to avoid anything that involves giving his heart away.

With every Harlow James book I read, I become more of a fan. She pulls me in with relatable characters and stories that are so easy to lose myself in. What makes this cast especially memorable is the group of friends who have become family over the years and the wonderfully layered relationships they share. I loved the dynamic between Elliott and his three best friends, the hilarious group text exchanges, the unwavering love and support they show one another, and how effortlessly the women become part of that close-knit family.

I had the pleasure of not only reading this book but listening to the audiobook as well. Narrators Mollie Stark and James Cassidy were fantastic as Dilynne and Elliott. They brought these wonderful characters to life, making it a joy to experience the story in both formats. James's deep voice was perfect for the wisecracking yet vulnerable Elliott. He captured Elliott's fierce determination to protect Dilynne no matter the obstacle, while also revealing his softer, flirtier side when they were alone together. One of my favorite aspects of his performance was how he used distinct vocal styles to differentiate each character, making every scene easy to follow. Mollie Stark is still fairly new to me, but she completely won me over with her passionate, feisty portrayal of Dilynne.

As the final book in the series, I'm sad to say goodbye to Blossom Peak. More than anything, though, my heart ached for Dilynne and the self-doubt she carries despite being so obviously incredible. As a master mechanic in a predominantly male profession, she deserves someone who constantly reminds her just how amazing she is. Elliott's wounded heart from a past relationship and the quiet hints of his feelings for Dilynne made their journey even more satisfying. Watching these two constantly bicker while everyone else could clearly see they were meant for each other made this the perfect ending to a truly wonderful series.

arc author

Virginia Easthome

109 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

My FAVORITE Blossom Peak book! I have waited 3 books for Elliot and Dilynne to bring their banter and loathe-to-love to the main stage, and it is finally here.

Reasons you'll love this book: The banter and dialogue - it's sharp, it's both funny (with the characters ribbing each other without being meanly hurtful, but definitely getting down to the truths) and insightful - the characters' discussions bring out the best and worst things they're going through (and this is an art to do through dialogue and not exposition!). The spice is earned - the push and pull up until the *moment* that the characters give in to how they're feeling about each other. The YEARNING. And the way that Harlow writes past hurts and the healing the Dilynne and Elliot do as adults - ah, chef's absolute kiss. Also, the car scene. Also, the bathtub scene. Also, he finds her onion rings in California. The support and love you feel from the found family just sings in this series finale, and I'm truly going to miss visiting Blossom Peak!

I'm going to miss Carolina's cookies and cakes with frosting messages most of all, tbh.

So Diylnne is a mechanic - she's an artist, really, who restores antique cars, and she's a brilliant friend. Elliot is a lawyer (he helps out at the Legal Aid-ish organization his grandfather started). And our story begins when he gets left at the altar - this is a big plot point in our other three Blossom Peak books, and now we find out what happened. The bride ran off with her boss (boo, hiss), and Elliot went down hard...and Dilynne? She, his "enemy" was there to pick up the pieces. See, everyone else in the friend group had other stuff going on simultaneously (coupling up, taking care of kids single-dad style, etc) and so Dilynne (his best friend's little sister) checked in. Every day. Brought him food. Made him shower.

Because...she's the other one in the group who knew this kind of heartbreak. And slowly, Elliot came back to himself and the only woman he wanted...was Dilynne. But couldn't admit it. But when his ex shows up and he's being pressure to give it a go with her (why...WHY is he being pressured? That's the MYSTERY/SUSPENSE part of this one!) ...Dilynne proposes that they be fake engaged. Because she also needs a partner to go to the car show with in 6 weeks, as a buffer with her ex, who is a huge jerkwad.

All opinions are my own, and I am grateful to the author for an eARC of this book via The Author Agency.

Kelsie

3 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers

When I tell you I was addicted to Dilynne and Elliot from the very beginning of book one...😮‍💨 This series was absolutely worth reading from start to finish, and the author truly saved the best for last.

The banter? 10/10.
The chemistry? 10/10.
The spice? 10/10.
The storyline? Also 10/10.

The enemies-to-lovers trope worked so well for these two. And of course… we 👏 love 👏 women 👏 in 👏 male-dominated 👏 industries. 👏 I loved seeing that representation throughout the entire series.

One thing I really appreciated was the structure at the beginning. The first few chapters give us snippets over the course of a year while Elliot heals after being left at the altar. It was such a refreshing way to handle his heartbreak because we got to see the important moments of his healing without it dragging on. It gave both characters room to grow, and by the time their relationship shifted, it never felt like a rebound.

Our girl Dilynne.🔥 What a badass. I’ve loved her from the beginning, but this book let us see a softer, more vulnerable side of her without taking away everything that makes her strong. Watching her learn to embrace both parts of herself was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her fierce loyalty has always been one of the things I admired most, and the way she showed up for Elliot during one of the lowest points in his life because she knew exactly what that kind of pain felt like? I cried real tears.

And Elliot… the man you are. 🥵😮‍💨 Learning that beneath all those walls is a secret softie who grew up longing for the kind of love his grandparents had after watching the complete opposite in his parents’ relationship hit me right in the heart. It added so much depth to his character and made it so easy to understand why he was so guarded after everything with his ex. But underneath all that heartbreak is someone who just wants to love and be loved in return. And MAN OH MAN… his dirty mouth? 🔥🔥🔥🔥

One of my favorite things about this book was that neither Dilynne nor Elliot had to sacrifice who they were or what they wanted out of life to get their happy ending. I loved that the previous books explored settling down and growing families, but I appreciated even more that the author didn’t force that path onto these two. Their ending felt authentic to them, and I loved that.

Thank you so much to the author and the agency for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Destany

494 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author