This book swept me into a world in which unexpected connections collide in the most tender, emotionally charged way. In this book review, you will discover a love story about family and learning to trust again, with a romance that feels both fragile and inevitable.

What On Borrowed Time is about

On Borrowed Time follows Henley and Elodie as they navigate life’s uncharted territories. His life changes when his ex-fling informs him that he is a father, and that she cannot take care of their daughter. Henley becomes a father, completely unprepared for the task, all while managing a winter resort in his hometown.

Elodie takes some time away from the busy LA life, in the hopes of finding clarity in her career. She has always dreamed of becoming a singer, a desire not encouraged by her family. During her short hiatus, she is hired as a nanny for Henley’s newborn.

What worked for me

Many elements made me enjoy Harlow James’ story. From each of the characters’ backstories to the supportive cast, whose books I am eager to read! On one hand, we have Henley, a man with childhood emotional scars, determined to offer his daughter a stable home. On the other, Elodie never expected to become so involved in her temporary boss’s life. All she wants is to find her inspiration and passion for singing and songwriting.

The clear attraction between the two is the base of their future romance. Even if the action happens in a relatively short time, I did not feel it was rushed. I loved seeing how both tried to resist temptation, and later how they faced the temporary aspect of their relationship. Henley’s fear of being abandoned again is something he’ll have to face, while Elodie must analyse her career and how to move forward.

An element that can be easily disregarded is the balance of family and personal time. Even if Henley is a father, fully committed to raising his daughter, he still finds time to spend with his friends. And the same goes for Elodie.

The group of friends creates the “noise” of friendship and the emotional support our main characters need from time to time. With how well their stories integrate into that of Henley and Elodie, the author has created expectations for the next books, and I am one of those readers waiting eagerly for them

Thewriting style is warm and accessible. Harlow James has a way of capturing small, ordinary moments and turning them into emotional beats that captivate the readers.

What didn’t work

While I did enjoy my time with the story, there are a few small things I would have wanted to see addressed more or slightly differently:

  • Elodie’s family: somehow, she did not get the closure with her parents. I wonder if we will see this in the next books.
  • There is one complication with Henley’s daughter on a night away that felt a bit too much. It was not a critical situation necessarily, but it actually was… It felt a bit chaotic.

Favourite elements

If I were to highlight my top 3 favourite elements, those would be:

  • Hanley’s inner conflict: his inability to accept the love and support of his adoptive family and friends, his ever-present fear of being abandoned.
  • The support group: be it at the office or with their group of friends, Henley and Elodie have people who care about them and want to push them in the right direction.
  • The anticipation for the next books: we are offered glimpses into the following books in the series, and I am especially curious to read about Henley’s sister. Something tells me it will be my favorite book of the series.

6. Who I recommend this to

  • Perfect for readers who love character-driven romance
  • Readers who love a tight-knit group of friends.
  • Fans of the nanny x single dad trope
  • Ideal for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with real-life stakes.
  • Excellent for book clubs looking for a novel (or even series) that sparks conversation about how to deal with childhood drama and never giving up dreams.

7. Final thoughts

On Borrowed Time is a beautifully crafted romance that handles family issues with tenderness and authenticity, not leaving any stones unturned when it comes to learning how to appreciate the people that matter in one’s life. This is not my first book by Harlow James, and it will definitely not be my last! I cannot wait to read more from the series!

Until next time, happy reading!