They call me the free-spirited wanderer. The sassy, easy going, charismatic one. They don’t see how I’ve chased belonging in a world that I never felt like I fit into. Looking for my place, I’ve lived all over the world. But I’ve ended up right back in my hometown. Everyone is happy for my return except for my best friend’s brother, Lee Thomas. I have unintentionally done one thing successfully my whole life—prove that I’m better than Lee Thomas… at just about everything. And Lee has made sure I know just how much it grates on him along the way. When his father announces that he’s retiring, it’s no secret Lee despises the fact he and I are both hoping to fill the veterinarian position at his family’s clinic. What started as a rivalry from our childhood has manifested into something much worse after one reckless night erases the lines that were meant to stay in place. Working side by side and competing for the same promotion is all the more difficult when you have to pretend that one night didn’t change everything. It really isn’t my fault Lee is spiraling. Somehow it is only me who sees he’s struggling with more than becoming the vet he hoped he’d be. When our town’s beloved pet adoption drive is suddenly at risk, we’re forced to work together to save it. In the process, we must confront the truths both of us are hiding behind. I don't need to prove I'm better than him because winning was never the hard part. Now that I've seen the man underneath the competition, I'm not sure victory is worth the cost of losing him.
Zea is a passionate storyteller who brings romance to life with heartfelt emotion and unforgettable characters. A lifelong lover of love stories, she weaves her background in anthropology into crafting tales where swoon-worthy heroes fall hard for their strong, relatable heroines.
Living in the picturesque mountains of Colorado with her husband, daughter, and a spoiled, posh cat, Zea draws inspiration from her surroundings to create warm, vibrant settings readers want to escape to. When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other loves: cooking, hiking, designing clothes, or curling up with a romance novel and a plate of sweets.
Zea is dedicated to connecting with her readers and invites you to join her on this journey of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.
I really love Zea Kayleigh Galan’s writing. It is crazy to me that Perfect Harmony and Fierce Harmony are in the same series, contain lots of the same characters, but feel completely different from each other while maintaining the small town, cozy vibe and charm throughout!
Zadie and Lee fought like cats and dogs in a studio apartment, but once Lee got past being a complete diva and jealous hater for majority of the book, he became a lot more bearable. Zadie was a sweetie pie perfect baby and deserved the world—so I’m glad that she made sure Lee was committed to treating her well when things got moving between them. The mystery presented in Perfect Harmony was resolved in Fierce Harmony while also leaving me with some outstanding questions that I can’t wait to find the answers to in the next book!
Sometimes you just need to read a book where the people are all pretty solid people who live in community with the people they love and live relatively low-drama lifestyles. That’s what I love about this series most so far: this is true escapism for me.
While I enjoyed the above, I felt like the plot progression itself was quite slow here, and it made it challenging for me to stick with it at times. I think this is a true, long-standing rivals-to-lovers story, but because this is a quick read, it felt like Lee hated Zadie for 95% of the book, tolerated her for 2.5%, and loved her for 2.5% (this is not the breakdown whatsoever!!) and that was a bit rough to journey through.
Firstly, I’d like to thank Zea for giving me the opportunity to read this as an eARC, I truly appreciate it. Unfortunately by the 21% mark I realized this book just wasn't my cup of tea. Early on, it’s clear that the story is setting up an enemies to lovers dynamic between the two main characters. I usually love a good romance so I was excited going in with the added trope. However after the first chapter, the male main character’s strong dislike toward the female main character made it difficult for me to envision how their relationship could realistically grow into one built on genuine love and care. Although this is a shorter book the pacing was a little off for me. I think having more of a backstory between these two main characters would've helped me more. Once I found out about Lee's parents I noticed I wasn't as engaged and I thought I would be. All in all, I still look forward to reading more written by Zea Kayleigh Galan.
I really wanted to this like this book. However, the MMC is irrationally aggy! Despite there being a closed door one night stand early on in the book, the FMC and MMC have zero chemistry, there is no romantic tension, no moment where he does something sweet for her despite his grumpy demeanor. We wait until 70% into the book for the MMC to admit that he likes this woman. This was a frustrating read because it's missing the romance.
Bently(Lee) Thomas - youngest son, grump of the family, veterinarian - waiting to take over his dad’s clinic.
Zadie, also a vet, is Lee’s lifelong rival since grade school. She comes back to town and gets a job at the clinic.
They had a drunken one-night stand but they still hated each other’s guts. Zadie calls him BENT or BROKEN sometimes and this was the funniest thing ever to me 🤣
When Lee’s dad threatens to leave the clinic to Zadie instead of him, he spirals. And to make it worse, he finds out about a secret that has him questioning and doubting everything he’s ever known. ——
I don’t know what it is about a grump that gets me every time 🤣 it could be because I’m a grump myself.
Lee really had a world of troubles on his back and he took it out on everybody - except the animals ofcourse.
Zadie couldn’t understand why he seemed to hate her the most.
Lee felt like Zadie was everything he tried so hard to be but just couldn’t get there. At some point, his feelings moved from jealousy to admiration. All the sexual tension behind the hatred just couldn’t be held down anymore 😩
This was another cozy story and I was here for it. ‘Tis the season ❤️ It was a really easy read, perfectly paced, no complaints.
If you need a palate cleanser after being absolutely wrecked by a book, this is definitely a good choice.
-work rivals to lovers -best friends brother -slutty glasses -he rides a motorcycle
Harmony Hills. I love it here. The way I gobbled this up. Book 2… I got some questions answered from Perfect Harmony. This can be read as a standalone… but I’d read Perfect Harmony first.
I love the free spirit of Zadie. She is finally ready to come back to Harmony Hills and be a vet. But her rival from High School, Lee (also the little brother to her best friend) is a vet for his dad’s clinic. Well, dad has made it a little competition between Zadie and Lee for who will take over when he retires.
The banter. The tension. The motorcycle ride. All of it. Yes please.
Lee + Zadie 😍😍😍😍 Best friend's brother ❤️ Lifelong rivals ❤️ Unexpected journey ❤️ The vibes of Fierce Harmony is everything! I loved both characters and their chemistry so much. This Thomas Family closeness we first see in Perfect Harmony, this second installment we get a closer look. Zea has a gift for creating close family that feels familiar and have readers rooting for them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Fierce Harmony — Zea Kayleigh Galan ARC Review
I received an advance copy of Fierce Harmony in exchange for an honest review. This is my first-ever ARC, and I couldn’t have asked for a better reading experience.
As the second book in the Harmony series, Fierce Harmony leans into an enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance with opposites-attract tension, and it delivers that dynamic beautifully. The push and pull between the characters felt organic, layered, and emotionally engaging, especially within a professional setting where boundaries and emotions collide.
What stood out to me most was how well the emotional progression was handled. The animosity didn’t feel forced, and the transition into something deeper felt earned rather than rushed. The chemistry builds steadily, making every interaction feel purposeful and charged with tension.
Zea Kayleigh Galan’s writing continues to shine in character-driven storytelling. The pacing kept me invested, and the emotional beats landed in a way that made this book hard to put down. It’s a story that balances conflict and connection well, making it a satisfying read from start to finish.
I’m incredibly grateful to the author for trusting me with my first ARC experience. It was such a positive introduction to the ARC process, and I genuinely enjoyed being able to read and review this story ahead of publication. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing the series and reading more from this author in the future. 💛📚
Fierce Harmony was a satisfying second installment in the Thomas Family Saga. It delivered on the romantic and emotional fronts. At its core, this is a rivals-to-lovers story done right — Zadie and Lee have a chemistry that practically leaps off the page, and that Christmas night that sets everything in motion is the kind of slow-burn ignition that romance readers live for.
What makes this book work so well is that it doesn't let the romance overshadow the deeper emotional threads. Lee's search for the truth about his father adds a layer of weight and vulnerability to his character, making him far more than just a brooding rival. Watching him wrestle with conflicting feelings, for Zadie and about his family, gives the story complexity. One of the most rewarding moments in the book is when Lee's siblings finally rally behind him to confront the mystery of their father and the man in the driver's license. It's the kind of found-solidarity moment that reminds you family dynamics can be just as gripping as any romance.
Speaking of which, the moment Zadie and Lee call a truce and agree to work together is a highlight. There's something deeply satisfying about two people who've been circling each other in opposition finally choosing to be on the same side, and Galan handles that shift with just the right amount of tension and tenderness.
Fierce Harmony is an engaging, emotionally layered read with a couple worth rooting for.
Fierce Harmony, the second instalment in the Harmony series, brings an engaging enemies-to-lovers romance set in the workplace, filled with opposites-attract tension. Zadie and Lee's chemistry is compelling, and their professional and personal tension builds naturally from a pivotal Christmas night, creating a satisfying slow-burn story.
One of the standout moments is when Zadie and Lee set aside their differences and decide to join forces. It's always rewarding to see characters who were once rivals finally unite, and Galan captures this transition with just the right balance of suspense and warmth.
This book succeeds because it balances romance with deeper emotional themes. Lee's quest to learn about his father adds depth to his character and complexity to the plot. The standout moment is when Lee's siblings unite to uncover their father's mystery, highlighting how engaging family dynamics can be.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes… 💘Small Town Romance ❄️Rivals to Lovers 💘Best Friend’s Brother ❄️Workplace Romance 💘Opposites Attract ❄️One Night Stand 💘He Falls First ❄️Dual POV 💘HEA
Reading this gave me such a great sense of nostalgia for tv shows I would watch. It has the perfect amount of drama and banter, with an absolutely cozy setting and characters you can’t help but to root for. Zadie is a free spirit just trying to find a place to belong, and Bentley is the second son figuring himself out and living in the shadow of being a second son.
Zadie has come back to town and now works at the Veterinary with Bentley and his father Wayne— who is going to be retiring soon and one of the two will have to take over…. So let the competition begin…
Lee really grew on me and his character and what is he going through and how he handled his emotions had me rooting for him as he was finding and coping with some concealed truths.
Zadie is the outgoing, confident woman returning to her hometown after seeing everything the world has to offer. I really loved her and her fierce sense of self.
I had no idea I would enjoy the workplace rivals so much! This is the perfect book to sit down with on a Friday night. I really look forward to the next Thomas siblings story!
Banter, Tension, and Small-Town Charm From the first few chapters, the rivalry energy is strong and honestly kind of fun. The push and pull between them felt playful but rooted in real history, which made the tension believable instead of forced. I enjoyed the banter a lot. It had bite without turning mean, and that balance worked. The pacing sits comfortably in the middle, not rushed and not dragging. What really gave the story weight were the relationships around them. The family ties, the small-town dynamics, the shared past. It made the romance feel connected to something bigger than just attraction. I also want to mention the rich, diverse world this new-to-me author has created. It felt enjoyable, well crafted, and genuinely beautiful in how it brought the setting and characters to life. Overall, it’s an enjoyable rivals-to-lovers read with solid chemistry and heart. A satisfying, easy romance to sink into.
This was a cute story I laughed and even shed a tear at one point. It gave me hallmark movie feels
I really enjoyed the characters both the main and side. I did like the fact that the MCs were both 32 and that the MMCs siblings are all late 20s to mid 30s, its nice reading a book with characters who are a relatable age
For me however this book was a little slow and I struggled a bit while reading it. There is nothing wrong with this book, I did enjoy the story and how Zea writes. I think it was just a bit too drawn out for me though and it lacked the romance and tension that goes with it which we usually get in an enemies-to-lovers. You definitely get the enemies aspect in this storyline. Both the MCs have their individual struggles and we see them grow in the book.
The ending was sweet and romantic. I will be reading the rest of the series not only do I want to know whos story line is next but I want to see this couple grow even as side characters.
This is book to in the Thomas Family series. I recommend reading Perfect Harmony first. I received an ARC for Fierce Harmony. This is Lee and Zadie's story Lee is going though so much after the events in the pervious book. Now his rival is back in town, back in his family home, now back at the veterinary clinic they both work at. They are now competing for the same position. Zadie is a wonder at heart but she is ready to put down roots in her hometown. She is back. She doesnt understand why Lee seems to hate her. They have always been in competition but this seem different. After sleeping together at Christmas you think that would change thing it does but not in the way either of them excepts. This was such a good book I loved the banter and they actually developed a relationship and worked for it. Can't wait for the next book.
Fierce Harmony by Zea Kayleigh Galan is a cute and enjoyable read, and the perfect continuation of the Thomas Family Saga. I’ve been waiting for Lee and Zadie’s story, and it did not disappoint.
Lee is such a lovable grump, and I really enjoyed watching his character growth throughout the book. Zadie was just as great — strong, free-spirited, and the perfect balance to Lee’s intensity. Their chemistry was fun, emotional, and kept me hooked.
The story flowed nicely from start to finish. The emotional moments hit well, and the HEA felt satisfying and well earned.
Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming romance that I’d definitely recommend.
Thank you so much to Zea Kayleigh Galan for the ARC 💕
Lee is a big meanie. The way that he treated Zadie in the beginning was not gentleman like. Even his father called him out on his behavior. Yet, once I understood where the feelings were coming from, it was understanding why he felt the way he did. Luckily, he did make amends with Zadie.
The romance between Zadie and Lee was a slow growing one that had lots of emotions involved behind it. I did like seeing the progression of Lee and Zadie's relationship grow and evolve. The Thomas Family is a close knit one. I would enjoy having a sit-down family meal with them.
After reading this book, I do plan to go back and read book one. If you like emotional reads, then, you will want to pick up this book. The storyline is really good and features engaging characters.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reading copy from the author and I appreciate that. I really wanted to like this more than I did. I am a romance girlie through and through, but I wanted a little more from this one. While the authors writing was wonderful, I felt the book was almost over before there was any kind of feelings or emotiona shown. I felt the majority of the book was drawn out and didn't really give me that suck me in feeling. Instead of not being able to put it down , I had a hard time picking it up to continue on. Again it was a cute story, I really just wanted more from it. On a more positive note, maybe the continuing books in the series will build a little faster from the beginnings, now that this one is out of the way!!
This story is fun with a dash of real emotions without being overwhelming. Cozy small town good vibes. fun and flirty with a side order of sass. Zaddie is free spirited unapologetically herself. Living out loud and searching for where she fits. ⛸️ Lee is the sibling of Zaddies Bestie, they've known one another since they were kids. now coworkers. What was once childhood rivalry, eventually slips into a hook up. one night that poured gasoline on the flames of competition. The struggle is real as they compete for the same position. 🐾 the banter was on point, loved this connection. he falls first and hard. swooned a lot. I wanted more of this story. 4.25⭐
After reading the first book I was waiting for the second one and omg Zea Kayleigh did deliver!
This is the second installment in the Thomas Family Saga and it delivered on romantic and emotional fronts.
Zadie and Lee have chemistry that leaps off the page I couldn’t put this down.
Lee’s searching for the truth about his father and it adds the vulnerability to his character then just a brooding rival. Watching him wrestle with conflicting feelings for Zadie gives the story complexity. What I really loved was when Lee’s siblings rally behind him to confront the mystery of their father.
I loved Zadie because she’s the free spirit FMC who makes everyone happy.
I’m so glad to come back to the Thomas family. This time we see the middle brother, Bentley, work through some “enemies” to lovers romance.
I love how the characters are described. They feel so real. I love how the family relates to each other and their friends. Zadie is a fun character and I love her mom. I also am just tickled that they are veterinarians and have so much care for animals. I’d like to have leaned more about the adoption event but mainly cuz the puppy kissing booth made me smile.
Can’t wait to read the next in series of this sweet just-right spicy series.
I really loved the first book in this series and was so excited that I was able to receive the advanced copy for this second book. I love all the characters in this book; I loved the banter between the two main characters and loved their relationship at the end. I do feel that the romance element of the book was a bit slow and lacked a bit in this story, but I still enjoyed the story and I love this author’s storytelling. Especially the mystery part of the this series is one of my favorites and can’t wait for the next one!
Zea has a way of making you fall in love with her characters one page at a time. I loved Lee and Zadie so much. I was instantly hooked from the beginning and really enjoyed how their rivals to lovers relationship progressed. I also adored the holiday vibes in here that included both Christmas and Valentine’s Day, it made for the perfect late winter read! The family dynamics in this series is incredible and I just love the mystery and suspense elements that are woven in to the story. It adds so much good tension and excitement as we see the story unfold! Fierce Harmony is a new LOVE for me 🥹😍
ARC REVIEW This was a really good book. The mmc is very grumpy. I kinda wanted to smack him at times because he was being such a jerk. Of course, once you get to know him later in the book his mannerisms are more understandable. FMC was literal sunshine, although she was very sarcastic and a bit snarky. I liked her a lot. They were both super competitive.
This book was grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and could be considered enemies to lovers. 4.5/5 stars for me.
Fierce Harmony is the second of the Thomas Family Saga but can most definitely be read as a standalone (that’s how I read it). Lee and Zadie keep you on your toes and coming back for more from the first chapter. Their tension and unknowingly love for one another is so strong that I wish we all could have that connection just once in our lifetime. Do yourself a favor and run don’t walk to get this one. I’m looking forward to the next. 😉
This was such a cute rivals to lovers story. We got to see the rivalry between Lee and Zadie as they were up for the same position. An encounter during the holidays had Lee and Zadie having feeling that neither wanted to admit. I kinda felt bad for Lee as he felt that he didn’t belong in his family. Some secrets are revealed and then a love blossoms unexpectedly. I loved how the Thomas siblings rallied around Lee and supported him.
I truly enjoyed Zadie and Lee’s story. I could feel the tension between these two. And unknown to each other, each could not stop reminiscing about their one night stand. Coworkers with intertwined lives. Her best friends are his twin sisters. Korra was featured in book one of Harmony Hill. I also felt that the paternity mystery from book one was solved in this story. Recommend to anyone wanting to check out the rivals to lovers story. Thank you Zea for the ARC.
Okay I have to say I liked this even better than the first one! Give me all of Zadie and her spunkiness! Plus I even loved Lee even with all his grumpiness. I need more of the Thomases because these characters continue to steal my heart. Zea you outdid yourself again!! If you want a small-town, enemies to lovers trope filled book then this one is for you!!
Overall, it was a cute and sweet story. Loved the rivalry and enemies turned to lovers. However, I thought that it was slow getting into the story and then the end felt rushed. It came together but I wanted more. While there may be connections to more in the following books of the series, I still wish I had more of an ending. Good read though!
Lee and Zadie are fiercely fighting for the same job, a shot as head vet at Lee’s dad’s practice. Lee is dark and broody. Their relationship is contemptuous. But Lee has a secret that is driving his negative attitude. And Zadie’s sunny disposition doesn’t help. Grudgingly a friendship develops. And Zadie makes a sacrifice for Lee.