Saving Symphony

Harmonized in Hiding #2

by Ashley Amy

An endless loop played inside of my mind, but it wasn’t from the haunting music Bently forced me to hear. This one consisted of the troubling outcome dealing with my future. Anxiety crippled those of us who were trying to find a healthy path after such a toxic and damaging past.

How was I supposed to figure out how to walk this journey for healing when I carried his child? With that positive pregnancy test hanging over my head, it felt like a new ticking time bomb over my head.

With too much on my plate, there was more that piled up. But those things didn’t feel so dooming, not when it involved the touch of the three men who saw me as more than just a runaway with PTSD.

My heart began strumming more than one string, and it never wanted to stop living in the harmony they provided. But no past could stay buried forever, not with how sick the man that was hunting me down. What would happen when the division between my past and present collided? I was about to find out whether I liked it or not.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Abuse, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

Even though I only gave Lying Lyrics three stars, I still picked up Saving Symphony to see where Gemma’s story went. And honestly it was more of the same … just ok. Nothing majorly wrong with it, but nothing that blew me away either. I still didn’t feel super connected to the characters and while the themes are heavy and important, they didn’t always land for me emotionally.

What did not sit right was Callum’s reaction to the drama toward the end … I get why it happened, but damn, that was unnecessarily cruel. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Overall I kept reading out of curiosity more than connection.

[miagamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book equally intrigued and enraged me. Callum once again PISSED ME OFF. Saying what can we do if she goes back to her abuser?! HUHHHHH.. put two and two together brother. Anyways , I truly felt like the only mmc we knew much about was elias. I feel like I knew nothing about Angel or his personality and all I knew about callum was that his wife died. Personally my fav duo was Gemma and Justin. tbh i thought justin had the hots for gabe for a while but its sweet to see how he became a brother and member of their family. ALSOOOO Personally, if i walked in on my crush snooping through my private things and pictures, I would not have jumped his bones. I probably wouldve ended up in the slammer if I were here. Callum was cute WHEN HE WANTED TO BE. Him bringing her the “shark coochie” board was cute. Also, i thought it was weird that after Tyler spilled the beans about Justin’s ‘whore’ of a mother, Callum never had an actual conversation with him about it. Like yeah he is young and u wanna protect him, but Tyler let it slip and he deserves the truth instead of letting it eat everyone up (opinion from a child of divorce).

[Karin Dirksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole book you are waiting for the bliss to end, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Getting a HEA took a slightly unrealistic turn with the guys turning into vengeful and bloodlusted killers, but I guess the author wanted a more explicit showcasing of the Darkness she put in their eyes. For me it didn't quite fit as the behaviour of the guys up to that point was normal (displaying a wide range of emotions, empathy, moral code). And can I just say that Callum was a rat bastard to Gemma in the hospital and needed more groveling. A pity and therefore 4 stars.

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There's a line between victim and survivor that I was taught a long time ago. You can choose to suffer each day and accept others pity, or you can choose to move on each day, accepting their help." book 1 page 141

**Review Shared for duet**

Gemma has spent the last two years in an abusive relationship with Pop Star Bentley Baker. He has done everything he can to make sure that Gemma can't tell anyone what he is doing and can't run from him. But when he takes things too far by violently sexually assaulting her and cutting out her birth control, she knows it's now or never, she has to run. With no one to call due to Bentley making sure she has no one else left in her life, she finds a note that her best friend left her for when Gemma finally saw what she did. It gives her an address of where to run to when she admits she needs help. While Gemma makes her escape she is able to find friends along the way that help protect her and get her to where she needs to go without Bentley catching on too fast. But when she arrives at the address in Montana she finds out her best friend died nine months ago in an accident. Luckily, there are supportive people in the town as well that help give her safety and a new start. Among those are Callum, Elias, and Angel. Callum lost his wife this past year and has struggled with his teenage son Justin and three year old daughter Hallie, luckily Gemma has connected with the both of them and is in the perfect situation to become a live in nanny. Gemma seems to be everything this family needs, filling a gap and helping them heal in ways no one else could. But Gemma still has a past, and Bentley isn't one to give up so easily. It won't be long until her past catches up, putting Callum and his family right in the line of fire.

**Spoilers Ahead**

I rated the first book four stars and the second three. Usually I review books and share the review and rating for the entire series but I couldn't with this one. It started off so strong. I loved the character development, the plot was super interesting and kept you intrigued, but the second book fell a little short for a few reasons. This is where the spoilers come in... Callum blames Gemma for his kids getting shot at, which... okay fair. But also, supposedly you love this woman, and it's not like he didn't know she was running from someone that had hurt her. So why was he sooo shocked? I guess maybe it was that it was worse than she let on but I don't know... she was pretty freaking traumatized. And Callum acted like a complete d*ck. Which led to her falling into the hands of her abuser for WEEKS. And there was literally no groveling. He apologized and that was it. He was so hurtful towards her and it felt like it was either rushed or she did deserve to be blamed by something that wasn't her fault. And she literally saved his kids and was willing to sacrifice herself for them but nope. She needs to leave? Ugh. Also, the entire resolution was just sooo out there. Like these literal cowboys come to the city and shoot up a penthouse. No one even thinks about calling the cops with all the evidence. Like, I get that the justice system sucks. If there were a mafia book or something, yeah, makes sense they would go on a killing spree to save her. But it literally was just so out there that it took away from the resolution. (Elias excluded of course because of his military and PTSD background, that's believable.) And they just get away with it.... I was rolling my eyes the whole time.

[Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed

This was a great second book. I really adore these characters and the kids and wow it i didn’t expect those two to have been friends. I also don’t forgive Callum. He could’ve groveled some. Like shame on him. And on angel for not defending her. But a heartwarming ending.

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did a different author write the second book? Seriously, WTF? And why on earth does it have a higher rating than the first one?

The first wasn’t bad, though highly detailed rape is a big no in my book. I enjoyed Gemma and her connection with the kids, but I didn’t really feel any connection between her and the men except for Elias kinda. But this book? It is so freakin rare for me to give a book a rating of under 3, and I generally keep negative reviews to myself. But this one got to me.

1) I didn’t feel like there was any real relationship building. Yeah, I liked Elias, and Angel and Callum were ok at first, but then it felt like all they cared about was sex with her, after all claiming to love her.

2) There was NO reality whatsoever to the struggles and healing, besides Justin in my opinion. Gemma had a few slight reactions in the first book, but then is fine to start sexual relationships with 3 guys with no issues. Mind you, in that small amount of time, she would have still been PHYSICALLY healing from being raped with a gun and having ribs cracked, let alone the mental aspect of it. But no, she’s fine and gets around perfectly normal. Oh, and she just magically cured Elias’ PTSD by sleeping in the same room in one night? BS This is OFFENSIVE to anyone who has experienced PTSD themselves or from a loved one.

3) That ending! What?! They’d all be in jail! Not to mention they left her til last, when in reality with someone that violent, he would have just killed her as soon as he knew he was losing.

I won’t keep going with all the other issues I had with it, but this book not only felt thrown together, but what Callum did was UNFORGIVABLE in my book, and yet it was handled with a “sorry. You’re coming home with us because we “love” you though”. And she just totally accepts that. That’s nothing but toxicity.

The only reason I’m not giving this a 1 is because it’s not full of typos and I actually enjoyed Gemma with the kids. But that’s all. Seriously, the second ruined the first for me. Can’t recommend.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My notes from whilst I was reading:

-You would say muzzle and not snout for horses

-“His own needs needed to be met through using my body as well.” - really really hated this line

- I didn’t like Angel snooping through her stuff and reading her medical records instead of just having a conversation with her- breach of privacy

-Finds out angel has gone through her private belongings and instead of enforcing boundaries, she fucks him - no talk about protection or STDs- what if he had something that affected the baby?

-“It never occurred to me how hard this must be for him to cope with after gaining PTSD from war.”- really dislike this sentence

-“Noey was brown with even darker nipples while Gemma was whiter with a light pink coloring to hers. Both were beautiful in their shades, but it was their personalities I admired and enjoyed the most.” - comparing his dead wife to the woman he’s known a month…

-“Expecting to discover a sweetness, I was met with a tarty tang that left my tongue salivating. Gemma was so sweet and kind in person, I figured she’d taste it too, but all women were different when it came to their flavors and smells. My tongue wanted more of her to coat it in her perfection.” …Whatttt…

-Kicked her out because she was a danger to his kids, instead of thinking of other ways to help her??? He doesn’t deserve her anyway

-Revelation that Don killed his wife and no one got too upset from that??

Well. This series felt weirdly paced, and definitely needs a thorough edit for some of the cringe and the numerous typos. I loved the premise but the execution needs some work.

[Ana Andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this duet. All the characters were genuinely great, and I appreciated that the kids weren’t just added for “cute moments” — they had real importance in the story and helped build the emotional layers. I also loved the relationship development between Callum and Justin, and how Gabe slowly became family. That whole “pain recognizes pain” energy really worked for me, and the way they supported each other instead of judging added a lot of depth.

The ending bothered me a little, though. It felt a bit too easy — not just the fight itself, but the consequences afterward. I would have liked more dialogue, especially around apologizing to the FMC. They put her in real danger, and the resolution focused more on missing her as family rather than actually worrying about her safety. A clearer emotional reckoning would have made the ending stronger for me.

I also surprisingly liked having the ex’s POV. It was interesting (and disturbing) to read the thought process of someone that unhinged, and it gave extra tension to the story.

I really wish we had gotten an epilogue with the baby — it would have been such a great way to close the arc.

For those wondering about the spice: this is reverse harem, but there’s no scene where all of them are together in a smutty moment.

Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience a lot.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet with lots of feels

This is my first time reading this author and I enjoyed her duet! Book one was well done. The plot was tragic and intense with figuring out how Gemma would get away from her abuser. Some of that was a bit tough to read so pay attention to the TW. The family that Gemma meets is in dire need of the love that she has to share.

Book two continues us along in the story with the expected plot points happening and the expected resolution. Quite a bit of what happened in book two was highly predictable and a bit rushed but I absolutely think Ashley Amy has talent as an author. Overall in this series, there were quite a few plot points and character development that would need to be built out more for this story to have gone good to great but there were also some really strong moments in the story where I found myself fully immersed in what was happening. I see a strong future ahead as the author grows further in her writing career. If you're looking for something with lots of feels and a bit sweet, you'll probably enjoy this duet.

[Lisa Watt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I found this second book disappointing.
The first book captured my interest right away. The writing pulled me in, and I even shed a few tears. It was emotional and heartwarming and I loved how flawed all the characters were, even the preteen boys.

While I still very much enjoyed Amy's writing, I just didnt like how the story progressed. It felt rushed, and ultimately lacked depth. The ending itself was extremely lackluster.
I love RH books because of the closeness and brotherhood the guys usually have with each other. The way they all come together for the benefit of the fmc, but found this one lacking. Yes, they all get together with the fmc but its seperate relationships under one house. The guys are happy enough to share her, but ultimately would rather have her to themselves. It will always be my preference to read RH where the guys want to share.

[DettaDrake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting that much since the first book was already just so-so for me, but I was quite disappointed in the ending. It felt rushed, weird, unrealistic - it was a bit like ‘if it was an ideal world and we can take revenge without consequence, what would happen?’. And the guys just fell flat in this one, weird turns in their character,…. Also the stuff with Gabe felt rushed and just ‘oh quick let’s make this happen without laying a foundation or making it happen in a normal way’. So not a great storyline for me.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Strenghth

This was an amazing duet. I loved everybody of it. The only thing I'd say (but really isn't that bad) is that I didn't think it was right for Elias to get her at Night. And in the epilog that's what it basically said that it stayed the same. I think they all should of been able to sleep with her. Other then that amazing duet and amazing author. Please check it out.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so the connection in this book was a tad better but there were still a lot of errors and missing or wrong words...

Also, the saying goes, a wolf in sheep's CLOTHING! Not fur. Sheep have COATS, not FUR... Costa are a form of clothing, hence the saying, in sheep's clothing.

I really wish there was more closure with the motorcycle gang... I think gemma should have been reunited with gerald.

But other than all that, it was a cute story.

[Toma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A potentially good plot ruined by skipping over various situations that should have been extended. The way Gemma got intimate with the guys felt too soon, the lack of groveling on Cal's part or actually from all of them, the easy cover up of murder charges etc. The author took the easy way too often. Actually even her being pregnant gave nothing to the plot. Everything could have happened exactly the same without the baby and the added stress did nothing to character development.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

This book is emotional and absolutely heartbreaking. Gemma was put through so much crap from her dad and candi then Bentley and his rag tag group of idiots. Cal really irritated me and angel too I understand why but still. Eli was my favorite guy from the beginning till the end.

[Krys DeCantillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

guns blazing ending to a duet

This duet ending was everything. The first part set the tone and this nailed it with the finish. Gemma’s journey is a rough one. This doesn’t have as much triggering content but still read the warning. It picks right up where part one ends. The ending is perfect. I hope there is more in this universe.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay read, but needed more editing

Okay read, but needed more editing. I've really enjoyed most of Ashley Amy's work but this series just felt a bit rough. There were a lot of grammatical errors and some inconsistencies that just prevented the story from flowing smoothly. It was still an enjoyable read, but not one of my favorites.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a hater and I’m unrepentant.

Doormat FMC, One dimensional characters, cringey “I’m such a bad guy” speeches. Misogyny from main characters. I read this entire duet front to back and I hated it the entire time. And for the love of reading, please do research on what you want to write about. Spice was subpar at best btw.

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pregnancy didn’t sit right with me throughout the whole book! I really think it could’ve went a different way. Elias last line to Don before killing him was giving cheesy die hard vibes. I’m glad they gave Gabe a chance at a real family. I feel like it was not enough but also too much of some of the same things. I wanted more group time(dates and scenes).

[Lisa Baffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars!!

I loved this story!! How all the guys treated Gemma was great! Then seeing Gemma able to find herself and love was beautiful. Lastly, I loved having all the different points of view. I will definitely read more from this author!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I was gripped by this series.
I loved the way the main female character become a better woman after everything that has happened to her. And the men in the book stood by her side every step of the way.
I highly recommend this series

[Robinn Yu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was not bad, execution needed work

I like the story. But everything happened too quick and it just needed more. The book can also use some editing. There were some grammatical errors and typos throughput the book. Overall, author has potential.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Loved Gemma she fought like mad to save herself and I was happy with the ending the kids were amazing and the men phew although I could of slapped callum at the hospital really amazing story 😊

[Hannah Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Much better than the first, have was just the perfect little addition and I love that was incorporated. Still spelling and grammar issues. All in all a good sweet, slightly traumatic read.

[Ashley Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these books

I enjoyed reading Gemma's story. Her journey she took on to get out of an abusive situation and finding the love she deserved was touching. This book was well written and had me sucked in from the first chapter.

[J.L. Cres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series! It was a good read and a great quick why choose romance. It wasn’t the most emotional, angsty or exciting book but it fit what I expected from it. Overall, it was good which is why I gave it 4 stars.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this duet.

[Shannon Janes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but the spelling errors were very distracting.

[B. Mardell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I had so much anxiety reading this book, but that HEA totally made ot worth it. I'm so glad Gemma got her happily ever after and got her justice!

[⛓️jeonzzuk⛓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75✨