Fighting for Harmony

by Maureen Shigeno

Harmony-
I was only 15 when Ryker saved me from my abusive ex. Young and naïve, I thought I was protecting Ryker when my ex blackmailed me into staying with him. The moment I found out it was all a lie, I left. I thought he'd leave me alone.
I was wrong.
He's obsessed.
Running into Ryker again 13 years later wasn't my plan, but he's my saving grace. He's the only place I feel safe.
But when history starts to repeat itself, I'm determined to save Ryker. At any cost.
Ryker has other plans...

Ryker-
History is important. Your past makes you who you are.
But what happens when a part of your past that you’ve tried to forget is tied to a woman that you can’t let go of?
I wasn't expecting to see her again, so imagine my surprise when Harmony starts living in the same apartment building as me. I went to prison for protecting her. Turns out, I'll make the same choice again when her ex comes after her.
Now that she's mine, I won’t let him destroy her a second time.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a couple days. This was such a good book.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Aura Keaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen Shigeno’s latest novella Fighting For Harmony is an unexpected story by the predominantly “happily-ever-after” romance author who has now surprised us with a tale of dark justice.

Twenty-eight-year-old Harmony Snow flees from Sumerwick, Georgia to L.A. trying to escape her manipulative, scumbag-ex-husband — Seth. For years, Seth has lied to her and blackmailed her into being his wife after a fateful incident in high school with Ryker Bates turned their lives upside down. It’s been thirteen years since Harmony has seen Ryker when the universe explodes, thrusting them back into each other’s lives. It is an uneasy reunion, albeit a lucky one, as Seth comes to L.A. to retrieve what is his. Ryker has other plans.

Maureen Shigeno drives the story along with a strong plot, likable characters — Lea is laugh-out-loud priceless! — some charming moments, and the twisted justice her readers might appreciate. I recommend Fighting For Harmony as is (as an HEA novella), but would love to see this one fleshed out into a full-length book. I believe the characters have some interesting backstories to tell.

[Lauren Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Harmony is the sweet and spicy novella that you read when you need that tall drink of ice water to ground yourself. If you’re looking something that’s a nice palate cleanser if you’ve been reading dark and dangerous or exceedingly detailed.

Years ago, Ryker went to prison for protecting a classmate he secretly cared for from being assaulted. Now, he’s out and moved on with his life, never expecting to see her, Harmony, in the same apartment building far from where they once called home.

But Harmony has her own secrets and demons she’s running from. She already lives with the guilt of Ryker’s punishment for saving her, but can two people with darkness behind them find a light in their future?

Again, it’s short, sweet, well written, and Ryker is all kinds of, “I lost her once, I’m not going to lose her again.” And damn if we don’t like a best friend with Southernisms that make even those seasoned in the South laugh a bit out. Personally, I’d like to see this as either a longer book or part of a duet/trilogy for our supporting cast to make their star debut.

[kristina_book_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

my life is almost complete

Wow this was a very well written novella by Maureen. This is my 5th book of hers and can’t stop reading or listening to them.

Anyway back to this book this love story was simply put a love story that happened due to an abusive ex. It is so heartbreaking in the beginning it almost brings tears to your eyes. So emotionally involved you are with the beginning as it progresses. It pulls out your heart.

Then, as if nothing happens, my life is almost complete minus one person that isn’t here yet she says in the book.

Then you have love and happiness. Along with feeling complete then you feel fear hurt, strong, strong chapters on it.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmony and Ryker have a special bond after he rescued her at a young age and had to pay for it. Years later they met again and he had to rescue her again. I loved Ryder and felt for him, he had a bad upbringing with the town drunk as his father. The story could be a bit longer, I would have loved that they spent more time together before everything happened. All in all a nice little story about second chances and true love and a horrible Ex.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker had a bit of a crush on Harmony at school, but she didn't seem to notice he existed. She was in love with Seth, the captain of the football team.

Seth liked Harmony enough, but was losing his patience with her innocence. The day that Seth tries to force himself on Harmony, Ryker comes to her rescue.

Ten years later, Ryker and Harmony cross paths again, but both of their lives have drastically changed, all because of Seth.

Great short story with a surprising ending.

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy novella. But mind the tr!gger warnings. Loved this story, Ryker is an awesome character. I love how protective he is of Harmony. She has an awful ex husband who has been manipulating her for years and Ryker will stop at nothing to keep her safe. Definitely recommend reading this one.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but hot

It wasn't a long story but it was certainly packed with action! Ryker saved Harmony when they were teens, and ended up losing his freedom, the as he is getting his life together he's forced to save her again. This time she won't let him go

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I loved good short story and this one didn’t disappoint. It had the perfect amount of backstory, character development, suspense, and romance without all the unnecessary fluff. Great read.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This fantastic story is a short suspense romance. The characters were well crafted. The emotions that are brought through this story moved beautifully. I absolutely love it!

[Kellie Waldron]

Harmony can’t believe that she ran into Ryker. He saved her 15 years ago and now he is saving her again. Her ex did horrible things to them both and now he is seeking revenge on her because she left. She is trying to be strong and get her life back. Can they forgive the past?

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short story. Ryker and Harmony go through some tough times. Ryder is from a broken family. Harmony is a normal family but she gets involved with the wrong guy and things get twisted. Can Ryker and Harmony forgive one another and find happiness?

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, Maureen knows how to write short stories! I wanted to keep reading this and was sad when the end came. This was action-packed, and you never really knew what was going to happen or how bad it was going to get! Ryker is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. I have to say he is like the center of the cinnamon roll. The best part! And he knows how to make an ex jealous! In the best way ever!

[Patricia Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Harmony and Ryker's story. I was so invested in this couple that I was truly sad to see this Novella end. Such a great read
This is a voluntary review..