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A review by talknerdybookblog
In Harmony by Emma Scott
5.0
Representation: FF side romance, lesbian side characters and Native American side character
I don't know why, but I'm always so pleasantly surprised by how much I love Emma Scott's romance novels. Emma consistently writes angst-ridden and emotional romances, which are genres that I've been staying away from these past few years. I prefer cute and sweet and not too much drama in my romance novels. However, after reading and loving so many of her books, I trust that the main characters will eventually get where they need to be–even if it takes the whole freaking book!
Alternately told in Issac and Willow's perspectives, In Harmony focuses on Willow moving to small-town middle America crippled by the massive secret of the trauma she went through back in New York City. Issac is the town outcast but is also an acting-prodigy. Willow sees one of his plays and immediately falls in love with acting.
What I loved the most about In Harmony was the slow-burn between Issac and Willow's relationship. Willow is in a very vulnerable place where she doesn't trust anyone and can't see herself being intimate with anyone. So, while she thinks Issac is beautiful, she's not entertaining the notion of dating him. Issac, conversely, is known in town for dating only college girls and not having any series relationships because his one focus is to get the hell out of the small town that never treated him right (and getting away from his drunk, abusive father). He's determined to leave his hometown behind and make it big in Hollywood. However, he can't help be wholly captivated by the new city girl with heartbreak in her eyes.
I loved how Emma let Willow heal before entering a relationship. I especially loved how sweet and wholesome the relationship was between Issac and Willow–they were so considerate and caring of each other.
I gave In Harmony five stars because I loved the slow-burn and howwhen Willow and Issac are separated for three years, Willow spends the time working on herself and not moping around. I've never been a fan of Shakespeare or plays in general, but, I swear, Emma created magic with her incorporation of Shakespeare in this novel! It made me want to read some plays which have never happened before. Also, the fact that Willow is an acting talent in her own right was just fantastic.
I will concede that the last 20% was SUPER fast-paced–there was way too much going on... I honestly had to re-read the ending because there were so many dramatic changes happening. I would've loved if Emma had taken the time (like she did with the rest of the novel) to wrap everything up slowly and to let the reader recover from the whiplash of emotions! However, In Harmony was still a 5-star read for me because it was so unique, and, honestly, the story just wowed me with how excellent the relationship and Heroine were. It's a rating that is mood-driven rather than analytic, but *shrug* I stand by it.
Overall, I seriously recommend In Harmony; you won't be disappointed.
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Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
— the Heroine is told by the Hero that he's not interested, so-in an effort to be a 'normal' high school girl-she agrees to go to the dance with the OM. She ends it with him that night.
• Does have both the Hero and Heroine pushing each other away
• Does have a (3 year) separation between the Hero and Heroine
Possible Triggers:
• Rape (off-page, flashbacks are on-page)
• Severe PTSD
• Physical abuse (Parent abusing his child)
• Allusions to suicide
• Allusions to depression
Ending: HEA with an Epilogue
I don't know why, but I'm always so pleasantly surprised by how much I love Emma Scott's romance novels. Emma consistently writes angst-ridden and emotional romances, which are genres that I've been staying away from these past few years. I prefer cute and sweet and not too much drama in my romance novels. However, after reading and loving so many of her books, I trust that the main characters will eventually get where they need to be–even if it takes the whole freaking book!
Alternately told in Issac and Willow's perspectives, In Harmony focuses on Willow moving to small-town middle America crippled by the massive secret of the trauma she went through back in New York City. Issac is the town outcast but is also an acting-prodigy. Willow sees one of his plays and immediately falls in love with acting.
What I loved the most about In Harmony was the slow-burn between Issac and Willow's relationship. Willow is in a very vulnerable place where she doesn't trust anyone and can't see herself being intimate with anyone. So, while she thinks Issac is beautiful, she's not entertaining the notion of dating him. Issac, conversely, is known in town for dating only college girls and not having any series relationships because his one focus is to get the hell out of the small town that never treated him right (and getting away from his drunk, abusive father). He's determined to leave his hometown behind and make it big in Hollywood. However, he can't help be wholly captivated by the new city girl with heartbreak in her eyes.
I loved how Emma let Willow heal before entering a relationship. I especially loved how sweet and wholesome the relationship was between Issac and Willow–they were so considerate and caring of each other.
I gave In Harmony five stars because I loved the slow-burn and how
I will concede that the last 20% was SUPER fast-paced–there was way too much going on... I honestly had to re-read the ending because there were so many dramatic changes happening. I would've loved if Emma had taken the time (like she did with the rest of the novel) to wrap everything up slowly and to let the reader recover from the whiplash of emotions! However, In Harmony was still a 5-star read for me because it was so unique, and, honestly, the story just wowed me with how excellent the relationship and Heroine were. It's a rating that is mood-driven rather than analytic, but *shrug* I stand by it.
Overall, I seriously recommend In Harmony; you won't be disappointed.
Follow Me
Blog • Instagram • Goodreads • Facebook • BlogLovin'
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OW drama
• Does have OM drama
— the Heroine is told by the Hero that he's not interested, so-in an effort to be a 'normal' high school girl-she agrees to go to the dance with the OM. She ends it with him that night.
• Does have both the Hero and Heroine pushing each other away
• Does have a (3 year) separation between the Hero and Heroine
Possible Triggers:
• Rape (off-page, flashbacks are on-page)
• Severe PTSD
• Physical abuse (Parent abusing his child)
• Allusions to suicide
• Allusions to depression
Ending: