Searching for Harmony by Kelly Elliott

Book Description
Firefighter and first responder Preston Ward thought he had grown immune to the job's emotional burns. But when he goes out on a particularly tragic call, he realizes that some scenes are too devastating to forget. And yet, if it weren't for that terrible night, he never would have met the woman who makes him want to risk his heart.
More than once, Harmony Banks has watched her perfectly ordered world torn apart by fate. Now she's finding out that what she lost wasn't as perfect as she thought—and it's tearing her apart. The only thing that keeps her going is the kindness of a stranger: the firefighter who saved her life the night everything changed.
Preston isn't like the men who have come before. For one thing, he's far more genuine. And the love Harmony feels growing between them is almost too intense for her wounded soul. But if she and Preston can push past heartbreak, they'll find that something incredible awaits in each other's arms.
AVAILABLE: July 12, 2016 Preston Ward met Harmony Banks the day she lost everything.  After being a firefighter for several years, Preston thought he became immune to the emotional tolls of his job.  But he can't shake Harmony or the complete devastation in her eyes while she begged him to save her son.  Preston watches from the wings as Harmony struggles to get her life back together.  The pair eventually forms a friendship which leads to deeper feelings developing.  Preston is ready to take the chance at loving Harmony, but is Harmony?  She still struggles with moving past the betrayal of her late husband and the loss of her son.  Preston is able to be the calming force in Harmony's life, but can she allow herself to risk her heart again... This is a book about grief, moving on, and finding that inner strength to move on.  As a mother and a wife, I cannot (nor do I want to) imagine the heart-wrenching pain of losing your family in one moment.  The guilt of living when your son and husband did not.  And learning to cope with the pain and learn that life goes on.  And sometimes life after loss can surprise you... RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Continue reading for an excerpt of Searching for Harmony.
EXCERPT 
“Hey, Harmony! How is it going?”
Spinning around, I plastered a fake smile on my face. I was so exhausted. Even attempting to act happy was a feat in itself.
Mitchel walked up and his smile faded the moment he looked into my eyes. “Hey, Mitchel. Is um . . . is Preston working today?”
Mitchel’s face tightened as he looked at me. “Are you okay, Harmony?” My eyes stung with the threat of tears. Nothing had been okay since three weeks ago when Preston walked out of my condo after holding me all night long. Or the look on his face when he saw me with my boss at that restaurant. “I just need to talk to—” my voice cracked and I hated how vulnerable I was feeling. So tired. I’m just so tired.
“Harmony?”
Closing my eyes, I let his voice penetrate my body before opening them again and seeing him. Preston.
Mitchel stepped out of the way and Preston stood there in front of me. Pressing my lips together tightly, I fought like hell not to be attracted to him. His brown hair was a mess and I could guess why. He couldn’t keep his damn hands out of his hair. His eyes looked so tired and sad. It was as if I was looking into a mirror.
Without saying a word, I walked up to him and threw myself into his body. Preston’s arms quickly wrapped me up and I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
My body sagged as he held me up. Hearing him call me baby was more than I could take. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep fighting the intense pull Preston had on me.
“Preston,” I sobbed into his chest.
Pulling back, Preston placed his hands on the sides of my face and brushed his thumbs across my cheeks. “Harmony, what happened?” Preston’s chest was heaving and my heart felt full knowing he was so concerned about me.
“I . . . need . . . you. This is crazy . . . but I need—” My voice cracked and I buried my face into his chest as I said, “Preston, please take me home. Please.”
Not two seconds later I was in his arms as he carried me to his car. Setting me down, I dropped my head back against his seat. I didn’t dare look at him for fear I would spill my heart out about my feelings for him.
No. I just need to sleep. Then I can think clearly.
Hot breath touched my neck as I sucked in a breath of air. “Harmony, I need to grab my stuff. I’ll be right back, baby.”
Nodding, I tried to memorize the sound of my name coming off his lips.
**I received an ARC from Netgalley and InkSlingerPR in exchange for a honest review.**
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