The Melody In My Head

Love and Music in Texas #2

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Welcome back to Harmony's Echo, Texas.....

Melody Roland is on the run from the one person she trusted completely. One who hid a dark past she could never have imagined. When a pregnant woman on the bus she's fleeing on goes into labor, Melody rushes to her aide. Now she finds herself stranded in a tiny remote town just off the highway, with no way to her original destination.

She's alone, on edge, and unsure who to trust. Her instincts scream to get far away and fast. But how and where?

Jameson Grant struggles through the roughest year of his life. Suffering from the loss of his father, one grief stricken night, he made a mistake. One which cost him the only woman he's ever loved. Each lonely day he's faced with the constant reminders of how quick things can change. Throwing himself into the one thing he has left, his music, helps dull the pain he fights to keep hidden. His last salvation begins to crumble as things spiral out of control and he has no choice but to face the 'music' of his past.

The last thing he needs or wants in his life is a woman with more trouble on her heels than the best of country music lyrics. But Melody sings a sirens call within him that can't be ignored.

Jameson and Melody bond in ways stronger than either could have imagined, but one dangerous person from her past may threaten it all...

If she doesn't flee before he can convince her to stay, and that some love songs last an eternity.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

484 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2013

About the author

No matter where she goes, USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett hears voices in her head. Instead of calling her crazy and locking her up, her family realizes it's just a product of being an author and allows her to write the stories so that the voices shut up.
But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.

When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!

Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.

Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, with plenty of romance, excitement..and of course; drama!!
Review to Come...

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐ 3.0 - 3.5 ⭐

Main characters:
- Melody/Mary:❣️❣️❣️
- Jameson: ❣️❣️❣️❣️

POV: The story is told from Melody, Jameson, Avery and Lucas's POV in third person

Writing: ✍️✍️✍️ Well... I had problem with this book. The first half was so good with so much potential. The mystery, the tension, characters, everything was so good and I really liked the story and the writing... But... Then we got the second half of it and everything there started to be boring and no-sense for some decisions. I waited and waited for something to happen, some action with the bad guys or more drama, but there was zero of it. ZERO! And the ending was so rushed and somehow more about Lucas and Avery, like they didn't have their book... I'm so sad because this book had so much potential for 5 stars...

Romance: It was supposed to be Romantic Suspense, but it's not like that for me. It's more like contemporary romance (3 months) with a little bit of mystery.

Chemistry: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (first half)

OW/OM drama: Hmm... Not really...

Love triangle: No

Cheating: No

Triggers: Yes. Loss of parents, murder, alcoholism, kidnapping...

Funny moments: No

Sad moments: No

Favorite characters: /

The ending: Happy ending

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki has written a simply delightful romance in The Melody in My Head. I love that there is also a element of suspense in the story as we are constantly wondering exactly what Melody is running from and how that will resolve itself. Jameson is the perfect gentleman and treats Melody like a princess. This is book 2 in a series but I read it without having read book 1 and it was easy for me to follow as Nikki filled in those gaps for the reader with ease. I hated putting the book down to go and tend to housework as it was so exciting. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody learned not to trust anyone. One person very close to her taught her that lesson. Now she is on the run and trying to get away. She ends up stuck in Harmony's Echo, Texas. She helps a woman going into labor and ends up missing her bus. While she loves the quaint town she is afraid o get close to the people. That is hard to do when she meets Jameson. He offers to help her out while she is in town. Jameson is dealing with a lot. He has lost the woman he loved do to a mistake, his dad has died and his mother can't past her grief and hides it behind a bottle. He is very lonely and while he is friends with his lost love and her boyfriend. he can't help feel like a third wheel at times. He is trying to keep everything together and Melody makes him want to let it all go. He knows she has a secret and he should stay away but he can't help be attracted to her. Getting close to her may just shatter what is left of his heart.


Melody seems like a shy,scared woman and that is what she is to an extent. She has some bad people looking for her who will stop at nothing to get to her. She wants to trust Jameson and his friends but finds it hard to do. She opens up with Jameson in something she never really thought of. She begins to write songs with him and it opens her up. While she doesn't share what she is hiding she begins to want something she doesn't think she can have. She wants to stay in the town and stay in Jameson's arms. She knows she has to face what she is running from but knowing and doing are two different things. Jameson I loved in the first book and while he has made a mistake he still has my heart. I love him and felt so bad for him in this book. I hated that he was struggling with his mom and that he was trying to hold everything in. He is sweet, caring, sexy and just wants to put everything back to right.

I have rambled in this review and I know it. I really love these characters and this town. It was a pleasure seeing the characters I got to know in the first book and where they were at in their life now. Melody and Jameson are both good for each other even if at times they both seem on the path to self destruction. I wondered if Jameson would be able to open his heart up again. How they both work together to create beautiful songs is wonderful. I did like how Melody didn't want to interfere with the bad or make anyone mad and how some forgave her for trying to do something bad. I won't say what but she did push Baby Stetson's generosity and was forgiven. There is an element of danger as someone is after Melody but that isn't all. There is an old danger that raises it head as well. If you are looking for a great romance, lovable characters with an element of danger be sure to try this. Even if your not try this series it is amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Love and Music in Texas series. This is a great series. As in the first book there are secrets, betrayal, suspense and romance. You really should read the first book in the series to get the full impact. I loved that I was able to catch up with Lucas and Avery. They still have someone who is out to get them. Jameson is working hard to keep Avery in his life as his best friend. It is wonderful to see how much Lucas and Jameson become such good friends. I felt so bad for Jameson and all the problems he had to carry on his shoulders. Luckily his sister Blaine comes home for a visit.

Melody is running from someone when the bus she is on breaks down in front of the Inn. Melody has such a sweet and giving heart that she helps a pregnant woman on the bus and helps her get to the hospital in town. This is how she meets Jamison. I felt bad she felt she had to lie to everyone about herself as Avery’s family (including Jamison) took her in. But I understood her reasoning. I loved watching Melody and Jamison falling in love. There were all kinds of suspicious people wandering around with some causing trouble. I once again hated to put the book down as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. There was a twist near the end I wasn’t expecting. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Dawn Trepczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series. This is Melody and Jamesons story. I absolutely loved this book. It has some romance, and some suspense. It is also very heartbreaking. I got a little emotional reading this. Jameson is trying to deal with the death of his father while Melody is running from somethings that happened to her. I highly recommend this book. Great job Nikki!!

[Kayla Melser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

The Melody in my Head is book two in the Love and Music in Texas series by Nikki Lynn Barrett.. following in pattern with the first one it is about the band Baby Stetson though this time it focuses on Jameson as the main character.
Running from something scary in her past though we don't know what we find Melody Roland on a bus on her way to Georgia when another of the people on the bus goes into labor while they are stopped in Harmony's Echo, TX. Doing a good deed she helps this woman get to the hospital and kind of just be there for her since she has noone else...

Feeling the need to hide who she is she tells everyone that her name is Mary and kind of ends up staying in Harmony's Echo for a while.

Jameson Grant who is the lead guitarist of the band Baby Stetson has been dealing with his own demons for the last year or so. He has lost his father, screwed up his relationship with Baby Stetson lead singer Avery by cheating on her in a moment of weakness, and is dealing with his mom kind of going a little whacko with grief. Through all of this and having to be strong for everyone else he hasn't had the time to grieve over the loss of his father.

Him and Melody just kind of click they help each other tear down the walls and allow each other to come to grips with things that have happened in their pasts and work to move past them.

The Melody in My Heart was another fantastic read by Nikki Lynn Barrett, I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the band and where Nikki takes it.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Melody in My Head is the second installment in Nikki Lynn Barrett's Love and Music in Texas series. And like the first, I was sad to see it come to an end. As a matter of fact, I have a huge fictional boyfriend crush on Jameson. He'd made his first appearance in Baby Stetson, book one of the series. But Nikki brings him to life in this book. You get more insight into his struggle, his pain, his regrets, and most importantly his heart.

In true Nikki Barrett fashion, The Melody in My Head is more than a romance book. She includes trials and mystery when Melody makes her unexpected debut in Harmony's Echo full of baggage and secrets. She's quiet, shy, and definitely hiding something. The instant connection she has with Jameson helps her finally find her voice and courage she needs to move forward with her life.

I got lost in this book. I forgot I was reading and fell in love with the characters playing in my head. My favorite part is the way Nikki's heart is seen in her writing, the songs, and the characters. She's a true storyteller. Can't wait for Blaine and Randy's story in book three!

[Michelle Oneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about Jamison and Melody. We have Jamison trying to get over Avery aka Baby Stetson, he screwed up the relationship and she found someone else. He has to take care of his mother who has become a alcoholic after his dad died and his sister took off long ago and left him to deal with everything. He has so much guilt and is trying to overcome that. We have Melody aka Mary who is on the run and has come to this small town in Texas. She falls for Jamison and he with her, but she is so scared to be with him as the guy who is after her might harm him because of her. If you read Baby Stetson, Nikki gives you a updates on what is happening with Lucas and Avery, this book was enjoyable as I love to hear about characters from previous books that are linked to together by the series. If you have not read Baby Stetson you don't have to but I would recommend getting that book as well as it was such a good story as you can see more of Jamison and how he and Avery were once a couple and now are not but still best friends. Such a wonderful job Nikki Lynn Barrett has done to tie the two books together but still have them be separate stories.

[Debbie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Love and Music in Texas series, was just as good as the first one. Once again Nikki Lynn Barrett, held my interest and made me feel like I was a part of this small Texas town. I also loved the fact that we got another look at Avery and Lucas from the first book, Baby Stetson. Melody, gets off the bus in Harmony's Echo, Texas, to help a woman that she just met on a long bus ride. She does not realize that she will get left in this small town and is surprised to see how much the people are willing to help her out. She meets Jameson, who is still trying to deal with things from his past, and never expects to feel the way that he feels about her. Both, Jameson and Melody, have to find a way to deal with their past and move on. Love this book, loaded with romance, suspense, and true emotions. Read this series, you want be disappointed.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what happened or didn't happen here. I read this book when it came out and for some reason I can't believe that I didn't post my review.

The first book in this series was wonderful and this one was even better. I can imagine a woman fleeing from her past and the people that she is trying to forget. Who knew this book would be so exciting and would keep me up until I had read it all? Well of course the author did. I wish she wouldn't write books that get my attention so much.

I will bug her until she gives me the third book in this series and I already have been bugging her lol. Maybe she knows that I really want the next book.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews at www.melenasreviews.com
Past reviews at http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com/

Trust is something that Melody has not been able to do for a long time. I loved that Jameson completes her in every way. The part I loved in the whole book was when they sing together. They complete one another from their love to their yearning for normalcy. Nikki Lynn Barrett did a beautiful job on this book. The thing I love the most about Nikki Lynn Barrett’s book is even though it is a sequel she still brings in the other characters like Avery and Lucas letting us see that their story is not over yet. Together all these characters make a great book and can’t wait for the third in the series.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, once I started reading, there was no stopping me.

This book has an amazing story that will keep you interested throughout and has amazing characters.

This book has to be on your must read list, no doubt about it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars review to come

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Love and Music in Texas series. Loved the story between Melody and Jameson. Another great book by Nikki Lynn Barrett!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loving this series. Can't wait for the next one. It has suspense, excitement, lots of love and friendship and a little sex.

[Debbie Kolins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody/Mary witnesses something a murder at home in Colorado and her brother gets her a new identity and hops on a bus headed for Georgia. On the way the bus breaks down in Harmony's Echo, Texas, and her seat mate goes into premature labor. When she is is trying to help she meets Jameson lead guitar player for the band Baby Stetson. Jameson is the kind of guy who takes on everybody's problems. Melody/Mary is running away due to fear of Anthony. Jameson has some emotional stuff going on he hasn't dealt with until gets to know Melody/Mary a bit more. Then he finds out that she writes poetry and adds music to one of them and their relationship changes. Jameson taking care of his mom alone as his sister has taken no responsibility and is nowhere near them. Jameson mom is an alcoholic who has totally gone down hill/fallen apart after his dad died. His mom took his truck and crashed and ends up in the hospital and he calls his sister and tells her he needs help with their mother. They do end putting their mother in a Rehabilitation Facility. Melody is loving Harmony's Echo, Texas but, she doesn't trust anyone because Anthony [her ex] taught her not to trust. Jameson knows she has a secret and he should stay away but he can't help be attracted to her. He does offer to help her but, she is afraid to tell him the truth. Melody does listen to some voice mails on her phone [which she has hidden] and hears some very scary message from Anthony. Melody decides to go back to Colorado to talk to the Police about what Anthony did. Does Melody tell Jameson the truth?? What happens when Melody goes back to Colorado?? To find out you really need to read this book!! I truly loved this book!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on every page!

What a heartfelt and gripping story. Melody/Mary witnesses something very sinister at home in CO and high-tails it out of town on a bus. En route to her destination, the bus breaks down in Harmony's Echo, TX, and her seat mate goes into premature labor. While she's trying to help her, she meets Jameson, the lead guitarist for Baby Stetson, the country band from book one. He's the kind of man who takes responsibility for everyone's problems, including Avery and Lucas from book one and she is running away due to fear. Both of them have emotional baggage that is holding them back, but when he discovers her poetry, he adds the music and their relationship changes.

Since Avery and Jameson are best friends, I love the way in which Nikki doesn't just reference Avery and Lucas, but makes them a continuing part of book two. It's truly an integrated series and this book is full of twists and intrigue, fear, grief, tears, heartbreak and reconciliation. Ms. Barrett is a beautiful storyteller and this truly is a book with love on every page!

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Melody in my Head - Love & Music in Texas bk by Nikki Lynn Barrett.
The Melody in my Head This is Jameson and Melody's story.
An excellent and spellbinding story with a wonderful plot in-depth characters with Jameson and Melody.
Had me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book, it has a lot going on with the secret that has made Mary/ aka Melody come to Harmoneys Echo after she witnesses a murder and finds Jameson.
You also have Avery and Lucas and Belinda included in this book too.
Nikki continuously writes such quality pieces of work and is becoming a favourite author to me. I was sucked right into this one, enjoyed this touching second-chance romance with endearing characters of Jameson and Melody and a great story that kept me entertained and engaged from beginning to end. I loved the dynamic of this story, it made it feel very real. Looking forward to book 3! I highly recommend this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun story as a follow up to book one. I loved that you get to catch up with Avery and Lucas and what they have been up too. I like Melody she was a fighter and super independent but the relationship she has with her dad and brother speaks volume, I love how the author makes her feel come off as a "queen" but not someone who is stuck up. I liked Jameson he had a lot of demons he needed to fight in order to face his life and one of those was figuring out how to help his mom. The emotions in tis story just seem to jump off the page and I truly felt like I was catching up with friends and not reading a book. There is cursing and adult situations in this book. The book was so fun and hard to put down you can't go wrong with it.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing the past to move forward
The action pulled me into the story from the first chapter and kept it moving throughout. Frequently when I read stories where one or both main characters have a secret, it feels like the story is contrived to keep too much from being revealed too soon, but Nikki Lynn Barrett did a great job of keeping the tension, revealing bits and pieces as appropriate and kept the pace through the whole story. This was the first book I read of this series but I will be reading more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody is on the run from her past, Jameson has to deal with his alcoholic grieving mother, and Lucas and Avery are getting death threats. This story had plenty of suspense and mystery. I loved that Melody and Jameson wrote songs together. Jameson had a temper and got angry at times, which I didn't like. Melody closed herself off and had one foot out the door afraid of what might happen to him if her ex found her, but he could have been more understanding about it. I liked her brother Chris, who did what he thought was best to protect her. It was nice to catch up with Avery and Lucas and their growing family.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Melody In My Head is the second book in the Love and Music in Texas series and is a great romantic suspense story.

This second installment to the series has terrific characters, secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, and a chance for love. I really enjoyed seeing the characters from Baby Stetson and how they continue to mean a lot to Jameson. Can Melody trust again or should she keep running?

I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Melody in my head is the second book in the love and music in Texas series. I think that this story has a good storyline. Its well written. I truly enjoyed reading about these two characters Jameson and Melody. There is some romance, suspense and heartbreak. It held my attention throughout the story.

I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been super excited to read Jameson’s story! I love how much we saw of Avery and Lucas in this book. It was a wonderful second installment in this series. I loved the new characters and all of the adventure that came with their stories. I can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ida Albers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon's The Melody In My Head

The Melody In My Head is a 5 🌟 reading dealing with life's ups and downs pertaining to love, loss, regrets and phases of grief only to come full circle in the circle of life to finding new beginnings and making of beautiful memories.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Nikki's books and I have enjoyed every single one as she is a great author and talented writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through grieve

Jameson is still dealing with his mother and death of his father, but one night he meets this lovely scared woman named melody. He knew she came with secrets but so does he. After a while they found a bond so tight that even death could break.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good small town romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable easy and realistic romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamison and Melody

This second book of the series was so good! It opened and continued a new chapter on Jamison's love life! It also continued on Avery's. And the ending was so good and I loved it!