I am Not Your Melody

Bunking with the Cowboys #0.5

by Shoshanna Evers

“Big Bad Bill” Edwards, the biggest, baddest cowboy in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho, has only gotten meaner in the years since his bride Melody died young…

Miami bartender Allie Crawford has no idea what she’s getting into when she buys half-ownership of the sexy cowboy’s bar, inherited from his late uncle. She’d thought they’d built a friendship based on several months of emails back and forth. But in person, Big Bad Bill will do anything to keep her at arm’s length... only he can’t. The man is sinfully sexy trouble — big trouble. Especially since Allie is just one year out from when her cheating ex destroyed their marriage.

How can Bill and Allie be together if their hearts can’t handle the risk of breaking once more?

Bill has just three rules for dealing with Allie: Don’t kill her. Don’t kiss her. And above all, don’t fall in love... not ever again.

For fans of cowboy romance, Idaho ranchers (heck, even Montana ranchers, since they're neighbors), and sizzling hot contemporary romance, this short novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shoshanna Evers is set in the mountains of small-town Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho. Ride 'em, cowboy!

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

New York Times and USA Today New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Shoshanna Evers has written dozens of sexy stories since her debut in 2010, including Beauty and the Beast (an erotic re-imagining), The Man Who Holds the Whip, and I Am Not Your Melody, all of which hit the bestseller lists in box sets. Among her most popular books are The Tycoon’s Convenient Bride...and Baby, Overheated, The Enslaved Trilogy, How to Write Hot Sex, and the controversial novella Held Captive by the Cavemen.

Shoshanna Evers has been listed on Amazon as one of the "Most Popular Authors in Romance," as well as on the Contemporary Romance, and Erotica "Most Popular Authors" lists.
Reviewers have called Shoshanna’s writing “fast paced, intense, and sexual…every naughty fantasy come to life for the reader” with stories where “the plot is fresh and the pacing excellent, the emotions…real and poignant.”

Ms. Evers is also the cofounder of SelfPubBookCovers.com, the largest selection of instantly customizable, one-of-a-kind, premade book covers in the world.

Shoshanna used to work as a syndicated advice columnist and a registered nurse, but now she’s a full-time smut writer and a home-schooling mom. She lives in the mountains of north Idaho with her family and three big dogs, and loves to connect with readers on Twitter @ShoshannaEvers, and Facebook at facebook.com/shoshanna.evers. Visit her on the web at ShoshannaEvers.com for excerpts, contests and updates!

She welcomes emails from readers and writers, and loves to interact on Twitter and Facebook.

Sexily *Evers* After... ShoshannaEvers.com

Blogs:
TheWritersChallenge.com
ShoshannaEvers.com/blog

@ShoshannaEvers
Facebook

Reviews

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Am Not Your Melody by Shoshanna Evers is a first reads win and I am giving my Honest opinion. Big Bad Bill Edwards of Bear Creek Saddle Idaho is a widower. His wife Melody bated life on the ranch. She was leaving Bill when her car was hit by a semi killing her. Bill just inherited his uncle's barand put an ad on line looking for a partner. Allies Crawford answered the ad and bought half interest. He even told her there was a furnished apartment on top of the bar. So Allies left Miami and drove to Bear Creek Saddle in Idaho. She arrived two weeks early.BBBill was angry when she introduced herself. Bill became big and bad after Melody's death - ready to chew anyone up. He got attached to Allie through emails and texting. They go to the bar to check it out. It was a disaster. Half the tables were gone missing chairs a d bar stools. A badly damaged pool table. When they went to see the apartment it was worse. The furniture was all broken it was filthy. The appliances were antiques. Allie was ready to cry. She had no place to stay. Bill told her the would remodel the bar and the apartment and she could stay with him until they got things up and running. Do they get the bar ready in time for the gran d opening?

[David Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another victory for Shoshanna! You can read the summary of the book above. That overview tells you the highlights of what happens in the book. It does not tell you how refreshing this cowboy romance is. I have read dozens and dozens of cowboy romances, many by some of the best authors of western romance. There are basically a few plots, with many twists. Often the hero or heroine returns home after many years and renews a teenage love. Or someone new comes to town and falls in love with the local bad boy or bad girl. And many of these are excellent stories.

"I Am Not Your Melody" is a short prequel to Shoshanna's upcoming "Bunking with Cowboys", Bare Creek Saddle Ranch Series. It is a fantastic introduction to the new series; however, this book is a hot, sizzling STAND-ALONE romance. The story introduces the heroes of the upcoming series, but only briefly. This book is a sexy hot romance by itself, not really about ranching.

I got my copy at 3:40 am and read it straight through, finishing it in about 3 1/2 hours. I could not put it down. And, Shoshanna, I did not read the ending first (which I have a habit of doing!)

The plot is something so totally new and refreshing, I couldn't stop to check the ending! I don't know of anyone who has written cowboy books about ranchers in Idaho--or anything else there. This is virgin territory for this genre. Idaho is an incredibly beautiful state, but there have to be challenges in northern Idaho ranching that are not found anywhere else, except maybe Montana. I am so excitedly waiting for the upcoming series.

This is Shoshanna's first foray into the cowboy genre. And what better way than writing in virgin territory! But back to "You Are Not My Melody". Shoshanna is my favorite author, but I wondered how well the title might "sell". Of course I understood when I read the book. Please do not let the title throw you off. Shoshanna has written tons of wonderful books, in the romance and the erotic romance genres.

But "You Are Not My Melody" is her breakthrough entry into the cowboy romance genre. And WOW does she rock with this first book! Not only is the story enchantingly new for the genre, but there is an intangible quality that I have been unable to put into words. It grabs you and pulls you into the demons that both Bill and Allie have to overcome, and the almost innocent purity of their souls. I have gone back in the last 2 days and re-read many parts of the book, but I still cannot find a single word or phrase for this elusive quality.

I have read most of Shoshanna's books and loved every one, but there is that intangible that has captivated my mind and soul unlike anything other book I have ever read. I have stopped trying to put it into words, and simply am enjoying it. I have re-read parts 5 or 6 times in the 2 days I have had the book. I am sure I will re-read it several times!

If you miss reading this book you will deprive yourself of what I believe is a breakthrough work, certainly in the cowboy genre. And remember this is a prequel to a ranching series, but it is not really about cowboys and ranching. It is about two hurting souls finding healing for their broken hearts. Can they do it together, or will Bill leave to become a hermit in his high mountain cabin and leave Callie to run her dream bar by herself......

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I am always honest with my reviews. I tell it like I see it or feel it, as the case may be! Happy reading!

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the author. Absolutely loved it! Out of all her books, this is my favorite. Cannot wait for the next in this new series. Heartwarming, exotic scenes that caught me up in the story and wouldn't let me put the book down. If you enjoy present day cowboys, you will fall in love with big bad Bill.

[Janeiowa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I realize this is a prequel, apparently, to a new series, and perhaps that explains why it seemed to move so slowly. I couldn't seem to get involved with the characters or the storyline. I'm not sure what is missing here, but something is.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved this book. The characters had real life problems with romance thrown in.

[Aloveslave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another victory for Shoshanna! Read the summary of the book above. That overview tells you the highlights of what happens in the book. It does not tell you how refreshing this cowboy romance is. I have read dozens of cowboy romances, many by some of the best authors of western romance. There are basically a few plots, with many twists. Often the hero or heroine returns home after many years and renews a teenage love. Or someone new comes to town and falls in love with the local bad boy or bad girl. Many of these are excellent stories.

"I Am Not Your Melody" is a short prequel to Shoshanna's upcoming "Bunking with Cowboys", Bear Creek Saddle Ranch Series. It is a fantastic introduction to the new series; however, this book is a hot, sizzling STAND-ALONE romance. The story introduces the heroes of the upcoming series, but only briefly. This book is a sexy hot romance by itself, not really about ranching.

I got my copy at 3:40 am and read it straight through, finishing it in about 3 1/2 hours. I could not put it down.

The plot is something totally new and refreshing. I don't know of anyone who has written cowboy books about ranchers in Idaho. This is virgin territory for this genre. Idaho is an incredibly beautiful state, but there has to be challenges in northern Idaho ranching that are not found anywhere else, except maybe Montana. I am so excitedly waiting for the upcoming series.

This is Shoshanna's first foray into the cowboy genre. And what better way than writing in virgin territory! But back to "I Am Not Your Melody". Shoshanna is my favorite author, but I wondered how well the title might "sell". Of course I understood when I read the book. Please do not let the title throw you off. Shoshanna has written tons of wonderful books, in the romance and the erotic romance genres.

But "I Am Not Your Melody" is her breakthrough entry into the cowboy romance genre. And WOW does she rock with this first book! Not only is the story enchantingly new for the genre, but there is an intangible quality that I have been unable to put into words. It grabs you and pulls you into the demons that both Bill and Allie have to overcome, and the almost innocent purity of their souls. I have gone back in the last 2 days and re-read many parts of the book, but I still cannot find a word to describe this elusive quality.

I have read many of Shoshanna's books and loved every one, but there is that intangible quality that has captivated my mind and soul unlike any other book I have ever read. I have stopped trying to put it into words, and simply enjoy it. I have re-read parts 5 or 6 times in the 2 days I have had the book. I am sure I will re-read it several more times!

If you miss reading this book you will deprive yourself of what I believe is a breakthrough work, certainly in the cowboy genre. And remember this is a prequel to a ranching series, but it is not really about cowboys and ranching. It is about two hurting souls finding healing for their broken hearts. Can they do it together, or will Bill leave to become a hermit in his high mountain cabin and leave Allie to run her dream bar by herself?

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.

Confession time... I love the movie You've Got Mail. The whole idea of meeting someone and getting to know one another through emails before seeing each other face to face. There's something about being yourself instead of whatever you think the other person might want. That is what initially drew me towards I Am Not Your Melody. I love the fact that Bill and Allie created this deep bond through emails, a bond that intensified when they finally do meet. I loved both Bill and Allie. Bill is still reeling from the loss of his wife and Allie's heart is still broken from her ex. They help each other heal as they work together on Bill's family bar. I loved them so much, I wish the book was longer so I could spend more time with them. I wanted to watch them as they grew closer. It felt as if they jumped into their relationship really quickly and I would have enjoyed watching more of the awkwardness of just being in the same room. Once past it, I wanted more time with them together as a couple as they find their happily ever after.

As my introduction to Shoshanna Evers, I'd have to say that I Am Not Your Melody got my attention. I loved her characters, both the main and the background characters. I love the bond and the relationship her characters share with one another. Bill and Allie's story was beautifully written and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series, as well as catching up with Shoshanna's previously published books.

[Sebrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Out of all her books I have read so far, this is my favorite. Cannot wait for the next book in this new, Bunking with the Cowboys BEAR CREEK SADDLE, series. The story caught me from the beginning and wouldn't let go. Well written and unique. I highly recommend to everyone.

Taste of Candy
Overheated
Snowed in with the Tycoon
Wicked Hot Reads: 10 Paranormal Romances

[E Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not your melody (Cowboy Big Bad Bill)
Allie, recovering from her husband of 10 months running out on her with his secretary, and Bill, recovering from the death of his wife, meet after corresponding via email for 3-4 months. Allie has sold everything, she is now half owner of a bar and full owner of the apartment over the bar, and has just driven across the country from Miami to Northern Idaho, two-weeks earlier than expected. Nothing could go wrong right? Allie and Bill come out swinging, fighting when a stallion is spooked and almost tramples Allie, until Bill saves her. Allie and Bill seem very connected at times and other times very cold. Both trying to figure out if they will risk their hearts or not.
With this story, it felt like we came in about mid-story. It was a bit rushed and then had to back-peddle to go over things they talked about. When stories are told from both characters perspectives, it can really add to the story. However, because the change in perspective was very unbalanced, much more Allie than Bill, it made me wish to hear from Bill more. I also was hoping for more from the four guys. It was a quick, easy read, kept me engaged to find out what happened, but wasn’t disappointed that it was a short story. I was bummed that it will be sometime before Zach’s story comes out. Hoping with a full length novel that the potential in this book comes to fruition.

[Debbie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a few months, Allie and Bill have communicated by emails. She thought maybe they had built some kind of friendship this way. That is until she drives from Miami to Melody Ranch in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho, and comes face to face with the big cowboy. It seems like the two of them get along great together on the computer, but not in person. Allie has purchased half ownership of a bar owned by Big Bill, that he inherited from his uncle. This bar is a dream come true for her, but now the way Bill acts, she is afraid she has made the wrong decision. Allie and Bill are both drawn to one another, but due to circumstances in their past, they are both afraid of what this attraction will do to them. Can the two of them get past their ghosts and move on together? Can Allie change Big Bad Bill into lovable Bill?
This is a great prequel to a new series, and I really can't wait for more of Bear Creek Saddle. Shoshanna Evers, has written a great story about a small town and the people who live there. It is almost as if you really get to know these people and love this town. I hope to see more of Bill and Allie, along with the Zach, Eric, Chris and Jay.
If you love books about cowboys, small towns, and lovable friends and neighbors, then you need to read this book. I highly recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet tale of cowboy love though I did have mixed feelings about Bill. Allie has put all her money into being a part-owner of a small town bar and is intent on making her dreams of being a successful bar owner a reality. She drives across country to meet up with Bill, original owner and now partner to Allie, and get started on re-opening their bar. She is broke and must make the bar successful to live. Bill (also known in Bear Creek Saddle as Big Bad Bill) is not expecting Allie to arrive ahead of schedule and certainly didn't expect that not everything she said was a little exaggerated. They have been emailing each other for months and both had been looking forward to their first face-to-face meeting. It sure did not go the way either expected. I enjoyed how Bill and Allie's relationship developed and the fantastic secondary characters (I am looking forward to their own stories) but Bill's personality was confusing to me at times. He blew hot and cold which was confusing to me at times. It could be that I have never met a person who's personality was so up and down and that made it harder for me to relate to Bill. I did like this well written and entertaining story despite my mixed feelings about Bill and am looking forward to reading the upcoming books in this series.

[Jade Onyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read cowboy romances. In fact, prior to this story, I only read ONE because it had some paranormal kinky stuff going on in there that I thought was interesting because I've never seen that kind of mixing in genres before.

However, because Shoshanna Evers is one of my favorite authors of all-time, of course I gave it a shot when she wrote this one. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. What Evers did was put the emotional into my previously prejudiced view of stoic (read: boring) cowboys.

You might be thinking, where have I been? Cowboys are hot, sexy, etc. Well, my version of a cowboy dates back to old movies of gun-slinging violence that I had no interest in watching.

Evers' version of a cowboy story takes a city girl from Miami (Allie) and plops her right into the midst of a small rural nowhere place (Bear Creek Saddle) in the middle of Idaho somewhere. That refreshing take about city girl meets cowboy had me hooked from the start and kept me turning the page.

By the end of the book, I was already wanting to read the rest of the stories (four more --hurray!) and standing in line for the first available copy when it gets out! In summary, this is definitely a highly recommended read!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoshanna has a winner in her prequel to Bunking With Cowboys, Bear Creek Saddle Ranch series. I loved it, and am very much looking forward to the upcoming series! This prequel brings Allie Crawford and Big Bad Bill Edwards together. Both of them have been burned badly by romance, and they meet over the Internet, where Bill sells Allie half of his uncle's bar (he keeps the other half) and the bedroom above it in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho. At this time, Bill owns the ranch, and it is called Melody Ranch, after his dead young wife that never loved him. Allie was married a couple of months before her husband ran off with his secretary. She was living in Miami, and her dream was to become a bar owner. This is a standalone hot love story that has very little to do with ranching since Bill had lost all interest in his ranch and ranching when his wife died in a car accident 2 years earlier. He has 4 ranch hands that he ends up selling his ranch to at the end of this book, and they were renaming it Bear Creek Saddle Ranch. This story was very well written with some humorous moments because of Allie's hot temper melding with Bill's hot temper. Please buy this book. You definitely won't be disappointed. I received an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not your Melody is a sweet cowboy romance with a little steam. It starts with Allie taking a HUGE leap in leaving Miami to become partners in a bar in the Idaho, but little did she know that the bar would be so rough or her partner so surly.

Bill is still suffering from the death of his wife Melody, in in return the happy cowboy has turned in to the meanest bear in Bear Creek Saddle...that is until Allie arrives.

After a bumpy start, Allie and Bills relationship changes into something so wonderful, that is until one night changes everything...

I really enjoyed this book, the characters Allie and Bill I liked from the first moment, and some of their moments had me in stitches and some in tears.

I am not your Melody is beautifully written, a very smooth and enjoyable read, though after working in bars myself, I always find it amusing that on how easy working in a bar is in books.

Over all a great cowboy romance with earns 8 out of 10 from me. So if you are looking a cute cowboy romance, this book is for you!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Allie Crawford, a former Miami bartender finds herself in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho co owning half of a bar. She spent all her money on her half ownership and is still weary of men after her husband left her for another women.

So after months of emails with the owner of the bar that was left to him by his deceased uncle Allie ventures to Idaho. Knowing she has to make the bar work or else she will be penniless, she is ready for the challenge even when she finds out the bad state of the bar that has been shut down for years and furniture missing due to selling it by the uncle to pay for medicine.

"Big Bad Bill" Edwards is still grieving his wife’s death and not looking for love again until he meets Allie who changes his world.. Afraid that he will lose anything he loves again, he keeps her at a distance while they work on the bar to reopen it.

Can these two learn to trust in love again or will they be jaded to their past

[Love Africa Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day western story. Allie buys a bar unseen with all her savings from Bill who she'd developed an online friendship with. Broke and with nowhere to live, she turns up two weeks early to meet 'Big Bad Bill' who is more gruff in real life than his online persona. She's trying to be professional but ends up putting her foot in her mouth most of the time especially after she finds out the bar is in a worse state than she thought. I have to admit that their fighting got on my nerves after a while. It felt like they spent half the story fighting. However, it turns out Big Bad Bill wasn't so bad after all. He was just a man nursing a broken heart. It was good seeing these two fall in love and when they got their act together it was pretty sweet. A lovely story for fans of cowboy romance.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story with small towns, sexy cowboys and love in the air. I thought this story was well written and unique, I loved the characters especially Big Bad Bill and Allie. Allie is feisty, trying to make it on her own and start a new life. Bill is set is his grumpy ways, broken from the past and lonely (he won't admit that though). When these two meet fires ignite and they can't help but reach for each other. Loved their passion for each other and their wild kisses. Love the ranch hands, great guys and sexy as hell too. Love how the town welcomed Allie the outsider. I wnjoyed this story and would love to read more by this author. 4.5-5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Tina Wickham duckwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc for an honest review. I enjoyed this prequel to a new series from Shoshanna very much. I love cowboy romances and this was unique to me. I enjoy reading about small towns but never considered enjoying reading about Idaho. Shoshanna did a great job of making me fall in love with Bear Creek Saddle Idaho (the sign of a talented author) I also enjoyed the chemistry between Allie and Bill, who both were stubborn and guarded with their feelings for each other. I also loved being introduced to some of the other sexy cowboys that I am sure we will be reading about as the series progresses. I am looking forward to revisiting Bear Creek Saddle again soon.

[Brenda Crider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of cowboy romances and Shoshanna's "I am Not Your Melody" is now in my top five list of favorites!!!! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Big Bad Bill and Allie's chemistry burns up the pages! If the rest of the stories from the Bunking with Cowboys Bear Creek Saddle Ranch series are as great as this prequel, we are in for wild and wonderful reads!!! Can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what else will happen in Bear Creek, Idaho. I received an advanced readers copy for an honest review...and boy am I glad I did!!!!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, sexy and heartwarming start to a wonderful new series. Bill had been hurt in the past and never wanted to experience that kind of pain again. However when Allie blew into his life he couldn’t deny the feelings he had for her. I loved the story and the chemistry between these two is hot, hot, hot. The story pulled at my heart strings and me cheering for a happy ending for these two. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoshanna pulls you into the lives of Bill and Allie who have conflicting thoughts regarding relationships. Both have been severely hurt in the past and have emotional scars to prove it. The setting is at a ranch in a small rural town that lends itself to simple living. Read as Bill and Allie work through their dark past and strive for a bright future. "Advance Review Copy received in exchange for an honest review."

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series that I think is going to be great! It is a well written storyline and has characters that have great sexual chemistry. Two souls hurt by love, team up together, but will falling in love with each other spoil everything! I really loved this book and am looking forward to more in this series.

Advanced review copy received in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella. The author, Shoshanna, introduces you to the main characters and a few others. The book is just the start of a series, which I think is a clever idea. Bring in the readers...and keep them wanting more. I like this book more than any other written by this author. I will keep an eye out for future books in the series.

I did get a ARC of this book for a honest review.

[Sandra Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story had all of the characteristics that I like to discover when finding a good cowboy romance to read:

• One or more HOT alpha males
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Good story line
• Good backup characters
• Drama
• Romance

I will most definitely be looking forward to reading more of the upcoming Bunking with the Cowboys series.

[Belinda Remmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an Arc of this book, for an honest review. The story was interesting and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I was rooting for this couple from the beginning. They both had issues to overcome and I think they will manage. Very good story. You won't be disappointed.

[Robin Brown tearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be this cowboys Robin!!

I so glad I read this book! It was well worth the$... I'm so looking forward to her other books! My I find my cowboy Bill!!!

[Stace]

Cowboy 12 Pack

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm surprised at the rating of this. I found it irritating, both characters and the storyline. IT was an easy read though.

[Connie]

Sometimes it is hard to trust again, to love again and sometimes you just have to put it all on the line. I love books about love at first sight, overcoming issues and moving on.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come