It's in His Song

Red River Valley #4.6

by Shelly Alexander

They’re both back in Red River for good, and the chemistry is stronger than ever. But will her secret tear them apart all over again?

Dylan McCoy is restless to take over Red River’s favorite watering hole—Cotton Eyed Joe’s—when his Uncle Joe retires. First, he’s got to prove he has what it takes to carry on Joe’s legacy. Finally able to put the painful scars from his days working in L.A.’s trendy music scene behind him, he sets out to host a weekend workshop for songwriters. He calls in a favor and lines up some of the biggest musicians in the biz to attend. Life is good. Until the business owners who occupy the commercial space next door threaten to ruin his establishment right before the rock star lineup of attendees are scheduled to blow into town.

Hailey Hicks left Red River six years ago with a secret. Now—as a seasoned hairstylist who’s made her own way in the world—she’s back in town to help her cousin expand her salon. Unfortunately, the renovations aren’t going as planned and draw fire from the saloon next door. When she comes face to face with her ex, Dylan McCoy, sparks fly. Can they mend the damage done because of how they parted ways? Or will her secret cause them both to get burned again?

Be sure to check out the rest of the series by bestselling author Shelly Alexander:

IT'S IN HIS HEART - Coop & Ella's Story
IT'S IN HIS TOUCH - Blake & Angelique's Story
IT'S IN HIS SMILE - Talmadge & Miranda's Story
IT'S IN HIS ARMS - Mitchell & Lorenda's Story
IT'S IN HIS FOREVER - Langston & Sandra's Story

If you loved Shelly's IT'S IN HIS... series, you'll love her DARE ME... series even more!

DARE ME ONCE - Trace & Lily's Story
DARE ME AGAIN - Elliott & Rebel's Story
More To Come In 2020!

If you like a lot of steam and chemistry, try her sizzling series of romantic comedy STANDALONES in the Checkmate Inc. Series:

FOREPLAY - Leo & Chloe's Story
ROOKIE MOVES - Dex & Ava's Story
GET WILDE - Ethan & Adeline's Story
SINFUL GAMES - Oz & Kendall's Story (A 2019 RITA Finalist in the Erotic Romance category!)
More to come soon!

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Shelly Alexander was a 2014 Golden Heart® finalist, a 2019 RITA® finalist, and an Amazon #1 Bestseller in several categories.

Shelly grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to, two tiny toy poodles named Mozart and Midge (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "You won’t be able to resist me forever…" Stars!

We return to Red River Valley for the sixth instalment in the series. It’s In His Song gives us Musician/Barman Dylan McCoys’ story, and although novella length it was an enjoyable addition to Shelly’s series.

She’d been burned once… She wouldn’t dare play with fire again…

We get two of my favourite tropes in this one as well, in that Hailey Hicks is back in town, and after being stood up by Dylan six years previously, so he could go off and pursue his Music dream in LA. As you would expect she is less than happy to find out her and Dylan share commercial wallspace, his Uncle Joe's bar, is next to her Salon; Shear Elegance.

She’d have known him anywhere… Picked him out of any crowd… Even after six years.

Seeing her again Dylan realizes he wants a second chance… Something she is sort of wanting herself, but Hailey has baggage, in the way of a daughter, something that will have repercussions on both of them and their potential reconciliation.

"I’ve got you."

Nothing new or unusual with the plot, but it’s well written, and I always enjoy my time spent in Red River, I have a feeling that due to parting with her original publisher for this series, the author is possibly only contractually permitted to self-publish novellas in relation to it going forwards, because although the preceding book to this one had a story that fit that shorter page count, Dylan and Hailey had enough going on that this could have easily been drawn out into a longer book, it would have certainly given them both more depth as characters (although Dylan has had page time in the previous books), and gave time to the rebuilding of their relationship around his discovery that he is also a father. Still well worth a couple of hours of your time though!

ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for the above honest review.

[Paula D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second chance romance! Hailey Is a hairdresser with a secret. Dylan is back from doing his music dream and working with his uncle at a bar which is next to Hailey. Some drama and sweet and sexy times. Loved this story! It’s perfect second chance romance that steals your heart 4/5 stars

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, heartwarming, emotional second chance journey filled with secrets, longing, stubbornness and undeniable passion.... a great read from beginning to end it was very hard to put down. Really enjoyed this journey.

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Hearts

It’s in His Song is the sixth book in the Red River Valley series by the talented, Shelly Alexander. I have read most of the series and have loved each couple. You can read as standalone. This one is a novella so I will make it quick.

Six years. Dylan McCoy left Red River six years ago to follow his musical dreams. After only one album with his band he was back in his hometown, not long after leaving it and everyone behind. Hailey Hicks left town only five weeks after Dylan walked away without saying goodbye. She had her own dreams to fulfill. And now they are back in the same town and she is so not ready to see him again.

Hailey had a secret. One she had been holding onto for a very long time. Not even her family knows what happened all those years ago. When Dylan comes walking into the salon to find her standing there, they are both lost. In each other. In the past. But will Hailey’s secret be too much for Dylan to handle? He wants a second chance but will it be too much?

I enjoyed this story but I wanted more towards the end. Maybe I will get more when the series continues 😁.

Quotes:

“I doubt he would’ve been so agreeable if the question came from you, since you’re new in town.”
She stopped and faced him, and he did the same. “I’m not new.”
“To them you are.” He nodded toward the lodge.

“You’re even more beautiful now than you were six years ago.”

“Let’s make a pact. You don’t ever try to fix anything in my shop again, and in exchange, I won’t taser you.”

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan and Hailey thought they had a chance. Then life happened and heartache won. Did the mistakes in their past earn them a chance at rebuilding their future? Or will the biggest secret of all, put an end to their second chance? It's In His Song packs a mountain of emotion inside of a pint sized read. Alexander is unique because she steps inside the heartbreak and blasts her way through the storm. The impact is explosive, but the recovery is realistic. The head on approach gives readers something to relate to and that provides a deeper connection to the characters and their story. One Click is a sure thing.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time I have read this author. This was a sweet second chance book about Hailey and Dylan. Hailey moves back to town after 6 years to be partners in a hair salon. Dylan is back in town because of his uncle. They meet again and Dylan wants her back after all this time however she doesn't at first because of how he left. She also has a big secret that she needs to figure out how to tell him. It was a quick read but I wish there was a little more. I felt like their story wasn't completely finished.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer! I received this book by Advanced copy but this is an honest and fair review; I've read most of this series without having an Advanced copy!
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Dylan McCoy
Hailey Hicks
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What happens?
Hailey comes back to town after hiding herself and her daughter away. She buys into her cousin's salon and during some reconstructing of the property the water is cut off for the next doors business which happens to be where her ex Dylan works.
Hailey is hiding her secret from Dylan purely she assures herself for his own good as well as her well being too. Unfortunately for her Dylan can't stay away from Hailey never truly getting over her and she can't fight him off either.
Final thoughts
Another good story from this author. I really enjoy the books for this series. This one wasn't the best. I thought Dylan seemed a bit "Oh well I'm here now so you're good enough" and I just didn't warm to him. Hailey was fine too, thought she was interesting but this book is short so I didn't feel like I got to see her character grow.
There isn't any unnecessary drama either; aside from the secret there isn't anything that goes on. Dylan doesn't even kick off as much as I expected him to when he finds out which is OK but not really realistic. Those reasons is why I took off a star; but I gave it 4 because I really enjoyed reading it. Its a good page turner the chemistry between the two is awesome. I'd like to have seen more of the previous couples from the other books just personally if you're having a series I like the other couples to be involved in the current couple's life. Just personal preference.
Would I read again?: Yes!
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Ana Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, yeah ... Do you think there is something new here ??

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I've read all of the series to this point, and I've noticed that the story is going more toward novellas than actual novels, which is disappointing to me, as I feel that things get glossed over too much and you don't get as much detail. I think that this story suffers from that somewhat, as it was more of a 3.5 star read for me, but one that I found was worth rounding up to 4 stars.

Second chance romances remind me so much of my own love life, so it's always great to read one, but this one felt like there was too much angst, anger and deception within the relationship to be able to come back together as a couple. There was so much recrimination between the two of them and some of the things between them just got glossed over in favor of getting the two of them back together. I would have liked to see more introspection from each of them before they reunited!

Setting that aside, Dylan and Hailey were a great couple! Individually, they had too many flaws to be likeable, but as a couple they really worked for me! I enjoyed their chemistry and how they eventually worked back into a relationship together.

I also liked revisiting locations in the town, despite the fact that previous couples in the series didn't make much in the way of appearances in this story like I was expecting. The story was an entertaining and enjoyable read!

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey has just returned to her hometown after a six year absence. While she was away, she completed her studies at an elite cosmetology school and became a much sought after hairstylist. Now she has become a partner in her cousin’s beauty salon in order to have some financial security and to be close to her family. Both are important to Hailey because of her young daughter. She meets Dylan again on her first day back in town. She had known that seeing him again was inevitable since he is taking over the bar next door to the salon, but hoped it wouldn’t be so soon. They had been a couple until the day he left her behind, without saying goodbye, in order to pursue his dream of making it big in the music business. She never got the chance to tell him she was pregnant and didn’t bother to try to contact him since he had once made it clear that he didn’t want kids. The attraction and chemistry is still present between them, but so is her hurt about his abrupt departure and his words about not wanting kids. Wanting to protect her child had driven her to leave town six years ago, and now she is determined to protect her from the hurt she would feel if Dylan knew about her and rejected her. Dylan hopes that he can have another chance with the woman he has always regretted leaving. His music career had been full of highs and lows as well as betrayal. Disillusioned, he had returned to his hometown a few years ago to to learn how to run his uncle’s bar when he retires. Dylan and Hailey have a couple of very passionate encounters, before she declares that it would be better if they kept their distance from each other. Since the truth always finds a way to reveal itself, Dylan does learn that he is father of Hailey’s daughter. A gamut of reactions take hold of Dylan ...disbelief, anger, regret and then determination. He becomes determined to claim both his daughter and the woman he still loves. Read this thoughtful, sweet romance to see how Dylan sets out to claim the hearts of Hailey and their daughter.

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

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan and Hailey were a hot item when they were growing up in Red River. Unfortunately, Dylan had big plans of being a singer and that didn't include his hometown sweetheart. He soon found out that the grass wasn't always greener on the other side but his calls went unanswered when he tried to make amends.
Years later they are both back in town and the sparks are still there. Is it a little too late? What about the secret that Hailey has kept hidden for so many years? You will have to read it to find out. I hadn't read the other books in this series but I will. I am a huge fan of Shelly's writing and her characters always draw me in.

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey and Dylan have a past and they both left for bigger and better things but end up back in their hometown.
They still feel the pull and the need to be with the other but secrets are bound to come out and will they ruin them forever or is their love enough to make it to happy.
This pulled at my heart with what each went through and are really still going through and the need to want them to make it .

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's in His Song is a wonderful if short second chance romance story bringing Dylan and Hailey back together again in Red River Valley. These two have always had sizzling chemistry between them but life got in the way and tore them apart. Now they are both back in Red River Valley and the spark flares back to life. Will the secrets from the past tear them apart again? You'll want to read and find out. I highly recommend it.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet, fun and flirty story. I was very quickly lost in Dylan and Hailey's story. Hailey has moved back to her hometown and she's trying to do it quietly so both the residents aren't aware immediately and not to draw attention to herself from Dylan. Neither works out very well for her. She's now an owner of a hair salon with her cousin. They share a wall with Cotton Eyed Joe's, which Dylan is in charge of and soon to own. When there's trouble, they can't help but see each other. Hailey is not expecting the emotions and feelings Dylan draws out from her. She doesn't want to be attracted to him, but chemistry is something they had in spades! I enjoyed the relationship these two have and the fact that they are practically starting over in getting to know one another. Hailey has always held a place for him in her heart and he did for her as well. This second chance story was one I didn't want to put down and I couldn't read fast enough. Do yourself a favor and grab yourself a copy!

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

She doesnt want anyone knowing she is back in town just yet. She is the Coowner of a salon with her cousin. He is back home after his fame as a musician. Neither of them can let their feelings for each other go. They both still love each other however there is a huge secret that she has. It was so good I loved it.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! What else is there to say. This was a really HOT story, and you will be missing out if you do not read it. I could not put it down it was that good!

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

[Tina Todd shobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan McCoy stood Hailey Hicks up on a date during a time period they were young lovers and left town. He had plans to become famous in the music industry. She in turn also left town and moved on with her life.

Hailey returns to town to go into business with her cousin in her hair salon. During the frustrations of the renovations she meets her next door neighbor, non other than Dylan McCoy. He become disillusioned with the LA music scene and came back home. He's now running his Uncle Joe's place, Cotton Eyed Joe's.

The chemistry is definitely still there between them. Hailey is afraid Dylan hasn't changed his feelings about family and there's a big secret that could destroy them before they can even see if they have a chance to begin again.

This is a wonderful second chance at love romance.

[RCSue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Red River Valley series. We finally get Dylan’s story and why he wouldn’t get involved with anything music related. Good story, the lovin’ was pretty steamy, but not nonstop. The whole series is great for those of us that like a good romantic book with steam.

“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's In His Song was a cute, second chance romance in the Red River Valley series. Hailey Hicks has returned home to partner with her cousin on running a beauty salon. She left town over 6 years ago and is now back to stay and raise her young daughter Melody. Dylan McCoy was the young man who broke her heart and caused her to leave town. Dylan had big dreams of making it in the music industry and one night he didn't show up for their date and took off to follow those dreams. He made it to the big time but it wasn't what he expected and has since returned to Red River to help his Uncle Joe run the bar and restaurant. He always wondered what happened to the girl that he left behind and now he's going to find out but will he be happy about it? This is a cute, quick, low steam romance and I easily read it in one sitting. It's told from dual POV and I enjoyed it.

[Nicole Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice addition to the Red River Valley series! It's In His Song is a quick read and a second-chance romance in the lovely Red River, with plenty of reappearances of past characters in the series.

Overall, Dylan and Hailey were relatable with good chemistry, and a novella-length story worked well for the plot, but I didn't find myself particularly invested in this characters. If you're liking this series already, definitely pick up It's In His Song. If you're new to this series, I'd recommend starting at the beginning, or at least with one of the full-length novels.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sonnetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who does not love a guy with dimples? Dylan and Hailey share a past and a lot of unresolved feeling. Their interactions cracked me up. How many accidents can one have? They are both trying to start over and did not expect to run into each other. This is a story that you can read in one day. It is engaging and very quick.

I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance between Hailey and Dylan. They both returned to Red River Valley to set down their roots. They share an undeniable chemistry that they can not ignore but Hailey has a secret that might destroy it all.

I love returning to Red River Valley, a quaint town in New Mexico and this was no exception. This is a novella but a complete story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I read through my kindle unlimited.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s fun and heartwarming quick read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters you will fall in love with. The characters had great chemistry and connection. A great second chance at romance story.

[Jenny O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have really enjoyed all the books in the Red River Valley series. Dylan's character was introduced to the reader in previous books in the series and I was looking forward to reading his story. Hailey and Dylan had a "thing" together some years ago but Dylan had big dreams to be a musician and left Hailey and Red River in a rush to pursue his dream of making it big in the music industry. However, the reality wasn't what he thought it would be and he returned home. Hailey also returns to Red River 6 years later and has no intention of going anywhere near the man that hurt her in the past. Especially when she has a secret to protect. This book is a novella and so is a shorter read than usual. The story felt a little rushed in places because of this but not so much that it spoilt what was a very good read. Shelly has a way of writing that makes you feel like you were there in Red River. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Jenessa Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelly Alexander delivers another romance within the town of Angel Fire Falls. I love the concept of reading and finishing a love story but getting to continue their journey through other books. I enjoy her writing style as she incorporates thoughts we all would have if we were to have these encounters- from both (or all) parties involved.

The story is one you can latch onto with both characters sharing the bond of coming home after their dreams didn’t pan out as expected. The scenes make you laugh, blush and reach for more. The series is built around short, stand-alone romances. Even with keeping that in mind, my only complaint would be that this particular story seemed very brisk. The wooing time period and big shock factor both seemed to faze out pretty quickly.

If my only complaint is that the book was to short- it is definitely worth the read!

[Natalie Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book with a little bit of steam in some scenes. They’re both back in Red River and her secret is as big as his regret. Just fine as a stand alone book as I’ve read it that way. Characters are well developed quickly and storyline is a good classic love story with bits of suspense.

[Michelle Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ANOTHER HIT AWESOME BOOK

I loved reading the Red River Valley stories and it's in his song did not disappoint. Dylan and Bailey story was a fun light read. I only wish is was a novel instead of a novella. I can't wait for Shelly to write more of this series.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey Hicks was left sitting at a table waiting for Dylan McCoy. Unknown to her, was that Dylan had taken off for L.A. to jump start his music career without so much as a goodbye. Hailey left Red River six years ago, with a secret. After her difficult childhood, she was determined to keep the secret from everyone.

After Hailey carved out her own path as a beautician, she's returned to Red River to be co-owner with her cousin of Shear Elegance. Little did Hailey know, that just on the other side of a shared wall, was Dylan, who was being primed to take over Cotton Eyed Joe from his uncle. Shear Elegance was undergoing construction, and the contractor oblivious to the fact that the water system had been rigged, and turning off the water in that section impacted Cotton Eyed Joe having no water.

When Dylan strolls into Shear Elegance, Hailey is beside herself in how to solve the water issue and get rid of Dylan. Dylan's dimples and pirate eyes are having a pull on her heartstrings, but Hailey has trust issues after being dumped. Dylan isn't the same guy when he first left. That attraction between them is still there, but looming is the secret that Hailey has kept.

Great story with lots of humor! Who doesn't love an elderly busybody (old but not dead), who camps out in her front yard to watch and hoot at the firemen washing their engine?! LOL

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Lea Modena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s in His Song is book six in the série Red River Valley. It’s a short story but fun and sweet. It was good meeting again old characters from other books. Dylan and Hailey had a last but he was too young and ambitious to think in a future together. After six years both are back in Red River and need to confront their past. For me it’s the best book of the série.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and touching novella about young love, heartaches, self-discover, hope and second chances.
Hailey Hicks and Dylan McCoy were young and hopeful. Dylan wanted a future in music in LA. One night, instead of meeting up with his date and young lover, Hailey, he leaves town without looking back. Leaving a lonely young woman. One that left town shortly after and six years later, is back in town to start a new live. But this time , she’s not alone.
Throughout the story we get to find out where each one went and did after that fateful night. The attraction is there, but secrets have been kept , and Hailey fears that Dylan hasn’t really changed his mind about life and family.
Another well written story in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.