I didn’t have a lot, but what I had I was proud of.
I was raised to keep my head down and work hard.
I followed the rules, rarely straying off the straight and narrow path.
That’s why when the opportunity to get wild and have a little fun presented itself, I jumped on it—or more like on him. The handsome cowboy from the bar.
It was one night in Vegas.
Afterward, all I had was the memory of his body pressed to mine and the hotel room key I swiped as I snuck out.
I never expected to see him again.
I definitely never imagined he’d show up in my small hometown seven years later, only to discover the daughter he never knew about.
Melissa Ellen is an indie author of contemporary romance. She writes about modern-day couples that give you all the feels. A lover of both the big city and small towns, her stories are set in both. A Reason To Stay, book one of the Blackwood Series, was her debut novel.
She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.
She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.
Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.
My first book by this author, but not the last! A very quick, enjoyable read. Small town, second chance, and surprise baby, this is my jam! Although it is the fifth book in the series, I was not lost.
Nash and Melanie meet in Vegas; she is there for her twenty first, and he for the PBA finals. He is a bull rider. They have an unforgettable night but do not exchange numbers.
Seven years pass, and Nash walks into the bar where she works. The story from here is low drama and how Nash and Mel navigate the new situation. Will his job be the wedge between them? Will she throw caution to the wind a second time? I like the small town vibe as you get many side characters as part of the story. I will be reading more from this author.
I received an advanced copy from the Author; this is my voluntary review.
I have not read the rest of Billingsley's books, and I definitely need to get on it. But this can still be read on its own. And it definitely didn't take the enjoyment out of it. Nash and Melanie's story truly ticked all the boxes for me. I'm on a surprise baby/single parent/anything baby-related kick lately, so this is definitely right up my alley.
These two keep me guessing. I devoured their story. I loved how their story unfolds and their chemistry! I can’t wait to read the other books.
I found Melissa Ellen with the last book in this series, Tempting Tim, which I seriously enjoyed. When I saw this one was a single mom and small town romance, I knew I would be interested. Then I found out that they have a one-night stand, that leaves Melanie with a secret baby!? Yes, sign me up! And I really did enjoy this author's story of Nash and Melanie. I enjoyed seeing them navigate the family dynamics seven years later. I mean what a surprise for Nash when he walked in that bar. I definitely would recommend this entire series!
This is a new to me author and I'm excited to check out her other books in the series. Although this is book 5 (and I think the last), I never felt like I missed anything when a few characters from other books made an appearance or mention. The story has an engaging premise and characters, low drama - overall an enjoyable and light read. I was disappointed with Melanie not telling Nash, but her reasoning made some sense and once they're back together I didn't care. I'm excited for more books about Nash's family and hope Melanie's friend, Olivia, will get hers.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
4 star Review of Roping Melanie (Billingsley #5) by Melissa Ellen
Over the last couple of years I have found myself gravitating to small town romances and this series from Melissa Ellen is one I have been enjoying. This is Nash and Melanie’s second chance at love story. Add in that Mel is a single mum to a beautiful 7 year old year daughter Avery so for me this was a win/win.
After a passionate fling, they parted ways. Fast forward 7 years and suddenly Mel finds herself face to face with Nash, even worse she now has to introduce him to the daughter he knew nothing about.
The chemistry between Mel and Nash is still as strong as it was and once Nash gets over the shock it was heart warming to watch their relationship progress. Although I have to admit I would not have been as forgiving as Nash. I loved the relationship that he developed with Avery it just about melted my heart. It was also great to see some familiar faces make an appearance whilst reading Roping Melanie and I look reading more in the series.
Another great book by Melissa Ellen. Melanie & Nash had a weekend of fun in Vegas. Melanie never thought she would see Nash again. 7 years went by and Nash ended up in her Texas town. Nash was very surprised to meet his 7 year old daughter, Avery. Loved the Chemistry between Nash & Melanie! So happy they got their HEA!
Just beautiful, one of those books that will put a smile on your face for days. Roping Melaine was a pure 💯 swoon-worthy story, one that will go on my top shelf of must-read again. Mel and Nash's story was pure romance from start to finish. Little Avery was the icing on the cake in this 2nd chance story.
If you like your book boyfriends swoon-worthy, then Nash is the guy for you, and if you like your single moms, sassy and independent then Roping Melaine is the book for you.
I was so excited to see another book in the Billingsley series. I love this series! Melanie and Nash meet in Vegas and have a one night stand. She ends up pregnant and raises her daughter not expecting to see Nash again. Until seven years later he walks into the bar she’s working at. And now she has to tell him he has a daughter. This was a sweet story. There was very little drama. And all the characters are great!
Roping Melanie proves that a little heart goes a long way. More sweet than heat packs a hefty punch in the case of Nash and Melanie. I fell instantly in love with these two. Both are trying to find their place in the world. Fate pushes them a bit off course, but love somehow finds a way. Ellen outdid herself with this confectionery second chance story.
What another great instalment to this series. I have enjoyed reading them all and this one might be my favorite.
Seven years ago, Melanie and Nash met in Vegas. They had one night together but Melanie left before he woke up the next day. Fast forward several years later, Nash is moving to Billingsley, unknown to him that Melanie and their daughter are living there. The two reconnect and Nash gets to meet his daughter.
This was a super sweet second chance romance with a surprise child thrown in. Nash and Melanie are super hot together and I love their chemistry. And Nash took to being a Dad like the rodeo champ. Melanie had her walls up but it was so great seeing Nash bring them down. We got an amazing teaser for the next series and I can’t wait. Small town romances will always be a favourite of mine.
Nash is a bull rider touring the circuit and winning championships. Melanie is a manager at a restaurant and a single mother of a 7 year old. When these two run into each other 6 years after an amazing night in Vegas it doesn’t take long for him to do the math! The chemistry from that night never went away and these two have many reasons why they should be together. This was a great quick read! The small town side characters and the close family relatives added a fun extra layer to the story. Melanie was very unsure at first but I love How much Nash wanted this to work. I look Forward to reading more books by this author.
Small town romance - check Surprise child - check Hot cowboy - check Sweet easy going read with a sprinkle of steam - check I love how easy to read Melissa's books are. Started it and before I knew it the hours had flown by and I was deeply engrossed in Nash and Mels story. Loved being back in this world. Nash and Mels story just made me smile it was low drama but just enough to keep my attention. I really liked the characters they were well written and made the story enjoyable and easy to absorb. It was great to see some of the characters from Tempting Tim again. Considering this is book 5 in the series you don't need to have read the previous books. Melissa has done a great job of making sure nothing is confusing with people's back stories. I enjoyed reading about the drama that is part and parcel of Nash's job and how that played a part in Melanie's doubts. I'm so glad we are getting an Evans family series. I can't wait to read about them all and find our their HEA.
Swoon worthy goodness! I love this small town romance series with terrific town folks and lots of hot hunks and young beauties ready to fall in love. This features Melanie the fabulous single mom, new bar manager, loving daughter and all around sweetheart. She’s keeping it all together when the old adage “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” failed her big time. That 21st birthday gift from the sexy bull rider was the gift of a lifetime. I love Mel and her sweet daughter Avery. I understand her reasons for her decision about Avery’s father but it’s 7 years later and it’s time to fess up when the handsome cowboy Nash shows up in Billingsley. Whew, he’s a hot hunk and a dream of a man. Almost too good to be true. The relationship he builds with his daughter is a thing of beauty. Plus that old chemistry between Nash and Mel is alive and sizzling. They’re one hot couple. A bit of drama at the end that wasn’t too much of a surprise and it got our couple to a good place. Loved the epilogue. Could be a peek of things to come with Nash’s 4 brothers. I could go for a series with sexy Wyoming cowboys. Shout out to Nash’s wonderful twin Meg and Mel’s bestie Olivia. They lookout for their loved ones. This is a quick, easy read with delightful characters and a wonderful small town atmosphere. I hope this isn’t the end of this fantastic series. I want more Billingsley’s love!
4.5 Stars for Roping Melanie ( Billingsley #5) If you love small town or second chance romances this book should certainly be on your radar. Roping Melanie is Nash and Melanie’s second chance at love, it’s book 5 in the Billingsley Series but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. One night of passion changed Melanie’s life now 7 years on she comes face to face with the man who she sees in her daughter everyday, problem is he knows nothing about his adorable little girl. So how will the champion bull fighter react to the secret and the daughter that was kept from him….. The attraction and the chemistry is still there even after all those years, the feelings come right back up to the surface as Nash and Melanie explore a relationship but what took this book to another level was the love and understanding Nash showed towards Avery after finding out overnight he was a dad . This book has all the feels, it’s beautifully written, it’s a heartfelt story , it has wonderful characters and Avery has some classic one liners only a child can deliver. I smiled, I giggled, I swooned and I sighed as I joined the residents of Billingsley and I guess all that’s left to say is if small town/second chance/ single parent is your jam please one click this gem.
One night together changes Melanie and Nash’s lives forever, it just takes a few years, and a chance meeting, for Nash to find out. From the moment readers meet Nash they will fall for him. He is sexy, sweet and the ultimate gentleman bull rider. Melanie is fiercely independent and strong, she works hard for herself and her daughter. Readers will root for this couple from beginning to end. The journey Nash, Melanie and their daughter, Avery, travel isn’t easy and takes work, love and devotion. Readers will love being a part of Nash and Melanie’s love story, They will also fall even more in love with Nash as they travel the path he takes with Avery, creating a beautiful father-daughter bond.
Melanie usually the strait laced decided to be wild on her 21st birthday. This resulted in a spectacular birthday night that continues on 7 years later. She’s super protective and guarded as you would find most single mothers. Even though she wants to move forward with Nash, she’s super cautious especially with his profession.
Nash the bull rider, stepped up to the plate as soon as he found out about Avery (she’s such a sweetheart) but he’s not perfect and made some mistakes.
Again there was wonderful supporting characters old and new (which I’m super excited about!)
I loved this book so much!!! I was sucked in from the very beginning and loved every minute of it!! This book was one of my absolute favorite tropes! I absolutely loved Nash and Melanie together!!! I absolutely loved seeing Nash with Avery! I absolutely did not want this book to end!!! Not in a bad way! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters! This is a true standalone in this series! While other characters from past books are mentioned you won’t feel like you are missing anything. I absolutely recommend this book!!!
Roping Melanie is a cute read. You have all those ups and downs you will love when it comes to small town living and surprise kid reads. Melanie is sweet, a wonderful mom and independent. You understand why she is so gun shy when it comes to Nash re-entering the picture. Nash is s rodeo star and never got over his one night with Melanie. You feel the draw between them from the start. You feel the fight to give in or not to. Nash and Melanie are wonderful together as they navigate the get to know you part. You will love Avery and her adorableness. This was a quick read filled with everything you are looking for.
To be honest, I didn’t think we would get the opportunity to come back to Billingsley for new stories. I’m so, so, soooo happy that we do! Single mom, Melanie, is a fierce mamma bear. A good girl who went wild one night and has stood strong in the face of the consequences every day since. But when the consequences are as adorable as Avery, it seems like that might make it easier to be so strong. Nash’s best qualities remind me a lot of Tucker and Tim. It’s maybe not a surprise that they play guest starring roles in this book, then. Normally, I’m not a big fan of secret babies and the particular types of drama and tension those stories create. However, there was just something about the way this book has done that theme that overrode all my cautions and made me love it. There’s a lower angst level than I usually associate with secret babies, and both Melanie and Nash are pretty mature in the way they handle it all. They’re not perfect though, don’t get that mistaken idea. They still make more than enough stumbles and missteps to make me wonder if they’d ever sort out their differences. And make me cheer all the harder when they finally do. Now that we’ve gotten to meet some of Nash’s extensive family, I can’t wait for the opportunity to read more about them. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Valentine PR & Literary Management.
Melissa writes a wonderful romance of second chances in a small town.
Melanie is a beautiful woman who has always followed the rules but for one night she decides to throw everything out to the wind. One smile from a handsome cowboy and she forgets about following the rules. She spends one amazing night with him, only has a first name Nash. Will they ever meet again? Can she keep her secret when he shows up in her hometown seven years later?
Nash is a bull rider that meets a beautiful woman at a bar one night in Vegas. They have a hot and heavy night and only exchange first names. The next morning she is gone. Would he ever see her again? When he decides to move to Texas seven years later and builds a home for himself. He sees someone from his past and is uncertain about how it will go. Imagine seeing the woman from seven years ago that has been occupying his mind right in front of him. How will he react? Will secrets come to the surface?
The chemistry between Melanie and Nash is off the charts although she is hesitant. Nash is wonderful and could definitely be a book-boyfriend.
This is the first book of Melissa's that I have read but it will not be the last. Her writing style grabs your attention right from the start. Hi would definitely recommend this book especially if you like small-town romances.
This was a fast read and was absolutely wonderful. I have never read this series before but I loved it so much I want to read the other books in the series as well. This is a second chance at romance, surprise daddy theme and the male lead is a rodeo star.
Melanie and Nash met each other 7 years before and had a fun night in Vegas. Now 7 years later Nash has an opportunity to buy land in the same town as Mel and thats how these two reconnect and he finds out he is a daddy. They were both awesome characters and I loved how they really get to know each other in there second chance romance.
I felt that Nash should have been a bit more upset in this story. He missed the first 6 years of his childs life and he is famous so Mel could have found him easier. But I also really respected that once she sees him she realizes what she did and she tells him right away.
This was a really fun, flirty and romantic story and I love baby daddy romances. There is not much standing between these two except them and I liked that there is no ex drama and its just about Mel and Nash and their families.
I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I like the most in this book is Melanie tells Nash almost immediately that Avery is his daughter... of course, she hesitates but it is understandable. And I also totally understand Nash's feeling after she told him too and his ways to take care of them show that he is one of a good guy. The prologue is so steamy and makes a chemistry between Melanie and Nash show the most. The story after that is about how Melanie and Nash reconcile and Nash gets to know his daughter. It has nothing intriguing, there is some angsty atmospheres from Melanie and Nash's twin sister, but the author writes it well I don't feel boring while I am reading it at all. Well, it isn't intriguing but it is interesting enough to make me keep guessing what drama the author would throw at them. If you like a sweet second chance of one-night-stand and secret baby without drama and full of love from family's support, this book is for you.
I fell in love with this couple and was rooting for them. So Melanie is your good girl, follow rules and such. One night she throws caution to the wind and lets loose. She meets Nash and has a night of her life that she remember on the reg. Reason being is because she walked away with one incredible gift. Life has not been easy for her and her daughter but she makes it work. Then one day her world is shaken when she runs into Nash. She has a secret to tell him and has no idea how everything will fall. Now Nash has never forgotten the woman who walked away. He is a professional bull rider so he is on the road all the time. He always wondered what happen to Melanie, that is until he sets eyes on her again. He decides that he is not going to let her slip through his fingers. What will he do when he finds out the secret she is hiding? Will he stop riding bulls? I just loved how this story unfolds and to see how we fall in love with each of the characters. Given that this is the first book I have read from this author, I definitely enjoyed it. I need to go and read the first book of this series.
the book was cute. short. good for a light read. this was an ARC and honestly i liked it! this book follows Nash and Melanie. Melanie and Nash share a passionate one night and the result of that a beautiful Avery was born. By pure luck, Nash finds a place/lot where he wants to settle, which happens to be in the same little town Melanie lives. she works at a local bar, and he saw her leaving that exact same bar. but they met again, and this time he saw Avery. their relationship is rocky, but honestly Nash has the patience of a god! he was so understanding of the whole situation and Melanie, was really apologetic so i kinda felt bad for her as well. the whole book is their little family developing and i loved every single part of it.
This is an adorable small town, surprise baby, cowboy romance. It was a fun quick read packed with heart fluttering moments and a very cute love story.
Melanie meets Nash in Vegas and they have a heated night together. She sneaks away the next morning without a goodbye but with more than happy memories of their evening together. 6 years later and Nash moves to a new town and the two meet again. And so starts their story filled with chemistry and getting to know one another. And most importantly Nash has to become a Dad and learn to coparent with Melanie.
Sometimes I like my romances to keep me guessing, other times I like a story to just work out perfectly and in such a satisfying way. This is definitely the second kind of book. These two should have always been together and they fit one another so perfectly.
This fits within a small town series but I read as a standalone. Will definitely go back and read more of the series as I loved the sweet and satisfying style of this book.
I really enjoyed this secret baby/second chance romance, my first in both the series and by Melissa Ellen. Nash and Melanie are both great characters who ultimately only want what’s best for their daughter, Avery. To say Nash that is surprised by this revelation is a given, but he’s so accepting and all in, right from the start. Then again, he hasn’t forgotten his and Melanie’s chemistry from that one night stand seven years ago. Melanie is a little more hesitant, having raised Avery by herself. But I loved that she didn’t hold Nash back from bonding with his daughter. Sweet but slightly spicy, without being graphic, Roping Melanie was a low angst but highly emotional read that I quite enjoyed.
Another great book in the Billingsley series. Melissa Ellen writes great small-town romances!
Nash and Melanie’s get a second chance at love, and Avery gets the dad she deserves. Nash and Melanie had a brief fling years ago and parted ways, but Melanie got more than she expected, and now Nash is meeting the daughter he never knew he had.
I love the chemistry and genuine affection between Melanie and Nash. I know Nash was thrown for a loop meeting Avery, but nothing was forced or coy, and there was genuine affection between both Nash and Avery and Nash and Melanie.
We also get to reunite with the other Billingsley characters, so it's great to read about old friends and see their relationships progress.
So with most series you think if I start in the middle I will feel like I’ve missed something, but I didn’t feel like that with this book. I’m fact it’s stands alone. I really love the complexity of the characters and the storyline. Of course I received this for my honest review so I’m going to give it. At time I felt like there was another story trying to push its way to the forefront, but then I got to thinking that maybe the author was building us up for another book. And I’m okay with that, in fact I’m really ready for that book when and if it comes about. But this book captured me from the get go and I really think the author pulled it all over. Jealousy and secrets can destroy a relationship, it’s how you handle it all that defines it for sure.
What a great read. I found you don’t start reading this book until you have time as I couldn’t put it down. It was such a great story about Melanie who was always shy and tame until when she went out for her twenty-first birthday. She had a one night stand with Nash which was the greatest night of her life and snuck out in the morning with the room key card as a remembrance. She also ended up pregnant. She went to tell him at one of his rodeo events (he was a champion bull rider) but changed her mind as she didn’t’ want him to have to make a choice. Now seven years later he is in her town and he needs to be told. Avery, who is six years old, is such a sweetie. You will certainly love the interaction between everyone in this story. This includes Meg, Nash’s twin sister and her daughter which is the same age as Avery. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
This is the fifth book in the Billingsley Series and I was able to keep up even though I had not read the previous books. This was a cute romance that was a good quick read. The characters were well developed and likable. If you like second chance romances with happy endings you'll enjoy this book. You'll love Nash and Melanie's story. After a Las Vegas fling she leaves never planning to see him again. Imagine her surprise when he shows up in her small town and imagine his when he finds out about his seven year old daughter. Their chemistry was explosive and this was a feel good book that I read as an arc via Valentine Promotions. I voluntarily chose to review it.