Shay Tanner has three rules when it comes to her acting career:
Rule #1: No dating costars. Rule #2: Don’t compromise your morals for a role. Rule #3: Never break rule #1.
Ex-musician Dustin Shaw threatens each of them just by breathing.
Not only is he brooding, reclusive, and undeniably attractive, but he’s her best friend’s roommate. Now Shay’s roommate while she’s in town filming for the role of a lifetime.
Everything would have been fine if he hadn’t unintentionally stolen her costar’s part.
Dustin Shaw has been in a slump since his band broke up five years ago and now spends his days writing songs for washed-up performers. Lately, though, he can’t seem to put a single thought into words.
When he’s cast in an upcoming movie, his agent thinks it might be what he needs to spark his creativity. Except, the role is for the love interest of his new roommate, and staying away from her is difficult enough without having to kiss her on screen.
All it takes is a few minor interactions to make Shay question her resolve and leave Dustin fantasizing about all the ways he’d like to break her number one rule.
That Girl & This Guitar is the engrossing first book in the Lonely Melodies contemporary romance series.
💼 Workplace romance 🏡 Roommates-to-lovers 🎶 Brooding ex-musician 🎥 First-time actress 💌 Sworn off relationships 🌶️ No Spice
Self-proclaimed romance junkie. Lover of music. Too invested in the lives of fictional characters. Bestselling author Lexi Kingston has been enamored by fictional worlds since she was a child. She became obsessed with the allure of crafting characters people could relate to.
Lexi writes sweet, no spice contemporary romance (Lexi Kingston) and paranormal romance (Lexi J. Kingston) books with characters who fight for and find home in each other.
When she’s not plotting or writing, she’s likely submerged in a book. And when she’s not reading… well, she’s probably writing again because she’s a workaholic who loves her job.
If you love a clean romance in a Hollywood-adjacent setting with actors and musicians, That Girl & That Guitar is a must read!
Despite Shay’s self-imposed rule of never dating a co-star, the instant attraction and chemistry between her and Dustin is undeniable, and as roommates and colleagues, inescapable. The relationship moves quickly, and I appreciated getting to know Shay and Dustin as individuals, and as a couple. Shay’s turmoil navigating a hostile director, finding her footing in a new city, and trying to stick up for herself in an industry where she’s a dime dozen was well-written and made her a relatable and likeable character. Dustin was more of an enigma. Still distraught over his band breakup of over five years ago, I expected more of a bad boy persona from him but actually got a reserved, sometimes possessive, lost soul.
I liked how Dustin and Shay’s core group of friends expanded and I think we get glimpses into where this series could go in future books. Dabbling in the modeling, music, and acting arenas, this one had something for everyone and I liked getting an inside scoop into those worlds. It’s a series I definitely recommend!
Thank you to Novel Tours for introducing me to The Lonely Melodies series and to @L.Kingston.Books!
Fave quote: “Don’t let your fear distort reality.” An aspiring actor getting her first big break moves in temporarily with her childhood best friend, only to fall for one of her new housemates - a jaded rockstar still grieving the breakup of his band, and lacking confidence in his creative talent. Dustin and Shay definitely had chemistry, though this is a closed door romance book with kissing the spice limit. I enjoyed the glimpses of their growing bond, how they supported one another, though the story jumped pretty quickly from meet cute to bf/gf to confessions of love… and throughout, all I could think was we needed more of their actual interactions as they seemed to have so little time together. At times it felt the focus was more on how films are made than on the relationship, which made the inevitable third-act breakup, and subsequent hasty resolution, a bit clunky. Fortunately there was a HEA… there was also a fair bit of foreshadowing for the minor characters, who I imagine will be the stars of subsequent books in this series. Overall, it was ok but I wanted more - more of the MCs’ interactions, more about the band reuniting, and a bit more spice.
My thanks to the author and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this book as an ARC from Greys, and I signed up for it specifically because of the name. From the moment I started this book, I did not want to stop reading. It was such a great rom-com! I could see it playing out in my head. I had so so so much fun with it.
Dustin and Shay’s story developed at a good pace. You can’t help but fall in love too. It actually takes on a roller coaster of emotions as you go. It was my first Lexi Kingston book but it will not be my last.
Shay Tanner is an actress and her first major film is shooting in Atlanta. She stays with her friend Lindsay and her roommates, Dustin and Ray. Dustin is an ex-musician who just so happens to accidentally get a part in the movie. Good thing Shay has rules: 1. Never date a co-star; 2. Don’t compromise your morals for a role; 3. Don’t break rule #1. Dustin is about to make her break rules #1 and 3. How steadfast can Shay be, and can it even work?
UGH…. I LOVE that I keep finding these books that are getting me all in my feels. That are breaking my heart and then putting it back together. This book not only broke my heart, it split it open and everything was pouring out! I loved it. I literally cried reading this book. When an author can make me cry, I consider that author to be top notch!
Dustin is grumpy and broody. Shay is like a ray of sunshine. It’s not until they are in each other’s lives do they realize what they have been missing out on. Kingston does a wonderful job of building up the feelings between these two characters so that nothing feels rushed. I loved the moments of jealousy and the “she/he’s” mine moments.
What I appreciated the most is that there is no spice in this book and it 100% does not need it. This book is amazing without it! It would have made sense for these characters, but there was so much emotions between the two that I’m glad it wasn’t in there. It might have taken away from the emotional moments.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series because I’m not ready to let go of these characters! If you love a fantastic romance, love to feel the connection in the book – the love, the heartbreak… then pick this book up!
This talented storyteller is new to me, and I’m glad to have found her through this romance. It has elements I love in a good romance, and I loved the unique premise and colorful characters.
Shay Tanner has her first starring role in a feature film, and she moves in with her BFF during the filming in Atlanta. Imagine her surprise when her new roommate, Dustin Shaw, drives her to the studio and ends up being cast as her leading man.
Dustin's band broke up five years ago. He's still under a song-writing contract but he's been blocked for weeks now. His manager thinks the acting gig is just the thing to spark Dustin's creativity, so he agrees.
For the most part, this romance was really good and I loved it. The third act was a little disappointing, mostly because it annoys me when a main character sabotages the relationship. It felt like a missed opportunity for an authentic crisis and its satisfying resolution.
I adore this world and this group of friends and can’t wait to read more from this series, because I’m not ready to let them go. While this isn’t a rip-your-heart-out romance, it's an entertaining, easy read. It's the perfect palate cleanser when you’ve just emerged from a dark or angsty romance, and I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with these characters.
This is more of sweet and fun rock romance so if that is your thing this book may be for you. Its about roommates who now become work companions and watching as their connection deepens.
Dustin and Shay 😍❤️ This couple was absolutely angsty, steamy, hilarious, and breathtaking. This is a sweet romance, but boy, were those kisses steaming hot 🔥 Thank you so much for the ARC, Lexi 🥹❤️
Dustin Shaw 🔥 Tall, handsome, charming, seductive, a musician, short time actor, rich, protective, possessive, touch her and die, brave, tortured, mysterious, loving, caring, golden retriever with her only, and insanely obsessed with the woman he was sent to pick up at the airport 🤭 Dustin is still tortured by the circumstances that led to the breakup of his band at the peak of their success. He doesn't interact with people except his roommates, Ray and Lindsey. He never thought someone would occupy his every thought and that he'd do anything to be theirs. He is extremely supportive of Shay and will do anything to ensure she achieves every one of her dreams 🥹
Shayla Tanner 🔥 Beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, protective, caring, gentle, sassy, bold, banterful, an actress, supportive, possesive, amusing and cant stop thinking about the man who lives across the hall. Shay moves to Atlanta after landing a role in a hit move adaptation, and her childhood best friend Lindsey offers her a room in her house. Shay doesn't know much about the popular hit band, especially Dustin. He drives her to her chemistry read and somehow ends up bagging the main lead role. Shay has one rule mainly, Don't date co-stars 🤭
The chemistry was explosive from the second they met. I enjoyed their banter, longing looks, and jealousy scenes so much 😂❤️ The writing is brilliant and gripping. I am so intrigued by Lindsey, and I have a huge guess on who her MMC is! I can't wait 🤭
I received an advance copy of this book from ValentinePR in exchange for an honest review.
That Girl and This Guitar follows Shay, a rising actress who lands her first-ever lead role in a film and moves to Atlanta to live with her best friend. What she doesn't anticipate is that her best friend’s incredibly hot roommate, Dustin, a former boyband member, will be cast opposite her as the male lead. As filming progresses, the chemistry between Shay and Dustin becomes undeniable, and despite her personal rule to never date a co-star, Shay finds herself increasingly drawn to him.
The book had a really strong start. I was immediately invested in Shay’s journey. The initial spark between her and Dustin felt super real. Their chemistry started off strong and I loved seeing how Dustin unexpectedly landed the role, which seemed like it would build up to a strong plot conflict with a love triangle with Leo.
However, about halfway through, the pacing slowed significantly, and the story began to lose the plot that had hooked me in the first place. Shay’s character started to feel a bit bland, and I didn’t see the development I was hoping for. The romantic tension fizzled rather than built, and it felt like the plot was just going through the motions and not progressing. Leo seemed like he was being set up to cause a rift between Shay and Dustin, but they all moved on from their issues super quick. His character and the conflict almost felt pointless. The conflict with the band was built up over the entire story, but then the entire resolution happened within the final few chapters and was not fulfilling at all. By the final chapters, I found myself wishing the story was over. It would have been a dnf if I wasn’t at the 70% mark.
Overall, there was so much potential but the lack of chemistry between the two characters and slow pacing in the second half made it hard to finish. This story unfortunately put me into a slump.
That Girl & This Guitar is a roommates to lovers romance between an aspiring actress and rock star. Shay moves to Atlanta for her first movie role and stays with her best friend from Home Lindsay and her roommates. Dustin is a musician that has been in a funk since his band broke up 5 years ago. The attraction between Shay and Dustin is instant. When he takes her to her chemistry reading, he ends up reading a part then getting it. They grow closer and begin to date. When his former band members come back around and want to get back together, Dustin jumps at the chance. He throws himself back into the music and starts to put everything else in the background. Shay starts to feel like she doesn't matter to him anymore. Can he make it all work?
I really enjoyed the character portrayals in this, Dustin is broody, protective and reclusive, and Shayla is hardworking, caring and observant. Their initial introduction has some drama and tension, as Dustin accidentally steals her co-stars acting role, but their forced proximity in living and working together builds on their chemistry and instant attraction. There is a real depth to this story as Dustin is haunted by his past and in a creative slump, Shayla faces harassment, insecurities and conflict, and their group of friends face their own dilemmas. The romance and connection feels natural, they have their ups and downs but they fight for each other and are so supportive. This is a wholesome read with lots of passion, no spice, and a hea.
This is great emotion filled grumpy/sunshine read, one of my favourite types of book.
Dustin was such a lovely character, full of emotion, hidden depth and pain. Shay, on the other hand was like a ray of sunshine seeing positives when others see negatives. There was instant chemistry between them but both had reasons for holding back.
I felt there was a great range of characters, some who I liked more than others and the relationships between them added another dimension to the book.
The only downside for me was the breakup and subsequent chapters as I felt they were quite rushed.
All in all though, an very enjoyable read and I will definitely be looking out for the next one in the series.
This would make for an awesome movie! if I could give more than 5 stars I would! Lexi is gifted at making you feel all the things while reading. I was blushing, breathless, enamored and devastated and heartbroken all at once at one point. I'm definitely a spice reader and the fact that this had absolutely zero spice and I still loved it to my core is saying something! Dustin and Shay are just ugh!!! 🤌🤌🤌 The supporting characters are amazing as well! I think this book flowed very well and I was so sad whenever life got in the way and I had to put it down for anything. Post read Status: Already working up a dream cast 😆
Dustin and Shay's story was an absolute blast to read! I ended up reading it in one sitting🫣🙌💞 The author's writing and the creativity that went into this story are amazing!
The pace of the plot and the romance was perfection, and I really enjoyed getting to know not only the main characters but the side ones as well! They were pretty great😍
Overall, if you're looking for a book with no spice, high emotions, breathtaking writing abilities, and the best characters, this book is the one!!
This book hooked me from the first sentence and didn't let go. It was executed perfectly. Shay and Dustin have such a good relationship, and I loved their communication skills even during the third act breakup. It tore my heart out and I felt so bad for both of them. And the way Dustin is protective of Shay on set? So perfect. This book was genuinely refreshing. It was closed door with amazing tension, and the characters felt like real people that you'd find chasing their dreams. Also, the side characters were very entertaining. I enjoyed getting to know them, and I'm excited to see whose book is next.
I really enjoyed this book, great characters, lots of emotions and very sweet. No spice but I don’t think it needed any, the connection between Shay and Dustin was really strong. A great grumpy x sunshine romance that any romance reader would enjoy.
"This Girl & That Guitar" is a charming closed-door romance that I found thoroughly enchanting. The plot was engaging, and I appreciated the depth of the characters. The writing was enjoyable, and the witty banter added a great layer to the story. Although there were a few phrases that felt repetitive, it didn’t overshadow my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline as a whole, making this a delightful read for any romance fan!
Oh I loved this book. The tension, Dustin's growth and vulnerability. The passion is inescapable and I'm here for it all. Healing, new things, love, and not wanting to let yourself have any of it. It was cute and addictive and so well done. Im excited for the next book!
This was my first read from this author. I loved the first person point of view of the story, which is always a deal breaker for me. I enjoyed the story from start to finish. I received an ARC copy of this book through Grey's promotion in exchange for an honest voluntary review.
I received this ARC and I ate this up so freaking fast! The plot? Outstanding? The characters? Even more outstanding! This book had me experiencing all of the feelings from laughing, to crying, to rooting them all on! Absolute must read!
If you are looking for a spicy book, this is not the one. Yet this book was such a good read that I couldn’t put it down. The book is sweet and sexy with a touch of innocence. A roommates to lovers/workplace romance with neither really looking for relationship but both quite attracted to each other.
Dustin Shaw, MMC, has been in a bit of a funk since his band broke up five years earlier. He’s moody, reclusive, seldom smiles and molten hot!! And he’s also stuck trying to write one more song from the band’s label. Picking up Shay Tanner, MFC from the airport for her BFF Lindsay. She has come to Atlanta for her first starring role as the lead in a movie and she will be staying with Lindsay plus her two roomies… one of which is Dustin!
Further tasked with taking Shay to her audition for the movie Dustin is left hanging out while she does her part. It’s when Dustin is asked to fill in and read a part that ultimately leads to him getting the part of leading man… a part which Shay’s friend was auditioning for. Of course this will cause some tension If you are looking for a spicy book, this is not the one. Yet this book was such a good read that I couldn’t put it down. The book is sweet and sexy with a touch of innocence. A roommates to lovers/workplace romance with neither really looking for relationship but both quite attracted to each other.
Further tasked with taking Shay to her audition for the movie Dustin is left hanging out while she does her part. It’s when Dustin is asked to fill in and read a part that ultimately leads to him getting the part of leading man… a part which Shay’s friend was auditioning for. Of course, this will cause some tension between Shay and her friend who was reading for the part given to Dustin.
You can kinda feel where this is going. Working on set together, running lines at home, kissing on set was the final straw that lead them to cross the line between being co-workers to something more. I couldn’t help but cheer for Dustin and Shay to become much more. Oh my heart, it was just so sweet how Dustin was so protective and thoughtful of Shay. I mean how could she not fall for him too?
But when former band members show up wanting to reunite the band, how does Dustin feel about that? Especially since the past five years have been a bit of his own personal torment. Where does this leave Dustin and Shay’s relationship?
Quote: “Shay Tanner three rules when it comes to her acting career: Rule #1: No dating costars. Rule #2: Don’t compromise your morals for a role. Rule #3: Never break rule #1. Ex-musician Dustin Shaw threatens each of them just by breathing.”
This is my second book I’ve read by this author. This book you meet Shay who is a new actress and then Dustin who is a former musician turned actor. Dustin meets Shay at the airport when he strivers to pick her up and bring her to her new movie site for her best friend Lindsey who couldn’t make it. Dustin owns the house that she is going to staying in.
She has some rules that she lives by. Rule #1: No dating costars.Rule #2: Don't compromise your morals for a role. Rule #3: Never break rule #1.
Somehow Dustin ends up cast as one of the roles opposite of her in the movie that she is working in. Dustin and her develop more than just a work relationship when they become a couple.
You follow them on their journey as they make their movie, and his band comes back together. There is a lot of ups and downs of their relationship. They are really put the to the test, and hit some bumps in the road to their relationship. They both are hurting and learn that they need each other but both of them have a hard time admitting they were both needing to over come this hiccup.
Will they make up and get back together? What will happen with each of them? While this is a good book, to me it seems to be missing some things. I had a hard time reading the middle of the book, and had to really push through. I really feel like things were missing in the book, just a lot of back and forth between the movie set, the bar and the house where they live. Not much in the middle.
The author really has a way of writing stories without any spice, and while I feel this book was fine without it I don’t think it would have added anything extra to the storyline. I see what and where she was going with this book I feel like it missed a small mark. You may think differently and I recommend you try reading this book yourself.
This Girl and That Guitar ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🫑 closed door but still steamy
Thank you so much for this ARC @l.kingston.books & @greyspromo I fell so in love with their love. 🥹
I am still reeling over Dustin and Shay!
Shay is an actress and she’s moving to Atlanta from Oaklahoma to star in a role she’s landed on a pretty big film. Her childhood best friend Lindsey, is a model living in Atlanta and she offers Shay to stay with her and her roommates for the six months of filming. So, when Shay lands Lindsey sends one of her roommates to pick her up because she’s stuck at work. Dustin turns out to be a super hot roommate which Lindsey fails to mention and he used to be a part of a big deal band that ended up breaking up. He takes Shay to her read through for her role and just so happens to know the crew working on the movie. He ends up getting roped into playing the lead just from filling in as a reader and that forces him and Shay together. Not only are they living together but now they’re working together too. Shay has a strict no dating co-star rule but she’s been the only one to take Dustin out of his downer of losing the band and suddenly he doesn’t want to stay away from her.
The closer they get the more he wants and he tries to steer clear knowing her strict rule about not dating co-stars. But when she accepts a date from another co-star , jealousy gets the best of him and he asks one of the other girls working with them out on a date that same night. Did jealousy get the best of both of them and will they realize that they’ve been avoiding giving into each other?
This is the sweetest love story that I didn’t think I would be super into but it ended up grabbing onto me and never letting go!
Tropes: 🎸Roomates to lovers 🎸Closed door but still feel the intimacy 🎸Workplace Romance 🎸Musician MMC 🎸Actress FMC 🎸Grumpy/Sunshine 🎸BANTER 😍 🎸Protective
I was super excited for this book, but it did not live up to the expectations I had set for myself. I knew that this was going to be a celebrity romance (which could be hit or miss for me) between former band member, Dustin and aspiring actress, Shay. And I really did enjoy the roommates, close proximity action that was happening in the beginning between them. Dustin was definitely your typical broody MC, with a soft spot for the FMC. But once he kind of got what he was, wishing for, his priorities flipped. And not only did it make me like his character less, but then hers as well as she was dealing with it. I think the third act break ups are just not my jam. Especially when I’m having a trouble differentiating how much time has actually lapsed. It felt like things were rushing by but then it would reference only like two months passing. Super confusing.
Summary:
Shay has just landed one of her dream roles in an upcoming film and she’s headed to go live with one of her old best friends. It might be a little awkward that she has multiple guy roommates (former band mates), but her main focus will be her job. The only problem is, she wasn’t expecting the broody roommate of hers, Dustin, to get the lead role alongside her. And there’s only one rule she has, don’t fall in love with any of your costars. But how can she resist him the more she learns about him through his songs?
Favorite Quote:
“This women might just be the death of me. And what’s worse I’m not sure the prospect upsets me as much as one’s death should.“
Shay has three rules when it comes to her acting career and the main one is no dating costars but new roommate and ex-musician Dustin Shaw threatens that rule just by breathing.
Dustin is brooding, reclusive, and undeniably attractive - Everything would have been fine if he hadn't unintentionally stolen her costar's part.
Dustin has been in a slump since his band broke up and now spends his days writing songs for washed-up performers. Although lately he’s not writing as much music as he should be, so when his agent thinks being cast in the movie is what he needs to spark his creativity - he takes it! Except, the role is for the love interest of his new roommate, and staying away from her is difficult enough without having to kiss her on screen.
All it takes is a few minor interactions to make Shay question her resolve and leave Dustin fantasizing about all the ways he'd like to break her number one rule.
This was a beautifully written romcom that will keep you interested and intrigued to what happens next.
You will love Shay and Dustin - you will love their relationship and will honestly feel for Shay throughout the book because she definately goes through an awful lot and when he is too busy with the boys you feel heartbroken for Shay as she has no one to lean on with what’s going on.
I absolutely loved all the characters and cannot wait to see whose book is next.
What would you do if you were asked to pick up a friend’s friend, drop her off at work—and suddenly find yourself working with her? That’s exactly what happened to Dustin, a former band member who accidentally became a lead actor alongside his newly minted roommate, Shay. The attraction between them was instant, but there was one problem: Shay had a strict rule—no dating co-stars.
This story is charming in its own way. Despite having a feel-good plot, it contains no steamy or spicy scenes. Yes, two people under one roof with zero heat—surprisingly, it works here. Instead of physical intimacy, the story focuses on love languages and emotional connection, which adds depth and warmth to the characters.
However, I felt a disconnect halfway through the story. Dustin’s personality seemed to fade—he became flat and unexpressive, making it harder to stay invested in his character. I wish he had a stronger voice to support his growth and presence in the story.
That said, the book does a good job highlighting the darker realities of fame—abuse, manipulation, and power trips—while showing how both characters navigated those challenges based on their own moral compass.
Bonus points for the well-curated soundtrack—it perfectly captured Dustin’s identity as a former band member and added another layer to the story
*4 stars* This is the first book in this new series and I definitely had some high expectations. It was a bit of a slow start for me and had some troubles to connect myself to the characters but asoon as it picked up I was getting into it and feeling it more. The true connection between the two lead characters was what definitely brought everything even more together. Can't wait to see what's next in store.
Shay is going to her read through chemistry for her new part and hopes that it's the stepstone to something more as it's her first big part. She's staying at her friends place but nothing really goes right at first; when she meets her new roommate, it doesn't really seem he wants to be there but when she needs a ride to the audition, he's making an effort. Dustin never really thought he'd be a read through with his new roommate but things take an unexpected turn for both of them. As they get to know each other, they find they have much more in common than they thought. Even though Dustin is still struggling not being able to write a song but hopefully the inspiration will come rather sooner than later. As Shay & Dustin grow closer and their relationship progresses, there's still a lot of things they need to figure out. Will everything work out in the end?...
This story is very entertaining and kept my interest.
The slow build of a friendship between Shayla and Dustin allows for readers to get to know who they are before things get romantic. The physic attraction between them is obvious, but she is determined to keep her no dating co-stars rule. The dynamics between all the characters is interesting and keeps the storyline moving at a good pace.
I enjoyed the focus of the story being about an unknown actress navigating the ups and downs of her first lead role in a movie. She’s excited at the opportunity and potential, but the day to day life on set isn’t glamorous. Dustin’s background as a member of a successful boy band that who lost all his success when the band broke up, who stumbled into a major lead role is a nice contrast to the up and coming starlet.
The relationship between Shayla and Dustin is completely clean with nothing more than some passionate kisses happening on screen and no indication if/when their physical relationship went any further. It’s a little odd given the Hollywood and music scene backdrop, but doesn’t detract from the story.
I received a free ARC from the author and Grey’s PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
4.75/5:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to greys promo and Lexi Kingston for the ARC!! I loved this book so so much. Seriously the sweetest thing ever!!! -Workplace Romance -Strangers to Lovers -Forced Proximity -Roommates to Lovers
This is a new to me author and I can say 100% that I will be reading more from her in the future. Shay Tanner our fmc has 3 rules when it comes to her career as an actress. No dating costars. Don’t compromise your morals for a role. Never break rule number 1. When Shay moves into an Apartment with her childhood best friend and her two male roommates Dustin Shaw our mmc threatens all of Shay’s rules and more. Dustin is an ex musician who is struggling to write new songs for his label after his band broke up. Dustin gets cast in a movie with Shay even though he’s not an actor. His agent thinks this is a great opportunity to help with his writers block the only issue is he is the lover interest for Shay.
I loved Shay and Dustin so much. Dustin was seriously the sweetest guy. I’ve read very few books where it’s the male character who is wanting to talk things out and not the female Dustin was one of those. The way he loves Shay is so wholesome and I’m just obsessed. That girl & this guitar out May 13th, 2025!
That Girl & This Guitar is a heartwarming, swoony romance full of charm and emotional depth. Shayla is an up-and-coming actress living out her dream role in a book-to-movie adaptation. Dustin is a brooding ex-musician who’s lost his way—until Shayla walks into his life and into their shared apartment.
Between cozy mornings and on-set moments, their chemistry builds naturally as Dustin begins to heal and Shayla tries her best to stick to her rule: no dating co-stars. (Spoiler: it’s not easy when your co-star is your gorgeous roommate.)
This story has lovable, relatable characters, sweet romantic tension, and a lot of heart—all without the spice. Dustin’s journey back to himself through music and love was especially moving. I’m already hoping we’ll get more stories about the band and Lindsay!
Perfect for fans of roommates-to-lovers, workplace romance, and clean contemporary love stories with depth and feeling.
That Girl & This Guitar Is Shay Tanner and Dustin Shaw’s slow burn romance and it’s book one in the Lonely Melodies Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and it ticked my boxes. It’s a captivating read with broken characters whose stories are raw and gritty but it’s also entertaining and well written. Dustin has been in a slump since his band broke up five years ago and he spends his time writing songs for washed up performers. Problem is he has hit a block and he can’t string two words or two tunes together. Actress Shay has become roommates with the ex musician while she is filming the role of a lifetime and from the moment they meet sparks fly. Shay only has three rules when it comes to her career and it looks like Dustin is going to have her breaking every one of them. So will couple make beautiful music together it will they break each others hearts.