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Backstage
Behind the scenes is your chance to shine...
The day the Johannson sisters arrive to launch their play Off-Broadway in New York City, they know their lives will never be the same.
Mikayla is confident, talented, and achingly lonely.
Madeline is brilliant, organized, and jaded about men.
Can these two women from Oklahoma find success, peace, and lasting love in the Big Apple?
Visit with characters you fell in love with in the other stories set in "The Barter System" universe and meet a few you're never going to forget. A contemporary romance novel by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.
The day the Johannson sisters arrive to launch their play Off-Broadway in New York City, they know their lives will never be the same.
Mikayla is confident, talented, and achingly lonely.
Madeline is brilliant, organized, and jaded about men.
Can these two women from Oklahoma find success, peace, and lasting love in the Big Apple?
Visit with characters you fell in love with in the other stories set in "The Barter System" universe and meet a few you're never going to forget. A contemporary romance novel by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.
- GenresRomance
350 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2015
22 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Shayne McClendon
82 books620 followersShayne McClendon is the author of more than fifty published books and over six hundred short stories (and counting).
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 17, 2015
Opening Night!! Off Broadway!! “Not that Desperate” Written, Produced and Directed by Madeline Johannson, Lead Actress, Mikayla Johannson. In the audience, Gabrielle, Nathalia and Hudson!!
The book opens with Gabrielle chatting with Nathalia and Hudson about the lives of the people responsible for the production of this play, while waiting for the curtain to go up. In true Brie fashion she tells the stories of the people involved backstage with the depth, breathe and beautiful heart that made us fall in love with her in previous Barter Series books. Some of the characters you will know, others are new, but all equally fascinating with a story that goes straight to your heart.
Backstage is an amazing book of short stories surrounded by the main story. The intricacy of the way Shayne weaves the characters together to make all parts of the story flow is flawless. Each story draws you tightly in it’s web that you never want to leave, but you then find yourself immersed in another story with new characters to fall in love with.
Some of the stars in this book are Mikayla Johannson, who became a dancer and actress to help her sister Madeline realize her dream of being a writer. They are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. We meet the gorgeous Zelder brothers, Ezra and Isaiah, who own the theatre. I don’t do spoilers, but these hot and sexy guys will leave you drooling!! These are just a few of the characters to grace the pages of this book!! All will leave you wanting to know more about their stories.
It was wonderful to read about Riya and Tawny and their men at the end of the book, but the really exciting part was about Brie and what I think is coming up for her hopefully in a book very soon!!! No spoilers, so you will have to find out what I’m not saying by reading this book. The last sentence of this book, will kill you, in a good way, I promise!!
I loved this book, but I knew I would because Shayne McClendon’s writing makes you feel her characters, their loves, their losses, their happiness and their sadness. The sex is always hot, dirty, erotic and sexy!! Thank you Shayne for giving us another beautiful amazing story!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Rosie’s Book Heaven was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with Gabrielle chatting with Nathalia and Hudson about the lives of the people responsible for the production of this play, while waiting for the curtain to go up. In true Brie fashion she tells the stories of the people involved backstage with the depth, breathe and beautiful heart that made us fall in love with her in previous Barter Series books. Some of the characters you will know, others are new, but all equally fascinating with a story that goes straight to your heart.
Backstage is an amazing book of short stories surrounded by the main story. The intricacy of the way Shayne weaves the characters together to make all parts of the story flow is flawless. Each story draws you tightly in it’s web that you never want to leave, but you then find yourself immersed in another story with new characters to fall in love with.
Some of the stars in this book are Mikayla Johannson, who became a dancer and actress to help her sister Madeline realize her dream of being a writer. They are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. We meet the gorgeous Zelder brothers, Ezra and Isaiah, who own the theatre. I don’t do spoilers, but these hot and sexy guys will leave you drooling!! These are just a few of the characters to grace the pages of this book!! All will leave you wanting to know more about their stories.
It was wonderful to read about Riya and Tawny and their men at the end of the book, but the really exciting part was about Brie and what I think is coming up for her hopefully in a book very soon!!! No spoilers, so you will have to find out what I’m not saying by reading this book. The last sentence of this book, will kill you, in a good way, I promise!!
I loved this book, but I knew I would because Shayne McClendon’s writing makes you feel her characters, their loves, their losses, their happiness and their sadness. The sex is always hot, dirty, erotic and sexy!! Thank you Shayne for giving us another beautiful amazing story!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Rosie’s Book Heaven was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2015
I love this series!
Once again I have been blown away by the magic the Devine Ms. M has woven onto a page.
From the first sentence to the last, I was utterly captivating by a world I've grown to love.
Getting to revisit a few of my favorites from TBS, Hudson, and PTE was icing on a delicious cake. And I don't even like cake.
But I've come to adore the Zelder's and Johansson's and I truly cannot wait until I get to see them again.
And bless that woman for including Ladies Night! Tawny never gets old!!
Once again I have been blown away by the magic the Devine Ms. M has woven onto a page.
From the first sentence to the last, I was utterly captivating by a world I've grown to love.
Getting to revisit a few of my favorites from TBS, Hudson, and PTE was icing on a delicious cake. And I don't even like cake.
But I've come to adore the Zelder's and Johansson's and I truly cannot wait until I get to see them again.
And bless that woman for including Ladies Night! Tawny never gets old!!
May 30, 2023
triple the pleasure!
This is a three in one book! But how perfect is it that to story revolves about twins Madeline and Mikayla Johannson. And the amazingly hot brothers Ezra and Isaiah Zelder they come to love! This book has it all! Theater, love and sexy men and HEA! But these 4 are not the only Zelder/Johansson union, but I guess you will have to read the book to find out more.
This is a three in one book! But how perfect is it that to story revolves about twins Madeline and Mikayla Johannson. And the amazingly hot brothers Ezra and Isaiah Zelder they come to love! This book has it all! Theater, love and sexy men and HEA! But these 4 are not the only Zelder/Johansson union, but I guess you will have to read the book to find out more.
January 12, 2021
Three in one
This is closer to the original set-up in the first book of the series. We see the couples in this world come together. We revisit Brie, Natalia, and Hudson -- and get a hint of where Brie will end up. There is also a quick bit on Tawny that I refuse to spoil. Totally worth the read!
This is closer to the original set-up in the first book of the series. We see the couples in this world come together. We revisit Brie, Natalia, and Hudson -- and get a hint of where Brie will end up. There is also a quick bit on Tawny that I refuse to spoil. Totally worth the read!
June 1, 2020
Awesome
Glad to hear from Brie cant wait for HEA. The twins were great, but Teddy's story was mt favorite. IMy heartstrings where very hard. One of my fav series.
Glad to hear from Brie cant wait for HEA. The twins were great, but Teddy's story was mt favorite. IMy heartstrings where very hard. One of my fav series.
July 17, 2015
Tomes Rating: 5 Stars
Tissues Rating: 3 Boxes
The wait is finally over. Shayne McClendon has released Backstage and it was a perfect performance. Backstage is divided into sections with each 'act' developing the story of a specific character. Bri, from Barter System and Hudson, is used to tell the stories of Mikayla and Madeline, sisters who travel from Oklahoma to New York hoping to bring their amazing play to life on the stage. The book is told through both flashbacks and current events. It was refreshing to jump back in time and get the history behind the characters but to also see them interacting with others that we have come to love. It was amazing to see the women embrace their roles in each others life, but also to realize their dreams and desires are different from what they have always shown the world. Mikayla and Madeline are amazing examples of people willing to sacrifice of themselves for the betterment of those around them. Backstage had its moments where my tears became too much, but ultimately it was a story of life and love. The final chapters paved the perfect path forward towards the next installment of the series. Once again, I am waiting patiently (ok, not so much) for more from Shayne!!!
Tissues Rating: 3 Boxes
The wait is finally over. Shayne McClendon has released Backstage and it was a perfect performance. Backstage is divided into sections with each 'act' developing the story of a specific character. Bri, from Barter System and Hudson, is used to tell the stories of Mikayla and Madeline, sisters who travel from Oklahoma to New York hoping to bring their amazing play to life on the stage. The book is told through both flashbacks and current events. It was refreshing to jump back in time and get the history behind the characters but to also see them interacting with others that we have come to love. It was amazing to see the women embrace their roles in each others life, but also to realize their dreams and desires are different from what they have always shown the world. Mikayla and Madeline are amazing examples of people willing to sacrifice of themselves for the betterment of those around them. Backstage had its moments where my tears became too much, but ultimately it was a story of life and love. The final chapters paved the perfect path forward towards the next installment of the series. Once again, I am waiting patiently (ok, not so much) for more from Shayne!!!
July 17, 2015
Get a look behind Backstage
The Johannson sisters had a dream, but is wasn't the same for both. Mikayla would do Anything to help her sister Madeline be a success in her first Play she wrote in the New York scene. The picked the Zelder Brothers place it was every they wanted. it's here that they each fall in love with their one and only. Kayla has a strong pull to the mystery brother Isaiah. He thinks he will never find a woman to call his own because of a disfigurement he has from a bad accident. What he didn't know is Kayla doesn't see him the way he does. Madeline and Ezra clicked right away. Keeping their affair a secret for different reasons. The affair become was more to both and theirs no looking back. When the play takes off the girls family are coming to see them and the success they have done plus see the men that have stole their daughters heart. Enters Kiefer Johannson the player of the family till he lays eyes on Theodora ( Teddy ) the beautiful cousin of the Zelder Brothers. All I can say is Love is in the air. They all have obstacles to over come and trust with be tested, but in the end Love At First Sight does happen and these couples are what great stories are made of.
The Johannson sisters had a dream, but is wasn't the same for both. Mikayla would do Anything to help her sister Madeline be a success in her first Play she wrote in the New York scene. The picked the Zelder Brothers place it was every they wanted. it's here that they each fall in love with their one and only. Kayla has a strong pull to the mystery brother Isaiah. He thinks he will never find a woman to call his own because of a disfigurement he has from a bad accident. What he didn't know is Kayla doesn't see him the way he does. Madeline and Ezra clicked right away. Keeping their affair a secret for different reasons. The affair become was more to both and theirs no looking back. When the play takes off the girls family are coming to see them and the success they have done plus see the men that have stole their daughters heart. Enters Kiefer Johannson the player of the family till he lays eyes on Theodora ( Teddy ) the beautiful cousin of the Zelder Brothers. All I can say is Love is in the air. They all have obstacles to over come and trust with be tested, but in the end Love At First Sight does happen and these couples are what great stories are made of.
November 5, 2015
Backstage by Shayne McClendon
Rating: 5 stars
The Johansson twin sisters get the ride of their lifes when perform their play 'Not That Desperate' at the Zelders Theatre.
We see the cast from The Barter System series come together with a few interesting additions. *cough* one pewter-eyed and another green-eyed male anyone? *cough* Brie tells the story of the twin sisters and what really goes on backstage. BUT, you don't get two stories in one. You actually get THREE. Just like how there are three acts in the play. ;)
All-consuming. That's what I'll call this book. I am always fascinated by the world Shayne writes. As if I'm truly part of it. Lovely girlfriends, sweet alpha males and hot sex scenes. Is there more? Oh yes, emotions that jump out to you. Page after page. Like I can't get enough of it. I crave the words spilling out, leaving me completely consumed.
Rating: 5 stars
The Johansson twin sisters get the ride of their lifes when perform their play 'Not That Desperate' at the Zelders Theatre.
We see the cast from The Barter System series come together with a few interesting additions. *cough* one pewter-eyed and another green-eyed male anyone? *cough* Brie tells the story of the twin sisters and what really goes on backstage. BUT, you don't get two stories in one. You actually get THREE. Just like how there are three acts in the play. ;)
All-consuming. That's what I'll call this book. I am always fascinated by the world Shayne writes. As if I'm truly part of it. Lovely girlfriends, sweet alpha males and hot sex scenes. Is there more? Oh yes, emotions that jump out to you. Page after page. Like I can't get enough of it. I crave the words spilling out, leaving me completely consumed.
January 8, 2016
In Backstage- we get three stories instead of one, PLUS a little time with Gabriella, Natalia, Hudson, etc. The Johannson sisters are pretty easy to like right off the bat. As are the Zelder brothers. They work hard for what they want, and support each other through it all in a way that makes them all completely endearing. By the end of the book, we have gotten to know some wonderful people and watch them connect with one another and find happiness. The sexual chemistry between each couple is very hot, and it is difficult to do anything but cheer these people on throughout.
I adore this series, and definitely recommend that the books be read in order. THese are all characters that you are going to want to get to know and spend some time with.
I adore this series, and definitely recommend that the books be read in order. THese are all characters that you are going to want to get to know and spend some time with.
November 27, 2016
I loved The Barter System and really, really liked Hudson and Pushing the Envelope, but this book in the series just didn't do much for me. The story was somewhat confusing, as Brie starts recounting her memories of Mikayla and Madaline and how they met Ezra and Isaiah. Brie is at the theater with Hudson and Natalia to watch the play the two women put on, and the book is set up in acts. It also includes Thea, and with the addition of her and then Kayla and Linn's family, having so many people involved made it difficult to keep who's who straight. Also, everyone is so perfect - they are beautiful, nice, kind, funny, rich, talented, giving, etc, etc, etc. It was just a bit too much for me.
May 27, 2021
I adore any book by this author but this series is just amazing. It's more of characters we've already fallen in love with along with new one you will fall in love with plus more that we hope to see again. As with so many of Shayne's books there are terrific sex scenes but it's more than that she just writes outstanding people that you want to know more about and once you do you fall more and more in love
Merged review:
Adore this world that Shayne has created for us. Every time I reread a book in this world I catch something I missed the time before. This is an outstanding addition to this series and should not be missed
Merged review:
Adore this world that Shayne has created for us. Every time I reread a book in this world I catch something I missed the time before. This is an outstanding addition to this series and should not be missed
July 28, 2015
Shayne did it again! Absolutely love this series. Being able to have a peek inside more of Hudson's story, along with meeting Mikayla and Madeline. I truly was hoping for more of Brie's story but truly enjoyed reading the story of Mikayla, Madeline, Ezra and Isaiah. Can't forget about Tawny, loved being able to get a peek into what she is up to! I love everything this author has written and truly love this series. I can't wait for more!
July 18, 2015
Loved this
Just totally immersed myself in the story and loved every minute.
Unique way to tell a collection of character stories while pulling them into one unique concept. So much better than all the mini novella or partial chapters used by some less talented authors. So enjoy this authors writing style. Hot alphas, strong sensual women, supportive quirky family and friends...what's not to enjoy. Recommend.
Just totally immersed myself in the story and loved every minute.
Unique way to tell a collection of character stories while pulling them into one unique concept. So much better than all the mini novella or partial chapters used by some less talented authors. So enjoy this authors writing style. Hot alphas, strong sensual women, supportive quirky family and friends...what's not to enjoy. Recommend.
July 20, 2015
Don't be disappointed, it is fun
My first impression was come on where's Brie's story, but I actually appreciate it more this way. Brie is still healing and tells the love stories of some of her NY theatre friends.
So worth the read...Lots of love and obviously, more stories to tell in the future. It leaves us open to stories of the cousin, while amp you up for Brie's hot story. I can't wait.
My first impression was come on where's Brie's story, but I actually appreciate it more this way. Brie is still healing and tells the love stories of some of her NY theatre friends.
So worth the read...Lots of love and obviously, more stories to tell in the future. It leaves us open to stories of the cousin, while amp you up for Brie's hot story. I can't wait.
August 17, 2015
This book has been simply amazing! By far an exceptional addition to the TBS series. I thoroughly LOVED how Shayne brought the characters together and intertwined their lives together giving us explosive and detailed scenes one after the other. This book left me deeply entrenched with wanting more of the series to come out and see how everyone continues afterwards. Excellent work once again Shayne. You made me cry and laugh once again but had me steaming up the windows as well lol
August 25, 2015
Blown Away
I confess to being a bit upset at not getting Brie's story so I procrastinated. What a mistake! This is a fabulous book and once again a totally unique piece of writing. The entire design of the book is a surprise that just gets better the further you read. The only negative I found was how quickly Teddy was willing to accepted K's horrible treatment. Otherwise, great work!
I confess to being a bit upset at not getting Brie's story so I procrastinated. What a mistake! This is a fabulous book and once again a totally unique piece of writing. The entire design of the book is a surprise that just gets better the further you read. The only negative I found was how quickly Teddy was willing to accepted K's horrible treatment. Otherwise, great work!
November 11, 2016
This series is enjoyable on a superficial level. I like the plot, the book itself is written decently but there is no depth in it. It seems all the main heroines have no character flaws and they're all insanely giving and above reproach. That actually makes the book difficult to read because there's no growth in the character, just the moving along of the plot. The characters are hard to relate to which makes it hard to really delve in the world. Just my opinion.
January 19, 2016
The title states #4 in this series and I can say that Shayne truly builds on the characters off every book. This one is no disappointment either. The rich depths of these characters are amazingly real. Fall in love with the old favorites and a few new Ones. Get this book and continue your growth in the Barter System world.
August 4, 2015
Fantastic book once again by Shayne. I don't know what to tell you but it eased my heart after Hudson, I was left a little raw and this book soothed me and made me smile and left me desperate for the next installment in the Barter System world.
July 23, 2015
I didn't read the blurb before I bought it and thought it was Gabriela's book but I was not disappointed at all. I loved the format and the characters. The entire series has been great. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 19, 2015
AMAZING!
I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy this book but in all fairness I LOVED this book. I laughed and cried. Yet another amazing addition to the Barter System family.
I knew without a doubt I'd enjoy this book but in all fairness I LOVED this book. I laughed and cried. Yet another amazing addition to the Barter System family.
July 24, 2015
Enjoyed
I can't wait for you to release the next one in the series. I'm so happy to tell other people who haven't read any of your books they need to start . A great read... Thanks
I can't wait for you to release the next one in the series. I'm so happy to tell other people who haven't read any of your books they need to start . A great read... Thanks
November 9, 2015
it took awhile to remember the original characters and how they relate. now more characters to remember. it would be good to have a chart.
May 24, 2016
This has made up for book 3.5
April 2, 2016
From the Barter System series by Shayne McClendon. I love the characters that make up this series. I feel like I am visiting family with each new book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews