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Beauty and the Bassist
Beauty and the Bassist
I've never had something this amazing before, and I'm terrified that I'm going to screw it up.
Shane Beckstrom’s punk band has been topping the charts, and he and his bandmates are sure they have it made—until a freak accident ends their success, killing their lead singer and rendering their lead guitarist too injured to play. Shane is the lone original bandmember to emerge unscathed—except for his severe concussion and the ghost of his best friend JT following him around, both of which make him doubt his sanity and his ability to ever play again.
When Shane’s agent convinces him to take over for JT as the emcee of the Miss California Poppy beauty pageant, he meets Allison Mendez, the pageant coordinator who has no patience for arrogant rock stars—especially when she’s already dealing with catfighting beauty contestants with a penchant for overly-revealing swimwear.
Despite Shane and Allison’s bickering, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Allison needs to loosen up as much as Shane needs to get his act together—but will Shane’s rapidly declining mental state get in the way of their happily ever after?
Beauty and the Bassist is a full-length, standalone romantic comedy. It features R-rated sexual content and swearing, no cliff hanger, no cheating, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.
Shane Beckstrom’s punk band has been topping the charts, and he and his bandmates are sure they have it made—until a freak accident ends their success, killing their lead singer and rendering their lead guitarist too injured to play. Shane is the lone original bandmember to emerge unscathed—except for his severe concussion and the ghost of his best friend JT following him around, both of which make him doubt his sanity and his ability to ever play again.
When Shane’s agent convinces him to take over for JT as the emcee of the Miss California Poppy beauty pageant, he meets Allison Mendez, the pageant coordinator who has no patience for arrogant rock stars—especially when she’s already dealing with catfighting beauty contestants with a penchant for overly-revealing swimwear.
Despite Shane and Allison’s bickering, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Allison needs to loosen up as much as Shane needs to get his act together—but will Shane’s rapidly declining mental state get in the way of their happily ever after?
Beauty and the Bassist is a full-length, standalone romantic comedy. It features R-rated sexual content and swearing, no cliff hanger, no cheating, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2020
60 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Megan Walker
32 books81 followersMegan Walker lives in Utah with her husband, two kids, and two dogs-all of whom are incredibly supportive of the time she spends writing about romance and crazy Hollywood hijinks. She loves making Barbie dioramas and reading trashy gossip magazines (and, okay, lots of other books and magazines, as well.) Megan has also written several published fantasy and science-fiction stories under the name Megan Grey.
For more on The Extra series, or to sign up to receive bonus content and all the latest series news, visit www.extraseriesbooks.com
For more on The Extra series, or to sign up to receive bonus content and all the latest series news, visit www.extraseriesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 21, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this story. 😍😍 It was so incredibly good and very well written. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but this one was extra unique! I loved the two main characters, two broken souls really, finding a way to go from constant bickering to an HEA. I loved it all, particularly the ghost bit. I highly recommend it!
I received an advanced copy of the ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of the ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review. My opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
This was a cute story and a perfect palate cleanser from my usual genre.
March 29, 2024
“You make me remember how to want things.”
I shouldn't be surprised by how much I LOVE the characters and am connected to them, since this is my 10th book in the Extra Series by Janci and Megan (including the extra alternative novel for Felix and Jenna).
So I'm almost 💯 positive I've said these exact words before...
I LOVE how real, perfectly imperfect, flawed, and relatable these characters are.
I LOVE that Janci and Megan shows us some of the same scenes from different perspectives.
I LOVE that they make it normal and okay for their "manly men" to express emotions, cry, and be vulnerable, even, and especially in front of each other, and they are supported and understood and heard!!! And NOT ridiculed or made to feel less than in any way.
I LOVE that the women ALSO give the men the same respect and compassion when they share their vulnerabilities and cry.
In a perfect world, THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE!
I love that the couple, whichever couple it is, has difficulties, has shared responsibilities in the troubles within the relationship, and also spends more time working together as a team to fix them and help and support each other than find excuses and/or throw each other under the bus.
Just as excited as I am to read the next book, I'm also starting to get a bit hesitant and sad, because I'm closer to running out of books in the series than having more to read!
😳
It's a good thing Janci and Megan have many more books they have written! Individually and together!
Please keep writing more!
#yourbiggestfanforlife
I shouldn't be surprised by how much I LOVE the characters and am connected to them, since this is my 10th book in the Extra Series by Janci and Megan (including the extra alternative novel for Felix and Jenna).
So I'm almost 💯 positive I've said these exact words before...
I LOVE how real, perfectly imperfect, flawed, and relatable these characters are.
I LOVE that Janci and Megan shows us some of the same scenes from different perspectives.
I LOVE that they make it normal and okay for their "manly men" to express emotions, cry, and be vulnerable, even, and especially in front of each other, and they are supported and understood and heard!!! And NOT ridiculed or made to feel less than in any way.
I LOVE that the women ALSO give the men the same respect and compassion when they share their vulnerabilities and cry.
In a perfect world, THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE!
I love that the couple, whichever couple it is, has difficulties, has shared responsibilities in the troubles within the relationship, and also spends more time working together as a team to fix them and help and support each other than find excuses and/or throw each other under the bus.
Just as excited as I am to read the next book, I'm also starting to get a bit hesitant and sad, because I'm closer to running out of books in the series than having more to read!
😳
It's a good thing Janci and Megan have many more books they have written! Individually and together!
Please keep writing more!
#yourbiggestfanforlife
July 21, 2020
The beauty, the bassist and the ghost all walk into the pageant
Beauty and the Bassist is the ninth book in The Extra series and is the story of Shane Beckstrom and Allison Mendez. I bet you can't guess who is the beauty and who is the bassist..........well you got it right if you guessed that Allison is definitely the beauty and Shane the talented bassist. When these two meet they are their are fireworks but not in the good way. But that is not completely correct as their fireworks are both from their bickering and from their attraction to each other, both of which only fuel the other until their chemistry is "Number one with a bullet baby!" However, Shane is really dealing with some things, including a ghost, and Allison is so tightly wound it is amazing she is not popping her strings all over the place.
The author's have once again written a funny, witty, sweet, charming, engaging and very entertaining story. The characters are wonderful as they both help each other to grow and deal with things that they are each facing.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Beauty and the Bassist is the ninth book in The Extra series and is the story of Shane Beckstrom and Allison Mendez. I bet you can't guess who is the beauty and who is the bassist..........well you got it right if you guessed that Allison is definitely the beauty and Shane the talented bassist. When these two meet they are their are fireworks but not in the good way. But that is not completely correct as their fireworks are both from their bickering and from their attraction to each other, both of which only fuel the other until their chemistry is "Number one with a bullet baby!" However, Shane is really dealing with some things, including a ghost, and Allison is so tightly wound it is amazing she is not popping her strings all over the place.
The author's have once again written a funny, witty, sweet, charming, engaging and very entertaining story. The characters are wonderful as they both help each other to grow and deal with things that they are each facing.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 20, 2020
I have really loved the entire Extras series from Megan Walker and Janci Patterson. These books are a fun romcom escape from the everyday, and Beauty and the Bassist fits right into the series nicely.
Shane Beckstrom is the lone artist from his punk to escape a tragic accident relatively unharmed, but his severe concussion and the fact the ghost of his best friend, JT, is following him around means he has a lot of aftermath to deal with. When his agent convinces him to fill in for JT at an event, he meets Allison, a master coordinator with no patience for an entitled rocker.
Shane and Allison start bickering from the minute they meet, and their chemistry is off-the charts. Shane need to recover, but Allison needs to let loose a little too, so can the two of them be what the other needs? Why yes, the can!
Beauty and the Bassist is a full-length stand-alone novel, as are most in the series, so even if you haven't read the prior books, jump on in to this one. There is some heat, some comedy, lots of laughs and heart, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Shane Beckstrom is the lone artist from his punk to escape a tragic accident relatively unharmed, but his severe concussion and the fact the ghost of his best friend, JT, is following him around means he has a lot of aftermath to deal with. When his agent convinces him to fill in for JT at an event, he meets Allison, a master coordinator with no patience for an entitled rocker.
Shane and Allison start bickering from the minute they meet, and their chemistry is off-the charts. Shane need to recover, but Allison needs to let loose a little too, so can the two of them be what the other needs? Why yes, the can!
Beauty and the Bassist is a full-length stand-alone novel, as are most in the series, so even if you haven't read the prior books, jump on in to this one. There is some heat, some comedy, lots of laughs and heart, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
July 27, 2020
"Beauty and the Bassist" is the ninth book in "The Extra" series. Janci and Megan have done it again! Shane Beckstrom and Allison Mendez are beautifully written protagonists. Both characters are the definition of being poles apart, but they have sizzling and mind-blowing chemistry. They are identical when it comes to going through life-changing events and being vulnerable. Their struggles make them realise that together they can make peace with their demons. But this comes with conflict which calls for communication. The different point of view for the characters flow seamlessly, and the character growth is memorable. I was rooting for them when every layer was exposed, and the ending brought a big smile to my face. The words of wisdom in this book struck a chord with me. The beauty pageant plot had wonderful characters, and there are relevant and important issues that are highlighted in this book.
I'm so excited about this series and can't wait to read more of them. I received an ARC from Megan Walker. This honest review is left voluntarily.
I'm so excited about this series and can't wait to read more of them. I received an ARC from Megan Walker. This honest review is left voluntarily.
September 9, 2020
Rockstar Shane is emotionally healing from an accident in which his best friend, JT, died. The admitted playboy is seeing ghosts, and he’s feeling pretty broken. He gets roped into being the emcee for a beauty pageant where he meets the coordinator, Allison. Showing up late doesn’t help his case. Allison knew his type before that gaff, and this just cements her opinions on him. It doesn’t matter that they’re attracted to each other. They needle each other too much for even friendship to work. Or do they?
“Like I could easily fall into her arms and lose all control.”
Gah! Of course, I’m drawn to Shane because I have PTSD, and he’s a bit broken. And also, because he knows the proper terminology for female anatomy which makes him an instant keeper. Real-world, non-spoiler alert: a lot of men don’t. I love how they feed off each other’s snark, and it makes for some heated but hilarious interactions. You knew from their chemistry alone that this couple was going to be perfect for each other. Super fun read!
“Like I could easily fall into her arms and lose all control.”
Gah! Of course, I’m drawn to Shane because I have PTSD, and he’s a bit broken. And also, because he knows the proper terminology for female anatomy which makes him an instant keeper. Real-world, non-spoiler alert: a lot of men don’t. I love how they feed off each other’s snark, and it makes for some heated but hilarious interactions. You knew from their chemistry alone that this couple was going to be perfect for each other. Super fun read!
March 16, 2021
Beauty and The Bassist. How cute is the name of this book?!? We first met Shane in book 2, The Girlfriend Stage. He ends up being a douche bag in that book but he redeems himself in book 9! In this book he is a successful rock star who is grieving the death of his best friend and bandmate. He is pressured into hosting a beauty pageant by his agent in the hopes of reviving his career. He ends up meeting Allison, the coordinator of the pageant, and love ensues.
We want to thank the incredibly talented authors Janci Patterson and Megan Walker for gifting us these books. I save their books for a day that I have completely open because I know that once I start reading one I WON’T BE ABLE TO STOP!!! Seriously! I read both of these books in the same day! They are sooo entertaining!!! You do not have to read these in order either. They are great stand alone books as well! Please click the link in our bio for our Amazon Storefront and get their books asap!!!
We want to thank the incredibly talented authors Janci Patterson and Megan Walker for gifting us these books. I save their books for a day that I have completely open because I know that once I start reading one I WON’T BE ABLE TO STOP!!! Seriously! I read both of these books in the same day! They are sooo entertaining!!! You do not have to read these in order either. They are great stand alone books as well! Please click the link in our bio for our Amazon Storefront and get their books asap!!!
July 20, 2020
Shane has been having very difficult times after the band´s accident till he meets Allison. He will substitute JT in a pageant contest and that´s where he will find his way into normalcy again. Shane, Allison, Anne-Marie are very relatable characters and apart from the rock star bit, their lives can be the lives of any of us, full of good and bad things. Bad happenings from the past may intrude in the present and if we do not work them properly our lives can get derailed. Honesty and friendship are top things in relationships besides love and that´s not only supposed to happen in books but in real life.
Beauty and the Bassist is an enjoyable reading with a good plot, lots of laugh and sadness bringing people together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beauty and the Bassist is an enjoyable reading with a good plot, lots of laugh and sadness bringing people together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2020
I received a free ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
I loved this book. Characteristics I look for in a great story are flawed, human leads, unexpected twists, interesting supporting personalities and humor. Beauty and the Bassist fulfills it all.
The chemistry between Shane and Allison is off the charts. They start off as adversaries but realize that they have basic common flaws and reach out to each other for help. The tenderness they share while helping the other deal with weaknesses is endearing.
While their romance progresses and regresses, those around them have their own issues. There is the ghost of a dead man, quirky younger sister, old bandmates and beauty pageant contestants round out the tale.
Megan Walker and Janci Patterson have written a tremendous story with a happily ever after.
I loved this book. Characteristics I look for in a great story are flawed, human leads, unexpected twists, interesting supporting personalities and humor. Beauty and the Bassist fulfills it all.
The chemistry between Shane and Allison is off the charts. They start off as adversaries but realize that they have basic common flaws and reach out to each other for help. The tenderness they share while helping the other deal with weaknesses is endearing.
While their romance progresses and regresses, those around them have their own issues. There is the ghost of a dead man, quirky younger sister, old bandmates and beauty pageant contestants round out the tale.
Megan Walker and Janci Patterson have written a tremendous story with a happily ever after.
July 24, 2020
It was good to finally have a story about Shane. He didn't get off to a good start in this series especially in his relationship with Anna-Marie. He was the one everyone loved to hate!
An incident occurs making Shane re-evaluate his life in the band. Having suffered a loss as well as needing to recover himself he takes a job emceeing a beauty pageant. Here he meets Allison, who has her own health issues. Making an unlikely couple they start relationship. A bit rocky at times but you get to see another side to Shane.
Overall I suppose everyone deserves their own story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An incident occurs making Shane re-evaluate his life in the band. Having suffered a loss as well as needing to recover himself he takes a job emceeing a beauty pageant. Here he meets Allison, who has her own health issues. Making an unlikely couple they start relationship. A bit rocky at times but you get to see another side to Shane.
Overall I suppose everyone deserves their own story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! The authors have a way of making you laugh and cry all within the span of a page. They put the character's flaws out there for the world to see and then run roughshod over them to show you they don't really matter in the grand scheme of things it is how the characters take those flaws and either turn them into strengths or overcome them.
As a reader I always demand a happily ever after ending, but reading this series I have come to realize it is ok to have your guts ripped out to get it. Highly recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a reader I always demand a happily ever after ending, but reading this series I have come to realize it is ok to have your guts ripped out to get it. Highly recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author, so I haven't read any of the other books in this series. This was an entertaining and enjoyable read. Fun, unique, and full of great moments, this book will pull you right in and keep you engaged and smiling all the way through. The author does a great job of bringing the story to life with great characters that are lovable and endearing. Loved this story and I definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2020
I read this whole series during the pandemic and it was a nice escape from all that was happening in the world, so I was thrilled to receive an offer to read the ARC of this latest in the series. This was a great story and it was nice to see resolution with some of the characters from the previous books. I haven't wanted to read anything too deep or serious lately and this series has been perfect!
July 18, 2020
This was fun to read. Definitely kept my interest to the very last page. This book is definitely one I will remember. It touched on real issues that are either laughed at or ridiculed. Well written and definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2020
I LOVED this story of two damaged souls finding each other and helping each other become who they are meant to be. BONUS- a hilarious ghost that only the hero can see and hear. Many characters from the series show up in this book, but it is not necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 20, 2020
If you are looking for a HOT book with a surprising happily ever after this book is for you! Shane and Allison make an amazing couple even with all the fighting and arguing you can tell they should be together. The odd part without giving everything away was the ghost. But it was a unique twist that you didn’t see coming!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
This book actively made me angry. They went on one date and were in love. Went public immediately. The entire book takes place over ONE WEEK? And the epilogue - which you set at a later time to show how well-adjusted and perfect the characters are even years later - was deadass three months later. No.
July 15, 2020
Awesome book!! I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of the books in this series and this one was no exception!!! So entertaining, can’t wait to read more in the series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
Everything seems to be going well but is all too good to be true. Then there is an accident which leave him the only to go on. Will he carry on? What about the ghost of his friend ghost? See how he gets on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2024
This writing duo is the best!
I’m slowly acquiring all of their books, and I have not been disappointed yet!
I want to live in a world where I can order Chicken-Fried Steak Teriyaki or a Break-up Bucket; whichever the situation requires.
I’m slowly acquiring all of their books, and I have not been disappointed yet!
I want to live in a world where I can order Chicken-Fried Steak Teriyaki or a Break-up Bucket; whichever the situation requires.
December 7, 2021
Sad but had some fun.
Thought this was r and r but come to find the band was done. It saddened me that he turned away from playing.
Thought this was r and r but come to find the band was done. It saddened me that he turned away from playing.
October 24, 2025
I am all for a fairytale retelling. This is a contemporary version with no magic.
Shane was recently in a car accident with his bandmates. He can his deceased bandmate and is not dealing with the accident.
In walks Allison and she does not put up with his rock star behaviour. She has her own demons that she is dealing with.
You can tell from the beginning that Allison and Shane would be good for each other. Their banter was very funny.
This was an easy and fun book to read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Shane was recently in a car accident with his bandmates. He can his deceased bandmate and is not dealing with the accident.
In walks Allison and she does not put up with his rock star behaviour. She has her own demons that she is dealing with.
You can tell from the beginning that Allison and Shane would be good for each other. Their banter was very funny.
This was an easy and fun book to read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews