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Stolen Notes and Broken Strings

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When words are stolen and strings are broken, can love still find its rhythm?

Scarlett, a university graduate student, clings to hope in a world that thrives on betrayal. When her ambitious professor steals her work, she vows to expose his treachery. But her determination leads her to an unexpected collision—literally—with Whit, an enigmatic and rebellious rockstar whose dangerous edge is only matched by the darkness of his past.

Whit’s haunting lyrics cut deep, mirroring the shadows that pursue him throughout his turbulent life. Despite every warning, Scarlett finds herself ensnared in his chaotic world of music and madness. As their lives intertwine, buried family secrets and academic deceit unravel a devastating connection neither of them sees coming—a connection that blurs the lines between right and wrong, love and vengeance.

Scarlett is drawn into the chaos of Whit’s tumultuous existence, where every note strikes a chord of danger and every string is woven with secrets. Passion ignites and trust shatters as they navigate the treacherous paths of deceit and retribution. But neither realizes the destructive power they hold over each other's fates.

In this dark and twisted rockstar romance, Scarlett and Whit confront their deepest fears and darkest desires. Their bond becomes both a weapon and a lifeline as they spiral into a world where trust is a luxury and love is a threat. Will they find harmony together, or will their love story hit a final, fatal note?

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2025

86 people are currently reading
234 people want to read

About the author

L.B. Martin

18 books724 followers
-Healing scars one word at a time-

L.B. Martin resides in Florida with her husband and two children. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her enjoying a cup of coffee. She majored in English Literature with a minor in British Lit. Passionate about mental health awareness, L.B. shines a light on the topic through her characters, many of whom grapple with mental illness. She also loves writing about dirty-talking bad boys and the curvy women who bring them to their knees.

L.B. Martin aspires not just to tell stories, but to change lives. Her words are a bridge, offering readers a passage from their own struggles to a place of understanding and hope. She believes in the transformative power of literature, the way a good book can make you feel seen, heard, and less alone. With every page, she invites readers to find solace and inspiration, reminding them that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light.

Find LB on All social media!💋

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5 stars
32 (43%)
4 stars
21 (28%)
3 stars
13 (17%)
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4 (5%)
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3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Tabatha Slagle.
386 reviews16 followers
February 3, 2025
Finding the words to describe the emotions this book put me through is nearly impossible. Personally, I don't read the warnings, but I'd recommend them for this one. This book will devastate you, build you up, and then devastate you again before giving your heart what it needs. Whit and Scarlett are truly a tragically beautiful love story. From the first line to the last, this book had my heart in its hand. This will probably remain at the top of my list for the year.
Profile Image for Sarah.
970 reviews
February 11, 2025
Stolen Notes and Broken Strings is a beautiful story about a rockstar meeting his muse.

What you get...
♡Rockstar Romance
♡Dark Romance
♡She's a University Graduate Student
♡Her Professor Steals Her Work
♡Bad Boy
♡Good Girl
♡Obession
♡He Falls First
♡Instant Attraction
♡Secret Identity
♡Tatted Sexy Dirty Talking MMC
♡Betrayal
♡Deceit
♡Revenge
♡Stalking
♡Great Banter
♡Healing Through Love
♡Masked Man
♡Masked Dub-Con
♡Musical Bond
♡Spicy Scenes
♡Found Family
♡Nickname
♡Trauma
♡MH Rep


Scarlett and Whit have instant connection, and their meet cute with the cheesy pick-up lines was great. They both left wanting more.

Their story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It sucks you in, and I couldn't put it down. L.B. does a great job at character and world building. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
873 reviews27 followers
February 2, 2025
Rockstar meets his muse

This book was so beautiful. So much trauma in the characters lives that led to a chance meeting and cheesy pickup lines. However, that meeting left them both craving more.

Scarlett is weeks from finishing school when a professor steals her thesis so when she tries to turn it in it's flagged as plagiarized. Now she has to find a way to prove it was hers but he is always one step ahead of her.

What is finally seeing his dreams come true with his band Chaos Theory. His father expects him to enroll in school and become a productive member of society like himself. Well jokes on him because he will never trust his father after what he did. After telling his father off he literally runs into Scarlett and she is like a beacon in the darkness.

I loved the real and raw emotions that were present in this story. From the lyrical quotes and songs to the heartfelt conversations. This books shows rockstars succeeding and failing. We also see how a relationship has ups and downs but when you are all in and honest you can overcome and find your path.

Some of the quotes that really stuck with me:

"When words are stolen and strings are broken, can love find a rhythm?"

"She's my obsession, my addiction, my everything."

"You are the melody to my chaos, and I can't let anyone else hav a single note of you."

"anyone who tries to come between us is just a footnote in our story. You're the headline"
Profile Image for Lisa.
468 reviews16 followers
January 31, 2025
Whit is on the brink of fulfilling his dream of becoming a rockstar his life is full of anguish he hates his father who is a bully this has lead Whit to suffer from mental health
He takes drugs to help himself forget and also drinks a lot
Scarlet is at university she loves English literature and she’s doing her thesis and it has taken such a long time. She’s had help from a professor who she guards highly. That is until steals her thesis and makes out that its own. He has hidden all communication between the two of them so she can’t prove that he has done this. She is devastated her reputation ruined.
Whit & Scarlet literally bumping into each other and that’s how they meet both have mental health issues both have scars from the past but somehow they seem to fit together like a pair of groves
Would recommend this book can’t wait for book 2 in the series
Profile Image for Amber.
815 reviews36 followers
February 4, 2025
Stolen Notes and Broken Strings was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. It starts with Scarlett finding out her professor and mentor has stolen her work for her thesis and published it as his own. The university does not believe her, so she's trying to get all the proof she needs. She runs into Whit outside of school and he takes her for coffee. She learns he's in a band and they're about to hit it big. They fall instantly in lust and love. They both had dark pasts they are trying to escape. Both of their demons show up and cause problems for their relationship. Can they work it out, will they be able to get the help they need to be stronger together?
Profile Image for Becca.
394 reviews77 followers
February 9, 2025
My emotions were triggered for this one. My goodness. I got so caught up in the characters that it threw me for a huge loop. This plot was absolutely well written and the characters were hardcore!

The lyrical quotes were stunning and beautifully executed. I’m enthralled literally. With the ups and downs of relationships but everyone can overcome those blocks. True love never fails.

I highly recommend this book so get it on your TBR list!

Once again thank you for allowing me to ARC read!
Profile Image for Monica Graham.
332 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2025
Whit and Scarlett

I love the instant connection between the two they burn so hot together. I could really relate to scarlett and she made a great FMC. I am excited to see them in the next book and continue to see them grow through other's perspectives.
Profile Image for Kristenslibrary .
12 reviews
January 31, 2025
Loved this book so much, honestly I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through i can not wait for book 2.
Will definitely re read and recommend to friends!
Profile Image for Erin Saulpaugh.
508 reviews12 followers
February 7, 2025
What a ride! This book is like riding one of the scary rollercoasters for the very first time! You don't know which way it's going to go or when the loopy deloop is going to happen, and when you're done, you want to ride the rollercoaster again and tell your friends all about it. That's this book! Please, for the love of God, check your trigger warnings before reading. There is a lot of trauma that these characters go through. This book had my attention from cover to end. What a beautiful cover for a beautifully broken story. I loved the cheesy lines that help with the broken pieces. I did laugh and cry while reading this.

I can't even describe how this book made me feel, which is why I used the rollercoaster to explain. I know this was a deep but great story, and I'm so happy I read it. I can't wait for book two. My heart is a little bit more broken but at the same time more mended than it was before. This book has me wanting more, I'm addicted!

This book has made it to my top favorites for 2025, and honestly, it's going to take a lot to top that.
728 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2025
Scarlett is a university graduate student. She lives in a world where everyone betrays everyone else without a second thought, and yet she still believes in the good of people, and she still has hope. One of her professors is overly ambitious and sees her abilities and her potential. Seeing an excellent paper she had handed in, her professor steals it and claims it as their own.

Scarlett vows to expose him, his lies, his theft, and his treachery. Her determination leads her to a literal unexpected collision with an enigmatic, rebellions, gorgeous rockstar named Whit whose dangerous edge is matched only by the darkness of his past.

Whit's lyrics, they cut deep and mirror the shadows that pursue him through his turbulent life. Scarlett has heard all the warnings. She has actually listened, but she still finds that she has been ensnared in Whit's chaotic world. Whit's world of music and madness, and when their worlds come together, they find that buried family secrets come to the surface, and academic deceits unravel a devastating connection between them they never imagined could exist. It's a secret that comes at them like a bullet neither of them ever see coming. The connection blurs the lines of right and wrong, love and vengeance.

The way that Scarlett is drawn into all the chaos of Whit's life and tumultuous life is amazing. Every moment of chaos is like a strike of the drum, its a woven string quartet carefully brought together, held together with their own deep, dark secrets. It's only when passions flames light up the skies and trust shatters like glass on marble that Scarlett and Whit must navigate the most dangerous of paths. The deceit and retribution they face is like no other. But neither of them realize the power the other holds over them and their fate.

This is a dark, twisted, delicious rockstar romance. Scarlett and Whit are forced into facing their deepest and darkest fears and desires. The bond they form is both a weapon and their lifeline. And as they twist and turn into a world they where they find that trust is an indulgence and love can be used against you. Together, they may find harmony, but their love could hit that final fatal note.

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your triggers. In this book tw/cw include but are not limited to: mental illness, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, emotional/physical/sexual abuse (rape), nyctophobia (fear of the dark), cleithrophobia (fear of being trapped), drug and alcohol, sexual scenes, non/dub consent, masked men, BDSM, breath play, forced orgasm, praise, orgasm denial, rope play, primal play, ice/snow play, spanking, nipple clamps, vibrator, butt plugs, double penetration, exhibitionism, Dom/sub, degradation, permanent marking, bondage, belt collar, breeding kink, biting, marking, edging, clit torture, and anal, murder.

Stolen Notes and Broken Strings is the first book in the new Chaos Theory Series by L.B. Martin.

Neither Scarlett and Whit are perfect, and they both have their own troubles, their own thoughts, and their own pasts. And they each have to work on those, work on their own issues so they can have their own HEA. Mental anguish, trauma, and scars all follow them around. And Scarlett goes through a serious transformation on their journey together.

Scarlett has a huge deficit of personal and educational issues that she has to work through, find ways of resolving, and then actually follow through to resolve them. Everything that she has to suffer, while I feel for her, its painful, but to see the way she grows and the strength she gains in the journey is stunning and you know that she goes through it all in order to find her HEA.

I will warn you, I wish I had had this warning. You are going to come to a moment where you are going to hate Whit. Yes, I know, it's painful to hate the MMC. But, just give him time. It's forgivable, and if you give him time, he will earn your forgiveness just like he earns Scarlett's. Whit is damaged like Scarlett, and he needs someone who is strong to help him heal and get his own shit together. Honestly, once Scarlett starts to heal herself, she is just the person who can help Whit.
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
886 reviews30 followers
January 31, 2025
This is book one in the chaos theory series, a dark rockstar romance that will have you gripping the edge of your seat and your heart racing. You will dive into their deepest fears and darkest desires. Once you start you won't want to stop, I know I didn't, I was hooked from the start and devoured every delicious minute of it.

It's an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, you will feel every little bit of emotions. It's dark, twisted, raw and beautiful. The characters, plot and storyline was out of this world, the author done an amazing job with their story. It's filled with drama, scared pasts, secrets, love, vengeance, deceit, chaos, danger, retribution and loads more.

Whit is our Rockstar, his life hasn't been pretty, his father is a bully and whit covers up his pain with the rockstar life style, drugs, drink etc.

Scarlett hasn't had shit easy either, she's at uni and her professor that she looks up to stole her work, she's left devastated. Her and whit meet by chance and things get interesting, two broken souls coming together. Such a perfect match.

I can't wait to see what else comes from this series. I absolutely loved reading their story. Highly recommend!!

"When words are stolen and strings are broken, can love still find its rhythm?"
Profile Image for Melissa Matti.
45 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2025
Rating: 4⭐️, 5🌶️

I just finished Stolen Notes and Broken Strings by L. B. Martin and these are my thoughts.

Firstly, the title is so clever! Once you have read the book you will see why (IYKYK).

This was a thoroughly enjoyable fast paced rockstar romance with some darker underlying themes - so please check your triggers - and lots of spice! This book had everything! A rockstar MMC, trauma healing, addiction recovery, a masked MMC, a playroom, and a HEA.

Stolen Notes and Broken Strings is the first book in the series Chaos Theory. Our FMC is a student trying to finish her thesis, who is dealing with her childhood trauma and difficulties of “his word against hers.” Our MMC is in a band called Chaos Theory, who has his own childhood trauma he is dealing with while trying to achieve his dream of getting signed by a label. When their paths collide (literally) we follow their stories as they combine.

I really enjoyed this book, although personally I prefer a slower paced read hence the four stars, not a five stars. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Michelle Ottey.
182 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2025
This one was so hot and dark but yet somehow also lovely and sweet. The relationship between the mmcs was so cute but yet dark. It’s hard to explain you’ll just have to read it ! The mmc has some dark desires for her but he cares for her so much that’s he consumed by it. The fmc was also great I loved seeing her fall into his affections. I think there was a lot of focus on them as a couple whilst there was other plot points going on in the background. I would have loved to see like more investigative work to solve her problem but it makes sense once you get to what happens to her later on which admittedly was hard to read however it was written really well. In terms of spice, it was really spicy, pretty much it was little plot and all spice so it’s a 5/5 spice for me. Overall, I enjoyed it, it was a good read, super spicy but good. I definitely recommend it to someone who enjoys very spice centralised reading. It’s a 4/5 read for me.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
1,731 reviews28 followers
January 29, 2025
Stolen Notes and Broken Strings is book one of the Chaos Theory Series.

Scarlett and Whit both have their own troubling thoughts and pasts which they have to work through to get their own HEA. They both have a lot of mental anguish which they have to work through. Scarlett really goes through a lot in their journey together. She has a lot of personal and educational problems she has to get resolved. I feel so bad for everything she has had to suffer through to get to her better ending.

Reader beware, there is a moment you will hate Whit (I know I did), but you just need to give him time to fix his mistakes. Remember, he has some damaged parts and needs someone strong to help him get his act together. And Scarlett is just that person to make him see the light.

Also, please read the trigger warnings, just in case.
Profile Image for Keri.
77 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2025
I wanted to love this book since it has amazing tropes, and I do love parts of it, including the intense chemistry and steamy scenes between Scarlett and Whit, their creativity and emotional vulnerability, and the author's depiction of their struggles with serious and shocking matters, like mental health, but overall, Stolen Notes and Broken Strings fell a little short for me. The main characters and plot have great potential but lack the depth and impact I want from them, and I don't find the characters relatable or the story realistic for several reasons. However, L.B. Martin has an engaging writing style and a powerful message to share with her readers, so I admire her efforts here and look forward to reading more of her books. In all fairness, I'm not a big fan of the instalove trope, so this book just might not be for me.
130 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2025
Stolen Notes and Broken Strings
L.B. Martin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scarlett and Whit
The chemistry between them is insane, like the flames Whit always talks. Both of them having horrible pasts yet when they’re together things are so much better. Scarlet, dealing with the professor who has taken her thesis and presented it as their own work, while Whit is dealing with a father, who is against his music. Will they stay together or will there past come back to haunt them? You’re gonna have to get the book and find out but I’ll recommend that you for sure read the triggers so that you don’t get into something that might trigger you! The author did an amazing job with this book, and I can’t wait to see what happens with his bandmates when they find their love interest!
Profile Image for Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review.
840 reviews62 followers
February 5, 2025
Wow, all the feels

5 phenomenal stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10 do recommend to anyone after they read the content/trigger warnings.

The trigger/content warnings are no joke!
This book is dark af, please do not put your mental health in danger. Be cautious!!!

Scarlett and Whit are the very definition of love at first sight, fated mates, when you know you know, etc. Everything happens so fast with them and it takes you on a very tumultuous journey.

I love a man that's allllllllllllll about his partner. Whit was gone from the moment he saw her and was all in.

These two are so incredibly hot together it's ridiculous!!!

They would burn it all down for each other. Their love is as intense as the nickname Whit has for Scarlett.
Profile Image for BasicBookBtch.
250 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2025
What an emotional ride! Please check your trigger warnings before reading this book!

The story is captivating. A musician finds his muse. And girl with a traumatic past and present finds someone to lean on and trust…so she thought. Scarlett and Whit’s relationship starts off as a whirlwind romance. But demons will surface and risk everything they have. Will they find their HEA?

This story is not for the faint of heart. It tugged at my heart strings. But what a good story it was. So many of us are facing demons on a daily basis and to have someone by your side to help you and love you endlessly is not common. Well written.
1,083 reviews18 followers
February 15, 2025
Emotional, Dark, Rockstar Read!

Ohhh, I love nothing more than a broken, misunderstood Rockstar written in a world that has darkness and a strong female lead. These books are my kryptonite but because they are, I hold them to a high standard. Sometimes they don’t meet that standard but this book. . . this book EXCEEDED my expectations!

Whit and Scarlet have instant attraction. They both are in the midst of their own battles but they find reprieve with one another. Unfortunately, their love almost wasn’t enough. Hearts get bruised to the point of almost broken. This book was a book I devoured in one sitting and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
Profile Image for Lalee.
114 reviews
July 23, 2025
Spoilers ahead. No. 🤣 Despite 1 star rating, only because the writing was terribly juvenile, I liked it… kind of in the same way I liked Sharknado. So awful that it had its own little personality.

Repetitive language for starters.

Insta love to the extreme.

A rape scene that ordinarily I would be super triggered by, but was so mad at the cheating in the chapter before, I had no f**ks to give when it happened.

And then her recovery from it and the s*x to follow.

I can’t understand how the ratings for this as so high. 🤣

A Saturday afternoon, popcorn movie type of read for me.

The premise? Brilliant. Just let down by the writing.
Profile Image for Tina.
129 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2025
This book takes you through the feels. I was angry and frustrated with Scarlett's thesis situation. I was disappointed with Whit at one point. And there are some sensitive topics and scenes in this, so make sure you read the trigger warnings and protect yourself.

Along with the sadder emotions, there were the good kind too. Whit and Scarlett had great chemistry! This book definitely has the obsession trope down! They had a great connection and it made for a wonderful read of rockstars and spice!
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
572 reviews14 followers
February 5, 2025
Stolen Notes and Broken Strings is the first book in the Chaos Theory series. This book will take you on a wild ride. It is dark and twisted and I was all for it! I love the storyline. The characters are well written. My heart broke for Scarlett and Whit. I feel like they complete each other even though they’ve gone through some hardships individually and as a couple. This is my first book by L.B. Martin, and I need more books! I cannot wait to read the next book!


As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!

Profile Image for Lindsey.
20 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2025
This book captivated me from the beginning, as it followed Whit and Scarlett’s stories with a duo POV. Both of them a product of troubled upbringings, and their stories end up colliding with a twist.
The only part that wasn’t super believable for me was the instant love connection and the amount of things they shared with each other when It felt like they were still strangers. I feel like there could’ve been a little more buildup to that. Otherwise I thought it was a great story. Definitely a lot of spice too. Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Denton.
32 reviews
February 1, 2025
This book took me on the most thrilling roller coaster of emotions of my life. There was joy, hate, rage, despair, love, and everything in between. I was hooked from the prologue! Tortured, tattooed, and dominant Whit with scarred, ethereal, and resilient Scarlett make a fiery, redemption bound couple with all the spice that will get you humming along to your own Rockstar fantasies!! I cannot wait for more sexy, dark reads from L. B. Martin!!
750 reviews22 followers
February 3, 2025
This dark rockstar romance will have your head spinning and your heart beating fast! The way Scarlett and Whit met one another and their instant connection is everything…. They both have dark pasts they struggle with. Can they save each other from the darkness? You will have to read to find out! I will warn you though, please check the triggers before you dive into this one. What Scarlett goes through is gut wrenching…. I can’t wait for the second book!
Profile Image for Mariah Elizabeth.
91 reviews35 followers
February 4, 2025
This book gave me all the feels, and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I honestly didn’t want it to end. I’ve never been one for rockstar romances but, Whit & Scarlett changed my mind! I honestly just want MORE! I can’t wait till the next book.

I usually don’t read the triggers before I start a book as I don’t want to spoil anything but I honestly recommend to check your triggers! There is some heavy content in this book.
Profile Image for rebecca.
948 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2025
Enjoyed this rockstar book. It has been a while since I have read this type of book and this book was really good. It states dark but to me it isn't, it might state that because of somethings that happen in the book. He is just starting out with his group they run into each other and they both fall for each other at first site. These two go though a lot in this book before they can come back together and get that happy feel. would recommend
Profile Image for love,care and self - ashlea.
399 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2025
“When words are stolen and strings are broken, can love find a rhythm?”

Wow… this book takes you on a journey. If you like books that break your heart before eventually piecing it back together, this book is for you. Our MCs whit& Scarlett truly have a beautifully tragic love story.

This story is moving, raw, honest, with heartfelt moments and is absolutely beautifully written.

“She’s my obsession, my addiction, my everything.”
16 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2025
I thoroughly devoured 'Stolen Notes and Broken Strings' by L.B. Martin, swept away by the intense romance and emotional depth between Scarlett and Whit. The way Martin weaves together themes of trauma, healing, and obsessive love had me hooked from start to finish. The dark, twisted narrative and rockstar backdrop added an extra layer of intrigue, making this book a wild ride that lingered with me long after I turned the last page.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
963 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2025
I loved this! She's a new to me author & this is Whit & Scarlett's story!! She a university student & has been working really hard on her thesis. Unfortunately, it's stolen from her by someone she really looked up to. She meets Whit & a lot of things are happening. There's secrets & neither of them have had it easy. Loved the story & the spice. Recommend this new series & author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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