A Sinner's Memory

by M.L. Broome

In the shards of our past, we found our future. It’s been five years since I left Gideon. 260 weeks. 1,825 days. Not that I’m counting I’m finally over him. Past the love that kept me tethered to his side. So, when our mutual friend begs me to return to my role as Saints and Sinners’ manager and save Gideon’s band from themselves, I agree. It’s just business. I’m only there to rekindle the fire for Saints and Sinners. My heart has nothing to do with it. After Denver left me five years ago, I made myself a promise. If she ever walked back into my life, I would pull out all the stops to ensure that this time, we lasted forever. Now she’s back, but our reunion has some major obstacles to overcome. The first is my son, born during our time apart. The second obstacle? My son’s mother, also known as the reason Denver and I broke up. Denver is the only woman I’ve ever loved, but can she forgive my transgressions and move past our past, or are we destined to never have our happy ending?

Please note, A Sinner's Memory was originally published as part of the Leave Me Breathless world.

This story is intended for adult audiences and delves into some difficult themes, including ghosting, one-night stands and addiction.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary

368 pages, Paperback

Published January 4, 2023

About the author

M.L. Broome is a bohemian spirit with a New York edge. Her small-town contemporary romances feature smart and sexy heroines over the age of thirty-five, and sizzle with angsty, slow-burn goodness.

Raised on a steady diet of stories, she grew up believing all men should be like Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre—enigmatic yet unflappable in their devotion. Hence, her own brand of book boyfriend was born.

When M.L. isn’t holding one-sided arguments with her characters (she likens it to herding cats), she loves losing herself to nature on her North Carolina farm, one her rescue fur babies by her side.

Her favorite things? Dressing up and kicking back with a glass of wine and a stunning view, soaking up all the experiences that make the soul and senses tingle.

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Reviews

[Paula (on hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATED

Why is it the heroine never forgives a cheating ex and yet when it is the "Hero" in the story who cheats, all is forgotten & forgiven?

I didn't read this, and nor will I since it's confirmed that he did indeed cheat have sex with the OW who was the cause of the breakup in the first place. However, it was brought to my attention that he actually slept with the OW after heroine left him.

To me, it is still cheating because 1) He knew that the OW was the reason he lost heroine, so to then go sleep with her (drunk, stoned or whatever stupid excuse) AND on top of it make a kid with said OW, yeah NO! - and 2) I don't care if they are broken up, separated or not talking. When I am reading about 2 MCs and one of them slept with someone else AFTER they were in a relationship and fallen in love, then it is cheating to ME. How could you route for a character to get their HEA when in your mind you are wondering what happens next time they get in an argument, will he sleep with someone else because his feelings were hurt? And why should any heroine have to raise said cheater/douche's kid who will be a constant reminder of said asshole. Lol.

So yeah, I will never support any writer who romanticizes cheating or Manhore behavior as "man behaving badly" as some reviewers liked to term it. Cheating - even if it's in fictional characters - is not entertaining or a forgivable action no matter what the circumstances.

I’m not bashing authors. They have a right to write whatever stupid tropes they want, but come on! Is there no romance writer these days who can write something original and not the same BS over & over again? And outside of each author’s fanbase, who exactly are they writing for and WHY are they writing this immature, disgusting, annoying and repetitive tropes?

[Lu Bielefeld]

DNF 53% 2022
=================

UPDATE: June 2023
Someone reported my review because I added quotes that make my point. I still think the book is bad and I gave up reading. First time this happens to me. I'm going to remove the quotes because it's not worth it.
==========

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed a lot and this hero leaves a lot to be desired. I have no idea why this h keeps forgiving him.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 Stars
POV(s): Dual—First Person
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance

❥

I originally DNF’d this book over a year ago, but redownloaded it again today without checking Goodreads to see if I’d read it or not, and when I realized my mistake I decided to try to give it a second chance.

My complaint the first time around was that the writing was so OTP, that the different aspects felt like caricatures. So this time around, I decided to overlook and/or accept this issue in the hopes that I’d be able to enjoy the story despite them. Unfortunately, on top of not liking the writing, it turns out that I didn’t like the story either.

Quick Recap (SPOILERS):

➸ The MMC was a shitty boyfriend the entire two years he was in a relationship with the FMC. Later in the book he literally states that at the time they were originally dating, he was under the belief that “I was an egocentric asshole, hellbent on the belief there might be someone better.”

➸ The FMC finds out she’s pregnant, goes to the MMC’s hotel room to tell him, and finds a NAKED OW there. The FMC doesn’t believe the MMC when he says he didn’t invite the OW there, and that he wasn’t cheating, so she leaves him.

➸ The FMC miscarries at twelve weeks. Six months after leaving the MMC, she’s ready to reconcile, until she finds out that he knocked someone else up. (That someone else is the same OW who ruined their relationship, but the FMC doesn’t find that out till later.)

➸ Five years later, her “good friend” pressures her into saving the MMC’s band. She eventually agrees.

➸ Upon seeing the FMC again for the first time in five years, the MMC steamrolls her into getting back together. This is helped along by all of the MCs mutual “friends” pressuring the FMC to forgive the MMC.

➸ The FMC finally commits to being with the MMC only for the OW (the MMC’s baby mama) to O.D. The MMC internally blames FMC for her death, and verbally berates her when she tries to offer help and comfort to him and his son.

➸ A week later, the MMC walks into the FMC’s hotel room and finds her CLOTHED ex—the ex was trying to win her back with a grand gesture, but she turned him down saying she was in love with the MMC—there, accuses her of cheating, and again verbally attacks her (even more viciously than before) telling her, “Call your movers and tell them to turn around. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, anyway. Everything is different now. Eli is my only priority and I don’t have room for anything else in my life. Certainly not some rekindled love affair that died out years ago.”

➸ The MMC chases down the FMC a couple of hours later to stop her from returning to NY, and again steamrolls her into getting back together with him.

Maybe it’s just me, but it just didn’t feel like a love story, and certainly not one I could root for.

On a semi-positive note, Eli (the MMC’s kid) was cute and I wish he had more on page time. Additionally, whilst I hated the FMC’s wishy-washy behavior, she was ultimately a character that I liked and thought deserved better.

❥

Title: “A Sinner's Memory (Lyrical Love Letters #1)” by M.L. Broome
Interconnected Series: TBD
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
Triggers: Yes Miscarriage, Drug Addiction, Death (due to drug overdose)
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Baby-with-OW/Single-Dad
➢ MMC-Takes-FMC-for-Granted
➢ OW/OM-Drama
➢ Rockstar-Romance
➢ Second-Chance
➢ Separation (5 years)

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I want to start off by stating that I’m not a huge fan of the rock star romance subgenre. I also went into this one after having read a couple of scathing reviews from people who either didn’t read the book or read just a portion of it. I read the book in its entirety and I can tell you that “A Sinner's Memory” by M.L. Broome is well-crafted and entertaining. It pulled me right into the story and held my interest until the very end. This book is part of the ‘Leave Me Breathless’ series of books by multiple authors. This is a second chance romance mixed with plenty of angst.

Denver and Gideon were in a relationship for a couple of years. It was carefully kept out of the press because upper management thought rock star Gideon should appear to be single for the benefit of his fans – not involved with Denver, the band manager. Gideon was immature in how he handled the relationship and took her for granted. Bad timing and an incriminating situation had Denver thinking she caught him cheating on her, even though he wasn’t. Denver refused to listen to him or even give him a chance to explain. She just ran away and cut off all ties with everyone even related to the band. Note: I’ve read some people say Gideon cheated on her when he had a drunken one-night stand with a groupie some six weeks after Denver dumped him and cut all ties to him and the band. We may not like it or the complications that come later as a result, but you can’t cheat on somebody who broke up with you and vanished.

Five years later, Gideon and the band are dangerously close to being dropped by their record label. The members of the band are fighting constantly, and Gideon has lost his songwriting abilities. An industry friend convinces Denver to return for a while as the band manager and see if she can help. Denver has changed a lot physically and personally, but ultimately decides to do it. When she and Gideon set eyes on one another, the electricity between them is palpable. He is determined to help her see what he realized; they belong together and are meant for one another. He also knows that he needs to show her these things with his actions, not just tell her with words. Denver desperately wants to believe in him, but shadows of her insecure former self make it difficult for her to believe that she’s enough for him.

The story is a complex one, with twists and turns, layers of emotions, and a strong sense of the importance of love. I was thoroughly prepared to dislike Gideon … but I didn’t. The sincerity of his character came strongly through the pages. Denver is an extremely talented woman still exploring the depths of her hard-won confidence. There are some excellent secondary characters who add nicely to the story, some funny moments, and some sweet moments too. I thought Denver and Gideon both deserved the happy conclusion and future they achieved in the end.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions. I also purchased a copy on Amazon

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheating = Perceived. OW is in H's hotel room in nothing but lingerie. H swears nothing happened. Months later same OW is pregnant with H's kid. H did not cheat, but h and many others believed he did, especially when OW ends up pregnant.

h sees H with OW = see above

OW drama = OW was constantly going after to H and ends up in his hotel room (see above), later when she finds H drunk and at his lowest, she finally gets her man and ends up pregnant. Later (years), OW weaponizes their kid against H. Comeuppance? OW ends up overdosing so quick easy ending to open up for H and h to live HEA with the kid.

Grovel = H and h both apologize for different things to each other (h for not believing H when she found OW in hotel room; H for being a horrible boyfriend) However, IMO, the H was a weak spineless child. In the years of separation he did not go after the h? He was not diligent in his pursuit of the h? He was such a crappy boyfriend (refused to publicly acknowledge the h as his girlfriend, he was selfish during intimacy which was often rushed and resulted in only his satisfaction, never took her dreams and aspirations into consideration because it was all about him, etc.) who just wallowed in his misery rather than trying to be a better person and get h back. When he was so miserable he slept with the OW who had been a thorn in h's side, that was just the icing on the cake. Nothing like spitting in the h's eye by sleeping with the one person the h was consistently upset about and who was found almost naked in hotel room. Conniving OW ending up pregnant was the excuse H needed to justify never getting the h back. So years later, suddenly, H manipulates the h to come back to him by using others to do his dirty work. It just didn't feel solid especially when H walks into h's hotel room to find h's ex there. h had been very honest about the ex with the H. The ex was fully clothed in a suit (if I remember correctly) and had brought the h some flowers. H basically calls the h a whore and says some really hurtful and cruel things to the h. Sooo, h walks in on almost nude OW vs H walking in on fully clothed guy...not the same and not a justified reaction. h is running after the H and begging him to listen and explain herself, he doesn't stop and leaves h. What is his light bulb moment? When others point out his behavior to him and that they all KNOW the h is not that type of person. Suddenly, H is doing the classic running to the airport so he doesn't let the love of his life leave. Fortunately for him, h was at hotel bar still biding her time until she left for the airport. No grovel, just h grateful the H "came back" for her. *insert eye roll*

I was not a fan of the spineless H. The third act "breakup" just made me like him less.

[Jeon Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Denny is an Angel!

In the middle of the book, I wanted to believe Gideon truly loved Denny because his actions in the time of her return were consistent until an obstacle occurred. Gideon fell from grace the minute Lindsay died and I realized that he is selfish. He’s selfish in his ego, his love and his pain and he didn’t deserve Denny after his mishap. He finds out she had a miscarriage and instead of feeling her pain, he is “relieved” in the fact that it is not her lack of desire that drives her away from him but HER pain. His groveling was satisfying but after failing her a second time, he didn’t grovel enough. I was so rooting for them but now I’m only rooting for her cause he DOES NOT deserve her.

[Camille]

DNF. Jus couldn’t take it anymore! Such a shame because all my fave tropes are there!

[Mo ♡]

I HATE this book.

[Alicia S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many things wrong …

A Sinners Memory by M.L. Broome

2/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

If you’re looking for an HEA all the way through this is for you. It’s a second chance with absolutely zero groveling. I don’t like it at all. What this MMC put this FMC through and she sees him after five years and instantly opens her legs? 🙄 I understand instalove but I’m not a fan of “Insta forgiveness”. It’s not even close to how life works - and I get it - it’s a story but it’s so unrealistic.

And then when 💩 hits the fan she finally starts to act like a normal person who makes someone grovel but honestly she spends so much of this book continuing this cycle of annoying unrealistic and not logical way of thinking - it’s so annoying. Like girl you had therapy - if you had therapy to help this hurt for years and years why are you playing this game? It’s just so redundant.

This book has a lot of spelling and grammatical errors. For a published book, this feels very odd to me. I’m not understanding how this went from the editing process to published with as many mistakes as there are. Feels rushed and not fully thought out.

Also, these chapters are SO LONG. Almost 20 minute chapters via KU? 🙄 unnecessarily long.

Now this book was not all bad, there were moments in this book where I was misty eyed - but those moments were small and couldn’t bring this book back from the ick word of f0lds and all of the lacking attributes.

📚

[Theladyreads_smut · Rating 3 out of 5]

*******3.5 stars*******

I primarily read dark romance but when I'm in the darkness too long or too much my go-to is usually a rock star romance. They are my comfort reads, my palate cleansers. So, when I found this, I happily dove in and finished it in one sitting.

Denver Bourland, the FMC, is asked to whip the rock band Saints and Sinners back into shape before their record label drops them. The issue? A VERY messy break-up with the band's lead guitarist, Gideon, 5 years prior.

The breakup is told to us in the prologue. Long story short, he was an absolute jerk to Denny for the 2 years they secretly dated and after finding him in a compromising position, she finally decides she's had enough and takes off, without a word to anyone. Six months and many therapy sessions later, she's strong enough to reach out to Kayla, the A&R rep for the band's record label and good friend. She finds out that yeah, Gideon realizes how he messed up and yeah, he misses her like crazy but there's a problem… He's going to be a father. Welp, that's it, she decides. It's definitely over and goes dark again.

Back to the present, Kayla gets in touch and begs Denny to come to New Mexico and help the band get their mojo back. After some deliberation and soul-searching, she reluctantly agrees. The sparks fly between Gideon and Denny almost immediately. He's made it his mission to prove to her that he's a changed man and will do whatever it takes to win her back.

This was an enjoyable summer read. The flow was easy enough to follow, the chemistry between Denny and Gideon was spicy. His growth was great and he turns out to be a wonderful father. I liked the side characters enough to continue the series when they are released. Where the book lost some points with me was Gideon and his "I'm going to win her back no matter what" attitude. I was swooning at first, but the more I sat and thought about it, the more I felt that he was love-bombing her at times. His declarations of love and promises of, well, everything started to feel like he was trying to take away her agency, like she really doesn't have any say in the situation. The more she fights it, the harder he tries. She even mentions this to him in the book. Now, in the right context, like a dark romance, I would've eaten this up and enjoyed every mouthful, but that's not what this book is marketed as and in THIS context, it kind of made me uncomfortable at times. I know, I know, it probably doesn't make sense, but if you know, you know.. I liked the twist of one of the third act conflicts but it was resolved in the blink of an eye without any real reflection of the irony of the situation, at least to me. I like A LOT of angst and groveling in my second-chance romances and I felt it missed the mark a bit in those departments.

Even with the issues stated above, I read this book, cover-to-cover, in less than 6 hours. It kept me engaged and was an emotional roller-coaster! I laughed, I cried and yelled at pretty much every character in the book at least once. Again, this is great book to read by the pool or on your deck or patio (like I did) with a nice glass (or 3) of chilled rose ( Also, like I did, hahaha)

***I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily***

******* P.S..... I actually READ this book..... There is NO cheating and aside from a bit of "baby mama drama", there is NO OW! There is some OM drama though, but I didn't see that mentioned.....
Quite frankly, I think it's pretty pathetic to leave a review and rant about something that's not even in the book and be SO LOUD AND SO PROUD about being SO WRONG. If you don't like what you *THINK* it's going to be about, let's be an adult and NOT READ IT! The audacity of leaving up a review that's full of misinformation and then doubling down on it when you were told you were mistaken is ASTOUNDING!!!*****************

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf

[I Hate Romance Authors Who Hate Women]

Believe all the one star reviews. This book was so difficult to finish. Horrible steam roller H. The fact that he got the OW pregnant is the least of this h’s worries. This man is GASLIGHT galore. He thinks it no one but himself.
It’s one of those books that I actually recommend you read just to see how crappy it is. He’s so good at gaslighting that I actually felt love bombed through my screen.

P.S she has a miscarriage, it’s a big contingency for her. She has some hang ups and spends first half of the book expressing her fears and heartaches over it. When the H finds out, the only conversation that the two have about it last half a page. I’m not even kidding. He doesn’t even think about it after. He’s a horrible man but this author writes exceptionally well so I can see how people can be mislead by their characters. Good job on that I suppose.

Also… can we keep authors and the readers who clearly have an ‘other women kink’ out of the romance section.

[♡Tonya♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The pages of your heart are intertwined with mine.”

"How does someone have the most wonderful woman in the world and not realize it?" This is what Gideon asks himself at the beginning of this incredible, captivating book and the question stands as the basis of the story that follows.

Truth is, I love rockstar romances. They are absolutely my favorite genre. I have read many in the past, some very good, some not so good and some truly dreadful. Every once in awhile I discover something far superior. This book, A Sinner’s Memory, is one of these books and it comes from an author I've never even heard of before.

I fell completely in love with Gideon and Denny. My heart jumped back and forth between the highs and lows in their love story. Gideon was so incredibly loving and romantic while being a complete idiot at the same time. Denny broke me again and again. So full of love and so afraid to let herself risk feeling lest she be hurt again. I really loved her but she frustrated the crap out of me so many times I wanted to shake her. Honestly they both seemed determined to mess things up in every possible way. I can't believe how much angst they had to suffer before they finally found their hea.

I adored Gideon's son, Eli. He pretty much stole every scene he was in. I loved how he immediately was drawn to Denny, instinctively knowing she was a haven of love and safety.

The rest of the characters in the book were also interesting and contributed to this enjoyable story. I didn't want it to end. I am exceeding hopeful there are a few sequels planned. First there’s Darren and Kayla. Then we have sweet, quiet John who is so deep. I suspect a passionate nature exists under the surface. I wonder what he's hiding. As for Trevor, well, what can I say? That bad boy is just begging to be brought to his knees by love and the right woman. I can't wait to see him fall. We might end up with a story even greater than Gideon and Denny's! I just hope I don't have to wait forever for these other Saints and Sinners books.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Gideon was such a dick and Denny is a light and cannot catch a break. I don’t know how I would be able to stomach being ready to tell my partner who refuses to acknowledge me as his girlfriend that ink pregnant only to find another woman to then have a miscarriage to then find out said OW is having his baby only to come back 5 years later and because he’s been pining for me for so long I’m instantly going to start making out with him and sleeping with him. And oh by the way, the kid loves me and it’s fine cause I’m just going to fill the role of mom cause mom does. It was just weird and honestly Gideon didn’t grovel nearly enough to win her back. And he also just kinda brushed off that she had a miscarriage which I truly hate. I don’t know how she came back from that to accept Eli but oof I could never

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story concept from the synopsis, but the execution didn’t quite match. Denver seems to have hardened her heart against Gideon for good reason when he wants another chance, but this girl literally caves within five seconds of seeing him again. After talking a big game, where is the self-restraint and the willpower? As for Gideon, he’s either a complete self centered jerk in the past or a total sap in the present, minus the temper tantrums. It’s a bit of whiplash with both of them saying one thing and doing the opposite, although they eventually get it right and hop off the emotional merry go round.

[Janet Welling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uninspired Plot and Insipid Characters.

This book is your typical second chance rockstar romance complete with all the relevant accoutrements required for the trope. Spineless heroine who forgives past transgressions too easily and allows herself to be treated like a doormat. The self absorbed rockstar who drinks too much, knocks up some random groupie, breaks the heart of his one true love and then acts like a complete jerk in his quest to win her back. Predictable plot, weak dialogue and pathetically weak characters. Save your time and skip this one.

[Ja As · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely ever rate a book that I DNF’d but this one had to be done. Never thought the pacing of a book would ruin it for me but here we are. So the story starts off good heroine feels she’s been betrayed and leaves hero they haven’t seen eachother for years. So when they finally meet again you would think it would be angsty. NOPE not at all…they were kissing at first meeting, spicy scenes in the next chapter. Just ruined the whole flow of the book and I couldn’t carry on.

[Judith · Rating 1 out of 5]

nope

The MMC literally explains how he’s loved the FMC from afar for 5 years and then says it been 18 months since he’s had s*x….up he’s a keeper.

He says and does the most awful and toxic things through the book (love bombing is so horrible to read) and she just takes him back like nothing actually happened.

This author either likes to make her readers mad or doesn’t know a healthy relationship when she sees it.

The world of men scares me.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. L. Broome has the most amazingly tortured characters. I simply adore how she lays bare their anxieties and shows the depths of human struggles. Gideon is a fantastic character with some pretty amazing growth. Sure, he has some setbacks, but the plot was really well written to bring out opportunities for him to man up, take responsibility for his actions and actually experience what he’d done to others so he could do better.

Denny took a little longer to find her bedrock. She clung to her fears and insecurities like a lifeline for so long. This character is a fantastic exposition on how our fears cannot serve us. All they do is keep us in limbo, unable to move in any direction. And getting unstuck can be so unimaginably hard, especially when we try to shoulder everything alone.

“In truth, you have to relinquish control, secure in the knowledge there will be a myriad of unexpected turns and rapids in the river of life. Chances are, you’ll hit them all.”

That line really hit home very powerfully. It is a truth many of us could do with hearing every day. We can’t control life. And we most certainly can’t control the people around us. The only thing we can do is be aware when a person in our lives chooses to go after something. It could be a dream; it could be love. It could be a marked change for the better. Seeing and acknowledging that and embracing it by also striving to do better, be better and create more beautiful moments for those around us. That is meaningful. It is important.

When I added this book to my reading pile, I happened upon a rather acerbic negative review. How could Denny take back Gideon, the cheater? How could he expect her to take his brat in? I found the review and the string of comments most unhelpful, because this group of people’s approach to life and relationships clearly expects perfection. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. And rejecting someone who has decided to improve themselves based on the failings of their past is soul-destroying. Expecting perfection also comes with the rather unfortunate caveat of unavoidable disappointment.

What bothers me most about such considerations is that they are becoming more and more common. Female characters who make mistakes or jump into situations without thinking are more and more often labeled “too stupid to live” while the male characters who make mistakes, and like Gideon, choose to change their ways and do better, are ridiculed. If anyone gives such a man a second chance, then they’re fostering misogyny. It’s a twisted way of viewing the world and it’s saddening. Because I know so many of these younger people, brainwashed into seeking perfection, will never find it and will ultimately suffer for it. That is sad.

I hope more readers will see the power of this and Broome’s other novels. We do not have to remain stuck and we can absolutely celebrate and admire those who turn their lives around and learn from their mistakes without having to constantly hold those mistakes up under their noses.

And on that note, I’d like to end this review with my favorite quote from this book.

“We all have skeletons and things we regret. None of us are infallible. My list is quite extensive, but I can’t change the things I’ve done. All I can promise to anyone is that I’ll try harder and do better in the future.”

Thank you, M.L. Broome for another fantastic, powerful read. Please keep them coming. ♥️

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denny was the secret girlfriend of rock star Gideon, never acknowledged in public, pushed aside by the groupies clamouring for his attention. Two years in a relationship of making no complaints, waiting and patiently accepting her situation, until one night when she finds a near naked woman in his hotel room. Despite his protestations she leaves, living without contact and takes 6 months to grieve and readjust, only to discover Gideon is to be a father. Fast forward to 5 years on and she is approached to help the band get back on track as they risk losing their record company.
A new Denny, changed in appearance in more ways than one, successful author, still determined and forthright, but hiding a secret and emotions.
Gideon, now determined to reconcile, is desperate to enure they rekindle their relationship. It took him a long time to realise what he had and lost; it is only Denny. His beautiful son is the result of a drunken and depressed one nightstand, living with demanding, partying and drinking and drug addicted mother..the bane of his life when she wants to be and unfortunately the woman Denny found in his hotel room years ago. Lynsay has been desperate to marry ( despite being repeatedly told by Gideon that he is only interested in the child) and is hostile to find Denny is back and the love of his life. Lynsay lives a life of partying and addiction, self inflicted misery & at times cares little for Eli leaving him to her mother.
Happiness, sadness, hurt, pain, joy and contentment all play their part in this couple's journey to reconnecting; at times the reconnection was disjointed. There is success, drama, emotional events, trying and difficult conversations, pressure and stress within their circle of community.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon broke Denny’s heart by being an unloving boyfriend and not being there for her. The last straw came when she and Gideon walked into their room to find a half naked woman there. That night she walked away from Gideon, his band and the music scene. Six months later she try’s to reconnect with him, give him a chance to explain. But fake wasn’t in her favor. He was about to become a father and the mother to be was the same naked woman from that night. Fast forward five years and Denny’s life has changed. She’s now a published author of children’s books on The New York Times best List. She just broke up with her boyfriend and is ready for something new when her friend Kayla asks for a big favor. She want Denny to go to Taos to help the band settle down and finish writing their album. They’re on the brink of losing their record label and Gideon needs her there. There’s mad chemistry with these two but I find it difficult to accept Gideons advance to Denny. She’s so sweet and nice and she’s in pain because of him and the fact he had a child by that other woman, I wouldn’t be able to look at him without punching him. She just arrived and they’re already kissing and getting all hot and heavy on the kitchen counter. What happened to the righteous anger?! I’m very disappointed because she’s just acting like a doormat and I hate that. I also don’t get Trevor, was he jealous? Ok so righteous anger comes back with a vengeance and I freaking love it. These two have the most outrageous rollercoaster ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story was wonderful and the ending was delicious. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it.

[Dee Her · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angsty Love in the Best Way

For years, Denny dated rock star, Gideon. In fact, she was the one who helped make him a rock star. But no one ever knew as they hid their relationship from the world. After walking into Gideons room one night to find a nearly naked groupie, Denny walks away from Gideon only for Gideon to impregnate the very same groupie in a one night stand many months later. As she considers reconciliation after holding a hard secret herself, she learns of the pregnancy and chooses to stay away. Five years later, Denny is contacted by the management company of Gideon’s band. They need help getting their groove back or else they’ll be dropped by the label. Ignoring her true feelings for Gideon, she chooses to help the team find their music.

This book has a lot of angst. Like angsty, angsty angst. I will admit to not liking Gideon much in the start. But he undergoes a beautiful change as he realizes what should be important. These two former lovers reunite years later as two different people still caught on the same path, moved by the same love, just now more mature in age and reasoning. For Gideon, it was realizing what he lost and maturing to realize that he needed to right those wrongs in order to find happiness. And groveling…..lots of groveling. He spends most of the time begging for forgiveness. And Denny learns to forgive Gideon as much as herself. Though angsty , this story is redeemed.

[Skye Yanovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Rockstar Perfection!!!!

This is a rockstar second-chance angsty romance. Denver left Gideon five years ago because she believed she caught him cheating on her…what a typical rockstar he is. And while not all is as it seems what is true is that he didn’t appreciate or value her liked she deserved. Five years later the fates (or a meddling friend) brings Denver back to help the band before the record label drops them. She’s hesitant….and Gideon is determined to win her back. But the past has a way of creeping back into the picture. Can they survive the doubts and secrets a second time?

This book is regrets and second chances. It’s steam and romance. It’s mistakes and more mistakes. It’s a sexy brooding musician who realizes what he lost because of how he treated the person he loved. It’s a fiesty heroine who has found herself and refuses to accept less than what she deserves. It’s angst and drama and my heart was thumping the entire time reading it. I’m not an angst lover but I LOVE how this author writes angst because it’s all tied up with a HEA that I NEED by the end.

This story has everything I love in a book. The steam is HOT! There are funny moments and some super romantic moments (a rockstar writing songs about the woman he loves is SWOONY!). It’s just so good!!!! I highly recommend the book.

[M Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon, a member of the rock band Saints and Sinners, and Denny, their unofficial manager, had a secret relationship. Denny wanted their relationship acknowledged, but Gideon preferred to keep it secret to protect his unattached rock star reputation. Everything hit the fan when Denny went to let Gideon know she was pregnant and found a nearly naked groupie in his bed. He denied knowing she was there, but Denny had had enough and left him.

Five years later, the record company management convinced her to meet with the band to help try to revive their career. In the time Denny was gone, Gideon did realize how badly he had treated her and tried to show her how much he had changed. Just as they were getting their relationship back on track, Denny found out who the mother of his son was before Gideon could tell her. Up to this point, there was some angst, but I felt it was mild. After what happened to his son's mother, the angst shot up! I loved it, lol!

I hope the series continues with Kayla and Darren's story and I would like to see Trevor find someone to help him become a better man.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hits the right note

A Sinner's Memory by M.L. Broome is part of the Leave Me Breathless series of multi-author books. This is a second chance romance mixed with rock-star and a lot of angst. It is about Denver and Gideon whose paths cross five years after she left him. Gideon was an idiot years ago as he took Denver for granted and did not really cherish either her or their relationship. So when she believes she caught him cheating on her she decides to leave. Five years later and he and the band are on the verge of getting dropped by their record label and a meddling friend brings Denver back into the fold, well sort of. Gideon is sweet, an idiot, and someone you fall for even as he flounders. I loved Denver as she is strong, independent, not about to just take his butt back and is ready to dish it out when needed.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

H/h: Gideon and Denver
POV: 1st person dual
Genre: Rockstar Romance
Heat level: Nuclear
Standalone?: Y
Cliffhanger?: N
HEA/HFN: Y
Triggers: explicit erotic scenes, language
Tropes: Second Chance Romance

Five years ago, Gideon was a terrible boyfriend and lost Denver. Then he fathered a child with a groupie. He’s still heartbroken. Denver lost her belief in love five years ago when her relationship with Gideon crashed and burned. Can these two find each other’s hearts and create a better, lasting love?
I liked this book. Gideon and Denny are a good couple with a strong connection and lots of chemistry. The chemistry was off the charts and the sensual scenes were nuclear level hot! I liked that Gideon was all in with Denver and that he admitted his faults from their past relationship. If you like a good, hot, rockstar romance, give this book a try. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dennys, Denver Bourland, has seen her share of heartache and lots of it stemmed from her time with the band Sinners & Saints and her love of lead guitarist, Gideon. They dated, but it was all hush hush in secret. And Gideon wouldn't understand what he was taking for granted until it was gone. Now, 5 years later, Sinners & Saints is about to combust from within unless they can write another hit album. And Denny seems to be the only one who can motivate the band, but can she handle being near Gideon again? And now that Denny is back, Gideon doesn't plan to let her go. But are they doomed before they get reconnected?

Oh this book had all the feels. And just when you think they might get their happily ever after, something else pops up to get in their way. I loved how Gideon figured out his life and worked so hard to make Denny trust in his love. Can't wait for more Sinners & Saints! I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.

[Jackie Gonyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a book that you go from hating the male MC in the prologue to cheering him on in the epilogue. And the female MC that girl goes from be taking advantage and dependent to being a girl who is not afraid to stand her own and no longer the girl who takes anything and sweeps it under the rug to speaking her mind. This love story for Denny and Gideon is one that should be taken time reading and savoring those hot moments and holding tears back during the heartbreaking moments. The author does a good job of showing both of the MC’s feelings with a dual POV, you get to understand what is going through there head in that moment and what I enjoy the most is it’s told in a different way by both characters. You keep wondering when is Denny going to admit defeat and let Gideon in? It’s worth a read and has a cute little 4yr old named Eli who has an old soul all the while being a 4yr old too.