A Cymbal of His Love: Rockstar Romance

by C.M. Harte

Sophia is a down-to-earth single mom with a quiet strength, fierce love for her son and a deadbeat ex determined to make her life difficult. She swore she’d never fall for another musician - that was until he came into her life.
Sam is the fun-loving drummer of Silent Oath. Who parties hard, laughs loud and hides his pain behind jokes and charm. She’s the calm to his chaos. They shouldn’t work. They shouldn’t fit together.
He wants nothing more than to be worthy of her, but can he do that when everything around him, including the battles within himself, threaten to tear them apart?
What happens when the storm feels unyielding and shadows wait around every corner ready to pounce?
As their worlds collide, will they become the family they deserve? Or will Sam implode and take everyone with him…

459 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 3, 2026

About the author

Tucked away in a quiet village in Scotland where the rain often taps gently on the roof, C. M. Harte writes stories with a cup of tea in hand and a heart full of feelings.

A lifelong lover of books and words, she's been reading and writing since childhood, finding comfort, joy, and sometimes healing, in the spaces between the lines.

She cherishes animals, music, autumn days, and the company of family. Writing is how she makes sense of the world, and if a book of hers makes you laugh, cry, or come undone… know that she felt it too.

We’re in this together.

Reviews

[Michelle Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long awaited second book in the Silent Oath series and I devoured this like a slab of fudge cake. A Siren’s Call set the bar high and this did not disappoint.

Sam our drummer finishes his world tour ready to set up life with the woman he loves and just when you’re confused that everything feels a little too perfect - chaos strikes and Sam has to face his demons. Romance, spice and the most disgustingly well written villain.

I finished the last chapters with a lump in my throat. I love this book, I love the plot, I love the characters.

Thank you to Wings & Words and the author for the opportunity to read this arc copy.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cymbal of His Love pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go.

As someone who doesn’t usually reach for rockstar romances, I was surprised by how deeply this story stayed with me.

Sophia is so strong but not in that flawless, untouchable way. She’s a single mom carrying the weight of a deadbeat ex, protecting her son with everything she has, and still somehow keeping her heart open enough to let Sam in despite every warning bell in her head. I loved her quiet determination and the way her calm presence slowly becomes the anchor Sam desperately needs.

Sam, on the other hand, is pure chaos wrapped in charm, and the author writes him so convincingly that you can’t help but root for him even when he’s making questionable choices. His humor, the way he hides real pain behind jokes and late night parties, watching him grapple with his own demons while trying to prove himself worthy of Sophia and her son was both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Their dynamic is electric, the classic “opposites attract” done right, where her steadiness doesn’t extinguish his fire but gives it direction.

The romance is steamy and heartfelt, but what really stood out was the emotional depth. The book doesn’t shy away from the messiness of blending families, battling inner shadows, and the constant fear that everything could fall apart.

There were moments that genuinely tugged at my heart, scenes of vulnerability, quiet domestic tenderness, and the heavy pull of Sam’s internal storm.

The side characters from the band and Sophia’s world just added another layer without ever stealing focus.

By the end, I was fully invested in whether these two could actually make it work.

It’s a story about choosing to fight for love even when the odds feel stacked against you, and about finding family in the most unexpected places.

If you enjoy rockstar romances with real stakes, flawed but lovable heroes, and heroines who feel like friends you’d cheer for, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

I’m already looking forward to the rest of the Silent Oath series. And now I need to read book one.

🦋

* copy supplied for review

* 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you (Beth) wings & words for providing this arc

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cymbal of his Love is a Rockstar Romance by C.M Harte 5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & it also comes with an amazing BANGER of a playlist!!💙🤘

This book comes with some TW's! This story includes scenes and themes that some readers may find distressing.
* Alcoholism
* Alcohol relapse/recovery journey
* Explicit sexual scenes
* Threatening behaviour
* Custody battle
* Panic attacks
* Hostage situation
* Car crash
* Injuries
* Death
* Mentions of stalking
But all that aside, ommmmmmg this book 🙊😭
I devoured this book as fast as I devoured book 1 (a sirens call) it is bloody AMAZING. Congrats C.M, this series seems like it will forever have my heart!!
I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed the spice, the lows had me snacking on some ice cream ugly crying into my spoon 😭👀🤣
I absolutely fucking love and adored Sam in A Siren's Call as much as i obsessed over the fmc & mmc in it. Sam was my favourite side character. So to have a Sam book for Book 2. Yassss.
To say it broke me is an understatement (see the ice cream statement above). If you didn't read book 1 you will 100% struggle to follow the flow of this read. So i highly recommend binging both books 👀🤣.
Watching Sam's battles with addiction just tore me apart, and the growth we see throughout the book from him realising he is worthy of everything he wants in life was just *chefs kiss* 🤘👌. His character development is by far my favourite from the 2 books *and I seriously loved book 1 lol*
To witness the healing & the vulnerability and to make it so relatable was done incredibly by C.M 💙
Thank you for this ARC 💙

[Rebecca Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeez. I don't even know how to review this.

Thank you, C.M Harte, for the incredible opportunity to read the second book in The Silent Oath series.
I devoured this. Coming off of book one, I didn't know how I felt about Sam. I still didn't when I was 70% through this one!
Now, I understand why people are calling him a hero.

The story was fantastic, the spicy was delicious, and the suspense was phenomenal.
But, my favourite part?
The emotion. What stayed with me most was Sam's journey. His struggles with alcohol addiction and the constant feeling that he wasn't good enough or worthy of the people around him felt heartbreakingly real. Watching him battle those thoughts was difficult at times, but that's what made his growth so rewarding.

My favourite part was seeing him slowly begin to view himself through the eyes of the people who loved him instead of through the harsh lens of his own self-doubt. Realising that he was worthy—not because he had changed into someone else, but because he always was—was incredibly moving. It's the kind of character development that lingers long after you've finished the book.

C.M. has created a story that balances vulnerability, hope, and love beautifully. If you enjoy romances that explore emotional healing, redemption, and characters who have to learn to love themselves before they can fully accept the love of others, I highly recommend this book.

[Chanelle Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to say thank you to the author C.M Harte and the wings and words community for giving me the opportunity to arc read this book.
I really enjoyed reading this it was a nice change to have the Mmc Sam be a sweet romantic and sexy guy who loves the Fmc Sophia with all he has. It was also amazing to see Sophia be a strong woman who takes charge in the bedroom at times, it’s a rare thing in books to see a strong, powerful Fmc and I loved it.
This book deals with the Mmc having issues and a complex problem with alcohol abuse and addiction. It was written in a realistic and heartbreaking manner that had me sobbing at times.
However it was amazing to read about Sam’s recovery journey and love story and how he overcame his struggles with the help of his amazing friends his band members and his family and the Fmc.
This book also deals with a Sophia being a mother with a toxic ex navigating a messy custody battle.

This book was incredible the only thing that could have improved my reading experience is entirely me fault because I didn’t think it was important to read the first book in the series and I read this as a standalone leaving me with less knowledge about the side characters and leaving me a bit confused at first so I highly recommend reading the full series to avoid confusion.

[Katie Worth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book.

This book reached me on so many levels. As a single mum who has had struggles with alcohol in the past and also has a deadbeat ex, I think this was the complete set.

C.M. Harte's descriptions of alcohol addiction are perceptive and real. I could feel every step of the journey through the denial, the self-confirmation, the effort to beat it on your own, to the inevitable relapse before healing.

I was so glad that the main character had the wherewithal to fight the ex from the start. She was strong and determined and always put her child first. A fantastic example of a single mum who will do what it takes for her child.

And don't get me started on the rock-star boyfriend. Yup. I have that too! Well, maybe not rock star but the references to being with someone who is talented, has a passion for music and feels the music deeply within every part of them. Top tier.

I feel like this book was written for me, on a personal level, and to find that in a book is rare. Thank you, C.M Harte. This is a book that will stay close to me for a while.

[Amz.Loves.Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a journey!

This is classed as a standalone interconnected series. I had read A Siren's Call last year but I am someone who forgets the plot of a book about 24 hrs after reading it. So I did struggle at the beginning to get my wires straight. For someone who hasn't read book 1, this may be difficult to get into.

Now I loved Sam's character arc. I think his struggle with addiction was really well written, explained and developed in a very real world scenerio.
On the other hand, Sophia was written in a way to make you want to face plant yourself or even her at times. But again, this was done to show how addiction is explained away and gaslit.
Sophia's mum did my head in. She just seemed to be looking out for her in a toxic way and I felt her side character didn't quite fit with Sophia.

Overall, a great read. I couldn't put it down and would definitely recommend this series and author to everyone.

Please be aware this book contains spice and adult content.

I was given a advanced copy of this book and I have given my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for this amazing opportunity to read more of her work!

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, heartfelt, and beautifully written.

This is a story that resonates long after you’ve turned the final page. From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the heartfelt writing and the depth of emotion woven into every chapter. This is the kind of book that makes you slow down and savour each moment.

The characters are wonderfully developed, each carrying their own hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities. Their journey felt authentic, and I found myself completely invested in their growth and the relationships they built along the way. The romance is tender, meaningful, and filled with moments that made me smile just as often as they tugged at my heart.

The story has a beautiful way of balancing emotion with hope, creating a novel that feels both uplifting and deeply moving. The themes of love, healing, and resilience are handled with care, making the story all the more impactful.

If you’re looking for a romance that delivers genuine emotion, memorable characters, and a story that stays with you long after it’s over, this is one I highly recommend. It’s a truly beautiful read.

[Katie Coggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cymbal of His Love is an emotional continuation of The Silent Oath series that explores love, loss, and healing through beautifully developed characters. From the opening chapters, the story pulls you into the characters’ struggles, making their triumphs and heartbreaks feel incredibly real.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character building. Every relationship feels authentic, with each character growing naturally as they face difficult choices and the consequences of their past. Their journeys are compelling and easy to invest in.

There are several heartbreaking moments that hit hard, balanced with touching scenes of hope and resilience. While the pacing occasionally slowed in places, it allowed the emotional weight of the story to settle, making the payoff worthwhile.

Overall, this is a moving, character-driven novel that blends romance, emotion, and music into an engaging read. If you enjoy stories that focus on deep emotional connections and well-developed characters, A Cymbal of His Love is definitely worth picking up.

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, but this second one blew me away with a storyline I completely didn't expect! Following Sam, Sophie, and Spencer was such an emotional rollercoaster. The book beautifully handles the heavy reality of being a single mom dealing with an ex who only shows up when it's convenient, and how heartbreaking it is when he lets their son down. It also captures the drama of him not wanting his baby's mother to move on while his own dating life is a mess. The depth of the characters was incredible. Getting to know Sam better, seeing his internal struggles, and watching him balance his passion for the drums with his love life made me appreciate him so much more. Plus, getting intimate updates on how the rest of the band is progressing was a huge bonus. C.M. Hearte wrote a beautiful book, and I am desperately hoping for a third! And thank you to the author and Beth from wing and words for the opportunity to read this book 🤓

[Rhiannon Sharples · Rating 5 out of 5]

**God Tier**
.
Book two was coming after such a brilliant read for me, the only romance I've ever rated five stars but her CM comes out with this absolute masterclass. The light and the dark side of life are written to perfection. The spice is absolutely impeccable, not just thrown in "because".
.
The whole read I was like How?! What!? Come on!? I had my head in my hands at some points and my feet kicking and giggling in others. I will shout about this series from the rooftops to anyone and everyone whether you LOVE romance of any kind or have never read it. This series and CM Hartes writing completely changed my view on what a romance read can be.
.
Instant - buy her books author for me.
.
Book Three required ... Let's goooo
.
Review of advanced reader copy from the Author

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional rollercoaster! I was so lucky to get an early copy of this and I have to say that C M Harte has absolutely smashed it once again!

Sam's story is heartbreaking, but also shows that with love, patience and care, anyone can push through and become a better version of themselves. Both Sam and Sophia were so beautifully written, really pulling you into their worlds and emotions.

I am so excited for the next one!

[Katieandgroot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for this ARC opportunity. This was a wild ride from start to finish and kept me on my toes the whole time. The characters stayed true to the versions we met in book one while still going on their own journey and growth arc. C.M. managed to give us the vibes of book one while giving us a totally new and unique story for book two. It can be hard with interconnected standalones to not fall into a formula or go too far out from the initial ground work, but she managed to balance that line beautifully and give us a fresh storyline that I could not put down. (Well except to draw some fan art).

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book 2!

You've done it again C. M. i absolutely loved this book but my god i could've throat punched Daniel!

This book just had everything it needed and had me going through all the emotions!

[Heather Deffley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is elite tier! Like I will be buying a the physical book for a trophy for my shelves and making the author a must read when a new book comes out! I loved it THAT much.

Sam Sam Sam, what an amazing MMC you are, a walking talking green flag even when you're super naughty and hiding your problems! You're the bestest book boyfriend.

I also might have a slight crush on Paddy, he needs his own book, PLEASE?

Anyway you need to read this book, its not a TBR add its a pick it up right now and read it kind of book! you're welcome.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delicious book 2 that ups the stakes and the heart!

Full review to come, but wow!

Sammy, my hero 👌🏼🔥

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come, 4.5 ⭐️