Bittersweet Beats

by Claire Marta

The second I heard the voice of the girl sitting on the street corner, I knew I had to hear her sing again. It didn’t matter; I was in the middle of a tour with my band. Cleo is all soft notes to my discord. An innocent living out on the streets. Something about her swirled under my skin and into my bloodstream in a bittersweet beat. One taste, and she has me craving more.

Draven Moore, the famous gruff drummer of Climax Seclusion, makes me an offer I can’t refuse. Come on tour with him and his band, where I’ll have food and a roof over my head. All he wants in exchange is my body in his bed. He gives me a chance to escape, to hide, to heal from my past. Rockstar, heart-throb—no one sees the tortured man beneath his tattooed skin. I thought I could help him, but will the darkness he hides behind destroy me first?

*This is the first book in an all-new rockstar romance series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2022

About the author

Claire Marta is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes addictive, dark, hot stories. A native Brit, she lives in Italy with her daughter and husband. She loves drinking copious amounts of tea and goes walking when brainstorming one of her twisty book plots.

You can follow me for News and Updates on my books on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/clairemartab...

If you love my book then why not join my Facebook book group:
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I also have a website:
https://clairemarta.wixsite.com/clair...

Reviews

[Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK!!!

I've read my fair share of rockstar romances, they're one of my absolute things to read, when I tell you this is a must read, it really is. Its up there with my most favourite rockstar reads.
Draven is moody, sullen and brootish but he's completely stolen my heart.
Cleo is the definition of kick ass heroine, shes strong, resilient and beautiful.
The rollercoaster of emotions this book took me on made my head spin and my heart hurt but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down even if I tried.
Cant wait for more of this series.

Check out the TW before you read.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draven is the drummer of his band, Climax Seclusion. He’s tall, brooding and there’s darkness to this character. He’s bisexual and seems to have a crush on Gabe Mercer of Forgotten Legacy, I find that adorable, I loved that series by L. Ann. The text messages between those two is hilarious, especially since Gabe isn’t into men. Cleo is homeless, cold, broke and busking on the streets of Philly. She’s hiding from an abusive brother and someone from the homeless shelter who wants to use her. Draven hears her sing and he can’t forget how the sound of her voice soothes his soul. These two are broken souls and together they are a healing force, I love them. In fact I love every character in this book, but I digress. Draven and Cleo are on a collision course, this book grabs you from the first page and won’t let you go. I couldn’t wait to get home from Thanksgiving dinner to grab my book. This story is awesome, I can honestly say it didn’t drag at any point. The ending was romantic and just perfect. I’m giving this book five starts and highly recommend it. I can’t wait for book two and I hope it’s about Sai.

[Nonna 2K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

Draven. Moore.
Broken. Talented. Tortured.
I was introduced to him through a short story and was intrigued. After reading his full story, I am enamored. He is so beautifully broken and it hurts me to say that. I don’t know how else to describe him. The struggles he faces and how he shuts himself off from true emotion is devastating to read. Cleo is a busker her sees who intrigues him. He worries about her after seeing her the first time. His actions after that are strange to him and her. After accepting his offer, she becomes interested in him more and more. Their journey isn’t easy. His experience and her lack of makes for an enticing story. I look forward to future books about the members of Climax Seclusion and hopefully glimpses into Draven and Cleo in the future. This is my first read by Claire Marta. It won’t be my last.

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ - 5/5
🔥 - 3
🧮 Highly Recommend
💜 Tropes: rockstar, age gap, virgin h, grumpy/sunshine, angst, a chance encounter

Note: Please note the TW at the beginning of the book.

Did I binge this book in one sitting? Yes, I did. I was ridiculously excited about this book! Claire has been teasing it forever it feels like. With this being her first dive into rockstar romance, I was curious to see how this would be different than her other books.

Draven is intense, guarded, strong, deep, and broken. Having lived through an extremely traumatic incident when he was young has set his precedence for his life. His love for his music shines through. But you can see the battle within him just in the first few pages of his first chapter. For me, I wanted to reach into the book as he’s going through some really hard moments and hug him. There are moments I wanted to just rough him up so much for the things he said or did. Then there are moments when I felt such a myriad of emotions. I saw the young person in him that craved normalcy.

Cleo is tender-hearted underneath the shell that covers her heart. She’s had to start developing that shell due to her own recent past. She’s had to endure loss, trauma, and heartache in a very short time. She had to leave one horrible situation for one that was almost as hard. Trying to survive the reality she is in is threatening to break her. Remarkably even though she’s broken down, she still has hope and a resiliency that hasn’t been taken away. With her personal journey, I saw so much potential in her. She has this sweetness about her that helps her through so much. She’s strong and bold in many ways. There were a few times I wanted to slap her and yell for the things she said or did as well.

Their journey is not easy. It’s not for those who prefer sunshine and roses. Instead, it’s heartbreaking, filled with angst, damage, and pain. But it’s also filled with moments of hope, understanding, and even peace. There is for sure a lot of push and pull! Just when you think you have them figured out, another layer of complexity is added. I have so much respect for how Claire handled the hard parts. It’s raw, relatable, and real. She didn’t add quick fixes or gloss over things. She didn’t excuse the actions of her characters. Their stories spoke to my soul and left me with a lot of emotions. I woke up this morning, still thinking about the book, and had to dive into my review. I didn’t expect it to be this long! Lol

If you want a roller coaster of a ride, this is the book for you.

[Caylen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I originally gave this book a higher rating.

I liked the premise. I enjoyed the characters with all their damage and their stories.

But, there is just one scene in the book that I just can not justify. No matter how much I wanted the characters to be together.

She wanted him. And he wanted her. In the moment that’s what she wanted, but seeing the darkness in his eyes…said no. SHE FUCKING SAID NO! And he took her anyway. Brutally. He took her virginity because he wanted it. Because he was dealing with his demons. Blah, fucking blah. She said NO! And he heard it. And he broke her anyway. Harshly. Raped her without a condom. Without a care in the world. And that scene really stayed with me. I couldn’t get past it to give the book a higher rating. I’m giving it a 1 because I finished it. Books I DNF don’t get a rating.

The more I thought about it, it bothered me more because when another man tried to force himself on her all the alpha males went bat shit crazy and kicked his ass and beat him relentlessly.

But, he did the same thing from the moment she said no. And none of the alpha males did anything to him.
justifying how he hurt her saying he’s battling demons, PTSD and telling him to not hurt her again. WTF?! Hypocrisy at its finest.

And I understand his PTSD. What he’s facing. Trying to deal with. But, the anniversary of that trauma does not give him to right to take when he heard her NO. Nothing justifies that! IT WAS RAPE!

So, I have a really hard time justifying this book and their relationship and them being together in the end.

She cared for him. And him her. But, SHE FUCKING SAID NO! And he didn’t respect her words, her choice…her.

And he was sorry. That’s it! Just sorry!?

There is no way to justify what he did. Nothing that could ever make it better with apologies or what nots and never agains.

She was young and impressionable and wanted to see the best in him.

And he completely destroyed it and her to a point I think was beyond repair. How in the world can they have a healthy relationship after what he did?

He grovels. Is there to take care of her when she’s hurt. He’s there just for herbeven though his dick hurts so painfully because he just wants her pussy so bad and we have to read about it🙄

My final words…fuck this book. I just can’t handle a relationship when the H rapes the h and then they have a happily ever after.

Shame on the author for promoting that.

[Sara The Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/ 5
Kindle Unlimited [ ✕ ] YES [ ] NO
Standalone [ ✕ ]YES [ ] NO
POV: first person - dual POV
Genre: contemporary romance
Tropes:
opposite attracts
famous hero ( drummer of a rock band)
homeless heroin
Virgin
age gap
abused heroine
traumatic past for both
found family
PTSD
heroine in peril

My Thoughts: Bittersweet Beats by Claire Marta is a rock star opposite attracts romance novel and my first read by this author. I didn't have much hope at the beginning of this book, but the further the book went, the better it got. The character growth of both MCs was terrific to read. The plot and writing were good, but I wouldn't say phenomenal, but I enjoyed reading the novel. The side characters were also amazing. Overall, it is a very entertaining book; however, there are mentions of some triggering things, so please check the trigger warnings before you decide to read the novel.

[Patti Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bittersweet Beats. Draven is the drummer for Climax Seclusion and is fighting his personal demons daily. He’s intrigued by Chloe, the homeless woman he finds singing in the middle of the night on the streets while out taking a walk after a gig.

Chloe has no family other than her brother who makes her life a nightmare. She’s out on the streets because life with him is worse.

Draven and Chloe make a deal that benefits both of them, until Draven hurts Chloe and she decides she’s had enough and separates herself from him. It’s then that Draven realizes his mistake and deals with the decision of let her go, she’s better off without me, or fight!

Draven is friends with Gabe Mercer, lead singer for L. Ann’s Forgotten Legacy. It’s so awesome to see Gabe in this story; the texts between Draven and Gabe. Draven must have studied Gabe for a long time because he’s alot like him; stubborn, mean, alluring, seductive, you get the pic! A great read if you like the dark and sexy rockstars!

[m.e.d.u.s.a_r.e.a.d.s · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like my romance like I like my coffee, hot and dark, and Bittersweet Beats doesn’t disappoint. Draven, the broody and possessive, struggles with his past while Cleo, the sweet and (sorry) kind of naive, struggles with her present and future. Both struggling with the weight of their feelings for the other while on the road. It gets deliciously heavy in that tour bus. If you’ve never traveled with the dysfunctional family that is a band, I’ll tell you, there is always one like Sai, bless his crazy heart, don’t hold it against him. Even heavier because there are triggers. We are talking rape, drugs, abuse in varying ways. It’s not for the faint-hearted and that’s why I love it. I absolutely hope the rest of the band members get their own books. I’ll be watching for them.

[Fantasy Book Review Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

worth the read

Cleo is living on the streets when Draven plucks her from the cold and trusts her into his world. Can they make it work?

Rockstar romances are a guilty pleasure or mine and this one did not disappoint. The trigger warning at the beginning of the book gave me the right amount of info about the book to know if I could handle what happens.

Draven is a dark brooding character and Cleo is so young and naive. They had to work hard to get past their issues with themselves and with each other. I love how things weren’t rushed and we got to see each character grow. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.

[Laurel Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some things just can't be explained...but when there is a connection, when you are inexplicably drawn to someone and you have the means to keep that connection.....well have at it. This story between Cleo and Draven is like a fairytale, with reality checks. I love the little hints of another favourite Rock band of mine, with the touch of Forgotten Legacy in there, but I was hooked on any information about the new and up and coming Climax Seclusion.
The saying, "You can't pick your family", well isn't that the truth right here. Ooh...that rat ba###rd. You'll need to read this book to find out who I'm talking about!
Loved it! A page turner for me.

[Angel McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest... I struggled to decide what review to write for this... in some ways I absolutely loved this book. I'm a suckered for a tortured soul and a female lead who stands up for herself... but at the same time, he raped her, and not once is that actually voiced and dealt with and he abused her when she was cornered into a position where saying no wasn't easy... even after he apologised and made up with her after raping her he still continued to push past boundaries she set, not necessarily sexual, but still ignoring her when she said no...
I'm intrigued to see how the rest of the series will be.

[Elise Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rock star romance has depth and heart and I loved every single freaking word. I love Draven. He’s teddy bear, but like, a grizzly bear kind of teddy bear. A f*** around and find out kind of teddy bear. Cleo is brave and naive, but finds some serious back bone as she goes. I loved how these characters developed and changed. Very well done all around.

Pay attention to content warnings, because this author doesn’t shy away from hard things. If you have sensitivities please be mindful before you dive in.

[Tommie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two broken people. One wearing his scars on his body, the others outside scars have healed, but her scars are now inside. One scarred by tragedy and the death of a family member. The other scarred by a family member. Both tortured by their past.

Together they make a whole and find a way to start a long needed healing process.

This book is filled with angst, passion, heartbreak, pain, fear, longing, love and overcoming barriers that have a vice grip on hearts.

This book is a must read! Fall in love with Draven and Cleo and a cute Pomeranian puppy with a recognizable name.

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's always a thrill in me while reading my first book from a highly recommended author : will I love the book ? I should love the book, but what if I don't ?
All those questions faded away even before I finished the first chapter of that book. I was hooked, I couldn't put it down. I loved that story, those characters, the writing. I loved all of it.
And now, I have the promises of the books that will come next in that series but also all of the author's backlist to bingeread. Let's just say I'm a very happy reader.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author. I voluntarily received a copy for my review as I could not resist. Draven is a drummer in his band. Cleo is trying to get by. They met by chance while Cleo was playing on a street corner. Draven went back and asked her to go for food. Their story started from there where they try to overcome their pasts. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Shirley Monas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

An angsty novel with possible triggers for some. A troubled drummer living with PTSD and an innocent orphan living on the streets, both musically inclined. He’s drawn to the sound of her voice and he brings her under his wing. I won’t give any spoilers but the banter is great, the angst is real and the happy ending is icing on the cake. If bad boy meets innocent female is your jam then you’ll definitely like this one.

[Julia Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.

I was drawn into the story from the first chapter and felt close to the characters right from the start. Draven, the damaged drummer for an up and coming band, and Cleo, living and busking on the streets to avoid her abusive brother. Draven just can't walk away from her and ends up inviting her on tour with him.

I can not wait for more in this series

[Thia Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy to Ecstasy

This book has some rough scenes that only deepen the feels for the reader. Watching these two maneuver life from two tense backgrounds, readers understand their commitment to each other will never be easy.
Marta's writing makes the story flow easily and the characters are well developed with glimpses into their backgrounds.
I look forward to more books from Claire Marta.

[L. Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single word of this book. From start to finish, it was a delicious ride with Draven and Cloe as they worked out how they fit together.

But fit together they did. It just took a couple of twists and turns, and big mistakes to get there.

Bittersweet Beats marks the start in a brand new rock star series that I have no doubt is going to blow people away!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

my heart pounds along to the bittersweet beat

This was a story full of heartfelt emotion. The girl, living on the streets, running from an abusive brother. The musician, tortured by his own demons. He hears the voice of an angel and feels a pull. Can she be the one to conquer his demons?

[Rachel Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from this author. Slowly working through her backlist and I've read the usual band romance...is that the right term? Anyway back to what I was saying. I've read similar stories but I really loved this one. Great characters and brilliant story. I can't wait to see where this story goes.

[Courtney Tansley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really read rockstar romances but this book makes me want to read more.
I couldn't stop I just got so into it I needed to know what happens.
Both characters have a past which does create a rift between them both, but he was always there for her and after she got hurt he never left her side, making sure to take care of her and make her fall in love with him again.

[Nicole BHam · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

Very low steam factor. It’s a good love story. Typical for a band romance. Liked all the characters. But it dragged a lot. And no steam or anything to spice it up. The first 65% was better tenant the end.

[cherie cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to read

Thank you for showing how hard PTSD is. I think I'm going to get help with mine. So thank you. I loved this book. It is warm, hard and loving

[Pretzel Biscuit · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5