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String Theory: A Valentine's Novelette
One night, one show.
On Valentine's Day, singer Shaye Smith is ready for a night of predictable melodies and polite applause at Vine Noir, a cozy speakeasy. But when her bandmate Maya falls ill, a last-minute replacement shakes up the setlist—and Shaye’s carefully composed world. Enter Dozier, a magnetic guitarist whose daring style sets the stage ablaze.
The night was already complicated. Shaye’s date, Riley—a kind, steady chiropractor she’s been seeing for a few weeks—sits in the crowd, unaware of Shaye’s doubts about their fizzled connection. But as the music swells, so does the undeniable pull between Shaye and Dozier, their chemistry weaving into every note and chord. It’s an attraction as unexpected as it is electric, threatening to unravel Shaye’s sense of control.
With the speakeasy’s warm lights dimmed and emotions running high, Shaye must decide whether to follow the rhythm of the familiar or take a chance on a melody she’s never dared to play.
On Valentine's Day, singer Shaye Smith is ready for a night of predictable melodies and polite applause at Vine Noir, a cozy speakeasy. But when her bandmate Maya falls ill, a last-minute replacement shakes up the setlist—and Shaye’s carefully composed world. Enter Dozier, a magnetic guitarist whose daring style sets the stage ablaze.
The night was already complicated. Shaye’s date, Riley—a kind, steady chiropractor she’s been seeing for a few weeks—sits in the crowd, unaware of Shaye’s doubts about their fizzled connection. But as the music swells, so does the undeniable pull between Shaye and Dozier, their chemistry weaving into every note and chord. It’s an attraction as unexpected as it is electric, threatening to unravel Shaye’s sense of control.
With the speakeasy’s warm lights dimmed and emotions running high, Shaye must decide whether to follow the rhythm of the familiar or take a chance on a melody she’s never dared to play.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
34 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 13, 2025
Smoking hot story. Any time, an author introduces a book with a stellar playlist to hear while you read or after you finish the book, it’s always a great sign for me. Shaye Smith is a sultry singer for a jazz band. The regular guitarist is out sick and a friend of hers, Dozier, steps in to take her place for the big Valentine’s Day evening show. After an intense rehearsal where sparks begin to fly between Shaye and Dozier, the two music sets that follow electrify both stage and audience. String Theory is a tale of seduction, Shaye’s voice and Dozier’s guitar speaking intimately to one another as the band plays some of the greatest songs ever. But this short book is not just a sexy flirtation, it’s also about how music and passion interweave. I’m a big music fan, especially live shows in intimate clubs like Vine Noir, and although just a novelette, the descriptions are amazingly sensual and capture the moment of two people connecting in a spectacular way. I want to mention the story ends there but feels satisfying. At the end of the book, there is a link to read an epilogue that takes place 1 year later which is a very hot scene. Good Valentine’s Day reading or any time reading.
January 7, 2025
This book was such a cute story about two musicians who click the moment the melody starts playing. The chemistry was palpable and I was immediately on board! Although the story is very short, it’s still nice to experience the excitement of falling in love at first sight (it happens!!). This one is for all the sapphic romantics out there who need a quick fix of happiness.
It was impressive how the story was able to create an atmosphere and plausible narrative with so little words. Although I would have liked a little more post performance story than we got, I think it’s still nicely done. Also liked how romantic it was, it was not just a “I want to jump your bones” type of attraction, it was careful and respectful as well as exiting.
Imagine meeting an unexpected yet mesmerising stranger on Valentine’s Day and falling in love!! I’m sorry but that’s just darling cute..
Big thanks to the author for providing me with an arc, this review is voluntary and completely my own opinion :)
It was impressive how the story was able to create an atmosphere and plausible narrative with so little words. Although I would have liked a little more post performance story than we got, I think it’s still nicely done. Also liked how romantic it was, it was not just a “I want to jump your bones” type of attraction, it was careful and respectful as well as exiting.
Imagine meeting an unexpected yet mesmerising stranger on Valentine’s Day and falling in love!! I’m sorry but that’s just darling cute..
Big thanks to the author for providing me with an arc, this review is voluntary and completely my own opinion :)
January 20, 2025
If you’re looking for a short and sweet lead up to a romance (the build up, the butterflies, the what if), then look no further. This was my first L. M. Bennett read and I am already itching to pick up the next one. Sometimes, if you’re in a slump or if you’ve been reading longer books, jumping to a novella is the way to go just for a bit of a mind break and it is impressive how Bennett balances the pace and the plot and the progression into under 100 pages. You don’t feel like anything is missing, you just feel like you’re getting an appetizer. Well, really, it’s like starting with dessert. I’d compare it to a teaser in the best of ways. You get your characters, your background, your what if, and your what could be, but then it’s up in the air and you’re eager for more but it’s also left open ended for you to piece together. It’s just a taste which is hopeful and perfect for a romance especially around valentines. I’d definitely recommend this!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2025
As a singer with a jazz quartet, Shaye expects the Valentine's gig to be nothing out of the ordinary. The same predictable romantic melodies shared to a romantically inclined audience of the speakeasy in the basement of Club Vine Noir.
However, life seems to have different plans when the quartet's guitarist, Maya, messages Shaye while she is going to the gig to say she's ill and can't make it. Maya continues, saying not to worry because a competent replacement is already waiting at the gig.
Unsure of how to feel at this last-minute change of plans, Shaye is in no way prepared for how she feels when she meets Dozier, the temporary guitarist.
The fire between Shaye and Dozier is pulsing and tangible. As the gig progresses, the music pulls them closer and closer, fanning the flames and raising the heat to an incendiary scale.
While this story is short and contains no spice, let me reassure you that this is both a passionate and hot read!
Written for the romantics amongst us and for those who celebrate the instantaneous connection forged in fire.
The writing is gorgeous. Filled with flowing prose and descriptive wonders that dance like jazz notes and weave around Shaye and Dozier.
But is Shaye brave enough to let go of her carefully constructed life and give in to the scorching heat of two souls dancing together?
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
However, life seems to have different plans when the quartet's guitarist, Maya, messages Shaye while she is going to the gig to say she's ill and can't make it. Maya continues, saying not to worry because a competent replacement is already waiting at the gig.
Unsure of how to feel at this last-minute change of plans, Shaye is in no way prepared for how she feels when she meets Dozier, the temporary guitarist.
The fire between Shaye and Dozier is pulsing and tangible. As the gig progresses, the music pulls them closer and closer, fanning the flames and raising the heat to an incendiary scale.
While this story is short and contains no spice, let me reassure you that this is both a passionate and hot read!
Written for the romantics amongst us and for those who celebrate the instantaneous connection forged in fire.
The writing is gorgeous. Filled with flowing prose and descriptive wonders that dance like jazz notes and weave around Shaye and Dozier.
But is Shaye brave enough to let go of her carefully constructed life and give in to the scorching heat of two souls dancing together?
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
March 23, 2025
The story flows with a jazzy and blues vibes. Absolutely loved the two main characters. Like a live performance the plot take you on a journey that leaves you wanting more.
February 2, 2025
The melody is their own sweet tune ,attuned to each other at Vine Noir. So in awe of each other they were at first sight ,this was pure , a delight! …. So there’s Shaye and she’s on her way to their gig when Mayo informs that she has the flu ,what else can she do , she’s sent over a replacement in her stead. One look at Dozier ,enough said. The magnetic guitarist sets the stage afire with her daring style. Shaye’s date Riley is sitting right there in the front seats , she’s the sweet chiropractor she’s been seeing for weeks ,their relationship is all but fizzled out. Shaye Smith is filled with doubt that they’re going anywhere. She should be taking the lead ,it’s her band but this woman , this presence with those cosmic strings is leading the rhythmic dance of romance . Shaye is in awe you can tell and they sure gel together and the sweetest melodies you ever did find blew her mind . A beautiful heart racing crescendo that peaks on the speakeasy’s stage. Pulses soar along with the score and it wasn’t just the audience that wanted more. As smitten as a kitten does she find her roar and is she the one she’s been searching for. Great writing , superb storytelling too.
August 5, 2025
This book reminded me of the importance of not taking story lines personally. Particularly because I’m the same age as Shaye (fully developed brain squad) and I’m easily embarrassed (like Riley probably was). Knowing Riley has her own book (the entire reason I read String Theory today specifically) also helped a lot.
What I mean is, I had to set aside my feelings on how Riley must have felt watching everything unfold to enjoy the beauty of the story because she will have her moment and we technically don’t owe people we barely started dating much. It does has to be incredible as a musician to fall for someone in real time as you perform together, so I don’t begrudge Shaye that experience at all.
The bonus epilogue really brought things home for me because the love was palpable. I do love love, so ultimately I’m here for this. Moving on to You Were Almost Home! 4.5 stars because it was really emotionally evoking and I giggled a lot at Shaye’s purposeful ignorance.
What I mean is, I had to set aside my feelings on how Riley must have felt watching everything unfold to enjoy the beauty of the story because she will have her moment and we technically don’t owe people we barely started dating much. It does has to be incredible as a musician to fall for someone in real time as you perform together, so I don’t begrudge Shaye that experience at all.
The bonus epilogue really brought things home for me because the love was palpable. I do love love, so ultimately I’m here for this. Moving on to You Were Almost Home! 4.5 stars because it was really emotionally evoking and I giggled a lot at Shaye’s purposeful ignorance.
January 31, 2025
For such a short novelette, String Theory by L.M. Bennett is an absolutely beautiful, extremely readable story.
It takes place on Valentine's Day, and is told in the first person by Shaye Smith, lead singer and founder of Shaye and the Smith Band, a jazz band who are warming up for their Valentine's show at Vine Noir, a 1920's style speakeasy.
We soon find out that Shaye is super type A, has 3 hour long performance day rituals, plans out all the musical arrangements for her JAZZ band, where improvisation is generally beloved, and expects things to go the way she planned.
Imagine her surprise when her guitarist calls in sick with the flu but sends a replacement in her place. Dozier is everything Shaye’s not: chill, relaxed, in tune with herself and others. Shaye instantly feels something as soon as they lay eyes on each other. What exactly that feeling is, she hasn't quite figured it out, but it can't be attraction, right? Shaye doesn't have time for that, especially with the woman she's currently seeing watching the show from the audience.
As the evening unfolds, a musical conversation takes place between the two, with Shaye beginning to loosen up and follow Dozier's lead. The chemistry between them makes the rest of the band and room melt away. Where will the night take them?
This is the first time I've read anything by LM. Bennett, but it won't be the last! If you're looking for a sultry, but spice free, Valentine's story full of heated glances and longing looks, this is definitely worth the read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It takes place on Valentine's Day, and is told in the first person by Shaye Smith, lead singer and founder of Shaye and the Smith Band, a jazz band who are warming up for their Valentine's show at Vine Noir, a 1920's style speakeasy.
We soon find out that Shaye is super type A, has 3 hour long performance day rituals, plans out all the musical arrangements for her JAZZ band, where improvisation is generally beloved, and expects things to go the way she planned.
Imagine her surprise when her guitarist calls in sick with the flu but sends a replacement in her place. Dozier is everything Shaye’s not: chill, relaxed, in tune with herself and others. Shaye instantly feels something as soon as they lay eyes on each other. What exactly that feeling is, she hasn't quite figured it out, but it can't be attraction, right? Shaye doesn't have time for that, especially with the woman she's currently seeing watching the show from the audience.
As the evening unfolds, a musical conversation takes place between the two, with Shaye beginning to loosen up and follow Dozier's lead. The chemistry between them makes the rest of the band and room melt away. Where will the night take them?
This is the first time I've read anything by LM. Bennett, but it won't be the last! If you're looking for a sultry, but spice free, Valentine's story full of heated glances and longing looks, this is definitely worth the read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
I stumbled upon this gem while scrolling through threads. It’s sensual, smooth and musically captivating. I felt like I was right there in the audience, watching the connection unfold between the main characters onstage. Bennett’s research shines through, offering a musician’s perspective with striking authenticity.
The story follows Shay Smith and her band performing at a bar alongside Dozier, a guitarist filling in for their bandmate Maya. Shay and Dozier’s chemistry is immediate, their pull toward each other palpable as they share the stage. I especially loved this pairing because their spark feels natural, and the conclusion is both intimate and satisfying.
There’s also an epilogue available, which is a welcome addition. While the story doesn’t feel rushed and ends gracefully, it leaves you teetering on a bit of a cliffhanger, eager to know what comes next for these two.
The story follows Shay Smith and her band performing at a bar alongside Dozier, a guitarist filling in for their bandmate Maya. Shay and Dozier’s chemistry is immediate, their pull toward each other palpable as they share the stage. I especially loved this pairing because their spark feels natural, and the conclusion is both intimate and satisfying.
There’s also an epilogue available, which is a welcome addition. While the story doesn’t feel rushed and ends gracefully, it leaves you teetering on a bit of a cliffhanger, eager to know what comes next for these two.
January 29, 2025
This book was perfectly swoon worthy. All the music references made you feel as though you were in the club with them and could feel all the feels with them!
A very sweet short novella about two musicians who experience that "at first sight" feeling. The chemistry between them leapt off the pages and drew the reader in immediately. If you are looking for a quick read that puts you in your feels and makes you smile while reading this is the book for you!
I would have liked a little more pre story just to understand 2 points that I wont mention as i dont want to spoil it for anyone.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc, my review is both voluntary and completely my own opinion.
A very sweet short novella about two musicians who experience that "at first sight" feeling. The chemistry between them leapt off the pages and drew the reader in immediately. If you are looking for a quick read that puts you in your feels and makes you smile while reading this is the book for you!
I would have liked a little more pre story just to understand 2 points that I wont mention as i dont want to spoil it for anyone.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an arc, my review is both voluntary and completely my own opinion.
February 7, 2025
This was such a beautiful written story that was full of angst, yet so much passion while being told through the sweet melodies of music.
Shaye is a singer with a Jazz band, Dozier a fill in guitarist. One night, Valentines Day. Could it be real? Love at first sight? L.M. Bennett will take you on a journey that I can honestly say was one of the sweetest romantic connections that I have read in a really long time. This story is so wonderfully written that I was "Awe'ing" out loud so many times. I literally felt like I was in the club, watching these two playing and singing, creating the most amazing music together. L.M. Bennett will take you on a musical journey of love, sound and song that I swear you will feel in your soul for days!
Shaye is a singer with a Jazz band, Dozier a fill in guitarist. One night, Valentines Day. Could it be real? Love at first sight? L.M. Bennett will take you on a journey that I can honestly say was one of the sweetest romantic connections that I have read in a really long time. This story is so wonderfully written that I was "Awe'ing" out loud so many times. I literally felt like I was in the club, watching these two playing and singing, creating the most amazing music together. L.M. Bennett will take you on a musical journey of love, sound and song that I swear you will feel in your soul for days!
January 29, 2025
This is a sapphic romance novelette, and the protagonists are singer Shaye and guitarist Dozier.
I don't recall reading anything by this author before, but the description intrigued me. This was short and sweet. It wasn't spicy, but it was romantic, and made me feel warm and fuzzy.
My favourite thing about the characters and the story was how they shared a love and passion for music. Music is something that we all enjoy, and sometimes it can bring people together. A story like this speaks to that.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't recall reading anything by this author before, but the description intrigued me. This was short and sweet. It wasn't spicy, but it was romantic, and made me feel warm and fuzzy.
My favourite thing about the characters and the story was how they shared a love and passion for music. Music is something that we all enjoy, and sometimes it can bring people together. A story like this speaks to that.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2025
4.5 stars. Bennett's writing just gets better and better with each release. This book is short but had me in a chokehold just from the way the performance was described and the sizzling tension between Shaye and Dozier had me hooked. I couldn't get enough. Shaye is the lead singer, Dozier is the back up guitarist for the night for a Valentine's Day performance. I liked both characters a lot and this ends with them seeing where things could go but I honestly hope that Bennett gives us another book with these two because I NEED more.
July 29, 2025
I love me a short and I love me a good short story. Not to give the story away, but I was anticipating Shaye and Dozier to collide at the end of the night, but I’m glad they didn’t. I’m glad it gave me something to look forward to even if there isn’t a part two lol I love how sensual this was without it being sensual. I loved the personalities of both characters, and how they have their own tone of voice. I liked how the musical parts were written in a way someone who doesn’t know music could understand. This is something I’d read again. And next time, I need a glass of wine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
Longing
This novelette is the prime example of longing. Felt like I was in and out of the story at the same time. To be that in tuned with each word, even to the point of hearing the music described although I was reading silently was amazing. I definitely appreciate the shift in how "My Funny Valentine" means after reading this.
Author wrote a beautiful story. Hopefully I can read more with these characters in the future.
This novelette is the prime example of longing. Felt like I was in and out of the story at the same time. To be that in tuned with each word, even to the point of hearing the music described although I was reading silently was amazing. I definitely appreciate the shift in how "My Funny Valentine" means after reading this.
Author wrote a beautiful story. Hopefully I can read more with these characters in the future.
January 12, 2025
For this book to have had no spice (and me being a spice lover), I really loved this novella!
I myself am a musical person (I sing, and play piano) and I know that magic that can happen when a singer and their instrumentalist *click*.
This novella was so sweet…loved it.
——-
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I myself am a musical person (I sing, and play piano) and I know that magic that can happen when a singer and their instrumentalist *click*.
This novella was so sweet…loved it.
——-
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
February 10, 2025
Short and sweet read about singer Shaye and substitute guitarist Dozier playing in a club on the night of Valentine's. The writing was full of musical metaphors, very descriptive and sensual without any sex. It read like a novella of lyrical foreplay leading up to a special relationship between the two. Their chemistry was hot! Now I have to try a full length book from this new to me author!
April 16, 2025
This was a super atmospheric novella that answers the question of what would happen if you let go a little bit and accept the change coming towards you. Would rec this to any jazz fans out there. This felt more like a love story to the music but those moments of romance between our MCs towards the end were really sweet and I’d read any continuing stories about them.
February 22, 2025
Didn’t love-didn’t hate. I enjoyed the music aspect and understanding how we sometimes just need someone to push the envelope just a bit to help us reach and find the true potential. 0 spice and ended with just a simple kiss.
April 22, 2025
Dozier and Shaye were so cute! I loved that they were playing a speakeasy during Valentine's. I am obsessed with how their connection grew through the music. I honestly didn't want it to end. It was a such a fun yet short read. Very romantic!
February 7, 2025
Bennett once again gives us characters to fall in love with. This novelette made me sigh with happiness more than once.
January 26, 2025
This was such a sweet, short, Valentine's themed sapphic romance. In this story the chemistry between the two main characters is palpable. It had just enough pertinent information to make the story flow and keep me from getting bored. Definitely recommend pairing this book with your favorite wine.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews