by Trisha Wolfe
Series: Living Heartwood #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Love means fading out so another shines brighter.
Right clothes. Right school. Right fiancé. As a Wyndemere, Arian’s expected to abide by the rules. The most important: be perfect. But Arian’s seemingly flawless life is far from it. An embarrassing expulsion from her parents’ alma mater spirals an already unhealthy obsession out of control, exposing a dark truth. Faced with having to attend a small private college after a stint in rehab, Arian’s just ready to coast under the radar and repair some of the wreckage, but her father’s looming control is like a vise choking off her air supply. When a run-in with Braxton’s beloved star quarterback, Ryder Nash, puts Arian squarely in the crosshairs of his devoted teammates, the last of her controlled, orderly world unhinges. As the pranks and paybacks escalate, Arian and Ryder’s rivalry takes a passionate turn. And once Arian glimpses beneath the all-star-athlete exterior Ryder projects, she realizes he’s far more than just a jock. As their relationship intensifies, outside forces feel the threat. Outrunning their pasts doesn’t mean history won’t repeat itself, but Ryder can’t let that happen. He’s just one Championship game away from breaking the mold. Only one moment, one choice, might change everything.
Fading Out is the third book in the Living Heartwood series by Trisha Wolfe. Even though I did not read the first two books I chose to dive in when the author assured me it worked as a standalone. Fading Out shares the romance that develops between Arian and Ryder. It isn’t an easy journey but they both find themselves through the other. Hot and heartfelt I quickly devoured this one.
What could have been a very cliché read when a Quarterback falls for the shy girl; Fading Out added depth and tossed out stereotypes. The tale is told in dual perspectives as we get to know both Arian and Ryder. Wolfe did a lovely job of fleshing them out and slowly revealing their pasts, hang-ups and fears. The chemistry was delightful with plenty of banter and snark. Friends, and Ryder’t football team engaged with them allowing for some hilarious moments as well as touching one. Only a few of the secondary characters had substance, but were unique enough to identify and their roles suited the overall plot.
In Fading Out, Wolfe touches on some heavy topics from family expectations to a serious eating disorder. While she does not dive deeply into details regarding the disease, she does address getting the right help and support. Despite all that happens Wolfe kept the angst low while giving us all the feels. The dual perspective allowed a connection to form with them. Ryder was swoon-worthy despite his sometimes-clumsy attempts. His background was one I am sure many young men and women face. I loved how despite issues with family he gave his strength to Arian putting her first when she needed him to be strong.
“I’ll take a running leap off the edge, right now, for you.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s the first time I’ve ever been inspired.”
For those who love their endings wrapped in a bow, we get a delightful epilogue with all the wonderful deets.
If you are looking for a quick escape with all the feels then Fading Out is the perfect fit.
“He found me. He chose me. When I was fading, his love shone bright enough to chase away my darkness.”
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sarah
Here lately I have been reading books so out of the norm for me. I am so looking forward the HEA-esque romances I need to read this week. Sometimes a book is amazing without a happy ending, but as a romance junkie I start to expect them! Guess when you deviate from the genre you realize most books don’t end that way. I hope to pick up this series sometime soon. Thanks for sharing another wonderful review, kim 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah if it is in the romantic genre I expect some sort of HEA.
Lorna
i actually have the first one in this series on my Kindle so I just kind of skimmed in case I shouldn’t read something before I read the first one. I am glad you enjoyed, and one of this days I will get around to the first one-hopefully!
kimbacaffeinate
Nope each works as a standalone. Enjoy Lorna!
Michelle
Looks like an interesting read however, I have an OCD about reading out of order. But I am happy that even without reading the other you were able to get into this one. I haven’t read a good ContempRomance in a while. Great Review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I suffered from that particular ailment for 40 years so don’t feel bad. Even when I do it now my stomach flip-flops but I am finding that with companion series types it doesn’t matter.
Benish
I like the sound of the romance, it’s really great when two people find each other. I’m glad this works as a stand alone novel.. It can be hard to keep up with series these days 🙁
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Benish *eyes TBR pile*
Trish
Sounds like a good read, I like that it tackled heavy issues and avoided stereotypes. That is the way I like my contemp romances.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Trish.
Lauren
I really need to read this series! I think I would enjoy it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this Lauren and plan to go back to the beginning
Tyler H. Jolley
I met Trisha when I was writing for Spencer Hill Press. She’s an awesome author!
kimbacaffeinate
That is so cool Tyler.
Naomi
I am so glad you liked this one. It didn’t have as much angst as the previous two books, and was a little refreshing!! Great review Kimberly!!
kimbacaffeinate
I did like that things came together without a lot of drama..lol
Sophia Rose
As I started reading your review, I was intrigued and then bummed b/c its part of a series, but then saw that you read it out of order just fine. Amazing how my question got answered without having to ask it. I like the sound of this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah I like these series that work as standalone..each with its own romance
Angela Adams
My initial reaction when I clicked on the site was that the book cover was “sultry” and eye-catching. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
oh nice observation.
Jess
I am glad you were able to enjoy this one even though you hadn’t read the first two. It sounds like the book and characters were well crafted. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was a good read Jess..thanks
Candace
This is an author I’ve been meaning to read for a long time but I’m not sure if I would start with this one. Even though you liked it I’m just not feeling it. I have some of her others on my WL though!
kimbacaffeinate
I was daring..LOL
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I love the idea of an epilogue with all the details…with some books I don’t mind using my imagination but generally with romance I like things all neat and tied up:)
kimbacaffeinate
You will enjoy the ending Melissa..everything a reader could ask for
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kim, I like the cover and I too love to have a definite end to the story.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Debbie the epilogue was a nice touch
Melissa (Books and Things)
Sounds like a pretty good book with balance for the bad stuff. LOVE the epilogue that gives me all the answers. Yes, I like my endings in a bow. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Yes it really wrapped their story up for the reader.
Heidi
I didn’t know this author was branching out. I have always heard good things about her YA books. I am happy that you were able to dive in and not be lost. I also likes that it deals with eating disorders well.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I have a list of authors I am challenging myself to try this year..and this was good.
Katherine
Ack! You got me again! I love the romances where the characters really find themselves through each other. Great review! Adding this to my TBR. That noise you hear is it weeping!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too..when they bring out the best in each other and make the other more confident..yes please
Bookworm Brandee
I’m glad you took a chance on Fading Out, Kimba. I hope you’ll consider reading the first two in the series, as I actually liked them even better. Wolfe does take on some heavy issues with aplomb, in my opinion. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
They are on my list *eyes tbr pile mounds* Thanks Brandee
Ramona
I do love an author who takes stereotypes and makes them into something more, something memorable. The book merits attention for this reason alone, although, apparently there are many other reasons to pick it up. Which I intend to do 🙂 A compelling and passionate review, just the way you like to write them, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
I like when they break them as well. Thanks Ramona.
Braine
A Super sweet HEA never hurts, bring on the butterflies!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Braine 🙂
Paij Slater
It sounds awesome and fun I love reading self published books. Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
It was Paji, thanks its good to see you, I was on vacation forever and missed chatting 🙂
kindlemom1
Hot and heartfelt, I like that! This sounds great Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ali, this was all that.
Nick
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I like that this so sweet and heart felt. I need to catch up!
Glad you liked this, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Now I need to eventually go back and read the first ones..lol So many books, so little time
Red Iza
It’s great that you enjoyed it, yet I’m trying to keep my to-read pile from increasing to much – wishful thinking, but I’m trying, so I’ll keep it in mind for later 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..spoken like an addict and I feel your pain. *eyes tbr pile*
Alreem
sound like a good book 🙂 glad to see you enjoyed it
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Alreem, happy Wednesday!
blodeuedd
Hm, lovely quote though
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, not your thing, but it was fun Linda. I love to mix it up
Christy
I love the books I’ve read by Trisha, but I haven’t tried this series yet. And I love when there’s a group of guys that add hilarious moments.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah..they were a bunch of pranksters..but all good fun.
Melliane
It’s great that you were able to read it without the others. I haven’t read a book about eating disorder mainly ina story like that. it’s intriguing. thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I haven’t in a while Melliane and it was good to see proper help suggested.