*..HEA Bookshelf..*: Blog Tour Stop + GIVEAWAY: "Fading" by E.K. Blair

(Fading, Book 1)

Synopsis:

Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.

At what point do secrets become lies?

*This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17

Completely spoiler - free

Review:

6 Stars

".. all I wanted to do was fade away."

"Fading" is a beautifully written, raw and emotional book that took my breath away.

Wow. Truly phenomenal. I could not put it down. It was just... astonishing.

E.K. Blair has completely blown me away with this book.

First off, if I could describe the prologue in one word, it would most definitely be, captivating! Since the very beginning, this book had my complete and undivided attention.

This is the story about college student and ballerina, Candace. One night, after a party, Candace is brutally attacked.. and I mean.. brutally. I'm not gonna go into any of the details because it's something you have to read, but just know, the way the author wrote this heart-wrenching scene, was flawless... my stomach was literally in knots.

"... I swear to God I can start to feel my soul begin to break. Piece by piece I begin to lose myself. My chest is crumbling into painful shards of what used to be me."

After this tragedy, Candace relies heavily on Jase. He was her "rock," her "lifeline" and the way he takes care of her, left me speechless in many occasions. Jase is the best best friend any person could ever ask for. He and his boyfriend, Mark, whom I also loved madly, were just amazing characters! They always supported and protected Candace no matter what. With their help, Candace tried to live.. but really, she was just existing.. until she met Ryan. *sigh* Ryan.. patient, gentle, caring, incredibly hot, Ryan.

"So when did you start making all the rules?"

"When you started making me worry about you."

Slowly, they start building a bond which leads to a beyond beautiful romance. He helps her heal in ways Candace never even imagined.

"Ryan rests his chin on the top of my head, and when I begin to cry again, he tightens his hold on me. I feel safe enough with him to finally have this release."

But.. Ryan has a past.. his own demons.. his own secrets..

As the Synopsis states, "At what point do secrets become lies?"

This is something that throughout the book, you'll know what it means.. and trust me, I played a lot of scenarios in my head regarding it and came up empty handed. Yet, E.K. Blair got it down perfectly!

"Fading" is a brilliantly written book. For the first time, I loved and connected with all the characters. For once, the heroine's insecurities and fears didn't baffle me or piss me off, but rather I understood them and felt compassion towards her.

This book just made its way to my top favorites.

This is a MUST READ!!!

"I never knew home until now. It's with him, in this house, in this bed. My mind and body are free of doubt."

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Video Book Trailer

Fading by E.K. Blair book trailer from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.

Excerpt:

I stare up at the bright white light that is above me in the cab of the ambulance and focus on my breathing.

What just happened? Is this even real?

“Miss, how do you feel? Can you tell me if anything hurts?” he asks.

How do I feel? I don’t know how I feel. I don’t even know what the hell just happened. I feel scared and numb. I feel everything and nothing all at once. I feel like this is a dream—a goddamn nightmare that I can’t wake up from. I don’t understand. I’m so confused. Fear and misery rip through me and create a new emotion that I can’t even begin to describe. My heated tears roll continuously down the side of my face as I remain staring at the white light.

“Miss?”

“I don’t know,” is all I can manage to say, my only attempt at a response to his very confusing question.

I move my eyes downward to look at my body, and I am covered in a grey wool blanket. Suddenly, I remember that I am naked beneath this blanket. Embarrassment wells up inside of me, and I begin to sob uncontrollably.

“I want to go home!”

Fading trilogy..