Caffeinated Reviewer | Fading Out by Trisha Wolfe

15^th Apr

Fading Out
by Trisha Wolfe
Series: Living Heartwood #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

Rating:

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.”