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Fading #1
Fading
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?
(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.
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?
(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.
451 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2013
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February 6, 2016
I listened to the Audible version of this book and it was great! The narrators did a nice job of keeping my attention and selling this story. I enjoyed every painstaking moment, even when my heart was breaking.
Although this book deals with the topic of rape, I wouldn't class it as "dark" as a whole. Aside from one scene, in which the rape takes place, the book focuses on the aftermath of the attack and heroine's life afterward. It was equal parts somber and inspiring to see how she dealt with the violation she experienced.
The heroine, Candace, is studying ballet at college. She goes on a date with a guy to appease her snobby mother, despite the fact that she isn't particularly interested in him. The guy, Jack, ended up being a sexual predator and decided to take what he wanted, regardless of Candace's cries for him to stop.
Too late to stop the attack, a witness intervenes, pulling Jack off of Candace. As he runs away, the witness calls 911 and stays with Candace until help arrives. Jack gets away and Candace goes to the hospital and is violated all over again as she submits to the sexual assault examination.
In the initial days and weeks following her attack, Candace shuts herself off from her friends and her life in general. She relies heavily upon her best friend, Jase, and his boyfriend, Mark. As time passes, they begin to try and break her out of her she'll, concerned by her isolation.
It is through Mark and Jase that she meets Ryan, a man she'd seen previously at the coffee shop where she worked. Immediately, she hits it off with the young bar owner. They become fast friends and are soon hanging out together. Slowly but surely, their relationship grows into more.
Ryan seems like the perfect boyfriend, but he has a big secret. It wasn't any secret to me as the reader, but for Candace, it came as a big surprise apparently. This secret has the power to break them, but the closer they get to one another, the more afraid Ryan is to lose Candace if he tells her.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Everything in Candace's world seems to be turned upside down. Prepare for heartbreak and anger, because it's coming!
All in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit depressing at times, but also inspiring at others. I was glad to see Candace and Ryan get their HEA...and Jack got what he deserved also.
Although this book deals with the topic of rape, I wouldn't class it as "dark" as a whole. Aside from one scene, in which the rape takes place, the book focuses on the aftermath of the attack and heroine's life afterward. It was equal parts somber and inspiring to see how she dealt with the violation she experienced.
The heroine, Candace, is studying ballet at college. She goes on a date with a guy to appease her snobby mother, despite the fact that she isn't particularly interested in him. The guy, Jack, ended up being a sexual predator and decided to take what he wanted, regardless of Candace's cries for him to stop.
Too late to stop the attack, a witness intervenes, pulling Jack off of Candace. As he runs away, the witness calls 911 and stays with Candace until help arrives. Jack gets away and Candace goes to the hospital and is violated all over again as she submits to the sexual assault examination.
In the initial days and weeks following her attack, Candace shuts herself off from her friends and her life in general. She relies heavily upon her best friend, Jase, and his boyfriend, Mark. As time passes, they begin to try and break her out of her she'll, concerned by her isolation.
It is through Mark and Jase that she meets Ryan, a man she'd seen previously at the coffee shop where she worked. Immediately, she hits it off with the young bar owner. They become fast friends and are soon hanging out together. Slowly but surely, their relationship grows into more.
Ryan seems like the perfect boyfriend, but he has a big secret. It wasn't any secret to me as the reader, but for Candace, it came as a big surprise apparently. This secret has the power to break them, but the closer they get to one another, the more afraid Ryan is to lose Candace if he tells her.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Everything in Candace's world seems to be turned upside down. Prepare for heartbreak and anger, because it's coming!
All in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit depressing at times, but also inspiring at others. I was glad to see Candace and Ryan get their HEA...and Jack got what he deserved also.
May 8, 2017
3 pain is a reminder you're still alive Stars
***Some Spoilers***
"I'm not leaving you. Nothing you could say would make me want to leave you."
This is my first book by E.K. Blair, and the plot sounded so good. Candace Parker is a ballerina in college, and she has a ton of emotional issues with her mother . While trying to live a little, let go, and have fun , she goes on a few dates with a guy, and gets date raped. She shuts down , but with the supportive love of the Hero, Ryan Campbell , she learns to trust again, and starts to heal. Sound great, right? Yeah, not so much. This book had one big flaw that ruined it for me. That one thing is Candace Parker! Man, she drove me nuts. I hated her so much. Then I thought you can't hate the heroine, Jessica, she is the victim, she has been through a lot, I need to be more understanding. I tried so damn hard to like her really I did, but nope! Screw that! I just hated her!!!!!
Candace Parker was a victim of rape, but instead of fighting back, moving on, or even just surviving she just buried her head in the sand. She didn't deal with anything at all. I understand not everyone reacts the same to traumatic events. I would have liked her to seek help, get counseling, press charges, or at least talk about it. Hell just even tell her best friend what happened once , but no she just stops living. I get that people that get raped don't always report it, and they have PTSD, Depression and a lot more, but she could have at least talked to kimber, Jase, or Ryan about it, or something. It was like she just gave up, and became a shell. I couldn't connect to her at all. By the way, the reason I hate her has nothing to do with the way she handled her rape, or anything like that, it was because of the way she treated the people who cared for her, and tried to help her. The way she ripped into anyone who asked any questions , tried to talked to her , be there for her, and she just cut Kimber completely out of her life. Kimber, her best friend of years who was like a sister to her, cut her out like she was nothing. I also hated her for the way she treated Ryan when she found out he was keeping something from her She rips him to pieces, doesn't give him a chance to explain or nothing. She just breaks up with him. Yells that she hates him. Breaking his heart after he was so damn great to her, understanding and supportive. She gave him no understanding just threw him away, and avoided dealing with the problem.
"I am. Every day is a struggle. Everything. I'm scared every day."
The night he took everything from me: my trust, my peace, my security, my faith—my light. He took it all and left me with nothing. "I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
"I knew better. I knew I shouldn't have let you in like I did. But, I can't see you anymore. You have to stop calling and texting. I need you to just not exist for me because I can't do this. It hurts more than I thought anything possibly could."
Ryan was a great hero. He was so good to her. He goes so slow, and waits for her, never putting pressure on her , but for months builds her trust up in him. He was supportive , strong for her , understanding , sweet , and so damn loving. I loved Ryan.
"I promise you, nothing will change the way I look at you. Nothing will change what you do to me when you're next to me. You make my heart beat in a completely different way—nothing will ever change that."
"I know. But it's never going to get easier if you keep blaming yourself. It kills me that you feel this way. It fuckin' kills me that I can't take this away from you."
"Everything you give me is perfect. You have to stop feeling like this. I'm here with you, and I'm not going anywhere."
The reason I gave this book 3 stars instead of 1 , was because of Ryan, Jase and Mark. I loved them. Mark and Jase were great friends, understanding and loyal. They gave her everything she needed. I loved Mark and Jase as a couple too. Very sweet. They had just gotten back together, and they still gave her all the loving support she needed, letting her stay with them and sleep in Jase's bed with Jase. I need friends like them!! I loved Ryan's family, especially his mother. Love when Ryan was hoppin' his nieces and nephews up on candy before sending them home , the way he was with kids was too cute! I felt very badly for Kimber she really got dumped on in this book. Another thing that I didn't like in this book was instead of Candace growing a little as a character , standing up for her self and dealing with the rape maybe even pressing charges it felt like the easy way out to me. There was enough time with the supporting characters and tender moments with Ryan that it made this book a 3 star . I will not be reading the other two books in this series because they are just this book, over and over again, but from Jase and Ryan's point of view and I don't want to read the same book three different times. No thanks!
***Some Spoilers***
"I'm not leaving you. Nothing you could say would make me want to leave you."
This is my first book by E.K. Blair, and the plot sounded so good. Candace Parker is a ballerina in college, and she has a ton of emotional issues with her mother . While trying to live a little, let go, and have fun , she goes on a few dates with a guy, and gets date raped. She shuts down , but with the supportive love of the Hero, Ryan Campbell , she learns to trust again, and starts to heal. Sound great, right? Yeah, not so much. This book had one big flaw that ruined it for me. That one thing is Candace Parker! Man, she drove me nuts. I hated her so much. Then I thought you can't hate the heroine, Jessica, she is the victim, she has been through a lot, I need to be more understanding. I tried so damn hard to like her really I did, but nope! Screw that! I just hated her!!!!!
Candace Parker was a victim of rape, but instead of fighting back, moving on, or even just surviving she just buried her head in the sand. She didn't deal with anything at all. I understand not everyone reacts the same to traumatic events. I would have liked her to seek help, get counseling, press charges, or at least talk about it. Hell just even tell her best friend what happened once , but no she just stops living. I get that people that get raped don't always report it, and they have PTSD, Depression and a lot more, but she could have at least talked to kimber, Jase, or Ryan about it, or something. It was like she just gave up, and became a shell. I couldn't connect to her at all. By the way, the reason I hate her has nothing to do with the way she handled her rape, or anything like that, it was because of the way she treated the people who cared for her, and tried to help her. The way she ripped into anyone who asked any questions , tried to talked to her , be there for her, and she just cut Kimber completely out of her life. Kimber, her best friend of years who was like a sister to her, cut her out like she was nothing. I also hated her for the way she treated Ryan when she found out he was keeping something from her She rips him to pieces, doesn't give him a chance to explain or nothing. She just breaks up with him. Yells that she hates him. Breaking his heart after he was so damn great to her, understanding and supportive. She gave him no understanding just threw him away, and avoided dealing with the problem.
"I am. Every day is a struggle. Everything. I'm scared every day."
The night he took everything from me: my trust, my peace, my security, my faith—my light. He took it all and left me with nothing. "I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
"I knew better. I knew I shouldn't have let you in like I did. But, I can't see you anymore. You have to stop calling and texting. I need you to just not exist for me because I can't do this. It hurts more than I thought anything possibly could."
Ryan was a great hero. He was so good to her. He goes so slow, and waits for her, never putting pressure on her , but for months builds her trust up in him. He was supportive , strong for her , understanding , sweet , and so damn loving. I loved Ryan.
"I promise you, nothing will change the way I look at you. Nothing will change what you do to me when you're next to me. You make my heart beat in a completely different way—nothing will ever change that."
"I know. But it's never going to get easier if you keep blaming yourself. It kills me that you feel this way. It fuckin' kills me that I can't take this away from you."
"Everything you give me is perfect. You have to stop feeling like this. I'm here with you, and I'm not going anywhere."
The reason I gave this book 3 stars instead of 1 , was because of Ryan, Jase and Mark. I loved them. Mark and Jase were great friends, understanding and loyal. They gave her everything she needed. I loved Mark and Jase as a couple too. Very sweet. They had just gotten back together, and they still gave her all the loving support she needed, letting her stay with them and sleep in Jase's bed with Jase. I need friends like them!! I loved Ryan's family, especially his mother. Love when Ryan was hoppin' his nieces and nephews up on candy before sending them home , the way he was with kids was too cute! I felt very badly for Kimber she really got dumped on in this book. Another thing that I didn't like in this book was instead of Candace growing a little as a character , standing up for her self and dealing with the rape maybe even pressing charges it felt like the easy way out to me. There was enough time with the supporting characters and tender moments with Ryan that it made this book a 3 star . I will not be reading the other two books in this series because they are just this book, over and over again, but from Jase and Ryan's point of view and I don't want to read the same book three different times. No thanks!
Want to read
December 29, 2015FREE on Amazon US today (12/28/2015)
Book 1 in series. Series is complete. Book 2 different MCs. Book 3 hero’s� POV.
Oh and covergasm!
BLURB:
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?
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
/review/list...
June 23, 2013
I decided to read this one out of curiosity and because it has an O MG-beautiful cover.
It's NA therefore I promised myself I would read it with OPEN MIND since I haven't been very lucky with the last few books I read (off this category).
I was indeed surprised by the writer's talent and the editing quality, mainly for an Indie book/author but...the heroine's over-dramatic reactions totally ruined it for me, really.
I know I know, she has horrible HORRIBLE parents and has been brutally assaulted and abused, but she took post traumatic stress disorder TO THE NEXT LEVEL with her self-pity, egoism , irrational and stupid overreaction (mainly towards the end).
Despite her neglecting parents she is surrounded by wonderful people: her best friend, her roommate, her boss (Roxy) and of course Ryan (the hero). Nonetheless, she seemed, to a certain extent, blame THEM for what had happened to her.
Ryan, OH RYAN! You're THE perfect BOYFRIEND: patient, understanding, brave, protective and kind, and despite the scars you carry, you did not use them to judge or impose anything on Candace. The secret you had to keep from her...totally understandable. YOU WERE THE REASON I kept reading this book.
Book which would have easily been a five-star one for me but I'm really tired of self-centered overemotional heroines who rather 'run away and cry' than face facts and talk about them.
It was an OK read for me - 2 stars.
It's NA therefore I promised myself I would read it with OPEN MIND since I haven't been very lucky with the last few books I read (off this category).
I was indeed surprised by the writer's talent and the editing quality, mainly for an Indie book/author but...the heroine's over-dramatic reactions totally ruined it for me, really.
I know I know, she has horrible HORRIBLE parents and has been brutally assaulted and abused, but she took post traumatic stress disorder TO THE NEXT LEVEL with her self-pity, egoism , irrational and stupid overreaction (mainly towards the end).
Despite her neglecting parents she is surrounded by wonderful people: her best friend, her roommate, her boss (Roxy) and of course Ryan (the hero). Nonetheless, she seemed, to a certain extent, blame THEM for what had happened to her.
Ryan, OH RYAN! You're THE perfect BOYFRIEND: patient, understanding, brave, protective and kind, and despite the scars you carry, you did not use them to judge or impose anything on Candace. The secret you had to keep from her...totally understandable. YOU WERE THE REASON I kept reading this book.
Book which would have easily been a five-star one for me but I'm really tired of self-centered overemotional heroines who rather 'run away and cry' than face facts and talk about them.
It was an OK read for me - 2 stars.
July 15, 2013
I know I don’t have the right words for this one. I seem to be able to only spit out random, disjointed thoughts and feelings. It’s like I’m suffering some sort of reviewer’s Tourette’s Syndrome! If I’m lucky, I’ll get out a sentence or two. I cannot, apparently, make my thoughts and feelings coalesce into anything resembling a helpful or informative review, filled with discussion points and critiques. Quite sincerely, as I’m writing this, it’s been over a week since I finished Fading, and I’m still reeling from the impact. I’m running purely on emotion when it comes to this story and these characters. My God. Heartbreaking. Authentic. Intense. Beautiful. Powerful. Romantic. Sexy. Stunningly memorable is the phrase I find myself repeating over and over again when I discuss this book. All of these words are true. They’re all perfectly applicable to describe this story and my experience with it, but they’re also completely inadequate. As soon as I think of or talk about Fading, multiple flawlessly-clear visual images pop into my mind. I can see this story in my head just as strongly as I feel it in my heart.
I truly believe, until you immerse yourself in this story of E.K. Blair’s firsthand, no (half-assed) review I (attempt to) write is going to resonate with you the way that it should. At points, Fading had me so overwhelmed with emotion that I had to stop and take some breaths, walk around for a bit, and hug my cat, for God’s sake!! And that may actually be the highest compliment I can give. I live for reading experiences like this one. Books such as Fading are absolutely and without question the very reason I read. Every aspect of the characters, the story and the setting was so fully fleshed-out and three dimensional, so well-planned and flawlessly delivered. If you can handle a fairly graphic and all too realistic sexual assault and the immediate aftermath, then please, please give this book the time and attention it deserves!
Fading is weighty and substantial, yes. A good portion of it is not an easy read, by any means. But, who says easy is always best? A story like this gives you something to grab onto, something to anchor you even as it wrecks your emotions. And I won’t lie. Parts of it will wreck your emotions.
The physical and psychological pain of Candace’s ordeal was so well balanced with the slow friends-to-lovers of Candace’s and Ryan’s relationship. While they took their time, the love that grew was so deep, strong and intense!! This has to be one of the most beautiful, romantic, inspiring love stories I’ve read in a very long time! I could feel a true connection with these two as individuals, but together? I absolutely adored this couple!! I swear, I experienced this relationship, the desperate highs and lows, right along with them! They made me ugly-cry on more than one occasion, and, frankly, it was worth Every. Single. Tear. You will fall madly in love with Ryan, ladies, trust me. If you don’t, I question whether or not you’re still breathing!
I’ve not even touched on Jase and Mark. Truthfully, Jase and Mark stole my heart as a couple, and I cannot wait for their story in order to fully experience their love! But…Jase. Wow. I mean…wow! What he went through with Candace, the way he supported her so selflessly and with such purity of love and friendship was beyond beautiful. Everyone deserves a Jase in his or her life.
Fading is very likely to be the best book of 2013 for me! I can’t imagine there could be much that would even come close to touching it. It has everything I long for in a story and things I didn’t even know I was looking for! For whatever it’s worth, Fading has my highest recommendation. Please take the time, make the time, to experience this journey for yourselves. Once you have, I think you’ll find it nearly as impossible as I do to find the words to do it justice. But try, won’t you? For what this story, this author, has given us, we owe at least that much.
5+++ Stars
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews, please visit or visit us on .
I truly believe, until you immerse yourself in this story of E.K. Blair’s firsthand, no (half-assed) review I (attempt to) write is going to resonate with you the way that it should. At points, Fading had me so overwhelmed with emotion that I had to stop and take some breaths, walk around for a bit, and hug my cat, for God’s sake!! And that may actually be the highest compliment I can give. I live for reading experiences like this one. Books such as Fading are absolutely and without question the very reason I read. Every aspect of the characters, the story and the setting was so fully fleshed-out and three dimensional, so well-planned and flawlessly delivered. If you can handle a fairly graphic and all too realistic sexual assault and the immediate aftermath, then please, please give this book the time and attention it deserves!
Fading is weighty and substantial, yes. A good portion of it is not an easy read, by any means. But, who says easy is always best? A story like this gives you something to grab onto, something to anchor you even as it wrecks your emotions. And I won’t lie. Parts of it will wreck your emotions.
"I’m finding it hard to hear what they are saying over my crying and heaving breaths. But the whole world stops moving when I hear that unmistakable word. Don’t say that word. I can’t move. I can’t blink. I can’t do anything. This isn’t me. This can’t be me."
"I sit here, on the bottom of the shower, and everything I know about myself, everything I love, everything I am begins to fade."
“I’m fading.� I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. “He took all my light, and I’ve been fading ever since.�
Cradling my face in his hands, he says, “You’re not fading. I won’t let you.�
The physical and psychological pain of Candace’s ordeal was so well balanced with the slow friends-to-lovers of Candace’s and Ryan’s relationship. While they took their time, the love that grew was so deep, strong and intense!! This has to be one of the most beautiful, romantic, inspiring love stories I’ve read in a very long time! I could feel a true connection with these two as individuals, but together? I absolutely adored this couple!! I swear, I experienced this relationship, the desperate highs and lows, right along with them! They made me ugly-cry on more than one occasion, and, frankly, it was worth Every. Single. Tear. You will fall madly in love with Ryan, ladies, trust me. If you don’t, I question whether or not you’re still breathing!
Opening my eyes, I look up at him and ask, “Did you love any of them?�
“N.�
Hesitantly, “Do you love me?�
“I’ve only ever loved you.�
It takes a while, but when I finally feel Ryan’s tense chest relax, he pulls back and looks me in the eyes as he says, “This changes nothing for me. Okay? Nothing. No one will ever love you like I do.�
He pulls back and looks into my eyes and when he does, I see it all. I see it clearly; he loves me, and I know I’m safe.
“What is it, babe?�
Brushing my hand down the side of his face, I give him a part of me that I’ve been holding tightly to. “I love you.�
I know he’s be waiting a long time for me to get here, but I know it’s okay when I look into his clear eyes and see the lines appear at the corners when his smile grows.
“You’ll never know what those words just did to me,�
I’ve not even touched on Jase and Mark. Truthfully, Jase and Mark stole my heart as a couple, and I cannot wait for their story in order to fully experience their love! But…Jase. Wow. I mean…wow! What he went through with Candace, the way he supported her so selflessly and with such purity of love and friendship was beyond beautiful. Everyone deserves a Jase in his or her life.
Fading is very likely to be the best book of 2013 for me! I can’t imagine there could be much that would even come close to touching it. It has everything I long for in a story and things I didn’t even know I was looking for! For whatever it’s worth, Fading has my highest recommendation. Please take the time, make the time, to experience this journey for yourselves. Once you have, I think you’ll find it nearly as impossible as I do to find the words to do it justice. But try, won’t you? For what this story, this author, has given us, we owe at least that much.
5+++ Stars
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews, please visit or visit us on .
July 8, 2013
I feel so lucky that I was able to beta read this novel. It is such a beautiful book & a story I will never forget!!
Fading is the story of Candace. She is a dance major at UW, has great friends, and a complicated relationship with her parents. Overall her life is going good, until one night she is attacked leaving a fraternity party. Now her whole world is turned upside down.
This book is deep, dark, and emotional. I felt I was drowning in the book. EK Blair does an amazing job of portraying the life of a victim after a brutal attack. The emotions & pain Candace felt throughout the book was palpable. My eyes teared up so many times.
I enjoyed every single character in this book. They were all well-written and developed. I loved Jase! He was Candace's best friend, he was the kind of best friend that is always there for you & never judges. Everybody needs a best friend like Jase!
While there were many great characters in this book, hands down my favorite (aside from Candace) was Ryan. *swoon* Ryan owns a local bar and is a friend of Jase. After Candace's attack, Jase is her lifeline, her security blanket. While spending time with Jase, Candace also ends up spending quite a bit of time with Ryan. Eventually they grow closer & a relationship forms. Ryan is honest, kind, and non-judgmental. He sees how strong Candace is even when she doesn't see it in herself. Ryan & Candace's chemistry is adorable - I could not get enough of the two of them!
I could not believe this was 's debut novel. It was amazing!! I am definitely adding it to my list of favorite books. She is a natural writer; the story comes alive & I fell in love with the characters. Candace & Ryan will always have a piece of my heart. I will definitely be reading future books by her.
I recommend this book to everyone! It was a roller coaster of emotions but I promise it's worth it!!
Fading is the story of Candace. She is a dance major at UW, has great friends, and a complicated relationship with her parents. Overall her life is going good, until one night she is attacked leaving a fraternity party. Now her whole world is turned upside down.
"I sit here, on the bottom of the shower, and everything I know about myself, everything I love, everything I am begins to fade."
This book is deep, dark, and emotional. I felt I was drowning in the book. EK Blair does an amazing job of portraying the life of a victim after a brutal attack. The emotions & pain Candace felt throughout the book was palpable. My eyes teared up so many times.
I enjoyed every single character in this book. They were all well-written and developed. I loved Jase! He was Candace's best friend, he was the kind of best friend that is always there for you & never judges. Everybody needs a best friend like Jase!
While there were many great characters in this book, hands down my favorite (aside from Candace) was Ryan. *swoon* Ryan owns a local bar and is a friend of Jase. After Candace's attack, Jase is her lifeline, her security blanket. While spending time with Jase, Candace also ends up spending quite a bit of time with Ryan. Eventually they grow closer & a relationship forms. Ryan is honest, kind, and non-judgmental. He sees how strong Candace is even when she doesn't see it in herself. Ryan & Candace's chemistry is adorable - I could not get enough of the two of them!
I could not believe this was 's debut novel. It was amazing!! I am definitely adding it to my list of favorite books. She is a natural writer; the story comes alive & I fell in love with the characters. Candace & Ryan will always have a piece of my heart. I will definitely be reading future books by her.
I recommend this book to everyone! It was a roller coaster of emotions but I promise it's worth it!!
July 11, 2013
Full of annoying behavior, conflicting sentences and a ridiculously stupid main character. I managed to make it 22% before I couldn't stand Candace anymore.
**** CONTAINS SPOILERS **** (not that I think they could be considered spoilers as the whole book was a spoil)
First of all, (this is just my opinion of how I feel I wouldn't be after surviving a rape, of course I can't say as I've never been in that situation before) but seriously....she gets naked in the shower and lets her best 'gay' guyfriend bath her only hours after she's been raped but she hides from her best girlfriend for like a week and doesn't want her to know?? WTF? I can only imagine you wouldn't be thinking real clear after a brutal attack but I still don't think any man would be putting his hands on him less than four hours after I was attacked.
Second of all, book was full of contracting or just stupid sentences.
EXAMPLE:
"I wander aimlessly into the apartment and head straight for the bathroom" <--- the definition of wandering aimlessly is taking a leisurely stroll with no intended destination not making a b-line for the bathroom.
"I'm not sure what I'll say if she notices the healing scars on my face" <-- first of all scars are what you get after an injury is healed, second it was less than a week ago...if the injury was bad enough to leave a scar it sure as hell isn't healed in less than a week to the point of hoping no one would notice it on your face.
Then it's the lack of description. "I feel tired. I feel broken. I feel sad. I don't understand why." Okay, I get those feelings, I really do but it could be written so much more elegant. I want description, I want to know how broken she feels....the black hole sucking her in and the depths if despair. If you're going to make a book about a brutal attack you have to be so descriptive you can feel like you're really there or it just seems like a high school English paper rather than a published novel.
So disappointed with this book, the synopsis made it sound great and with a 4.36 average rating out of 850 people, I can't imagine how so many got it wrong or maybe I'm just having an off day. Normally if a book sucks I don't bother with a review but this one had so very many annoying parts to it, I had to share and see if anyone else picked up these vibes.
**** CONTAINS SPOILERS **** (not that I think they could be considered spoilers as the whole book was a spoil)
First of all, (this is just my opinion of how I feel I wouldn't be after surviving a rape, of course I can't say as I've never been in that situation before) but seriously....she gets naked in the shower and lets her best 'gay' guyfriend bath her only hours after she's been raped but she hides from her best girlfriend for like a week and doesn't want her to know?? WTF? I can only imagine you wouldn't be thinking real clear after a brutal attack but I still don't think any man would be putting his hands on him less than four hours after I was attacked.
Second of all, book was full of contracting or just stupid sentences.
EXAMPLE:
"I wander aimlessly into the apartment and head straight for the bathroom" <--- the definition of wandering aimlessly is taking a leisurely stroll with no intended destination not making a b-line for the bathroom.
"I'm not sure what I'll say if she notices the healing scars on my face" <-- first of all scars are what you get after an injury is healed, second it was less than a week ago...if the injury was bad enough to leave a scar it sure as hell isn't healed in less than a week to the point of hoping no one would notice it on your face.
Then it's the lack of description. "I feel tired. I feel broken. I feel sad. I don't understand why." Okay, I get those feelings, I really do but it could be written so much more elegant. I want description, I want to know how broken she feels....the black hole sucking her in and the depths if despair. If you're going to make a book about a brutal attack you have to be so descriptive you can feel like you're really there or it just seems like a high school English paper rather than a published novel.
So disappointed with this book, the synopsis made it sound great and with a 4.36 average rating out of 850 people, I can't imagine how so many got it wrong or maybe I'm just having an off day. Normally if a book sucks I don't bother with a review but this one had so very many annoying parts to it, I had to share and see if anyone else picked up these vibes.
September 10, 2013
It is day 2 since finishing Fading and I can't stop thinking about Candance. That is a GREAT sign to me of a very good book. I understand why she needed to go through what she did, but it was painful to watch/read. I don't mean that in a bad way...I mean, I was emotionally invested.
Good job e.k! That alone makes this a 5 star read for me.
I must say, I'm skeptical about "alternate POV" books...but, I'll give Faking a try...let's see what I think when I'm done.
If you enjoy a book that works its way into your core, and lingers for you to toss around and around in your thoughts...yet leaves you feeling satisfied, Fading is definitely for you! Download it today!!
Good job e.k! That alone makes this a 5 star read for me.
I must say, I'm skeptical about "alternate POV" books...but, I'll give Faking a try...let's see what I think when I'm done.
If you enjoy a book that works its way into your core, and lingers for you to toss around and around in your thoughts...yet leaves you feeling satisfied, Fading is definitely for you! Download it today!!
November 16, 2014
Fading � Story That Women Will Never Forget.
Blair’s novel is heart-wrenching, phenomenal read that will break your heart over and over again. It’s like ocean when the strom’s coming: Dangerous, unpredictable and dark. There’s nothing you can do to prevent inventible, because you can only observe and feel.
Candace’s is college senior with absolutely normal life. She’s studying hard and working in a café, having problems with her family and trying hard to make her dream come true, she wants to be professional ballerina. But one night everything changes for her. She’s raped.
After that day she��s suffering from panic attacks, fear, night terrors, she blames herself and feels dirty. Her happiness quickly is forgotten, and now she fights every day � fights for life.
"I sit here, on the bottom of the shower, and everything I know about myself, everything I love, everything I am begins to fade."
“I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
Welcome to Candace’s life - emotional roller coaster that offers pain, fear, loneliness and great fight for being normal� again , strong friendships and� love. The only thing that can heal.
The story would be only a shell if it not for Ryan Campbell, character that will make you swoon. He’s Candace’s healer and her only hope of having a normal life again.
Fading left me breathless, shaking corpse filled with mix of feelings that were all over my mind. I know it’s paradox but it’s the only metaphor that will really describe me after I finished reading. This debut novel can change a person and make him/her understand the pain, blame, fear. This powerful and compelling story will be painfully written in my heart for the rest of my life.
Now, I can't wait for Ryan's story.
Blair’s novel is heart-wrenching, phenomenal read that will break your heart over and over again. It’s like ocean when the strom’s coming: Dangerous, unpredictable and dark. There’s nothing you can do to prevent inventible, because you can only observe and feel.
Candace’s is college senior with absolutely normal life. She’s studying hard and working in a café, having problems with her family and trying hard to make her dream come true, she wants to be professional ballerina. But one night everything changes for her. She’s raped.
After that day she��s suffering from panic attacks, fear, night terrors, she blames herself and feels dirty. Her happiness quickly is forgotten, and now she fights every day � fights for life.
"I sit here, on the bottom of the shower, and everything I know about myself, everything I love, everything I am begins to fade."
“I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
Welcome to Candace’s life - emotional roller coaster that offers pain, fear, loneliness and great fight for being normal� again , strong friendships and� love. The only thing that can heal.
The story would be only a shell if it not for Ryan Campbell, character that will make you swoon. He’s Candace’s healer and her only hope of having a normal life again.
Fading left me breathless, shaking corpse filled with mix of feelings that were all over my mind. I know it’s paradox but it’s the only metaphor that will really describe me after I finished reading. This debut novel can change a person and make him/her understand the pain, blame, fear. This powerful and compelling story will be painfully written in my heart for the rest of my life.
Now, I can't wait for Ryan's story.
Read
April 11, 2017Somber, Yet Inspiring
I listened to the Audible version of this book and it was great! The narrators did a nice job of keeping my attention and selling this story. I enjoyed every painstaking moment, even when my heart was breaking.
Although this book deals with the topic of rape, I wouldn't class it as "dark" as a whole. Aside from one scene, in which the rape takes place, the book focuses on the aftermath of the attack and heroine's life afterward. It was equal parts somber and inspiring to see how she dealt with the violation she experienced.
The heroine, Candace, is studying ballet at college. She goes on a date with a guy to appease her snobby mother, despite the fact that she isn't particularly interested in him. The guy, Jack, ended up being a sexual predator and decided to take what he wanted, regardless of Candace's cries for him to stop.
Too late to stop the attack, a witness intervenes, pulling Jack off of Candace. As he runs away, the witness calls 911 and stays with Candace until help arrives. Jack gets away and Candace goes to the hospital and is violated all over again as she submits to the sexual assault examination.
In the initial days and weeks following her attack, Candace shuts herself off from her friends and her life in general. She relies heavily upon her best friend, Jase, and his boyfriend, Mark. As time passes, they begin to try and break her out of her she'll, concerned by her isolation.
It is through Mark and Jase that she meets Ryan, a man she'd seen previously at the coffee shop where she worked. Immediately, she hits it off with the young bar owner. They become fast friends and are soon hanging out together. Slowly but surely, their relationship grows into more.
Ryan seems like the perfect boyfriend, but he has a big secret. It wasn't any secret to me as the reader, but for Candace, it came as a big surprise apparently. This secret has the power to break them, but the closer they get to one another, the more afraid Ryan is to lose Candace if he tells her.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Everything in Candace's world seems to be turned upside down. Prepare for heartbreak and anger, because it's coming!
All in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit depressing at times, but also inspiring at others. I was glad to see Candace and Ryan get their HEA...and Jack got what he deserved also.
I listened to the Audible version of this book and it was great! The narrators did a nice job of keeping my attention and selling this story. I enjoyed every painstaking moment, even when my heart was breaking.
Although this book deals with the topic of rape, I wouldn't class it as "dark" as a whole. Aside from one scene, in which the rape takes place, the book focuses on the aftermath of the attack and heroine's life afterward. It was equal parts somber and inspiring to see how she dealt with the violation she experienced.
The heroine, Candace, is studying ballet at college. She goes on a date with a guy to appease her snobby mother, despite the fact that she isn't particularly interested in him. The guy, Jack, ended up being a sexual predator and decided to take what he wanted, regardless of Candace's cries for him to stop.
Too late to stop the attack, a witness intervenes, pulling Jack off of Candace. As he runs away, the witness calls 911 and stays with Candace until help arrives. Jack gets away and Candace goes to the hospital and is violated all over again as she submits to the sexual assault examination.
In the initial days and weeks following her attack, Candace shuts herself off from her friends and her life in general. She relies heavily upon her best friend, Jase, and his boyfriend, Mark. As time passes, they begin to try and break her out of her she'll, concerned by her isolation.
It is through Mark and Jase that she meets Ryan, a man she'd seen previously at the coffee shop where she worked. Immediately, she hits it off with the young bar owner. They become fast friends and are soon hanging out together. Slowly but surely, their relationship grows into more.
Ryan seems like the perfect boyfriend, but he has a big secret. It wasn't any secret to me as the reader, but for Candace, it came as a big surprise apparently. This secret has the power to break them, but the closer they get to one another, the more afraid Ryan is to lose Candace if he tells her.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Everything in Candace's world seems to be turned upside down. Prepare for heartbreak and anger, because it's coming!
All in all, I enjoyed this story. It was a bit depressing at times, but also inspiring at others. I was glad to see Candace and Ryan get their HEA...and Jack got what he deserved also.
June 25, 2013
For some reason I just couldn't connect with the characters. So much of the book is focused on Candace's assault (rightfully so) that I had a hard time focusing on anything else.
Ryan is a great character very sweet and understanding. I had a hard time seeing what drew him to Candace initially, and what made him fall in love with her. For a guy who never let girls in in the past, I didn't understand what changed.
I liked Candace too. She's damaged before the brutal attack, and it only affirms some of her preexisting issues. I was glad that she eventually overcame her past and present.
Overall, it's a good story - but just missed the mark for me.
Ryan is a great character very sweet and understanding. I had a hard time seeing what drew him to Candace initially, and what made him fall in love with her. For a guy who never let girls in in the past, I didn't understand what changed.
I liked Candace too. She's damaged before the brutal attack, and it only affirms some of her preexisting issues. I was glad that she eventually overcame her past and present.
Overall, it's a good story - but just missed the mark for me.
November 25, 2013
3-4 Fading Stars
This story was really well written and E.K. Blair is indeed a very talented author.
The beginning was really exciting and the supporting characters were all wonderful. To my disappointment, somewhere along the way it turned into the same old story and went directly to PREDICTABLE Land.
Although the main character, Candace spends a good amount of time crying and sleeping I understood her and her struggles. I think the author did a fine job expressing her inner feelings although looking back it felt like she CRIED the whole book.
I did connect to Candace and enjoyed her slow paced relationship with Ryan (very yummy).
"Cling to me. Love me enough to need me."
"He's what I've been missing my whole life."
Once a secret is revealed that causes the couple to break up, (Would have been much more interesting if it had been the waitress at the club or the bouncer guy.)I completely lost interest in the story and kinda skimmed because it did end exactly how I expected.
"pain is a reminder our still alive."
Overall, it was a slow building, a bit drawn out but decent read.
This story was really well written and E.K. Blair is indeed a very talented author.
The beginning was really exciting and the supporting characters were all wonderful. To my disappointment, somewhere along the way it turned into the same old story and went directly to PREDICTABLE Land.
Although the main character, Candace spends a good amount of time crying and sleeping I understood her and her struggles. I think the author did a fine job expressing her inner feelings although looking back it felt like she CRIED the whole book.
I did connect to Candace and enjoyed her slow paced relationship with Ryan (very yummy).
"Cling to me. Love me enough to need me."
"He's what I've been missing my whole life."
Once a secret is revealed that causes the couple to break up, (Would have been much more interesting if it had been the waitress at the club or the bouncer guy.)I completely lost interest in the story and kinda skimmed because it did end exactly how I expected.
"pain is a reminder our still alive."
Overall, it was a slow building, a bit drawn out but decent read.
September 27, 2013
I skimmed parts. I wanted it to be over. This reads like a whiny teenage diary. It’s 1st person.
Candace was raped. The entire book is hearing her fears and stresses from the rape. She won’t prosecute the guy because she doesn’t want to tell anyone. She won’t tell her best friend Kimber, so Kimber is cold to her. Later Candace tries to reconcile with Kimber, but she still won’t tell Kimber what happened. Well that’s not going to work.
Candace falls in love with a guy who is gentle, patient, and loving. We watch their relationship develop - with her fears. She’s afraid to kiss. She’s afraid to touch. He doesn’t tell her something out of concern for her, but the reader knows what’s coming. When Candace finds out, she gets mad and breaks up with him. And then she changes her mind. It was predictable. It was no fun. It was all about her angst and suffering. Candace appears weak because her stresses cause everything to suffer.
I think the author’s intent is to show how horrible things can be after a rape. She may have done that well, but it’s not a story I want to read.
One scene might have been interesting, but it wasn’t shown. Ryan beats up somebody. We don’t see what was said or done.
I wanted more with Candace’s parents. I didn’t need them to reconcile, but things were unexplained and unfinished.
The author needed a grammar editor, she used “I� instead of “me� too often.
There were several sex scenes. Two were of the rape and reliving the rape. The rest were Candace with her boyfriend which felt like shy kitten and gentle brother. She was afraid and tentative during sex. He was so cautious and careful that I didn’t sense any desire from him.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Candace. Kindle count length: 6,748 (930 KB) 456 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild, but includes rape. Number of sex scenes: about 9. Setting: current day Washington and Oregon. Copyright: 2013. Genre: New Adult contemporary romance.
Candace was raped. The entire book is hearing her fears and stresses from the rape. She won’t prosecute the guy because she doesn’t want to tell anyone. She won’t tell her best friend Kimber, so Kimber is cold to her. Later Candace tries to reconcile with Kimber, but she still won’t tell Kimber what happened. Well that’s not going to work.
Candace falls in love with a guy who is gentle, patient, and loving. We watch their relationship develop - with her fears. She’s afraid to kiss. She’s afraid to touch. He doesn’t tell her something out of concern for her, but the reader knows what’s coming. When Candace finds out, she gets mad and breaks up with him. And then she changes her mind. It was predictable. It was no fun. It was all about her angst and suffering. Candace appears weak because her stresses cause everything to suffer.
I think the author’s intent is to show how horrible things can be after a rape. She may have done that well, but it’s not a story I want to read.
One scene might have been interesting, but it wasn’t shown. Ryan beats up somebody. We don’t see what was said or done.
I wanted more with Candace’s parents. I didn’t need them to reconcile, but things were unexplained and unfinished.
The author needed a grammar editor, she used “I� instead of “me� too often.
There were several sex scenes. Two were of the rape and reliving the rape. The rest were Candace with her boyfriend which felt like shy kitten and gentle brother. She was afraid and tentative during sex. He was so cautious and careful that I didn’t sense any desire from him.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Candace. Kindle count length: 6,748 (930 KB) 456 pages. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild, but includes rape. Number of sex scenes: about 9. Setting: current day Washington and Oregon. Copyright: 2013. Genre: New Adult contemporary romance.
July 20, 2013
Candace is about to start her senior year at the University of Washington. She has spent her college years being very focused and somewhat conservative. She is a fine arts major and has her sites set on become a professional dancer. So, when her friends encourage her to let loose and live a little, she decides to listen.
This is when things go horribly wrong. One night all of her dreams turn into nightmares.
Candace is left reeling. She turns to one of her best friends and shuts everyone else out. She leans on him to help her through but even he can't save her from herself.
Candace finds herself shutting down and being afraid of everything. She has chronic nightmares and can't sleep alone. Her best friend Jase and his new boyfriend Mark become her only source of security.
One day at work a mysterious man walks in. Later she meets him again with Jase and Mark. Ryan owns a local bar and has a history with women a mile long. He has never been a one woman man but something about Candace screams to him to protect her.
Candace finds herself slowly opening up to him and trusting him. She allows him to get close and eventually she finds herself relying on him.
Candace soon discovers that Ryan may not have been all she thought he was.
The dramatic ending...
So here were my problems with this book:
1) The entire first 30-35% of the book focused on the trauma. While I get that the trauma was a huge part of the story, this is a romance.
2) The ending. I won't spoil it for you, but really... I didn't get it. (Maybe if this was a Hallmark movie it would work.)
3) There were a TON of detail in this book that didn't seem to add to the story. I don't need to know what pair of pants she chose to wear unless it is relevant to the story. Edit. Edit. Edit.
4) Through all of the trauma and drama, Candace still maintains a 4.o GPA. Really???
5) The therapist... I always cringe when authors write out therapy scenes. Being a therapist myself, I can be a little critical of the therapist-client dialogue.
Things I liked:
1) Ryan. He was hot and amazingly patient.
2) Jase and Mark. Swoon worthy couple who are NOTHING but supportive.
3) Ryan's mother. What a great woman.
4) The author was brave to tackle this big subject. She did an amazing job with the feelings that Candace went through.
I struggled with how to rate this book. I wanted to give it four stars and I wanted to give it three stars. I know lots of people LOVED this book.
Perhaps it was just me, but I just liked this one. I didn't love it. Three Stars for me.
June 25, 2013
Fading � EK Blair
5 big fat emotional stars!!
This book was just WOW!! Totes AMAZEBALLS!!
Emotional, passionate, sensitive, poignant�.I could go on and on and on but it was beautifully written. This is by no means a hearts and flowers romance, it is dark and covers the horrible topic of date rape. Candace was not only date raped but she was brutally beaten too and probably would have ended up dead had it not been for a stranger that interrupted the assault and beat her attacker away.
Candace is a brilliantly talented ballet dancer at Uni studying ballet and dance before her life is cruelly destroyed, this book covers the before, during and after and some of it is not pretty. Rape is not often covered in books and the author has covered this subject sensitively and compassionately. It centres around Candace coping, surviving and trying to recover from this terrible ordeal and learning to trust and love again.
This book had me hooked, I could not put it down, I didn’t want to put it down. The first thing that had me drawn in was the cover, it was simple and alluring yet it spoke to me and I didn’t fully appreciate it till after I had read the book. Once I had read it, the cover spoke volumes, pure genius!! I loved Candace, she was not some 22 year old tart with a heart, but she studied hard, worked hard and just did all she could to be better, she had her aspirations and was working solidly to achieve them despite zero emotional support from her parents. Kimber was Candace’s room mate, she was encouraging Candace to go out a bit more, experience a bit of life, Candace’s parents encouraged her to go out with Jack, they were friends of his family, he was of good stock blah blah blah. Candace had zero experience and her first was brutally taken from her.
Candace turns to her BFF Jase (who is gay), he has got to be the best BFF ever…he knows exactly what Candace wants and needs and is always there for her, eventually his partner Mark is let in and they make a formidable trio. Candace shuts out Kimber as she is too embarrassed about what has happened and does not want to have to explain to anybody about what she has been through, she shuts herself off from everyone apart from Jase. Slowly but surely, the dark place that she sinks too affects her dancing, something that normally manages to bring her out of any funk, her tutor notices but still she does not let anyone in.
Jase and Mark introduce Candace to Ryan, he is the bar owner of a bar that Mark’s band play in�.he finds Candace instantly alluring and can’t help but want to get to know her better. He tries to befriend her but Candace is still shut off…he perseveres�.but as with any book is he as good as he seems, does he have an ulterior motive, is he really that perfect.
I must admit, I loved Ryan and I adored his mum, she was the mum that Candace never had and I am glad that she saw through Candace and worked hard at breaking her walls down. Ryan comes from a loving family, something that Candace never had. Her parents whilst supporting her financially are embarrassed at her chosen profession and feel that their money is wasted on a pie in the sky vocation. They cannot see that Candace lives, eats and breathes dance and most days it is her reason for even getting up in the morning. Only lawyers, doctors etc are suitable enough to uphold the family appearances not anything artsy fartsy and they are willing to lose their daughter over this. God, her parents, I could have nutted them!!
I was so glad that Ryan was 28, being that bit older he was more sensitive, more worldly wise and knew that he couldn’t push too far. He was very accepting of Candace’s relationship with Jase to a point and being so mature he realised that she was never going to heal quickly and he gave her that time. I can see why he did what he did and I could see it coming but I was willing him on to be more open, I knew it was going to end up biting him on the bum.
“I promise you, nothing will change the way I look at you. Nothing will change what you do to me when you are next to me. You make my heart beat in a completely different way � nothing will ever change that�
All I can say is I highly recommend this book, I feel EK Blair can hold her head up high and pat herself on the back for a brilliant approach to a more or less taboo subject. She has dealt with it amazingly and you cannot help being moved whilst reading and feeling every ounce of pain and heartbreak that Candace goes through.
“This doesn’t define you�
I can’t wait to read more from this author and hearing there is more to come in this series…I can’t wait!!
5 big fat emotional stars!!
This book was just WOW!! Totes AMAZEBALLS!!
Emotional, passionate, sensitive, poignant�.I could go on and on and on but it was beautifully written. This is by no means a hearts and flowers romance, it is dark and covers the horrible topic of date rape. Candace was not only date raped but she was brutally beaten too and probably would have ended up dead had it not been for a stranger that interrupted the assault and beat her attacker away.
Candace is a brilliantly talented ballet dancer at Uni studying ballet and dance before her life is cruelly destroyed, this book covers the before, during and after and some of it is not pretty. Rape is not often covered in books and the author has covered this subject sensitively and compassionately. It centres around Candace coping, surviving and trying to recover from this terrible ordeal and learning to trust and love again.
This book had me hooked, I could not put it down, I didn’t want to put it down. The first thing that had me drawn in was the cover, it was simple and alluring yet it spoke to me and I didn’t fully appreciate it till after I had read the book. Once I had read it, the cover spoke volumes, pure genius!! I loved Candace, she was not some 22 year old tart with a heart, but she studied hard, worked hard and just did all she could to be better, she had her aspirations and was working solidly to achieve them despite zero emotional support from her parents. Kimber was Candace’s room mate, she was encouraging Candace to go out a bit more, experience a bit of life, Candace’s parents encouraged her to go out with Jack, they were friends of his family, he was of good stock blah blah blah. Candace had zero experience and her first was brutally taken from her.
Candace turns to her BFF Jase (who is gay), he has got to be the best BFF ever…he knows exactly what Candace wants and needs and is always there for her, eventually his partner Mark is let in and they make a formidable trio. Candace shuts out Kimber as she is too embarrassed about what has happened and does not want to have to explain to anybody about what she has been through, she shuts herself off from everyone apart from Jase. Slowly but surely, the dark place that she sinks too affects her dancing, something that normally manages to bring her out of any funk, her tutor notices but still she does not let anyone in.
Jase and Mark introduce Candace to Ryan, he is the bar owner of a bar that Mark’s band play in�.he finds Candace instantly alluring and can’t help but want to get to know her better. He tries to befriend her but Candace is still shut off…he perseveres�.but as with any book is he as good as he seems, does he have an ulterior motive, is he really that perfect.
I must admit, I loved Ryan and I adored his mum, she was the mum that Candace never had and I am glad that she saw through Candace and worked hard at breaking her walls down. Ryan comes from a loving family, something that Candace never had. Her parents whilst supporting her financially are embarrassed at her chosen profession and feel that their money is wasted on a pie in the sky vocation. They cannot see that Candace lives, eats and breathes dance and most days it is her reason for even getting up in the morning. Only lawyers, doctors etc are suitable enough to uphold the family appearances not anything artsy fartsy and they are willing to lose their daughter over this. God, her parents, I could have nutted them!!
I was so glad that Ryan was 28, being that bit older he was more sensitive, more worldly wise and knew that he couldn’t push too far. He was very accepting of Candace’s relationship with Jase to a point and being so mature he realised that she was never going to heal quickly and he gave her that time. I can see why he did what he did and I could see it coming but I was willing him on to be more open, I knew it was going to end up biting him on the bum.
“I promise you, nothing will change the way I look at you. Nothing will change what you do to me when you are next to me. You make my heart beat in a completely different way � nothing will ever change that�
All I can say is I highly recommend this book, I feel EK Blair can hold her head up high and pat herself on the back for a brilliant approach to a more or less taboo subject. She has dealt with it amazingly and you cannot help being moved whilst reading and feeling every ounce of pain and heartbreak that Candace goes through.
“This doesn’t define you�
I can’t wait to read more from this author and hearing there is more to come in this series…I can’t wait!!
August 30, 2017
Fading es el primer libro de la trilogia con el mismo nombre creada por E. K. Blair y narra la historia de Ryan y Candace, ademas de ser mi primera lectura de la autora.
Reconozco que inicie la novela un poco esceptica, no esperaba gran cosa de la historia pero me apetecia leer algo mas profundo y al leer la sinopsis me parecio que era justo lo que buscaba.
Fading fue una lectura que me encanto, me fue gustando cada vez mas, al comienzo no me parecio la gran maravilla e incluso los primeros capitulos se me hicieron un poco lentos pero es la clase de novela que te va atrapando poco a poco y que cuando te quieres dar cuenta ya eres totalmente adicta.
No voy a mentir, el libro tiene una trama dura y triste, algunas escenas fueron muy dificiles de leer por lo angustiosas que eran pero no piensen que la lectura solo trata de eso, es un libro complejo que tambien tiene muchas partes esperanzadoras y alegres.
Honestamente cuando lei la sinopsis no se me paso por la mente que la historia me transmitiria tantas emociones, pero esta tan llena de sentimiento que es imposible que te deje indiferente.
Leer la evolucion de Candace fue una experiencia increible, es una protagonista tan fuerte y admirable que no pude evitar conectar con ella casi desde el principio, ademas creo que lo que hace tan especial esta novela es la forma en la que se desarrolla la historia, es diferente a lo que acostumbramos y por eso es tan dificil de olvidar.
Totalmente recomendada! Es hermosa, dulce, desgarradora, triste y muy muy emocional.
4 Estrellas!!
September 13, 2015
Fading is filled with such reality and emotion than I couldn’t help but become possessed by Candance’s character. It’s difficult storyline, rape is not an easy subject. But still it is a powerful story of survival.
Candace is happy. She has great friends and has plans to follow her dream of becoming a ballerina. But her perfect world is shattered one night when she is attacked.
The only person that helps her cope with the attack is her best friend Jase. He is an amazing character who is loving, accepting and protective over Candace.
The relationship between Candace and Ryan is supportive and emotional. Ryan helps Candace become more comfortable in her own skin and gives her the strength to find her confidence again. I absolutely loved his patience with her.
Candace is happy. She has great friends and has plans to follow her dream of becoming a ballerina. But her perfect world is shattered one night when she is attacked.
“God, please! Stop!� a girl shrieks. Before my mind can process what I’m seeing, the bastard smashes his fist into the girl’s face.
The only person that helps her cope with the attack is her best friend Jase. He is an amazing character who is loving, accepting and protective over Candace.
The relationship between Candace and Ryan is supportive and emotional. Ryan helps Candace become more comfortable in her own skin and gives her the strength to find her confidence again. I absolutely loved his patience with her.
“I’m fading.� I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. “He took all my light, and I’ve been fading ever since.� Cradling my face in his hands, he says, “You’re not fading. I won’t let you.�
And though she be but little, she is fierce
June 20, 2013
I had the pleasure to read this book before its release now it takes place in Seattle which for obvious reasons I hold close to my heart!!! but with all that aside wow what an amazing and realistic story it brought up sooo many emotions in me. I hurt for the characters so much and felt all the emotions that they went through loved every minute of it!!!! Ryan is sooo amazing I fell in love with his heart and his devotion towards Candace!!! I can't wait to get his POV in the second book and understand his anguish throughout this emotional roller coaster!!!
June 21, 2013
Review posted at:
5+++ stars!!!
Fading by E.K. Blair gets my award for the best book I’ve read so far in 2013. Nothing has even come close to the power, emotion, and impact that this novel contains, and I am giving it my HIGHEST recommendation.
This book bravely tackles a very important, yet sensitive topic. It may trigger painful memories for some readers, but the hope this book inspires is beautiful beyond description and is well worth the painful journey.
Candace Parker is a college student majoring in Fine Arts. She is an accomplished ballerina who dreams of dancing as her career. As an only child from a very image based family, she was raised with criticism and judgment rather than unconditional love and acceptance. This upbringing has damaged her greatly, and dancing gives her the sense of self that her parents neglected to give her.
To please her parents, Candace accepts a date with a fraternity guy who, armed with ambition, pedigree, and looks, appears to be “perfect�. This perfect guy turns out to be a monster, and one night brutally date rapes Candace following a frat party. The rape scene in this book is an honest and real description of the brutality of this crime.
The most heart breaking tragedy of this book is what happens to Candace after the sexual assault. E.K. Blair shows the impact of what happens to victims of rape: post-traumatic stress, fear, isolation, self-blame, and debilitating depression.
Jase, her best friend and source of respite and comfort, and his partner Mark initially provide Candace with the support she needs to keep living, but it’s not until Ryan enters her life that true healing begins to take place.
Ryan enters Candace’s life at her most vulnerable and fragile moment. The friendship that slowly develops between them is so natural, non-threatening, and destined that he is able to sneak past even Candace’s most carefully constructed emotionally protective walls.
Ryan Campbell is absolute perfection and my favorite character in this book. The owner of a successful bar, he personifies confidence and sexiness. His way of relating to Candace was so very protective, caring, and supportive. It is only with his steadfast presence and encouragement that Candace once again begins to feel safe and free.
This book absolutely rendered me incapable of doing anything else except read. Everything was seamless and consummate: the writing, the plot, the characters, and the dialogue. It evoked powerful emotions: sadness, anger, hope, wonder, amazement, and ultimately euphoria.
If you read just one book this year, I’d recommend this one. It was just that amazing. The love story is sublimely passionate, the friendships are refreshing, and the hope and healing this story demonstrates are unparalleled.
Fading is a complete, stand-alone novel with NO cliffhanger ending. Jase’s story will be told in novella form in a book called Freeing, which will be released in August. However, the best news is that this story told from Ryan’s perspective (entitled Falling) will be released October of this year!
My favorite quote from the book:
“That night he took everything from me: my trust, my peace, my security, my faith- my light. He took it all and left me with nothing. I’m fading�. Cradling my face in his hands he says, “You are not fading. I won’t let you.�
Thank you to E.K. Blair for providing Swept Away By Romance with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was my pleasure to read this incredible story...
5+++ stars!!!
Fading by E.K. Blair gets my award for the best book I’ve read so far in 2013. Nothing has even come close to the power, emotion, and impact that this novel contains, and I am giving it my HIGHEST recommendation.
This book bravely tackles a very important, yet sensitive topic. It may trigger painful memories for some readers, but the hope this book inspires is beautiful beyond description and is well worth the painful journey.
Candace Parker is a college student majoring in Fine Arts. She is an accomplished ballerina who dreams of dancing as her career. As an only child from a very image based family, she was raised with criticism and judgment rather than unconditional love and acceptance. This upbringing has damaged her greatly, and dancing gives her the sense of self that her parents neglected to give her.
To please her parents, Candace accepts a date with a fraternity guy who, armed with ambition, pedigree, and looks, appears to be “perfect�. This perfect guy turns out to be a monster, and one night brutally date rapes Candace following a frat party. The rape scene in this book is an honest and real description of the brutality of this crime.
The most heart breaking tragedy of this book is what happens to Candace after the sexual assault. E.K. Blair shows the impact of what happens to victims of rape: post-traumatic stress, fear, isolation, self-blame, and debilitating depression.
Jase, her best friend and source of respite and comfort, and his partner Mark initially provide Candace with the support she needs to keep living, but it’s not until Ryan enters her life that true healing begins to take place.
Ryan enters Candace’s life at her most vulnerable and fragile moment. The friendship that slowly develops between them is so natural, non-threatening, and destined that he is able to sneak past even Candace’s most carefully constructed emotionally protective walls.
Ryan Campbell is absolute perfection and my favorite character in this book. The owner of a successful bar, he personifies confidence and sexiness. His way of relating to Candace was so very protective, caring, and supportive. It is only with his steadfast presence and encouragement that Candace once again begins to feel safe and free.
This book absolutely rendered me incapable of doing anything else except read. Everything was seamless and consummate: the writing, the plot, the characters, and the dialogue. It evoked powerful emotions: sadness, anger, hope, wonder, amazement, and ultimately euphoria.
If you read just one book this year, I’d recommend this one. It was just that amazing. The love story is sublimely passionate, the friendships are refreshing, and the hope and healing this story demonstrates are unparalleled.
Fading is a complete, stand-alone novel with NO cliffhanger ending. Jase’s story will be told in novella form in a book called Freeing, which will be released in August. However, the best news is that this story told from Ryan’s perspective (entitled Falling) will be released October of this year!
My favorite quote from the book:
“That night he took everything from me: my trust, my peace, my security, my faith- my light. He took it all and left me with nothing. I’m fading�. Cradling my face in his hands he says, “You are not fading. I won’t let you.�
Thank you to E.K. Blair for providing Swept Away By Romance with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was my pleasure to read this incredible story...
August 15, 2013
I've got to be honest here - this book wasn't for me. It is well loved and receiving some high accolades from folks, so others are obviously connecting to it, but I just couldn't.
This is a storyline that was not, in my opinion, original. I knew from the prologue and synopsis how it would play out, but I was still okay with that. All novels are reiterations of other novels to some extent, so I was willing to give this a chance.
My issues were mostly from a technical standpoint. The writing was some of the most jilted, jarring prose I have ever read. S-V-O dominates, and Ms. Blair goes to great pains to describe nearly every action her characters undertake in any given scene. There is also some rather formal dialogue (contractions are dialogue's best friend), and the narrative ends up, for lack of a better word, chewy.
Add to that her difficulties with controlling the first person narrator, and I just felt too far removed from our characters. First person is tricky to pull off successfully - we are so intimately connected to a character that the more generic descriptions are not at all effective. Most description, but in particular character description, should be organic to the scene.
Instead, here, there are rather long-winded paragraphs where our lead (the first person narrator) offers these luscious descriptions that yanked me out of the flow of the story and gave me pause. The best I can do is offer an example:
"After a couple of hours pass easily, I excuse myself to the ladies' room. I wash my hands and search my purse for a hair tie. The wine is starting to make me feel warm, and I need to get the hair off of my neck. I have always wanted short hair, but as a dancer, it needs to be long enough to secure in a bun on top of my head. So for now, I have long, thick, dark brown hair with natural golden highlights that hangs a few inches below my shoulders."
For me, it just doesn't jive. The prose reads haltingly, but I also don't buy that any character would describe herself that way. I know that I don't tend to walk around saying that I have coffee-brown hair with salon-given honey highlights? We tend to speak of ourselves in much more simplistic terms, and while we definitely want to know what our characters look like, it can easily be revealed through dialogue with other characters.
These sort of moments continue throughout the story, and each time it pushed me a bit further away from the story. Bottom line? While this definitely deals with a harrowing issue, my emotions just weren't invested enough.
This is a storyline that was not, in my opinion, original. I knew from the prologue and synopsis how it would play out, but I was still okay with that. All novels are reiterations of other novels to some extent, so I was willing to give this a chance.
My issues were mostly from a technical standpoint. The writing was some of the most jilted, jarring prose I have ever read. S-V-O dominates, and Ms. Blair goes to great pains to describe nearly every action her characters undertake in any given scene. There is also some rather formal dialogue (contractions are dialogue's best friend), and the narrative ends up, for lack of a better word, chewy.
Add to that her difficulties with controlling the first person narrator, and I just felt too far removed from our characters. First person is tricky to pull off successfully - we are so intimately connected to a character that the more generic descriptions are not at all effective. Most description, but in particular character description, should be organic to the scene.
Instead, here, there are rather long-winded paragraphs where our lead (the first person narrator) offers these luscious descriptions that yanked me out of the flow of the story and gave me pause. The best I can do is offer an example:
"After a couple of hours pass easily, I excuse myself to the ladies' room. I wash my hands and search my purse for a hair tie. The wine is starting to make me feel warm, and I need to get the hair off of my neck. I have always wanted short hair, but as a dancer, it needs to be long enough to secure in a bun on top of my head. So for now, I have long, thick, dark brown hair with natural golden highlights that hangs a few inches below my shoulders."
For me, it just doesn't jive. The prose reads haltingly, but I also don't buy that any character would describe herself that way. I know that I don't tend to walk around saying that I have coffee-brown hair with salon-given honey highlights? We tend to speak of ourselves in much more simplistic terms, and while we definitely want to know what our characters look like, it can easily be revealed through dialogue with other characters.
These sort of moments continue throughout the story, and each time it pushed me a bit further away from the story. Bottom line? While this definitely deals with a harrowing issue, my emotions just weren't invested enough.
May 27, 2014
4.5 Healing Stars
I’ve had Fading for some time and I read the rave reviews, I do not know why it took me so long to pick it up. Fading is my type of read. It’s long, dramatic and has a damsel in distress.
Summary
Candace wants to become a professional ballerina. She’s always played by the book and she wants to let go. For the day, she gets a tattoo and goes out on a date with her mom’s friend son. The date is short lived when he attacks Candace and leaves her emotionally scared.
Ryan owns the club Candace was attacked at and saves her. She passes out before she sees Ryan.
Somehow, their paths cross, but Candace is too broken to heal and Ryan may be the person to fix her.
Review
I LOVED the plot!
Candace
Candace is so broken and it makes such a juicy story. Rape scenes are hard for me to read, but it was needed. You feel Candace’s pain. She was this bright, fun and energetic girl and now she’s just shattered. She has a best gay-guy friend, who I thought she was a bit too close to, but I understood Candace needed an outlet and her friend helped. I loved how closed off she was and how slow she wanted take on everything. She did annoy me at times when she couldn’t see the good in front of her.
Ryan
Oh how I love Ryan. He’s heroic, sweet, loyal and very determined. I don’t think Ryan was looking for a battered girl to fix but, I think the battered girl found him. Ryan is the good book boyfriend I love to read about. He cares so much for Candace and puts up with all her crazy actions, even when she pushes him away. He will make your heart swoon and flutter.
Overall
Fading is lengthy read, there are at times where it’s a bit much, but you get your character and plot development, two things I look forward to in a book. It’s completely written in Candace’s POV, so you really get insight on her pain and fears.
I would describe Fading, a book about a Heroine trying to overcome past fears with the help of her friends, the Hero and her passion for ballet.
I’ve had Fading for some time and I read the rave reviews, I do not know why it took me so long to pick it up. Fading is my type of read. It’s long, dramatic and has a damsel in distress.
Summary
Candace wants to become a professional ballerina. She’s always played by the book and she wants to let go. For the day, she gets a tattoo and goes out on a date with her mom’s friend son. The date is short lived when he attacks Candace and leaves her emotionally scared.
Ryan owns the club Candace was attacked at and saves her. She passes out before she sees Ryan.
Somehow, their paths cross, but Candace is too broken to heal and Ryan may be the person to fix her.
Review
I LOVED the plot!
Candace
Candace is so broken and it makes such a juicy story. Rape scenes are hard for me to read, but it was needed. You feel Candace’s pain. She was this bright, fun and energetic girl and now she’s just shattered. She has a best gay-guy friend, who I thought she was a bit too close to, but I understood Candace needed an outlet and her friend helped. I loved how closed off she was and how slow she wanted take on everything. She did annoy me at times when she couldn’t see the good in front of her.
Ryan
Oh how I love Ryan. He’s heroic, sweet, loyal and very determined. I don’t think Ryan was looking for a battered girl to fix but, I think the battered girl found him. Ryan is the good book boyfriend I love to read about. He cares so much for Candace and puts up with all her crazy actions, even when she pushes him away. He will make your heart swoon and flutter.
Overall
Fading is lengthy read, there are at times where it’s a bit much, but you get your character and plot development, two things I look forward to in a book. It’s completely written in Candace’s POV, so you really get insight on her pain and fears.
I would describe Fading, a book about a Heroine trying to overcome past fears with the help of her friends, the Hero and her passion for ballet.
January 18, 2018
Damn! This is brutal! Sexual assault at college party is never pretty!
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I feel so weak and tired, like I'm drowning. I keep treading water, but I can never seem to get my head high enough out of the water to take in a full breath of air. I've been drowning since that night. There are times I feel like I can make it, but then I'm pulled right back under.
"I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
Cradling my face in his hands, he says, "You're not fading. I won't let you."
I was drown with this book. While reading it, the same brutal thing happened in my city,a nd it's really really made me cry for the asault victim.
This is not a typical love story ever told.
This one has a dark, very dark side of every victim out there, and have no courage to put in charge to the criminal.
Aaaaarggg...I want to kill at some point, and thanks to Ryan , who, finally beat the shit out of him!!!
RYAN
I love the BFF relationship among Jase, Mark, Ryan and Candace...
I was a bit irritated for Candace once, why she didn't report who the bastard was, but this story seems real, what Candace feel or whatever her decision was , it's understandable !
I love how Ryan so patient about Candace, and how he tried everything to protect her.
I love Donna, and how she proud of Candace choice to be a ballerina and support her unconditionally...and I HATE her parents!!!!
I love the story, and for me, this one is a MUST READ and FIVE STARS read...
And Ryan....I loved him so much!!! Best book boy friend EVER!!!
Highly recommended !!!
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I feel so weak and tired, like I'm drowning. I keep treading water, but I can never seem to get my head high enough out of the water to take in a full breath of air. I've been drowning since that night. There are times I feel like I can make it, but then I'm pulled right back under.
"I'm fading." I feel the heat of my tears as they linger down my cheeks. "He took all my light, and I've been fading ever since."
Cradling my face in his hands, he says, "You're not fading. I won't let you."
I was drown with this book. While reading it, the same brutal thing happened in my city,a nd it's really really made me cry for the asault victim.
This is not a typical love story ever told.
This one has a dark, very dark side of every victim out there, and have no courage to put in charge to the criminal.
Aaaaarggg...I want to kill at some point, and thanks to Ryan , who, finally beat the shit out of him!!!
RYAN
I love the BFF relationship among Jase, Mark, Ryan and Candace...
I was a bit irritated for Candace once, why she didn't report who the bastard was, but this story seems real, what Candace feel or whatever her decision was , it's understandable !
I love how Ryan so patient about Candace, and how he tried everything to protect her.
I love Donna, and how she proud of Candace choice to be a ballerina and support her unconditionally...and I HATE her parents!!!!
I love the story, and for me, this one is a MUST READ and FIVE STARS read...
And Ryan....I loved him so much!!! Best book boy friend EVER!!!
Highly recommended !!!
June 24, 2013
5 GUT WRENCHING ROLLER COASTER STARS!!
This is a real hard book to rate or review or even recommend because of the subject matter..
I can't even comprehend how a person who has been through what Candace has in this book comes out the other side without walls up or damaged in some way, which is why I've rated this at a 5 for all those victims who haven't had that support group that the female character has had in this book etc.
I felt in some places it was long winded but then in saying that I was still compelled to finish this..
Beautifully written!!
Will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book..
This is a real hard book to rate or review or even recommend because of the subject matter..
I can't even comprehend how a person who has been through what Candace has in this book comes out the other side without walls up or damaged in some way, which is why I've rated this at a 5 for all those victims who haven't had that support group that the female character has had in this book etc.
I felt in some places it was long winded but then in saying that I was still compelled to finish this..
Beautifully written!!
Will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book..
July 12, 2013
Am I the only one who finds this book predictable and poorly written? The writing is so clunky - there was no atmosphere at all! Oh well.......
June 20, 2013
STUNNING delivery!!!
Every once in a while you come across a read that really resonates within you. There is something present that fills your thoughts and heart with the story. FADING by E.K. Blair did just that this past week.
The very first thing that intrigued me about the story is the absolutely stunning cover. The simplicity of the cover takes my breath away. It eludes to nothing of the story, yet after reading it, the cover says so much with so little.
When I was about half way into the story, I realized I had a definite connection to the story but the angst wasn’t swallowing me and bringing me down. This surprised me given the nature of the story. Although I did not have a personal connection with the female main character (I could not imagine enduring her situation), I felt for her. I could feel her lose her way and as the story progressed I felt as if I needed to protect myself. A woman should never have to go through that kind of pain and yet, unfortunately it is more common than not. As a woman I really felt the author’s need to have readers understand that there isn’t a quick fix to this kind of physical and emotional damage. E.K. Blair did a sincere, graceful job without compromising the ugliness of the situation, in telling Candace’s story. You could honestly stop and think ‘if that were me, I would be on that floor crying right now too.� ‘If that were me, I would wish it all away.’—no matter what the right way to deal with is.
There will be those readers that will say it was too drawn out or Candace wasn’t strong enough but the honest to goodness truth of the matter is, given yourself in the situation, you have absolutely no idea how broken you would become. How damaged and withdrawn you would be. You don’t know from where you would need to draw your strength. Add this to the fact that Candace was a 22 yr old girl- not quite a woman in that she led a very scripted and planned life. Her growing years were spent with parents who had everything mapped out for her and who did everything for appearances. She wasn’t a very out there kind of girl to begin with. I feel E.K. Blair developed and evolved Candace’s character with sensitivity and reality.
The character of Ryan—he isn’t just any book boy. He just pushed all my other book boys down the ranks. Ryan has the ability to be alpha without all the grunting and chest puffing. I love that he was older (28) because I honestly feel a guy at 21 or 22 would not quite know how to handle Candace’s situation. It’s not that the young guy would be insensitive or anything but I feel like Ryan was mature enough to know when to push and when not to. He was mature enough to understand that her healing and her recovery would not happen over night. I love that Ryan’s character isn’t an ‘in your face� type. He is secure in himself and his relationship with Candace that he understands, doesn’t always like it, but understands her need to have Jase in her life.
Jase and Mark, although secondary characters, play pivotal roles in the story. They are there for Candace every step of the way. I almost think that being guys, they hold no judgment for the way Candace deals with the situation. They just want her to be well again. The dynamics between Jase and Mark are slowly revealed and I can’t wait to hear their story in book 1.5 Freeing.
My overall thoughts for this book are it is an extremely difficult subject to broach. No one except the person who has been victim to such an life- altering event could explain what it is like to live and move forward (if they can at all) from it. So this will not be the read for everyone. There will be those that think Candace isn’t strong enough or those that cannot relate or connect to her enough to invest in the story. Readers will see it though. On the flip side, there will also be those readers that see the beauty of this story, see the thoughtfulness of handling such a tough and threatening subject. Because it is a subject that is either swept under the rug, or disregarded as something the victim must have asked for. E.K. really did a fantastic job of portraying Candace and her journey to healing. This was a solid debut that was written thoroughly. I am looking forward to the next books as I’m positive we are going to see these characters evolve as well as E.K. Blair’s writing evolve and shift. She should be proud for writing on a taboo subject in the way that she did because sometimes the rainbows aren’t very vibrant and the unicorns horns are a little broken. D 5/5
Every once in a while you come across a read that really resonates within you. There is something present that fills your thoughts and heart with the story. FADING by E.K. Blair did just that this past week.
The very first thing that intrigued me about the story is the absolutely stunning cover. The simplicity of the cover takes my breath away. It eludes to nothing of the story, yet after reading it, the cover says so much with so little.
When I was about half way into the story, I realized I had a definite connection to the story but the angst wasn’t swallowing me and bringing me down. This surprised me given the nature of the story. Although I did not have a personal connection with the female main character (I could not imagine enduring her situation), I felt for her. I could feel her lose her way and as the story progressed I felt as if I needed to protect myself. A woman should never have to go through that kind of pain and yet, unfortunately it is more common than not. As a woman I really felt the author’s need to have readers understand that there isn’t a quick fix to this kind of physical and emotional damage. E.K. Blair did a sincere, graceful job without compromising the ugliness of the situation, in telling Candace’s story. You could honestly stop and think ‘if that were me, I would be on that floor crying right now too.� ‘If that were me, I would wish it all away.’—no matter what the right way to deal with is.
There will be those readers that will say it was too drawn out or Candace wasn’t strong enough but the honest to goodness truth of the matter is, given yourself in the situation, you have absolutely no idea how broken you would become. How damaged and withdrawn you would be. You don’t know from where you would need to draw your strength. Add this to the fact that Candace was a 22 yr old girl- not quite a woman in that she led a very scripted and planned life. Her growing years were spent with parents who had everything mapped out for her and who did everything for appearances. She wasn’t a very out there kind of girl to begin with. I feel E.K. Blair developed and evolved Candace’s character with sensitivity and reality.
The character of Ryan—he isn’t just any book boy. He just pushed all my other book boys down the ranks. Ryan has the ability to be alpha without all the grunting and chest puffing. I love that he was older (28) because I honestly feel a guy at 21 or 22 would not quite know how to handle Candace’s situation. It’s not that the young guy would be insensitive or anything but I feel like Ryan was mature enough to know when to push and when not to. He was mature enough to understand that her healing and her recovery would not happen over night. I love that Ryan’s character isn’t an ‘in your face� type. He is secure in himself and his relationship with Candace that he understands, doesn’t always like it, but understands her need to have Jase in her life.
Jase and Mark, although secondary characters, play pivotal roles in the story. They are there for Candace every step of the way. I almost think that being guys, they hold no judgment for the way Candace deals with the situation. They just want her to be well again. The dynamics between Jase and Mark are slowly revealed and I can’t wait to hear their story in book 1.5 Freeing.
My overall thoughts for this book are it is an extremely difficult subject to broach. No one except the person who has been victim to such an life- altering event could explain what it is like to live and move forward (if they can at all) from it. So this will not be the read for everyone. There will be those that think Candace isn’t strong enough or those that cannot relate or connect to her enough to invest in the story. Readers will see it though. On the flip side, there will also be those readers that see the beauty of this story, see the thoughtfulness of handling such a tough and threatening subject. Because it is a subject that is either swept under the rug, or disregarded as something the victim must have asked for. E.K. really did a fantastic job of portraying Candace and her journey to healing. This was a solid debut that was written thoroughly. I am looking forward to the next books as I’m positive we are going to see these characters evolve as well as E.K. Blair’s writing evolve and shift. She should be proud for writing on a taboo subject in the way that she did because sometimes the rainbows aren’t very vibrant and the unicorns horns are a little broken. D 5/5
July 20, 2014
This was not the experience I was expecting. I think after breaking down what I loved about this book and what fell short I have to place this somewhere around 3.5 stars.
The first 40% or so felt like this:
I found it particularly difficult to connect with Candace, even with the nature of her traumatic experience, I just couldn't get there. And the dialogue felt choppy at the start. There seemed to be a verbal response to every comment/question that seemed to feel redundant based on the description of the action carried out. Or even in areas where the description of the action would have allowed the responses to be unnecessary. I feel that I am being a little picky on this - but it wasn't parts that really held an importance to the story and I found myself drifting in and out of the story for bits.
But then as we got towards the end of the story, Candace seemed to come alive a bit as a character and her tragic story finally started to evoke some feelings... And I was ecstatic!
I adored the way Ryan was with her and he was my favorite part of this story. Even though Candace's story was the focal point - Ryan had his own battles to deal with and I think what this book lacked for me, his story will take care of.
Once we get to the point where she begins to actually deal with what happened to her I was able to get that emotion that was missing when she just kept pushing it down. The final portions of the story when she begins to finally start to take the steps to heal what was broken was done beautifully. I just wished that the way the end of this affected be had occurred earlier in the story.
The first 40% or so felt like this:
I found it particularly difficult to connect with Candace, even with the nature of her traumatic experience, I just couldn't get there. And the dialogue felt choppy at the start. There seemed to be a verbal response to every comment/question that seemed to feel redundant based on the description of the action carried out. Or even in areas where the description of the action would have allowed the responses to be unnecessary. I feel that I am being a little picky on this - but it wasn't parts that really held an importance to the story and I found myself drifting in and out of the story for bits.
But then as we got towards the end of the story, Candace seemed to come alive a bit as a character and her tragic story finally started to evoke some feelings... And I was ecstatic!
I adored the way Ryan was with her and he was my favorite part of this story. Even though Candace's story was the focal point - Ryan had his own battles to deal with and I think what this book lacked for me, his story will take care of.
Once we get to the point where she begins to actually deal with what happened to her I was able to get that emotion that was missing when she just kept pushing it down. The final portions of the story when she begins to finally start to take the steps to heal what was broken was done beautifully. I just wished that the way the end of this affected be had occurred earlier in the story.
January 22, 2017
2,5 stars y lo que asumo será una opinión impopular.
Al principio la historia me tenía fascinada, una chica brutalmente asaltada, la forma en que la autora narra el asalto es descorazonador, además de todo lo que tuvo que pasar inmediatamente después del hecho, los detalles con los que describe el procedimiento en el hospital, el asunto de las pruebas de violación, esa parte fue realmente muy buena, no podía parar de leer, pero después la cosa decae mucho, ella lleva el stress post-traumatico a otro nivel, solo siente pena por si misma, se vuelve egoista e irracional, ademas como se comporto con Kimber fue horrible e innecesario, se que ella tiene unos crapy parents, y que lo que le paso fue horible pero por favorrrr! En si eso no fue lo que hizo que le diera esta calificación, se la di porque el libro puedo dividirlo en tres partes, la primera muy buena y hasta asombroso, la segunda muy muy aburrida tanto que pare la lectura por varios dias porque me entraba sueño cuando intentaba seguir leyendo, la ultima parte fue.. entretenida. Otra cosa que odie fue la falta total de epílogo WTF!! Después de obligarme a seguir leyendo yo queria saber que carajo paso con sus vidas, ella nunca volvio a ver a sus padres? Ah pero eso no es todo lo que odie, el libro esta narrado en primera persona pero solo desde el pov de la protagonista, y además la autora escribió dos libros más que no ipenso leer porque suceden al mismo tiempo pero narrado uno por su mejor amigo y el otro por Ryan su novio (al que si amo, por el seguí leyendo la historia)
Pienso que la autora escribe muy bien la verdad pero hubiera logrado un inmesamente mejor resultado de haber condensado los tres libros en uno, pudo habernos contado la historia en tercera persona y en un solo libro incluir los 3 pov de Candance, Jase y Ryan, y pudo habernos dado un fucking epílogo, solo digo.
Al principio la historia me tenía fascinada, una chica brutalmente asaltada, la forma en que la autora narra el asalto es descorazonador, además de todo lo que tuvo que pasar inmediatamente después del hecho, los detalles con los que describe el procedimiento en el hospital, el asunto de las pruebas de violación, esa parte fue realmente muy buena, no podía parar de leer, pero después la cosa decae mucho, ella lleva el stress post-traumatico a otro nivel, solo siente pena por si misma, se vuelve egoista e irracional, ademas como se comporto con Kimber fue horrible e innecesario, se que ella tiene unos crapy parents, y que lo que le paso fue horible pero por favorrrr! En si eso no fue lo que hizo que le diera esta calificación, se la di porque el libro puedo dividirlo en tres partes, la primera muy buena y hasta asombroso, la segunda muy muy aburrida tanto que pare la lectura por varios dias porque me entraba sueño cuando intentaba seguir leyendo, la ultima parte fue.. entretenida. Otra cosa que odie fue la falta total de epílogo WTF!! Después de obligarme a seguir leyendo yo queria saber que carajo paso con sus vidas, ella nunca volvio a ver a sus padres? Ah pero eso no es todo lo que odie, el libro esta narrado en primera persona pero solo desde el pov de la protagonista, y además la autora escribió dos libros más que no ipenso leer porque suceden al mismo tiempo pero narrado uno por su mejor amigo y el otro por Ryan su novio (al que si amo, por el seguí leyendo la historia)
Pienso que la autora escribe muy bien la verdad pero hubiera logrado un inmesamente mejor resultado de haber condensado los tres libros en uno, pudo habernos contado la historia en tercera persona y en un solo libro incluir los 3 pov de Candance, Jase y Ryan, y pudo habernos dado un fucking epílogo, solo digo.
August 2, 2013
4.25??...haha The writing was good and there was a good flow to the story for the most part.
Candace grows up with a family where image is everything. In her senior year of college she tries to break out and have a little fun instead of always taking the safe route. Her world falls apart when she is attacked and tries to claw her way back into the world. She withdraws into herself alienating many close people in her life. Ryan comes into her life and he attempts to get her out of the funk she is without even knowing what that funk entails.
It was a pretty good page turner for me. I really liked the characters in the book and it made me want to read more about them. The book started out with a bang and then I felt like the middle drug out a little as I was waiting for the big reveals. The ending felt anticlimactic with how I would have liked it. There were some things that I wish were resolved but all in all I didn’t hate the ending.
Some of things that bothered me may not bother you. I found myself rooting for Candace to claw her way back into life. I was rooting for Ryan to be the one to get her back. Her friendships felt real and the betrayals of those friends added some real conflict.
Candace grows up with a family where image is everything. In her senior year of college she tries to break out and have a little fun instead of always taking the safe route. Her world falls apart when she is attacked and tries to claw her way back into the world. She withdraws into herself alienating many close people in her life. Ryan comes into her life and he attempts to get her out of the funk she is without even knowing what that funk entails.
It was a pretty good page turner for me. I really liked the characters in the book and it made me want to read more about them. The book started out with a bang and then I felt like the middle drug out a little as I was waiting for the big reveals. The ending felt anticlimactic with how I would have liked it. There were some things that I wish were resolved but all in all I didn’t hate the ending.
Some of things that bothered me may not bother you. I found myself rooting for Candace to claw her way back into life. I was rooting for Ryan to be the one to get her back. Her friendships felt real and the betrayals of those friends added some real conflict.
June 24, 2013
Warning:
I just wrote in my book group forum one of the feelings I felt when I got to the end of this and I'm afraid to say it was relief. I have so many mixed emotions regarding this read. I equally loved and disliked a big chunk. 4 stars feels generous but at the same time I feel like that 3 isn't enough. It's a real hard book to rate and review.
23 year old Candace starts out the book a straight laced student. Her life revolves around studying, going to college and dance. She is a serious ballerina and that is pretty much everything to her. She has two of the best friends a girl could ask for - Kimber and Jase, and for a long time that had all been enough for her. Until a day at work, her co-worker finally persuades her to start living her life a little more crazily. And that is exactly what she is doing when the worst thing you can imagine happens - she is attacked. And it's brutal, upsetting and truly terrifying. The author did an incredible way of putting you right there with Candace (honestly, I am still trying to work out if that is a good thing or not).
Like any girl in her position I'm sure, Candace closes herself off to the entire world. The only person who gets a look in is Jase. I was torn with their relationship. Yes I am totally on board with the fact that guys and girls can be friends and just because Jase is gay that's no different, but their relationship to me was just so odd. They were very touchy-feely and were constantly sharing a bed. Not even just sleeping.. full on spooning and holding each other the whole night. IDK, it felt odd to me.
Along the road of recovery, Candace meets Ryan. 28 year old (yes, really.. but we'll come back to that) bar owner. They have an immediate attraction but for a very long time they are strictly friends. I actually really enjoyed their relationship. If Candace had jumped in to anything it would have been very unbelievable so I'm glad the author didn't go that route. What I did find odd though was the fact he was meant to be 28. I can accept him being a bar owner and slightly older, but in no way did he come across as 28. It wasn't that he was immature, he just didn't seem as old as that to me.
I can't say I didn't like this book because I really did but I had issues. Firstly, this book is so LOOOOONG. It took me 3 days to read and usually I can read a book in one, two days at a stretch. Whilst I can appreciate that a lot happened and therefore a lot needed to be discussed and worked through, what I didn't like was all of the unnecessary descriptions. At least 5 times I must have read that after ballet, Candace must talc her ballet shoes. You know? I just don't need to be told about things like that constantly. It doesn't add to the story and it certainly wouldn't take anything away had it not have been included.
The way Candace dealt with what happened to her also annoyed me at times. . So, as I said the book was good but I very quickly lost interest. Too much time was wasted talking about things that weren't important and in I would have preferred things to be resolved differently.
I just wrote in my book group forum one of the feelings I felt when I got to the end of this and I'm afraid to say it was relief. I have so many mixed emotions regarding this read. I equally loved and disliked a big chunk. 4 stars feels generous but at the same time I feel like that 3 isn't enough. It's a real hard book to rate and review.
23 year old Candace starts out the book a straight laced student. Her life revolves around studying, going to college and dance. She is a serious ballerina and that is pretty much everything to her. She has two of the best friends a girl could ask for - Kimber and Jase, and for a long time that had all been enough for her. Until a day at work, her co-worker finally persuades her to start living her life a little more crazily. And that is exactly what she is doing when the worst thing you can imagine happens - she is attacked. And it's brutal, upsetting and truly terrifying. The author did an incredible way of putting you right there with Candace (honestly, I am still trying to work out if that is a good thing or not).
Like any girl in her position I'm sure, Candace closes herself off to the entire world. The only person who gets a look in is Jase. I was torn with their relationship. Yes I am totally on board with the fact that guys and girls can be friends and just because Jase is gay that's no different, but their relationship to me was just so odd. They were very touchy-feely and were constantly sharing a bed. Not even just sleeping.. full on spooning and holding each other the whole night. IDK, it felt odd to me.
Along the road of recovery, Candace meets Ryan. 28 year old (yes, really.. but we'll come back to that) bar owner. They have an immediate attraction but for a very long time they are strictly friends. I actually really enjoyed their relationship. If Candace had jumped in to anything it would have been very unbelievable so I'm glad the author didn't go that route. What I did find odd though was the fact he was meant to be 28. I can accept him being a bar owner and slightly older, but in no way did he come across as 28. It wasn't that he was immature, he just didn't seem as old as that to me.
"We'll move as slow as you want. But, I want you in my bed tonight. I want you next to me."
I can't say I didn't like this book because I really did but I had issues. Firstly, this book is so LOOOOONG. It took me 3 days to read and usually I can read a book in one, two days at a stretch. Whilst I can appreciate that a lot happened and therefore a lot needed to be discussed and worked through, what I didn't like was all of the unnecessary descriptions. At least 5 times I must have read that after ballet, Candace must talc her ballet shoes. You know? I just don't need to be told about things like that constantly. It doesn't add to the story and it certainly wouldn't take anything away had it not have been included.
The way Candace dealt with what happened to her also annoyed me at times. . So, as I said the book was good but I very quickly lost interest. Too much time was wasted talking about things that weren't important and in I would have preferred things to be resolved differently.
June 25, 2013
***5 Thought Provoking and Emotional Stars***
What can I say except that I loved this book. This book kept me thinking all the way through. I kept wondering what I would do if I was in Candace's position. What happens to her is horrific and I truly don't know if I would be strong enough to get through it. I truly loved Candace as a lead female character...she was broken but also strong in her own right. Yes she leaned on Jase and Mark and eventually Ryan, but she was also strong enough in the end to know she needed help to get past everything. Not only did she suffer a horrific attack but then she had to deal with horrendous parents. What her parents do to her in this story is shameful. I was thrilled when she met Ryan and eventually opened up to him....he is also broken from a horrific past by the hands of his father, so these two worked well together. I LOVED that Ryan is 28 in this story. I don't think the Hero of this story could've been someone that was Candace's age of 22. You could just see how patient and mature he was when dealing with Candace and her issues. He was always so patient and never pushy. He did have his Alpha side to him but kept it under control. I loved how their relationship progressed. I think that everything these 2 have been through they needed to start as friends and gain the trust they needed in each other before taking it to the next level.
I loved all the secondary characters.. Jase was an amazing BFF to Candace and a wonderful support. He never pushed her. Mark was also great. I thought he was perfect for Jase. I would love to get their story someday. Kimber....I felt sorry for her, because Candace kind of pushed her to the side and that was probably the one thing Candace did that I didn't agree with. She kept saying that Kimber was her BFF but she couldn't trust her enough to tell her what happened. I wish Kimber would've confronted her more about what was going on, she kind of just accepted it and eventually got mad at Candace because she felt shut out. They really needed to communicate better. Roxy was a really great boss and friend, she also was not pushy and let Candace come to her when she was ready. This group of friends were perfect for this story.
I would definitely recommend this book....but I will warn you that there is some tough material in the first part of the book.
Favorite line in the book : He's saved me in a way I never knew a person could be saved.
I can't wait to read Ryan's POV in Falling.
What can I say except that I loved this book. This book kept me thinking all the way through. I kept wondering what I would do if I was in Candace's position. What happens to her is horrific and I truly don't know if I would be strong enough to get through it. I truly loved Candace as a lead female character...she was broken but also strong in her own right. Yes she leaned on Jase and Mark and eventually Ryan, but she was also strong enough in the end to know she needed help to get past everything. Not only did she suffer a horrific attack but then she had to deal with horrendous parents. What her parents do to her in this story is shameful. I was thrilled when she met Ryan and eventually opened up to him....he is also broken from a horrific past by the hands of his father, so these two worked well together. I LOVED that Ryan is 28 in this story. I don't think the Hero of this story could've been someone that was Candace's age of 22. You could just see how patient and mature he was when dealing with Candace and her issues. He was always so patient and never pushy. He did have his Alpha side to him but kept it under control. I loved how their relationship progressed. I think that everything these 2 have been through they needed to start as friends and gain the trust they needed in each other before taking it to the next level.
I loved all the secondary characters.. Jase was an amazing BFF to Candace and a wonderful support. He never pushed her. Mark was also great. I thought he was perfect for Jase. I would love to get their story someday. Kimber....I felt sorry for her, because Candace kind of pushed her to the side and that was probably the one thing Candace did that I didn't agree with. She kept saying that Kimber was her BFF but she couldn't trust her enough to tell her what happened. I wish Kimber would've confronted her more about what was going on, she kind of just accepted it and eventually got mad at Candace because she felt shut out. They really needed to communicate better. Roxy was a really great boss and friend, she also was not pushy and let Candace come to her when she was ready. This group of friends were perfect for this story.
I would definitely recommend this book....but I will warn you that there is some tough material in the first part of the book.
Favorite line in the book : He's saved me in a way I never knew a person could be saved.
I can't wait to read Ryan's POV in Falling.
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