🎧 Until It Fades by KA Tucker @kathleenatucker #ShaynaThibodeaux @SimonAudio #LoveAudiobooks

Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population two thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

When I find an author I enjoy, I’ll binge read all of their books no matter the subject.  While doing so, I’ve discovered some decent stories, some duds, and from time-to-time, an unexpected gem.  Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker is one of those gems.  Much more than a contemporary romance, Until It Fades explores the complexity of relationships (romantic and otherwise) through the eyes of a resilient and world-wary single mom.

Catherine Wright has carved out a life for herself and her 5 year old daughter, despite being a pariah in a small town.  She’s found security in keeping her head down and focusing on making ends meet.  An act of heroism thrusts her into the public spotlight and into the cross-hairs of modern day Prince Charming, Brett Madden.  It could be just like a fairy tale.

A poor, lonely waitress with a past.  A jaded, single mother with scars; who scrubs ketchup off tables and serves fries to truck drivers; ensnares the rich, gorgeous, kind prince.  I guess it’s kind of like Cinderella.

Catherine finds it difficult to let the fairy tale unfold.  Because the novel is written from Cath’s perspective, it isn’t difficult to decode Cath’s fears and insecurities.  While she’s hampered by the consequences of her own bad choices, it is the failure of her parents to support her, the authorities to protect her, and the community to recognize a predator in their ranks that form the foundation of her defenses.  It takes her coming to understand the ways she is supported rather than condemned by family and friends, along with Brett’s kindness and honesty, to break down those barriers and thrive.

I can be smart and still live, still allow myself to trust and chase after what I want.  I can let myself to love again.

The author had plenty of opportunity to insert melodrama; the returning Ex, the torch-carrying best friend, the disapproving family, etc.  Instead, she dialed it back to really focus on Cath’s emotional growth.  I was so thankful there were none of those “NO!” moments, which lead to the mandatory breakup of the main characters until fate steps in and gets them back together.

The best part about the story is the honesty and vulnerability in the characters.  They all have flaws, realistic flaws with which one can easily identify.  I enjoyed all of the pages that included her daughter,  Brenna.  I’d love to see other novels written in this same world (sadly none exist that I’ve found to date).  I feel rather invested in Cath’s brother Jack, sister Emma, and, of course, her best friend Keith.

Until it Fades is a charming, authentic romance that will go right on my “Always Rereading” list.

Narration:

I enjoyed the narration and Shayna Thibodeaux did a great job with all of the characters.  They were easily distinguished without being caricatured.  She managed to impart vulnerability into Cath’s voice without coming across as whiny.  While a great audio performance is always a plus, I think this book would be equally enjoyed in print format.

Listen to a clip:

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KC

Reviewer at Books of My Heart

Reading has always been more than just a hobby, it's been a life-long obsession.  Of course, if you are reading my obscure bio-page, you can probably empathize.  I read a broad range of genres, but particularly enjoy kick-butt heroines, complex world-building, first person narration, nerdy references, or  hockey.  I like all of my books to have a romantic element, even just a little bit.

I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.

My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world.  Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.

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• 🎧 A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn @deannaraybourn #AngeleMasters@recordedbooks #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - April 5, 2024
• 🎧 A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers #BeckyChambers #EmmettGrosland @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited @4saintjude - March 1, 2024
• 🎧 Wild by Cheryl Strayed @CherylStrayed #BernadetteDunne ‏ @PRHAudio #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - February 2, 2024

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