Fade to Blank

London Lies, Book 1

By: C F White

Narrated by: Piers Ryman

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, vilified celebrity Jackson Young enlists the help of rookie journalist, Fletcher Doherty, to clear his name and write his biography.  

Jackson has a secret, though. One he must keep from becoming public. But Fletcher’s dreamy green eyes, Irish drawl, and effortless charm makes it hard to suppress those long-buried feelings, even if it could compromise his innocence. 

Uncovering the murky past behind Jackson’s rise to fame, Fletcher grows closer to a man he’d once declared as talentless and their intense attraction starts to affect not only his professional integrity, but the life he’d made since moving to London. 

Falling for the subject of his book could be fatal for Fletcher, and Jackson should know better than to trust a journalist. 

Fade to Blank is the first book in the London Lies trilogy set in 1999 and is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort romantic suspense. 

©2020 C F White (P)2020 C F White

A slow burn enemies to lovers romantic suspense!

Jackson Young is a famous actor and celebrity who has been accused for a murder he didn't commit. He needs to prove his innocence fast. So he enlists a rookie journalist to help clear his name and publish his side of the story.
Fletcher is an aspiring journalist.
He never thought in his wildest dreams that he would be growing close to a man he once thought was
talentless and undeserving of the fame he received. His growing feelings and intense attraction for Jackson, might wreck their professional relationship and even put the entire life he has built since he moved to London in jeopardy.

Jackson and Fletcher need to race against time to find the identity of the true murderer or will secrets kept between them tear up their budding relationship up first?

I absolutely loved the chemistry between Jackson and Fletcher. The mystery to find the identity of the killer was compelling.
If you like a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with an interesting murder mystery thrown into the mix. You will love this one!

Piers Ryman performed an exceptional audio delivery as well!

The Cliffhangar left me wanting more

I really enjoyed Ms. White’s The District Line series. Two guys from opposite sides of the track trying to make it work. Well, Fade to Blank is also two guys from very different backgrounds – only this time there’s an element of mystery. Of suspense. Of, dare I say it, romantic suspense.

Fletcher is just an average reporter writing for an online gossip rag in late 1999. This book made me somewhat nostalgic, and wracking my brain for what technologies actually existed back then – only belatedly realizing it doesn’t really matter. I can’t remember what I ate for dinner last night, let alone when text messages became a thing. I was always about ten steps behind anyway, but I did work for a computer company just before Y2K. That was a thing.

Anyway, Fletcher is stuck in a dead-end job that he’s not really good at and certainly doesn’t enjoy. But it pays the bills. Or helps, anyway. He’s reliant on his much-older boyfriend Heston who is a bit of a pompous, arrogant, self-absorbed jerk. But that’s a whole other thing.

Then there’s Jackson. Child star, idol to many teenage girls - and maybe a few young gay boys. He’s had success beyond his wildest imagination, and his family has taken full advantage. That is until he’s accused of murder. The book starts with him being released from prison – but not because the authorities believe he’s innocent. No, they just don’t have enough evidence to prove guilt.

Fletcher wrote a scathing review of one of Jackson’s live theatre performances and Jackson hasn’t forgiven – or forgotten. But he also needs someone to write his side of the story – and Fletcher is just the man to do it.

The odd couple, to be sure. Neither trusts the other. Neither likes the other. And yet…

Okay, I only want to whet your appetite because I know there is so much more to come. There were a few turns in this book that I didn’t expect, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Really well done for the mystery and that hint of romance.

Finally, Piers Ryman. He’s just perfect for these London stories and I’m so glad he and Ms. White have teamed up again. On to part two…

Wow!

I had my suspicions throughout the book, but I was not expecting that ending. The first half sets up the story as you find out more about Jackson and Fletcher. But then Wham!, the book kicks up the pace and I did not want to stop listening. The narrator did a fabulous job with both of the main characters accents. Love the Irish accent! I need to know what happens next.

Slow burn romantic suspense - yes, please!

Ex-TV presenter Jackson is released from prison remand on a murder charge after 6 months, due to insufficient evidence. He wants to clear his name, and enlists the help of Fletcher, a celebrity gossip journalist for a London tabloid with whom he’d had a famous scuffle. Fletcher is interested and curious about Jackson’s story, as well as about the attractive man himself, and though he keeps his new association with Jackson quiet, everything in his life starts to go sideways…. I really enjoyed this first part of a trilogy – this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so one really needs to continue with the series to see how everything turns out, and I don’t mind that a bit. I found the mystery of the crime Jackson is accused of compelling, and the nefarious forces at work behind the scenes drive the plot forward at a good pace. The chemistry between Jackson and Fletcher is palpable, and I really want to see where that goes in books 2 and 3… The narration by Piers Ryman is fantastic; I particularly enjoyed Fletcher’s Irish accent. Recommended!

Listened in one sitting

I received a free copy of this audio for my honest review

I absolutely loved this book and the moment I finished I immediately had to purchase book 2 and was sad to see book 3 wasn't out yet. I have a thing for enemies to lovers so this was right up my alley. It was a bit of a slow burn between the two main characters but it fit with the book.

I had a hard time with the narrator at first but by the second chapter it was no problem.

this is not a stand alone it is book 1 and ends on a partial cliffhanger

Great Start

Fade to Blank took a few chapters to really capture me but once it did I was hooked. This is mystery slow burn romance that’s very well written and beautifully brought to life by Piers Ryman. I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.

Kept me on the edge of my seat!

C F White has written a compelling drama that held my attention from beginning to end. Speaking of end, I must warn that this story won't finish until the end of book three. Having said that, I know that book two is finished in audio and is coming soon. I also trust this author to finish what she has started.

Back to the story. The blurb gives you the bare bones but it doesn't convey the intense feelings that the story brought out. The intrigue and suspense are palpable. Jackson and Fletcher must work together to figure out what is going on.

I am so ready for book two!

I almost forgot to talk about the fantastic performance by Piers Ryman. The different voices he does for each character are fantastic – especially the one for Fletcher. I never had a bit of trouble following the story, or keeping track of who was speaking. I'm sure a lot of that was due to his performance as well as C F White's great writing.

A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.

Great story that keeps you on your toes!

This is not a fluffy fairytale. There’s no hearts and flowers. In fact, it starts off rather bleak. Not only can you picture it, but you can feel the despair Jackson feels, and picture the nonchalant mask he’s forced to put on in order to survive. He hasn’t had much to say, up until this point, but he knows just who to find, now that he’s decided he’s ready: Fletcher Doherty. //

This book is very well written. It consumed me through to the final page. There were quite a few surprises, and some bombs dropped. Some more shocking than others. It kept me on the edge of my seat more times than I would prefer, yet, I want more. The second book is going to be highly anticipated because I need to know what really happened! Ugh! The suspense is killing me, but I suspect the author knows exactly what was going to happen when she decided to end in a cliffhanger. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! //

Out of all the bad guys, and guys who just do bad things, I’m not sure who I dislike most - the obvious bad guys, Fletcher’s sleazy boyfriend, or the surprising betrayal near the end. All of them give justifiable reasons to dislike them. I hope karma is taking names. I know I am! //

This cannot be read as a stand-alone, as it ends with nothing resolved. It sets the scene for book two quite nicely. This is very much a slow burn. You will not find any hanky panky in this book, but you will witness some intimate moments between the main characters. I feel like the way their relationship has developed is genuine to the storyline. It just makes sense, and for that reason, alone, I’m okay with the heat level being a 1. If you were rating by kissing alone, the book would’ve caught on fire. I cannot wait for the next book! Pins and needles. Pins. And. Needles. //

Piers Ryman does a fantastic bringing this book to life. Having read the ebook before this came out, I already knew I loved it, but hearing it told by him enhanced the experience. He did such a good job portraying Jackson and Fletcher. You can hear the emotions through his voice, and I loved it!

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Cliffhanger

First – this is a Cliffhanger. I’m generally not a huge fan of Duets & Trilogies. Too many of them feel like single stories needlessly dragged out or chopped into smaller sections to become multiple books. However, after enjoying White’s District Line Trilogy, I was more than happy to dive into this one. While there is a lot of story to justify breaking this into parts – this does not stand on its own. Be prepared for multiple books/audios to get the whole story.

Second – I think this will best be enjoyed knowing that the romance is secondary to what is a strong and compelling mystery/suspense storyline with some well written thriller elements as well. I think if I had realized this going in I wouldn’t have been so frustrated by what I initially felt was a slow start and unsubstantiated vagueness on Jackson’s part. Once I shifted my perspective – I was completely immersed in this world and with Jax & Fletcher as individuals.

Set in 1999, White has weaved a complicated tale of murder, emotional turmoil, secret lives, and manufactured celebrity. In addition to the secrets Jackson is keeping there is an enormous amount of tension created by trying to evade the press and whoever is really responsible for Tallulah’s death. The main characters don’t know who they can trust and that extends to each other. Jackson & Fletcher are flawed yet quite relatable characters. In the background is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. Slow burn is right, don’t expect any sexy times in book 1 of the series. Honestly, I didn’t miss it because the suspense aspect is so captivating.

I have already grabbed Hide to Seek and can’t wait to dive in.

I already knew from the District Line series that Piers Ryman is absolutely phenomenal. He again expertly navigated a large cast of characters using a variety of accents and registers consistently throughout the book. I always knew who was talking whether the text indicated it or not.

I purchased the ebook, however I did receive a free copy of the audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Great Story

I loved the narration especially the voice of Fletcher, it really brought the story to life. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Highly recommend

"Fade to blank" was my first book by C. F. White and it certainly won't be my last. It took me a while to get into the story. But after the first chapters I was thrilled, the story totally captivated me. The famous Jackson Young was arrested for allegedly murdering his girlfriend. But how can he prove his innocence? He decides to tell his story in the form of a book to be published by Fletcher Doherty. But Fletcher is not prepared for the danger and chaos that follows. It's about murder, show business, blackmail and thugs who don't even shy away from kidnapping. And in the middle of it all there are two cute characters, Jackson and Fletcher, who you just have to take into your heart. But everyone carries his secrets with him and not everything is intended for the public. Who can they trust? I was feverish with Jackson and Fletcher.
The story ends with a cliffhanger and I really need the next volume.
Pierce Ryman narrated phenomenally and I especially liked Fletcher's accent. The pacing of the story fits well and he narrated the story emotionally. "Fade to blank" really got me excited and I'm looking forward to "Hide to seek"! Highly recommend

Definitely not fading away

A new series from C.F White? Yes please! Especially when she teams up with Piers Ryman again to bring the characters to life.

Jackson/Jax is just out of prison after being arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Tallulah, he maintains and protests his innocence, but knows there will be no easy way to prove his innocence and clear his name and bring the guilty party to justice.

He decides to approach the man who very publicly slated him in a review of his acting abilities, Jax knows he’s getting an impartial person to listen and to tell his story, but will Fletcher agree, and just who was behind he murder and clever enough to put Jax so so squarely in the frame it was an open and shut case for the Police?

Fletcher is writing gossip for a London magazine, one which Tules’ father co-incidentally owns amongst so many other businesses around the capital. Jax makes him an offer he just can’t refuse, the chance to write no holds barred book, something which will allow him to be a financial equal this older boyfriend,and stop him feeling like a kept man.
The interaction and attraction between Fletcher and Jax is instant and I was always rooting for them to act on it, kicking Fletcher’s patrionsing boyfriend, Heston to the kerb.

There are so many secrets and complexities in this story, it’s easy to see why this is a trilogy, and I feel try and cram too much in would lose some the intrigue the author has built.

Piers Ryman’s narration was spot on. Accent’s abound in this, from Jax’s brusque tones to Fletcher’s Irish lilt – which was perfection,then you have a smarmy Italian and the obnoxious Heston. The cast of characters was tackled head on, and there was no slipping of that wonderful Irish tone.

I’m eagerly anticipating what's to come. White & Ryman are a winning combination for me.

MM romantic suspense - yes!

Since I knew going into this that it was a trilogy I can't get mad with the ending right? haha. I'm a big fan of romantic suspense and the suspense part was great and looking forward to it continuing in the next book.

Enjoyed both main characters.

The audio was excellent - great narrator.

Not all is as it seems.

This is a new ro me author. It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the story. However after that time I was swept up into the world of both Jackson and Fletcher. Jackson is a fallen tv star who was in prison for being suspected of killing his partner. Fletcher is a journalist who wants to move away from the (digital) tabloid he writes for.
Jackson contacts Fletcher to write his live story. After they get in contact and Fletcher pooks around a bit twists and turns are spun and the suspense is gearing up. And people in both their lives seems connectes.
I am looking forward to find out how the story unfolds in the two other volumes of this triology.
The narration is really well done by Piers and gives the book more grid. I would recommend this book, keep at it and you will be pleasantly surprised.
I received this book for free for an honest review.
Story:4.5* Narration: 5* Overall: 4.5*

Trilogy

This book is the start of a trilogy. Def a slow burn. Heavy on building the story up. So much to learn. Seems like there is a lot going on to this story, and there will be quite a road to figuring everything out. If you like a good complex story check this out.

Slow Burn Romantic Suspense

I was really excited to listen this audiobook. When the author kindly provide me with a copy, I jumped right in. The premise is really interesting, I like a good suspense and a whodunit story.

The reason for only 3 stars was the snail pace. I think the book is too long for the amount of story it tells us. There is a lot of "filler", information not really relevant to the story, interruptions just to prolong the mystery/suspense, a lot of repetition inside the MC's head. I know this is a slow burn, but I didn't feel much chemistry between the MCs, I hope it would get better in the next books.

Piers Ryman has such a talent when it came to Irish accents, it's sexy AF. I really like his narration, he's a terrific voice actor. His pace, his female voices, his emotions all are very well presented.

Highly recommend

Great book, very gripping , couldn’t put it down
Can’t wait to find out what happens next

Could not turn off!!

This book is awesome. I am not a fan of slow burns whatsoever but the story is making it so worth it. I could not turn it off. I’m really considering reading the next book because I need to know what’s going to happen next. The narration is awesome.

Loved this audio ❤

Piers Ryman does a wonderful job narrating this book, but what a book he had to narrate.
Love the tug from each side in this story, great intrigue and injustice. I hadn't got around to reading this book and went straight to audio which I rarely do, but I'm so glad I did, such a great book.
Jackson accused of a murder that he claims that he never did, losing his career, family , everything. He's released from prison due to not enough proof. Wanting to clear his name, he enlists Fletcher a fledgling journalist to help clear his name and write his autobiography.
This book is well written and keeps you guessing. Well worth a read/listen. Don't expect a HEA, as you need to read book 2, for which I'm now desperate.

Fade to Blank
London Lies, Book 1
By: C F White
Narrated by: Piers Ryman
Series: London Lies, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins


❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.20 speed on Audible.

Brilliant!

Enthralling storyline, and interesting 'real' characters + narrated by a favourite narrator = a brilliant time. Looking forward to the next in the series. ❤