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Faded
Ash
I'm spiraling, descending down a cold, empty rabbit hole with no end in sight. I just keep falling with a heavy mind clouded in guilt and powdered happiness. It makes it more bearable, the memory of you.
But I don't want to remember you anymore.
I don't want that night to keep playing behind my eyes, the sound of your dying breath, the feeling of your cold, lifeless body in my arms.
I want her, the cute neighbor I keep seeking more of, with a saint's smile and sinner's eyes. I need her joy and endless kindness. And she wants me too.
But how can she have me when I still belong to you?
Sage
My mom used to warn me, don't pick the broken ones.
You can't save them.
Their splintered pieces are too sharp, and they'll most certainly leave you with wounds that bleed for years on end.
I've done a good job of listening to her. In all my twenty-two years, her advice has never failed.
But Ashton Johnson is more than a broken man. He's volatile, yet tender, unpredictable, with an unshakable devotion to those he cares for. Angry, but fiercely protective.
But mostly, he's sad, and so incredibly beautiful.
I don't want to save him.
I just want to love him.
But how do I do that when his mind is troubled, and his heart isn't mine to have?
I'm spiraling, descending down a cold, empty rabbit hole with no end in sight. I just keep falling with a heavy mind clouded in guilt and powdered happiness. It makes it more bearable, the memory of you.
But I don't want to remember you anymore.
I don't want that night to keep playing behind my eyes, the sound of your dying breath, the feeling of your cold, lifeless body in my arms.
I want her, the cute neighbor I keep seeking more of, with a saint's smile and sinner's eyes. I need her joy and endless kindness. And she wants me too.
But how can she have me when I still belong to you?
Sage
My mom used to warn me, don't pick the broken ones.
You can't save them.
Their splintered pieces are too sharp, and they'll most certainly leave you with wounds that bleed for years on end.
I've done a good job of listening to her. In all my twenty-two years, her advice has never failed.
But Ashton Johnson is more than a broken man. He's volatile, yet tender, unpredictable, with an unshakable devotion to those he cares for. Angry, but fiercely protective.
But mostly, he's sad, and so incredibly beautiful.
I don't want to save him.
I just want to love him.
But how do I do that when his mind is troubled, and his heart isn't mine to have?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2023
8 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2024
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
❀ 𝐅𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐃 ❀ Is the final full length dark book within the (Without You) series by new to me author C.A. Mariah. Spoken in dual pov's.
Got a feeling this one is going to hurt 💔 real bad! Ash stole our hearts in the 1st book so I hope he gets his own HEA like Roman did, though I know Ashes path is going to be a rocky one!
Ash met Sage in the first book, when they kind of went on a road trip to save Amira & Roman, probably a road trip she'll never forget as one person never came back. He was attracted to her from the get go and vice versa.
In this we get more of an insight into Ash and the loss over his first love he carries deep within himself as he tries to escape the guilt with booze and pills. Understandably he's spiralling down into a dark abyss. His journey will break your heart as he's got such a gentle, beautiful soul and we all fell in love with him in the first book because that shone through no matter what situation he was facing.
'𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑨𝒔𝒉 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒔, 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉, 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔.'
Sage is fiercely independent and has also suffered loss in her life but she's dealt with it in a more productive way than Ash. She works herself tirelessly to the bone, one day job in a respectable diner, the other in a raunchy club at night.
In life it’s hard to pull emotions out of me, I don’t cry at a drop of a hat, but this one got all my tears, such an emotional roller coaster that put me through the wringer and spat me out the other side. This story was heartbreaking, real, and so well written, I’m under this authors spell.
After devouring this series, I really need to read more by this author.
April 5, 2023
Faded was a challenging read for me. It’s painfully beautiful, and I loved it. I think I cried for about fifty percent of the book.
Faded is Ash and Sage’s story, and what a story it is; we read more about Ash's back story and his current pain from his past. The poor guy is drowning; I felt all his pain. I love Sage and her independence. Both have life-altering events, and each handles them in different ways.
Faded is a spicy, captivating read. I have zero triggers and a time or two, I did have to pause for a moment. The book has heavy drug use, so read the trigger warnings. It’s my only sensitivity, not a trigger. The author poured her heart and soul into this book, and it shows.
Don’t tell Roman, but Ash stole my heart. I understood the addiction and wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him it was okay. Take it one day at a time.
As I write this review, I’m getting choked up again; it’s a must-read.
April 19, 2023
Wow
This author is new to me, and I was blown away. The hurt I felt reading this was nearly heart crushing.
This author is new to me, and I was blown away. The hurt I felt reading this was nearly heart crushing.
April 14, 2023
I have been dying for Ash’s story since we met him in Hunted and this author didn’t disappoint! This story is a hard and painful read full of raw emotions and heartache it’s definitely not for the faint of heart as are no stories that C.A. Mariah writes she is definitely queen of these types of gut wrenching stories and I am once again in awe of her work. This is one story I won’t be forgetting!
April 7, 2023
i’ve been waiting for Sage and Ash’s book for about a year and half now and it was so well worth the wait.
Sage and Ash’s story.. UGH - all the feels y’all lol. they are two broken/damaged souls looking for someone to just help the loneliness/pain not seem so loud.
i loved that Ash is just such an imperfect character and really has to go through a journey this book to begin to heal. and Sage 🥺 i love her so much and my heart just broke for her so much this entire book. C.A. really loves to put her readers through the wringer 😅😂
the spice in this book really just.. did something for me 🥵 C.A. knows how to write smut that speaks to me lol. ALSO, loved the Amira and Roman cameo because i miss them so much y’all 🥲
just be careful when picking this one up because it’s def dark and there are tons of potential triggers.
Sage and Ash’s story.. UGH - all the feels y’all lol. they are two broken/damaged souls looking for someone to just help the loneliness/pain not seem so loud.
i loved that Ash is just such an imperfect character and really has to go through a journey this book to begin to heal. and Sage 🥺 i love her so much and my heart just broke for her so much this entire book. C.A. really loves to put her readers through the wringer 😅😂
the spice in this book really just.. did something for me 🥵 C.A. knows how to write smut that speaks to me lol. ALSO, loved the Amira and Roman cameo because i miss them so much y’all 🥲
just be careful when picking this one up because it’s def dark and there are tons of potential triggers.
April 11, 2023
Oh gosh Faded was every bit of anguish I knew it would be but it's also so much more than that. It's about two broken souls trying their hardest to survive; Ash with his guilt and heartbreak and Sage with grief and loneliness, both feeling like drowning in their sorrows 🥺💔
It's about two souls needing each other to get that first step towards healing themselves without at first even realizing it. It's about finding those small moments of happiness that both crave and need. It's a beautiful but tough journey towards healing while battling for a second chance at love 💕
C. A. Mariah is known for her dark, haunting love stories and she definitely pulled through ones again 👏🏼🤍 Just when you think you can't possibly hurt more, this book comes and tears you apart all over again. My heart broke. SHATTERED 😭 I don't wanna say too much on it but it's definitely not an easy road for either of them but in the end it's worth the tears, trust me.
I was completely consumed by Sage and Ash. Their story is beautiful, tare your heart out amazing! What they have is raw and deep but also the steam between them? Oof that was hottt!! 👌🏽🔥 I mean like really, the need a cold shower kind haha. I was smiling so much with these two, when I wasn't bawling my eyes out that is. They are precious and I wanna just get inside the book and hug them so tight!
I can't praise this book enough, this series enough. It's the kind of series that hurts but it also makes your heart so full! 🥰 So sad to say goodbye to these characters I adore so much but damn this was another masterpiece for sure, Roman and Amira cameo just made me fall that much harder!
It's about two souls needing each other to get that first step towards healing themselves without at first even realizing it. It's about finding those small moments of happiness that both crave and need. It's a beautiful but tough journey towards healing while battling for a second chance at love 💕
C. A. Mariah is known for her dark, haunting love stories and she definitely pulled through ones again 👏🏼🤍 Just when you think you can't possibly hurt more, this book comes and tears you apart all over again. My heart broke. SHATTERED 😭 I don't wanna say too much on it but it's definitely not an easy road for either of them but in the end it's worth the tears, trust me.
I was completely consumed by Sage and Ash. Their story is beautiful, tare your heart out amazing! What they have is raw and deep but also the steam between them? Oof that was hottt!! 👌🏽🔥 I mean like really, the need a cold shower kind haha. I was smiling so much with these two, when I wasn't bawling my eyes out that is. They are precious and I wanna just get inside the book and hug them so tight!
I can't praise this book enough, this series enough. It's the kind of series that hurts but it also makes your heart so full! 🥰 So sad to say goodbye to these characters I adore so much but damn this was another masterpiece for sure, Roman and Amira cameo just made me fall that much harder!
April 5, 2023
I’m struggling to find the words to summarize the greatness of this book, and I feel like I’m going to fail, but I here go. I’ve been dying and impatiently waiting for Ash’s story since Hunted (book one in the series) and C.A. Mariah delivered! While it may not be necessary to read books one and two, I HIGHLY recommend them!
Oh, babes, clutch your pearl necklace and brace for the ride.
Ash is complex and haunted by his past. Sage is pureness with a dark double life. Your heart breaks for her and Ash. Their demons and loneliness play so well together. But there’s hope that they can unite to find comfort and happiness in one another.
The journey of Ash is gritty and, at times, unbearably heartbreaking. Sage is steady and always a beacon you can look forward to; however, she’s got chips in her armor. Overall these two will make you want to jump in the pages and wrap them in a hug.
Also, we have a new inductee into the 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞. I induct Ashton Johnson into the 𝐏𝐮$$𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞. He is iconic, a dream, a legend, and a standard.
I’m selfish and hope there’s more to come from this series. However, if this is how the series ends, I’ll di€ happily.
⚠️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗪 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁.
Rate: 5+☆
POV: 1st/Dual
HEA: ☑️
[ARC generously provided by the author. This is my honest review.]
Oh, babes, clutch your pearl necklace and brace for the ride.
Ash is complex and haunted by his past. Sage is pureness with a dark double life. Your heart breaks for her and Ash. Their demons and loneliness play so well together. But there’s hope that they can unite to find comfort and happiness in one another.
The journey of Ash is gritty and, at times, unbearably heartbreaking. Sage is steady and always a beacon you can look forward to; however, she’s got chips in her armor. Overall these two will make you want to jump in the pages and wrap them in a hug.
Also, we have a new inductee into the 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞. I induct Ashton Johnson into the 𝐏𝐮$$𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞. He is iconic, a dream, a legend, and a standard.
I’m selfish and hope there’s more to come from this series. However, if this is how the series ends, I’ll di€ happily.
⚠️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗪 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁.
Rate: 5+☆
POV: 1st/Dual
HEA: ☑️
[ARC generously provided by the author. This is my honest review.]
April 11, 2023
WOW - what a truly beautiful story.
I knew that I would love Asher & Sage's story but this truly exceeded all of my expectations.
Before I continue I think it is vital that you read the trigger warnings this story is seriously NOT for the faint of heart. It is dark, and these characters do not have an easy road to their HEA, that being said if you can handle the triggers you will absolutely love this story hands down.
TW: addiction, grief, SA, suicide attempt/talk, overdose, death of parents
The book opens up to Ash in a really terrible place. He's actively grieving his gf's death and using anything he can to numb his pain. It really broke my heart to see Ash and the struggles he was going through because he has such a big heart, and means well but is just really so lost. Sage comes in at a really vital time because they've always had a strong connection and seeing that bond blossom was really beautiful. She was everything Ash needed and more, the calm to his storm in every way. My heart broke for her backstory and it was so clear that she needed Ash just as much as he needed her. Sage isn't aware of all the struggles Ash is facing though, so while their relationship seems to be perfect and everything she could ever need, there are still a lot for her to learn about him.
This was really a beautiful story and Ash and Sage really overcome a lot to be together, it isn't easy any step of the way but their dedication to one another and love for one another is really got them through the dark times.
I knew that I would love Asher & Sage's story but this truly exceeded all of my expectations.
Before I continue I think it is vital that you read the trigger warnings this story is seriously NOT for the faint of heart. It is dark, and these characters do not have an easy road to their HEA, that being said if you can handle the triggers you will absolutely love this story hands down.
TW: addiction, grief, SA, suicide attempt/talk, overdose, death of parents
The book opens up to Ash in a really terrible place. He's actively grieving his gf's death and using anything he can to numb his pain. It really broke my heart to see Ash and the struggles he was going through because he has such a big heart, and means well but is just really so lost. Sage comes in at a really vital time because they've always had a strong connection and seeing that bond blossom was really beautiful. She was everything Ash needed and more, the calm to his storm in every way. My heart broke for her backstory and it was so clear that she needed Ash just as much as he needed her. Sage isn't aware of all the struggles Ash is facing though, so while their relationship seems to be perfect and everything she could ever need, there are still a lot for her to learn about him.
This was really a beautiful story and Ash and Sage really overcome a lot to be together, it isn't easy any step of the way but their dedication to one another and love for one another is really got them through the dark times.
Read
June 13, 2025can’t believe it’s the same author who wrote cadebunny
January 20, 2024
I would say an average book.
The two kids, about twenty-something years old, he's a pill addict and depressed, a drug dealer and an alcoholic, she’s depressed and lonely, but nothing heartbreaking as I read from the reviews, at least not for me.
The two kids, about twenty-something years old, he's a pill addict and depressed, a drug dealer and an alcoholic, she’s depressed and lonely, but nothing heartbreaking as I read from the reviews, at least not for me.
April 10, 2023
I feel her in another way. A way that goes far deeper than a touch.
I don’t think I can even form the right words to write this review that gives this book justice. Faded is a story that grips you right from the start and isn’t in the slightest for the faint of heart.
Ash and Sage are two souls literally bound for one another. Their story is one of heartache and heartbreak, two people desperate to love and to be loved, even when one of them didn’t feel like they deserved it.
I’ve been waiting for Ash’s story since the beginning of the Without You series when I met him in Hunted. And I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being able to read Ash’s story in all of his very raw forms. CA Mariah captivates me in a way that not every author can. She never sugarcoats anything, she writes the tough, the disturbing, the kind of stories that can break you, but she always has a reason for telling that story, and because of that, we finally got Ash’s story.
Ash is broken. He’s so irrevocably broken in his eyes that he truly doesn’t see a way out of the pain, nor does he feel like he’s allowed to. He wants to move on, but a small part of him tells him he shouldn’t and that he’s destined for the life that he’s been dealt after what happened to his ex. Sage makes him question that. Sage is… Sage is a pure soul that deserves all the light in the world, just like Ash. She’s been living in her own kind of heartbreak for years, not really living, but surviving and she just wants to fix what's broken, even if she can’t help herself.
Ash and Sage click in a way that they’ve never experienced before, and that scares them, especially Ash. Life throws them curveballs after curveballs and it’s only a matter of time when enough is enough. Demons are a hard one to overcome, but these character’s try everything they can for that to happen.
This series… it’s a devastating series that stays with you forever, but it’s not one you’ll ever regret reading. I’ve had the pleasure alpha/beta reading each story in the rawest of forms, all nearly taking my breath away, and Faded was no different. This book deals with heavy stuff, and if you’re familiar with this author’s writing, you know exactly what that means.
Thank you girl for trusting me with these characters and thank you for continuing to rip my heart out with them. I wouldn’t want to read them any other way.
I don’t think I can even form the right words to write this review that gives this book justice. Faded is a story that grips you right from the start and isn’t in the slightest for the faint of heart.
Ash and Sage are two souls literally bound for one another. Their story is one of heartache and heartbreak, two people desperate to love and to be loved, even when one of them didn’t feel like they deserved it.
I’ve been waiting for Ash’s story since the beginning of the Without You series when I met him in Hunted. And I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being able to read Ash’s story in all of his very raw forms. CA Mariah captivates me in a way that not every author can. She never sugarcoats anything, she writes the tough, the disturbing, the kind of stories that can break you, but she always has a reason for telling that story, and because of that, we finally got Ash’s story.
Ash is broken. He’s so irrevocably broken in his eyes that he truly doesn’t see a way out of the pain, nor does he feel like he’s allowed to. He wants to move on, but a small part of him tells him he shouldn’t and that he’s destined for the life that he’s been dealt after what happened to his ex. Sage makes him question that. Sage is… Sage is a pure soul that deserves all the light in the world, just like Ash. She’s been living in her own kind of heartbreak for years, not really living, but surviving and she just wants to fix what's broken, even if she can’t help herself.
Ash and Sage click in a way that they’ve never experienced before, and that scares them, especially Ash. Life throws them curveballs after curveballs and it’s only a matter of time when enough is enough. Demons are a hard one to overcome, but these character’s try everything they can for that to happen.
This series… it’s a devastating series that stays with you forever, but it’s not one you’ll ever regret reading. I’ve had the pleasure alpha/beta reading each story in the rawest of forms, all nearly taking my breath away, and Faded was no different. This book deals with heavy stuff, and if you’re familiar with this author’s writing, you know exactly what that means.
Thank you girl for trusting me with these characters and thank you for continuing to rip my heart out with them. I wouldn’t want to read them any other way.
April 17, 2023
”Only the right person can make you see stars in a pitch-black world.”
OMG! This was a heavy, heavy emotional story. I don’t think there was one moment when I didn’t feel an ache in my stomach, or a pain in my heart from what was transpiring right in front of my eyes. There were so many tragic moments that were slowly revealed to us, but there are also many beautiful moments in-between.
Ash is such a tortured soul. He carries around his demons from his past, never wanting to let them go for fear that he will move on when he feels deeply that he needs to be punished every day for what he did. Ash doesn’t want to let anyone into his heart because he doesn’t feel he’s worth it anymore. My heart was tortured along with his. The gut-wrenching pain he puts himself through on a daily basis, continually made tears drop off my face. I just wanted to reach out and tell him it’s OK to heal, it’s OK to forgive yourself, it’s OK to let go!
Sage is a beautiful soul who is also tortured by tragic events that left her all alone in an instant. But what she sees in Ash is someone that she could possibly fall in love with and give her heart to if he’d only let her.
The connection and pull Ash and Sage feel whenever they are around each other, was undeniable. Sometimes it was a little bit toxic, but their chemistry was off the charts, and they knew just what each other needed. Their desires oozed off the pages and had me completely melting. It was delicious in every way.
This was a beautifully and poignantly written story with some dark topics that won’t be for everyone. I was riveted to my seat, biting my nails with anxiety over all of the untruths coming from Ash, and desperately hoping for at least some sort of happy ending. I know it won’t be easy for either of them after what they go through but these are two characters who definitely deserve it.
This story is raw, gritty, extremely emotional, and at times very heartbreaking but through all of that darkness and pain we get a beautiful ending to a story that will forever hold a place in my heart.
OMG! This was a heavy, heavy emotional story. I don’t think there was one moment when I didn’t feel an ache in my stomach, or a pain in my heart from what was transpiring right in front of my eyes. There were so many tragic moments that were slowly revealed to us, but there are also many beautiful moments in-between.
Ash is such a tortured soul. He carries around his demons from his past, never wanting to let them go for fear that he will move on when he feels deeply that he needs to be punished every day for what he did. Ash doesn’t want to let anyone into his heart because he doesn’t feel he’s worth it anymore. My heart was tortured along with his. The gut-wrenching pain he puts himself through on a daily basis, continually made tears drop off my face. I just wanted to reach out and tell him it’s OK to heal, it’s OK to forgive yourself, it’s OK to let go!
Sage is a beautiful soul who is also tortured by tragic events that left her all alone in an instant. But what she sees in Ash is someone that she could possibly fall in love with and give her heart to if he’d only let her.
The connection and pull Ash and Sage feel whenever they are around each other, was undeniable. Sometimes it was a little bit toxic, but their chemistry was off the charts, and they knew just what each other needed. Their desires oozed off the pages and had me completely melting. It was delicious in every way.
This was a beautifully and poignantly written story with some dark topics that won’t be for everyone. I was riveted to my seat, biting my nails with anxiety over all of the untruths coming from Ash, and desperately hoping for at least some sort of happy ending. I know it won’t be easy for either of them after what they go through but these are two characters who definitely deserve it.
This story is raw, gritty, extremely emotional, and at times very heartbreaking but through all of that darkness and pain we get a beautiful ending to a story that will forever hold a place in my heart.
May 2, 2023
Faded by @c.a_mariah ARC review
Please check TW before reading this book
This book three in the Without you series
Words can't even begin to describe all of the thoughts and feelings I have for this book. Honestly I don't even know how to put my words into this review.
This book follows Ash and Sage. Two broken people who are just trying to heal and find the love they both deserve.
Ash has not been the same since he lost her, he has been the shell of the person he once was. He has completely shut himself off.
Sage just wants to find love, she wants someone to call her own.
While I was reading this I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and I do not regret a single second of it! This story pulled at my heart strings. My heart was breaking for these characters the things they were dealing with and trying to heal from just had me feeling all kinds of things.
I knew from reading Hunted and Salvation that I was going to love Ash but after reading this book he holds a special place in my heart! ♥️ There were so many moments where I wanted to reach into this book and hug these characters and tell them they were going to be okay!
#books #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #darkromancereads #darkromancebooks #darkromance #arcreader #arcreader #bookstagram #kindle #kindleunlimited
Please check TW before reading this book
This book three in the Without you series
Words can't even begin to describe all of the thoughts and feelings I have for this book. Honestly I don't even know how to put my words into this review.
This book follows Ash and Sage. Two broken people who are just trying to heal and find the love they both deserve.
Ash has not been the same since he lost her, he has been the shell of the person he once was. He has completely shut himself off.
Sage just wants to find love, she wants someone to call her own.
While I was reading this I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and I do not regret a single second of it! This story pulled at my heart strings. My heart was breaking for these characters the things they were dealing with and trying to heal from just had me feeling all kinds of things.
I knew from reading Hunted and Salvation that I was going to love Ash but after reading this book he holds a special place in my heart! ♥️ There were so many moments where I wanted to reach into this book and hug these characters and tell them they were going to be okay!
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April 7, 2023
4.25 Stars! 🤍
Having read Hunted and Salvation i was so glad to find out that there was going to be more from this world! I've been looking forward to Faded ever since. I picked it up and got right back into the Without You world. I really enjoyed this story so much!
I've been so wanting to get to dig into Ash's mind and Sage's as well so i was happy to find out that they were getting their very own book!
Ash and Sage's journey pulled my heart and i in and didn't let go! Ash has suffered through a loss that forever changed his life. Sage wants someone of her own. As these two are brought into each other's orbit there's no denying the attraction, but when it comes to their hearts, will they end up taking a chance and opening up together?
Both Ash and Sage had my undivided attention from start to finish! My heart broke in many different ways for both of these characters. They'd been through things in their lives that got to me and the humanness that brought to both of them had me falling even more. It isn't easy for these two and everything they tackle hit me right in the chest. From their chemistry to everything between them, these two had me going through various emotions throughout reading!
Light can break through the darkness and sometimes that comes in the form of a person which Ash and Sage's journey sure showed. These two and their story will stay with you!
With Faded, Ms.Mariah has created such a great and dark read that had my heart feeling every bit! She doesn't shy away from the tough and the realness that pours from the pages and her characters gets to me each and every time. 🤍
This story touches on certain subjects so be sure to read the author's note / content warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Having read Hunted and Salvation i was so glad to find out that there was going to be more from this world! I've been looking forward to Faded ever since. I picked it up and got right back into the Without You world. I really enjoyed this story so much!
I've been so wanting to get to dig into Ash's mind and Sage's as well so i was happy to find out that they were getting their very own book!
Ash and Sage's journey pulled my heart and i in and didn't let go! Ash has suffered through a loss that forever changed his life. Sage wants someone of her own. As these two are brought into each other's orbit there's no denying the attraction, but when it comes to their hearts, will they end up taking a chance and opening up together?
Both Ash and Sage had my undivided attention from start to finish! My heart broke in many different ways for both of these characters. They'd been through things in their lives that got to me and the humanness that brought to both of them had me falling even more. It isn't easy for these two and everything they tackle hit me right in the chest. From their chemistry to everything between them, these two had me going through various emotions throughout reading!
Light can break through the darkness and sometimes that comes in the form of a person which Ash and Sage's journey sure showed. These two and their story will stay with you!
With Faded, Ms.Mariah has created such a great and dark read that had my heart feeling every bit! She doesn't shy away from the tough and the realness that pours from the pages and her characters gets to me each and every time. 🤍
This story touches on certain subjects so be sure to read the author's note / content warning.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
April 7, 2023
"𝐈 𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
I have been waiting for this Ash’s story since book one of this series, and I can honestly say it was worth the wait.
Like her first two books in the series, this book is dark with heavy triggers. So make sure you check that out first before reading ahead.
Ash and Sage’s story was not an easy read. Nor was it all sunshine and butterflies on their road to happiness.
Because how can we get over those we love when they’re taken away from us? Either by someone else or.. or by our own hands..
Two flawed and broken souls just trying to escape their demons. Yet their demons find comfort with each other.
Their story was raw and insanely beautiful, painfully so. You can not help but feel your heart break for these characters and what they go through. I wanted to fight all their demons and wrap them in the safety of my arms.
THIS book. THIS series, to be exact, is how I fell in love with this author’s writing and story telling. The array of emotions you go through when reading her books is… well, an experience. I don’t know how else to explain it. Lol. I’m already having a hard time trying to write this as it is, haha. It just doesn’t do it justice. *cries*
So yes, I highly recommend reading this book, SERIES. Please.
*ARC for honest review.
I have been waiting for this Ash’s story since book one of this series, and I can honestly say it was worth the wait.
Like her first two books in the series, this book is dark with heavy triggers. So make sure you check that out first before reading ahead.
Ash and Sage’s story was not an easy read. Nor was it all sunshine and butterflies on their road to happiness.
Because how can we get over those we love when they’re taken away from us? Either by someone else or.. or by our own hands..
Two flawed and broken souls just trying to escape their demons. Yet their demons find comfort with each other.
Their story was raw and insanely beautiful, painfully so. You can not help but feel your heart break for these characters and what they go through. I wanted to fight all their demons and wrap them in the safety of my arms.
THIS book. THIS series, to be exact, is how I fell in love with this author’s writing and story telling. The array of emotions you go through when reading her books is… well, an experience. I don’t know how else to explain it. Lol. I’m already having a hard time trying to write this as it is, haha. It just doesn’t do it justice. *cries*
So yes, I highly recommend reading this book, SERIES. Please.
*ARC for honest review.
April 15, 2023
Such an emotional dark masterpiece!! Absolutely loved this book!!
It definitely choked me up!!!
Love your writing, CA Mariah!!!
It definitely choked me up!!!
Love your writing, CA Mariah!!!
April 26, 2023
It was a difficult read, but I loved the characters and the growth was worth it.
April 9, 2025
Ash and sage ❤️🩹🔒
December 8, 2025
Goosebumps. Tears. Smiles. THE FUCKING WORKS 😭
April 7, 2023
“How dare I bleed when you don’t get that chance. But if it must happen, then let it rain.”
Oh, Ash… my heart absolutely breaks as I think about writing this review. This was a HIGHLY anticipated book since we met Ash in Hunted. His character is extremely broken (almost beyond remain), he’s an addict, he’s insanely sensual… he’s just… Ash. Anything C.A. Mariah wants to write that has Ash in it, I’ll happily read it. And then re-read it.
“She was his first love, but you’re his goddamn dream.”
Ash and Sage just seem to click and it’s hard not to fall in love with their messy love-story. Sage just wants to love him with everything she has, but he doesn’t feel as if he deserves her love and that’s just heartbreaking.
Faded really sucked me in and has a serious hold on me. Everything that happened in this book had me holding my breath, flipping the pages on my Kindle like a mad person. Pretty sure I didn’t breathe until I finished this book. Major book-hangover after finishing this book TWICE.
C.A. Mariah really has a way of making you feel all the anguish that occurred. She puts you into the story, instead of just telling you the story. An author that can do that kind of thing is the best kind.
“I’ll always make time for you, darling.”
Even though their story wasn’t an easy one… both Sage and Ash had horrendous pasts, both experience a lot of loss… their love for one another was beautiful. Especially once they both stopped being dumbasses and just accepted that they worked better together.
This review isn’t doing this book justice. I’m really having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Faded is a must-read book. It’ll forever live rent free in my head and I’m absolutely okay with that.
Oh, Ash… my heart absolutely breaks as I think about writing this review. This was a HIGHLY anticipated book since we met Ash in Hunted. His character is extremely broken (almost beyond remain), he’s an addict, he’s insanely sensual… he’s just… Ash. Anything C.A. Mariah wants to write that has Ash in it, I’ll happily read it. And then re-read it.
“She was his first love, but you’re his goddamn dream.”
Ash and Sage just seem to click and it’s hard not to fall in love with their messy love-story. Sage just wants to love him with everything she has, but he doesn’t feel as if he deserves her love and that’s just heartbreaking.
Faded really sucked me in and has a serious hold on me. Everything that happened in this book had me holding my breath, flipping the pages on my Kindle like a mad person. Pretty sure I didn’t breathe until I finished this book. Major book-hangover after finishing this book TWICE.
C.A. Mariah really has a way of making you feel all the anguish that occurred. She puts you into the story, instead of just telling you the story. An author that can do that kind of thing is the best kind.
“I’ll always make time for you, darling.”
Even though their story wasn’t an easy one… both Sage and Ash had horrendous pasts, both experience a lot of loss… their love for one another was beautiful. Especially once they both stopped being dumbasses and just accepted that they worked better together.
This review isn’t doing this book justice. I’m really having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. Faded is a must-read book. It’ll forever live rent free in my head and I’m absolutely okay with that.
May 9, 2023
I dnf’d after 36% it was all over the place and the characters were frustrating. I wanted to like this but just couldn’t.
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