The Piece That Fades

Offstage #3

by N.J. Gray

Hazel Prescott never expected to find herself starting over. Waiting on the paperwork to finalize her divorce, she’s trying to make sense of the blank canvas that is now her future. Every plan she once had is gone, and her idea of love is tainted. Crashing on her friend’s couch with an overweight orange cat she’s highly allergic to isn’t ideal either, until a chance encounter with a handsome drummer changes everything.

Despite his intimidating appearance—tall, muscular, and tattooed from head-to-toe—Milton Tickett (Tic), drummer for A Quiet Peril, is a total softie who always has a smile on his face. While chaotic, his life as a rockstar is predictable and consistent—until he finds himself saving a pretty, green-eyed girl at one of his shows.

One kiss leads to a blossoming connection neither of them could have expected, but Hazel isn’t ready to let anyone new in. Yearning to be near her again and make her smile, Tic does little to hide his affection toward her, including showing up at her tattoo shop, ready to let her tattoo every last blank spot just to get more time with her. Hazel finds her resolve weakening when he presents an offer she can’t refuse—to house sit while he’s away on tour, giving her the reprieve she desperately needs.

It seems the harder she fights it, the harder she’s falling. Piece by piece, Milton shows her what it is to truly be seen by someone and feel love again. But when her past keeps returning, trying to tear down the fragile wounds she’s worked so hard to heal from, she must find the strength to fight for what she wants most—a gentle love that makes even the deepest scars fade.

Genres: Found Family, Romance

Unknown Binding

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

N.J. Gray is a #1 Amazon Bestselling romance author, dog mom, cool auntie, and dessert enthusiast. She writes angsty, hard-fought romance novels with tattooed MMCs to swoon over and empowered FMCs that you can root for. Her raw and heartfelt stories will latch onto your soul and never let go. When she’s not writing you can find her watching hockey, reading under a pile of blankets, or walking her rescue dog, Korra. She writes from her home in Minnesota. Please visit her at www.instagram.com/thenjgray.

Reviews

[Rachel Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The excitement I felt when I got this book in my hands... The Offstage Series has got to be one of my favorite series that I have ever read. I devoured the first two books but stalking the Amazon delivery dude yesterday was unreal. Tic's book. Milton's freaking book. N.J. Gray has not only made a lifelong reader out of me but a fan of a fictional band that doesn't even exist. Where do I get my A Quiet Peril album? Ticket. I don't live too far away from Manchester... I can make that journey.

I wanted to take my time with this book and I really did but once I got started with it I couldn't stop. It wasn't until I saw back page I was like WTF... No more freaking pages. I even double checked. The first book was Avery & Liam. Second book was Logan & Danny. The third book is Milton & Hazel's book. And just like the other two in the series... I cannot recommend this book or series enough.

The Piece That Fades covers a lot of sensitive topics in this book such as domestic and emotional abuse in a marriage between Hazel and her now ex-husband. It's not just a romance story but a survival story and empowerment. Finding that inner strength and self worth. Accepting help and reassurance not only from Hazel's friends but from herself.

I thought N.J. Gray handled these topics respectfully and sensitively and still able to really get into the story. My heart broke for Hazel because of what happened to her and how even though Milton had only met her, he was protective over her right from the very start. A sensitive soul and god I love my Milton so damn much.

Milton 'Tic' Tickett has raised the bar for fictional men. IMO that man can do no wrong. I mean what he did for her was so damn sweet that you can't help but fall in love with that man. He loves pets, he loves his bandmates kids, his band; music & the fans. He cooks. Am I wrong? He is the man that we ALL need. The connection between Tic and Hazel was so sweet and satisfying to read that they make the perfect couple. Bringing out the best of each other.

He is the perfect love interest because he ticks ALL of the boxes. Again, the man can do no wrong. So many scenes had me squealing. The motorcycle scenes was perfection. Think Lady Gaga & BC in ASIB. N.J Gray has created another masterpiece within this series. It was beautifully written, emotional and it really takes you on a journey that you feel glad to be part of.

I need the next book. If I could give this book more than 5 stars then I would. This book deserves 5 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

N. J. Gray has done it again. Everything she writes is so addictive and beautiful. From the moment I picked this book up, I was hooked.

I knew I would love Hazel and Milton but I was absolutely consumed by their love story.

This book fits so beautifully with the rest of the series but has some really difficult themes and uncomfortable scenes so please check trigger warnings before going into this one. I feel like Gray handled them really well and shed light on the importance of talking about domestic abuse and empowering survivors to share their stories.

Gray handled Hazel’s storyline so sensitively and I admire Hazel’s strength so much. She is definitely a contender for my new favourite main character because I just loved her. She climbed out of one of the most challenging situations to be in and fought for a better life for herself. I am so happy she found the love she deserves too.

I wasn’t expecting disability rep and was so happily surprised that Hazel’s hearing loss was explored in this story.

Milton was the perfect love interest and complemented Hazel so well. I have been so looking forward to getting to know him better and loved him from his first chapter! I loved watching him and Hazel fall in love slowly.

I had so much fun with this book, even with the difficult topics explored. I always love being back with these characters and I love that we got so much time with the rest of A Quiet Peril. I looooved all of the updates we got on Liam and Avery and Danny and Logan (as well as their little family). I hope we get a Lexi book in the future because I love that girl so much and I would never say no to being back in this world.

I also thought all of the new supporting characters were really strong. I loved Skylar and Genesis and fell in love with Sweets obviously!

My only problem is that I now have to wait to read the next N. J. Gray book. What a shame, it seems I’ll have to reread all of her other books🤭

[Izzy Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25☆

Hazel & Milton were destined for each other. the universe rewards good souls.
tic had a spot in my heart from the last books & I just loved how Solid and safe and sure he was!
hazel had been through the ringer but it was so nice watching her shine & find herself again.

the asl rep was nice and done well !
also shoutout to lexie for punching that douche ex ! I do think this band is actually family.

I just find these books a little too short and leave me wanting a bit more content to rate higher, but they also are really great for shorter books and do have depth

[Charlotte Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate that up! I could not put it down!

Hazel's story broke my heart she has the most forgiving heart and sees the best in everyone!

Milton is the most kindest sweetest soul ever! He fell head over heels for Hazel instantly and would do just about anything to keep her safe!

I love these books and the found family in them, it was nice to learn more about 'Tic' (Milton) and it did not disappoint! I loved it ❤️

[Jezebel Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd book to the Offstage series
I swear I always think I have a favorite from the series & the MC's just keep getting better
Tic & Hazels story was so good!
Tic is the drummer for the band & is trying to get used to living alone after 2 of his bandmates settle down with their loves.
Hazel is an amazing artist who is just getting out of toxic marriage.
I love how Tic is just a goner for Hazel when he sees her, the patience he has for her is amazing.
Also, I love how NJ makes the side characters so much fun in her stories. I was cackling at Lexie. And was obsessed with Sweets lol
Definitely a must read!

[nanisreadingcorner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I loved the characters more than the story. That said, I did enjoy this book and it was a quick read. It just felt rushed in my opinion. I do still prefer the first two of this series (The Piece that Breaks being my favorite)💚.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milton and Hazel are such beautiful characters that are fated to be together. It was so cute how they met and how they kept finding one another. This book is sweet, tense, spicy, suspenseful and romantic! 

I couldn't wait for this one and it did not disappoint! ❤️

[Coralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Beyond amazing read . I couldn’t stop reading till I was done of it . Loved it

[Ell O'D (this.littlelibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read, this series is such a guilty pleasure!

[ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ✨

To say that I’m very happy about getting another book in this series and Nicole finally releasing another one of her masterpieces, is to be honest an understatement. I adored this book so much and thought it was definitely one of the best books in the series. A rockstar romance always hits different and pair that trope with strangers to lovers and slow burn, I was a total goner for Hazel and Milton.

One thing I really love in rockstar romances is when the FMC is at one of the MMC’s concerts and he somehow notices her. And this happens in TPTF just wayyyyyy better because she and her friends get on stage and it’s the funniest and cutest thing ever. Hazel and Milton just have that intense and instant connection and chemistry that’s fricking off the charts.

Now The Piece That Fades covers a lot of sensitive bug important topics such as domestic and emotional abuse between Hazel and her ex-husband. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about what she had to endure and I’m so glad she got out of that relationship. Hazel’s also hard of hearing so that also played a part in it because her ex never once tried to learn sign language and properly communicate with her, which is totally douchebag behavior if you ask me!!!

But then comes Milton who’s the complete opposite. He’s sweet, wants to learn and is total swoon worthy. Tic is a overall great man and does his very best to make Hazel comfortable in a new relationship with him, when though she’s obviously reserved because of past trauma. I could go on and on about so many other aspects of this book but then the review would be way too long, sadly. But just know this is the biggest recommendation from me!

Thank you Nicole for my ARC!

🌼 What to expect:
— rockstar romance
— slow burn
— drummer x tattoo artist
— hard of hearing rep
— golden retriever MMC
— strangers to lovers
— love after divorce

[G Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship between Hazel and Milton moved at lighting speed, so fast it was hard to believe. I also felt it was extremely unlikely that he could become fluent in ASL over a 6 week period. I also didn’t understand how Devon the ex could understand everything she signed to him but didn’t sign back. There were a lot of loose ends/things that weren’t fully developed, I didn’t feel this way with the other two books in the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read

So I definitely loved all three books and now wish for more to the whole series cause I don't feel like this is finished yet but I am happy with how they went they aren't my normal kind of read but I am so glad I decided to give it a go cause it didn't disappoint thanks for the great stories and hopefully they get more to the rest of it really I would definitely be reading it when it came out!

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so disappointing. I loved the first two in the series and was really excited for this but it just didn’t hit the mark. The characters felt undeveloped and had no chemistry. They were barely on page together. We didn’t get nearly enough of the band. Only 1 scene with Lexi!

[Tiffany Kniefel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel is going thru a shitty divorce and ends up randomly meeting & falling for the drummer of a famous band. Her ex husband ends up beating her, but she’s able to get away. She ends up falling in love with the drummer and lives happily ever after.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending wrapped up way too fast without enough conflict resolution. Also, I don't think the timeline of becoming fluent in sign language was very realistic. But, otherwise, this was a great addition to the series.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was so mid. It had cute and funny moments but everything felt so rushed and out of nowhere. I couldn’t believe the strong feelings between them and I hated that because I truly liked the characters. The other books were so good, but idk about this one:(

[Steph Ladouceur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t care much for this one. I loved the first book and enjoyed the second book, but I couldn’t get into this one. 2.5-3 stars. I just didn’t connect with these characters and their story wasn’t very realistic or believable. But it still had its cute moments, so I guess ok overall.

[Annabelle Bryant · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the first two books in the series but this one was not it. I only made it a few chapters in but the second hand embarrassment I got from it was enough for me to stop reading

[Jenna Arter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute! But they only knew each other for like 3 weeks lol

[Tegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, I just wish there was more Milton and Hazel to read about.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good and definitely had me in my feelings. I love this series so much, it never misses. And N.J. Gray honestly does such a great job every time.

[Itziar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instalove, lo que me echa un poco para atrás… pero la ejecución es chef kiss. Para mi el final un tanto repentino, muy rápido

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read but it all happened a bit too fast and too smooth. I couldn’t really grasp the real connection between the protagonists and it all was just a bit too superficial somehow

[Madi Werning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally no story. Saying I love you after two interactions

[Michaela Wargula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Tic and this story. I thought Liam & Danny were good but Tic is a 12/10!!!