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London Lies #1

Fade to Blank

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Listening Length: 8 hours and 14 minutes.

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.

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 27, 2020

45 people are currently reading
243 people want to read

About the author

C.F. White

37 books224 followers
Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.

She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.

She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Demon.
207 reviews54 followers
November 15, 2021
I'm ruined for all books.

Absolutely ruined.

This book is a slow burn and I read it then read the other two books and the whole series without even stopping to review the book. That says it all, doesn't it?
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,069 reviews517 followers
August 11, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


There were so many things I liked about Fade to Blank and it was one of those books that hit a lot of high notes for me. The book opens with Jackson in prison for a murder he did not commit. Jackson was the celebrity that everybody knew and rarely a day went by where he wasn’t in the gossip pages. His parents pushed him into the career and he was part of a management team where every move was calculated. He made everyone a lot of money, but has nothing left himself and now no one wants to talk to him and everyone thinks he is guilty. Jackson knows he needs to prove his innocence, and he needs to get the media back on his side to do that.

This book was character driven, as we get a great sense of both Fletcher and Jackson and even a bit of Heston, and it was also plot driven, with the murder and a look into the celebrity machine that Jackson had no way out of. The relationship here is a slow burn for many reasons as the men are hesitant to like each other, let alone trust each other.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

Profile Image for yaishin.
904 reviews118 followers
December 27, 2021
The book basically convinced me never to set foot in the entertainment industry 🤡. I was kinda wary going in and the rocky beginning didn't do it any factors but by the time I was halfway in I could not turn the pages any faster.
Profile Image for Lou Sylvre.
Author 29 books130 followers
August 11, 2020
I admit I had a difficult time waffling between 4 stars or 5 on the rating. The primary reason I contemplated four stars is because I prefer to find at least one of the main characters empathetic (likable and credible) from page one. For me, that didn't happen here. Yet—to the author's credit—I still felt compelled to find out "what happens next." Somewhere before the 20% mark, I found myself warming to the characters, and soon I was completely invested in them and their story. The story is an original take on rock-star romance, and quite a suspense run, which made the book hard to put down. I spent some time reading it when I should have been doing my own work, or possibly sleeping! With one caveat, I'll say it was absolutely worth losing sleep. That caveat? The next book is sorely needed. No spoilers, but I'm satisfied with the development of the romance, at this point, but there's no true resolution to the "troubles" in the story. Looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Paula´s  Brief Review.
1,172 reviews16 followers
March 10, 2023
Voy a ser la oveja negra pero en mi sincera opinión este es el mejor ejemplo de cómo cargarse una buena historia por no parar a tiempo.
Esta mujer se dijo a sí misma, "tengo una buena idea y voy a ponerla por escrito pero para qué hacerlo en un libro de 400pg si ahora lo que se llevan son las trilogías ?"... Y nos plantó tres libros que son demasiado para lo que ella quiere contar, así que rellenó con descripciones y pensamientos y diálogos que no van a ningún sitio ni aportan mucho "hasta el infinito y más allá!" Y rellenó y rellenó y así solo consiguió matarme de aburrimiento.
Hay un momento en el tercero en que en una página resumen todo lo que les ha pasado a estos dos y acabas pensando ¡Vayas sarta de tonterías ! Y yo me lo he leído todo.
He de reconocer que NUNCA me había saltado tantos párrafos de un libro como en el último de esta serie.
368 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2020
5++++ stars

Top notch. Fucking amazing. A proper read. Give. Me. MORE.

If it's not obvious yet. I loved this book. Albeit it's unusual because it 1) cliffhanger 2) our MC's didn't knock boots throughout the book even BUT I hardly noticed because I was so immersed with the events I didn't really need it.

Though we definitely do in book 2. Definitely.

Let’s start with a summary of the MC's

Fletcher: our Irish farm boy who moved to London to be a writerbut instead stuck in a magazine writing gossip columns kiss-and-tell and the latest bullshit scandals. Fletcher is dating Heston *douche bag cough cough* who's more twice his age and got some serious sugar baby kink even though we're repeatedly told their relationship isn't like that. All Fletcher wants is to stop writing gossip, get paid enough that he can contribute rent and income with his Heston, and be a good boyfriend.

Jackson (Jax): I'm gonna be biased here and tell you right away Jackson is my favourite character, and will probably be yours too. Jackson is a fallen celebrity star. Six months ago his girlfriend was found dead in his house and he got tossed in prison without a trial. Six months later he's out temporarily and facing the wrath of London. Clearly fallen from grace, Jackson is determined to clear his name and tell his story in his own voice. To do that he decided to write an exclusive autobiography about his life and behind the scenes behind the Hollywood film industry. Jackson is determined to find his own voice after years of being oppressed and silenced.

What’s the catch? He needs convince Fletcher to write for him. He needs to convince him to listen to the side of the story of the most hated man in London, and he needs to do it fast before things unravel, before the true murder of his girlfriend comes sniffing and silence him for good.

This story is full of surprises. It's crazy well written. The plot is brilliant and carefully woven for you to unwrap. It has mystery. It had action. It has angst. It has true connection. It has heartbreak and character development.

Yeah I’m definitely pre-ordering book two. I. am. Ready.
Profile Image for Rellim.
1,676 reviews44 followers
February 13, 2021
2/13/2021 - Relisten because book 3 is out!

11/2/2020 - 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.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
December 12, 2020
Good suspense

Took me a while to get into this, as the story seemed to move rather slowly but I didn’t realize the story was continuing in the next book. Cliffhanger. So far, I’m invested in learning what happened with Jax. Fletcher wasn’t very likable at first but both characters are still developing.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
894 reviews57 followers
July 26, 2020
First of all... this book (book 1 in the London Lies series) ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so be warned! That being said, this book was a ride!!! It's been a while since I read a book that ratcheted up to such a mystery! I was totally hooked!

Jackson Young used to be a reality TV show host. He used to be one of the beautiful people. His money was managed for him, his partners were arranged for him, his life was perfect. Now, at the beginning of the novel, Jackson has been released from jail. He was being held for the murder of his own girlfriend.

Things can change on a dime! One day Jackson was living on top of the world - at least outwardly - and then everything was taken from him. The last thing he remembers is punching a reporter for a gossip magazine. Then nothing... until he awakened to find his girlfriend in the next room strangled to death.

Fletcher Doherty is trying to make a career for himself as a writer. He's only working at the gossip magazine to pay the bills while he gets used to London. His partner, Heston is an actor and is basically keeping a roof over his head. The out of the blue, Jackson shows up and asks him if he wants to write "his" side of the story.

The story? That's what actually happened to Jackson's girlfriend. What leads to her murder? Who committed the murder? What secrets does Jackson have that no one knows? Fletcher is faced with a choice. He can continue to believe the things that he has written about Jackson, or he can pursue the story and possibly write a best seller about the life of an actor who has fallen from grace.

As the two men begin to talk, they uncover a web of lies and deceit that is much more complex than they could have known. Fletcher begins to question everything, unsure of what to believe, and even finds himself questioning his own relationship and what may happen between the two of them.

The two main characters are well-written and I found that I liked them both. Oddly enough, I felt sympathy for Jackson right away even though he can come off as being quite unsympathetic at times. The author balanced the two characters well.

The pacing in this book is excellent! I was drawn right in and read the entire thing in one day. I was surprised when I reached the end of the book. As I wrote earlier, there is a cliff hanger at the end of this book. As it's book one in a series, I'm happy to say that I'll be in line to get the next book! For those of you who may be put off by a typical cliffhanger... there is a bit of resolution but the mystery of what happened certainly hasn't been solved.
Profile Image for RACHEL REED.
950 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
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!

(I received an arc and voluntarily left a review)
Profile Image for Lulu.
1,135 reviews21 followers
December 27, 2020
good to read something different

Story: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 9
Secondary characters: 7
Mystery: goodness where to start!
Sexual tension: 4
Humor: 2
Hotness: 3
Product placement: 3
Ridiculousness: ?
Annoying: 2
Suspense: 10
Audio: 10
Ending: hmmm
To re-read: 9

This is a trilogy, didn't know that going in else I would have waited for all audiobooks to be released.
Anyway, the book was different that I expect. There were many twists and turns I wasn't sure where to look. Also not sure the significant of setting the book in 1999, but they maybe the author just wanted so.

I thought Jax will get out of jailed. We will spend some chapters figuring out if he did it or someone else and why..what we get is much bigger and crazier. It's more of a suspense book that a romantic one. There were many characters, many of them were just awful.
I only listen to the book, without the benefit of the kindle version; so I can't tell about any errors

anyway, need to read the rest of the series
Profile Image for Anna.
961 reviews17 followers
May 20, 2021
Three hundred plus pages of lies, deceit and suspense! Get this series and start right here.
I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t like Jackson at all in the beginning and I thought that Fletcher needed a backbone. I was wrong and these are definitely two of the strongest men that I’ve read about in a very long time!
Extremely highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Linda Reads Audiobooks.
268 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2025
5 stars, and I wish I could give more!

Wow wow wow. Great pacing, exciting, kind of a thriller/mystery/slow burn romance, gah! Thank goodness I don't read incomplete series and can go directly to book 2!

From what I read, C.F. White's books vary in quality, but this one was outstanding. Flawed, damaged but with a heart of gold MC for the win! That trope can be kind of cheaply done; throw in a terrible childhood, damage done with no connection to the plot. Jackson's difficult past is an integral part of the plot. Fletcher is wonderful as well. The enemies to lovers trope is extremely well done.

There was so much going on, all of it 100% necessary for the story and easy to follow, despite the complexity of the situation. White ratcheted up the tension bit by little bit so effectively that by the end, I was at the edge of my seat!

Audiobook: Piers Ryman is now firmly on my go-to list for narrators. He's fantastic. I hope he can break into some of the better-known authors, because he deserves to be running with the big dogs. This 3-book series is available on Audible as a boxed set.
Profile Image for Wangari.
1,690 reviews
August 3, 2020
I didn’t realise this would have a second book so I kept wondering how I was at page 400 and nothing seemed to be happening... got bored by it all in the end
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,177 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2020
3.5 Stars

I was really excited about this book, the premise definitely caught my attention and I loved the idea of the mystery/romance between Fletcher and Jackson. I really enjoyed the last third of this book, but it was a bit of a slow build up for me. I was very curious as to what really happened that night between Jackson and his girlfriend, why it was that he chose Fletcher to tell his story. And honestly, I don't really feel like I got much in the way of any answers. I understand that this is the first book of the series and it's setting the scene for more, but it felt a bit drawn out to me. I definitely want to continue on with this series, I want to know more I just hope that it starts coming together more.

Jackson has been held in jail for the last six months, accused of the murder of his girlfriend. He's released after finding out they do not have enough evidence to go to trial, but he hasn't been cleared of the crime and has nothing left from his former celebrity, party-boy life. Fletcher left Ireland to become a writer, he's currently working for a celebrity tabloid magazine hoping for his big break while also playing arm candy for his much older, stage actor boyfriend. The opportunity of a lifetime comes along when Jackson wants Fletcher to write his story, but it's not as simple as just telling his truths.

Again, I loved the idea of this story and I liked Jackson and Fletcher, especially together. They seem to have a connection, even though there is so much other stuff going on. A lot of this story is the build up of Fletcher's decision to write Jackson's book and trying to develop the trust between the two of them. There are a lot of distractions though, Fletcher is being pulled in multiple directions. I will say that I loathed Fletcher's boyfriend, Heston, right from the start. There was nothing redeeming to him at all. There are a lot of bizarre relationships in this book, unraveling their connections seemed to be a pretty significant theme. I'm really ready to hear Jackson't actual story and see how the relationship between him and Fletcher develops. Overall, this was a bit long and drawn out for me, but I am curious to see where this is going and will certainly pick up the next book.
Profile Image for Gabbi Grey.
Author 80 books265 followers
February 6, 2021
The Cliffhangar left me wanting more (an audio review)

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 asshole. 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…

Profile Image for M. B..
116 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2025
Fletcher, 24, journalist, Irish
Jackson, 30, TV actor

Whatever made me think I could get over my book hangover from CF White with reading another book written by them.
At least this time the whole series is published and I can read it back to back.
Not that it shattered me any less, but at least I can continue with the story.

This book is slow burn again. I should’ve know.
At least I can savor it more, because I’m prepared for the heartache.

Jackson got released from prison for lack of evidence. He supposedly killed his girlfriend.
He’s a famous actor and basically everyone in London and their cat knows him.
To clear his name he wants Fletcher to write his biography.
Fletcher moved to London from an Irish farm to pursue his dream of being a journalist. So far he ended up in a job writing gossip. He’s living with his 23-year older (scumback) boyfriend.
I had my doubts at first how that could be a good starting point for their relationship, but it worked out pretty well.

In this book nothing is as it seems.
It was really interesting to see everything unravel. You get a sense of that something more, something bigger is pulling the strings behind the scenes, but it takes a while for it all come into light and I’m not sure if we’re even at the bottom yet.
Jackson’s whole life seemed to be integrated by someone else. First his parents, than some management team and that somehow ended him in prison in the first place.
The web is pretty far reaching, as many side characters get involved in some way or another.

Poor Fletcher and Jackson can’t get a breather in because one shit after another peels up.
Just when you thought they finally get a minute, something else came up.
Just when you thought maaaybe there could be a step forward for them and all the heat sizzling between them.
Profile Image for Louisa Mae.
Author 23 books60 followers
July 26, 2020
I was lucky enough to get a sneaky peek at this book, and all I can say is WOW!

This is book one in the series so I didn't expect to get any real answers given how this story will play and unfold over the three books, but what I did get was writing which packed a punch and from the moment he appeared on the page, I felt for Jackson, languishing in prison awaiting trial for the murder of his girlfriend. The question is, did he do it?

The emotions were real, and I wanted to reach through the screen and comfort him, which shows the skill of the author to be able to create such a connection.

Enter Fletcher, the cheeky Irish lad who's writing gossip for a magazine, attending the opening of various envelopes in the hope of getting his big story break, and also someone who Jackson hates with a passion due to a previous encounter. Fletcher's life isn't all sunshine and roses, and that brings us to Heston, his boyfriend who I disliked the moment he appeared on the page.

When Jackson offers Fletcher the scoop of his career, a no holds barred exclusive book deal where he'll tell all is the catalyst for alot of the drama and intrigue, and this unlikely duo seem to be fighting their attraction to each other but we all know it's pointless but fun to watch them!

Just when you think you've got a handle on who is behind the murder, CF White, blindsides you and throws another curve-ball your way.

I'm a fairly new reader to C.F White's work having recently devoured the District Line series, and I am so happy to have found her!

Needless to say I'm really looking forward to reading more, and unravelling this intriguing mystery.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
July 29, 2020
Fade to Black is a wonderful thriller/romance by CF White. The first book in the London Lies series, it sets the reader up for anxiously awaiting the next release.

This story starts with Jackson being released from prison. As tough as that is for anyone, it is tougher for Jackson as both he and his now deceased girlfriend are famous.

This is a story with an intricate mystery and a reporter caught in between both worlds as he falls for his subject.

Jackson's background is well developed over time, making him an extremely lovable character. Oh how I love him and wish I could save him.

Then there's Fletcher, the reporter whose whole life is not his own, searching for the truth. Jackson has no memory of what happened that night. But as the men get to know one another, things clearly come to light that not everything is as it seems.

This is a story with danger, action, and intrigue. It's a story of backstabbing and affairs, as well as manipulation and control. The writing is fabulous as all of this is carried out.

As for the relationship, the chemistry between the two is hot. The developing relationship between the two is delightful in that it's forbidden and is definitely a conflict of interest.

Fade to Black does leaves off with a cliffhanger. If the whole series is this good, this London Lies series will be fantastic. I am excited to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,395 reviews18 followers
July 26, 2020
While it took me a couple chapters to adjust to this author's writing style, once I did I was thoroughly impressed with this fantastic mystery! Though some of this book's characters are gay, I wouldn't call this a romance--it's more of an exciting murder mystery novel with a dash of heat here and there.

Jackson and Fletcher weren't immediately likable characters to me, but they slowly won me over as I unraveled bits and pieces of their lives. I found myself completely drawn in, captivated by the secretive celebrities and overarching management that seemed to pull all the strings. The pacing of this story was perfect--fast enough that I stayed invested in the characters and didn't get bored with a slew of details, and slow enough that I was on the edge of my seat, waiting with each suspense-filled breath for the answers to reveal themselves. My only complaint--and it's not really a complaint--is that this book ends without the mystery being solved! While we do get several juicy reveals and some epic showdowns, I'm absolutely dying to find out what happens next! What's Jackson's big revelation? Will they make it safely to their destination? Who's really behind all of this?? I have my suspicions, but not nearly enough proof to satisfy myself without reading the next book in this series!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,069 reviews65 followers
October 4, 2020
❤A good start but an intriguing one as Jackson is released from jail. 6 months before the night of the murder he was with Fletcher having an disagreement before Jackson’s girl was killed.

There re-meeting wasn’t exacting a friendly one but Jackson needed him to write his bio story. Jacksons desperate for help while Fletcher is stuck with a decision to make. Fletcher's boyfriend I didn’t like at all in this.. god poor Fletcher once Jackson made his appearance things just snowballed from there. Including twists early that could make the rest of the book very interesting....yah I was glued. The book has lots happening and the mystery remains ending in a mini cliffhanger HFN as it continues to the next book as he remembers the night. This is a mystery book with a slow romance between the characters at least in this one. Both POVs included.

Jackson was jailed for a murder he didn’t commit. Being released without proper evidence he was free but still the No 1 suspect of killing his girlfriend. Fletcher 30 yrs was a gossip columnist for a magazine in London. Fletcher life was about to combust with work and personnel events ahead.
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,611 reviews
October 22, 2020
Wow, I was totally captivated from the first page! This was such a wild ride which packed in so much: prison, a murder / mystery, lost memory, media celebrities, gossip magazine stories, conspiracy, armed goons, and two confused cute guys caught up in it all. A-list celebrity, Jackson Young’s name is mud after being charged with his girlfriend’s murder. When he approaches Fletcher Doherty, one of his chief tabloid critics to write his side of the story, Fletcher isn’t prepared for the mayhem and danger that follows. CF White has created another great series with compelling characters and a riveting plot. Within the first couple of chapters I was rubbing my hands with anticipation of where this story would take me. The book ends on a small cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next instalment. 🎧 Piers Ryman is always good but he outdoes himself here, especially with Fletcher’s charming Irish accent. His pacing and emotive narration were pitch perfect and I love to hate his ‘baddy’ voices - they can be so smarmy, arrogant, or ooze menace!
—————————-
Note: The author generously provided me with a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I’m so glad she did!
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,769 reviews41 followers
November 10, 2020
Audio review:

Performance – 5
Story – 5
Overall – 5

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.
Profile Image for J.
3,104 reviews50 followers
August 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this story until I finished it, found it was a cliffhanger and then couldn't find any mention when or even if the 2nd book was coming , very frustrating.

The MC's are a gossip reporter and, the other, half of a famous TV star duo who has been an actor since he was a child. The TV star's girlfriend is found dead by the actor in the actor's house and he is immediately a suspect. The star was dead drunk that night and can't remember anything (except punching the TV reporter earlier in the evening for a bad review of one of his performances.)

Instead of bail, the actor is sent to jail to wait for his trial and while more evidence is obtained. But, during the six months he is imprisoned, no new evidence of guilt is found and he is released because of insufficient evidence. But, the six months in prison has pretty much ruined him physically, mentally and career wise. The actor wants the world to know he is innocent and to also tell the whole sordid story of being a child actor. So he looks up the TV reporter he decked thinking he was honest enough to knock his performance (most reporters wouldn't have) with hopes that he will write his life story as the actor wants it told and also prove his innocence.

A good start to the story, now I just have to track down Book #2.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,001 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2020
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.
Profile Image for JuJu.
196 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
👬📸 Fade To Blank 📸👬
🅘🅕 🅕🅛🅔🅣🅒🅗🅔🅡 🅦🅐🅢 🅛🅔🅐🅓🅘🅝🅖 🅗🅘🅜 🅣🅞 🅗🅘🅢 🅓🅔🅐🅣🅗, 🅙🅐🅒🅚🅢🅞🅝 🅦🅞🅤🅛🅓 🅦🅘🅛🅛🅘🅝🅖🅛🅨 🅕🅞🅛🅛🅞🅦.
I won't go over the blurb as you can read in the description. 🧐🤔
🅛🅞🅝🅓🅞🅝 🅛🅘🅔🅢
1. Fade To Blank - Jackson & Fletcher
2. Hide To Seek
3. Bring To Light
Audio is available for the complete series.
I love brand new series. 😍
Who doesn't love an MM series! 😍
I loved how C.F.White put this story together it had the right balance of angst love & spice! 🌶️❤️
I really did feel for Jackson & the world he built & watched fall, then built himself up again with Fletcher's support. 💪❤️
The narration was so well done that it made the story so real. 🎧
Thank you, C.F.White💐
Narrator Piers Ryman thoroughly enjoyed his accent swoon worthy. Thank you🎧
Story 📚📚📚📚
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶
Narration 👄 👄 👄 👄
#FadeToBlank #LondonLies #C.F.White #Narrator #PiersRyman #JacksonAndFletcher #MM #Actor #Reporter #Action #Angst #Adult #Triggers #GreatStart #Audiobooks #TW
Profile Image for Thais.
Author 2 books12 followers
November 6, 2020
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 for 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.
317 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2020
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… Recommended!
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