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Faded
Omar Weston thought he was going to have an uneventful summer...
After getting kicked out of his New York apartment because of a sordid indiscretion with his roommate’s fiancé, Omar high-tails it to sunny Southern California to regroup. He runs into his gorgeous ex-boyfriend Brent, and a dazzling former childhood playmate, Layla. Their reunion forces the sexy bisexual heartbreaker into some unexpected entanglements.
Brent Canales-Stapleson is a working-class stiff in the middle of opening his very own auto body shop. New business challenges are on the horizon, but they are nothing compared to reuniting with his cheating ex, Omar. Can time heal old wounds? Especially ones littered with heartache and trust issues?
Layla Maree is a Black goth who manages an erotic bookstore. A hook-up with her former childhood friend appears to be the perfect solution for her man drought. However, Brent throws a monkey wrench into her romantic pursuit of Omar, driving her to settle for a platonic friendship with a guy who could be her soul mate.
Bouncing between old love and new, Omar's life expands when he gives polyamory a try. He discovers that juggling two hearts might be better than one.
Be This book contains explicit sex (M/M, M/F), polyamory, recreational drug use, and the “N” word used by one character. In the words of Biggie “If ya don’t know, now ya know.”
After getting kicked out of his New York apartment because of a sordid indiscretion with his roommate’s fiancé, Omar high-tails it to sunny Southern California to regroup. He runs into his gorgeous ex-boyfriend Brent, and a dazzling former childhood playmate, Layla. Their reunion forces the sexy bisexual heartbreaker into some unexpected entanglements.
Brent Canales-Stapleson is a working-class stiff in the middle of opening his very own auto body shop. New business challenges are on the horizon, but they are nothing compared to reuniting with his cheating ex, Omar. Can time heal old wounds? Especially ones littered with heartache and trust issues?
Layla Maree is a Black goth who manages an erotic bookstore. A hook-up with her former childhood friend appears to be the perfect solution for her man drought. However, Brent throws a monkey wrench into her romantic pursuit of Omar, driving her to settle for a platonic friendship with a guy who could be her soul mate.
Bouncing between old love and new, Omar's life expands when he gives polyamory a try. He discovers that juggling two hearts might be better than one.
Be This book contains explicit sex (M/M, M/F), polyamory, recreational drug use, and the “N” word used by one character. In the words of Biggie “If ya don’t know, now ya know.”
- GenresAfrican American Romance
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
17 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Lisa B. Trinidad
1 book7 followersLisa B. Trinidad is a contemporary romance and speculative fiction writer. An avid San Diego, California beach bum and former surfer who still bodyboards occasionally, she has a great love for the history of surfing, Black cowboys, and Black Southern Folktales. A Hoodoo practitioner, and brand-new aloe vera plant mommy, she spends her personal time tending to her altar, reading non-fiction books about soul food, and catching her favorite Big Wave surfers online competing on oceans around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 8, 2022
Unique Triangle
This was more than I ever knew I could appreciate. I clutched my imaginary pearls so many times, I almost choked. Outstanding writing by this new author. The story pulled me in & I couldn't put it down. Omar was so passionate about every aspect of his life & the lack of answers and transparency had him feeling hurts he couldn't reconcile. His unique love for more than one person filled in the holes that left him empty. I truly enjoyed everything about this story and look forward to the next release! Great job!
This was more than I ever knew I could appreciate. I clutched my imaginary pearls so many times, I almost choked. Outstanding writing by this new author. The story pulled me in & I couldn't put it down. Omar was so passionate about every aspect of his life & the lack of answers and transparency had him feeling hurts he couldn't reconcile. His unique love for more than one person filled in the holes that left him empty. I truly enjoyed everything about this story and look forward to the next release! Great job!
January 9, 2022
❤️
Loved this new author!! You don’t read much about polyamorous relationships in urban fiction. It was a breathe of fresh air & I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Trinidad.
Loved this new author!! You don’t read much about polyamorous relationships in urban fiction. It was a breathe of fresh air & I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Trinidad.
September 2, 2023
Omar gets kicked out of his apartment in New York and makes his way home to San Diego to recharge and confront his past--in numerous ways. His ex boyfriend who still loves him that he can't stay away from, his next door neighbor who is catching his eye, and his parents, who he is ducking at every turn.
This book broke my heart and put it back together again. Omar's pain and fear was so obvious, so palpable on the page; I never thought he was as nonchalant as he seemed. That's a talented pen. He was maddening and complicated, but he was self-aware and honest. It was moving watching him rediscover himself and letting love help him do that. He was loyal too. His sexual escapades aside, when he knew what he wanted in his world, he protected it. Brent was a little whiny to me, but I understand being addicted. Omar was a force, and very mesmerizing (and I was only reading him, lol). The experience seemed heady and I got it. But he came into his own, and he got the love he wanted. Layla was a breath of fresh air, a breeze that blew in to open things up for everyone and she did. Her confidence was a balm for Omar and Brent, even when she stumbled in feeling it herself. It balanced the dynamic perfectly. Omar's resentment of his parents was a windy road--I was happy we only went so far and stopped. It was enough though. It was what you needed to understand him.
The passion was on point. The book was pretty hot. And I loved the way Omar's approach was the same, but still felt different depending on who he was with. He knew how to focus. And listen. That's talent too.
This book broke my heart and put it back together again. Omar's pain and fear was so obvious, so palpable on the page; I never thought he was as nonchalant as he seemed. That's a talented pen. He was maddening and complicated, but he was self-aware and honest. It was moving watching him rediscover himself and letting love help him do that. He was loyal too. His sexual escapades aside, when he knew what he wanted in his world, he protected it. Brent was a little whiny to me, but I understand being addicted. Omar was a force, and very mesmerizing (and I was only reading him, lol). The experience seemed heady and I got it. But he came into his own, and he got the love he wanted. Layla was a breath of fresh air, a breeze that blew in to open things up for everyone and she did. Her confidence was a balm for Omar and Brent, even when she stumbled in feeling it herself. It balanced the dynamic perfectly. Omar's resentment of his parents was a windy road--I was happy we only went so far and stopped. It was enough though. It was what you needed to understand him.
The passion was on point. The book was pretty hot. And I loved the way Omar's approach was the same, but still felt different depending on who he was with. He knew how to focus. And listen. That's talent too.
January 26, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: second chance romance, friends to lovers
TW/CW: use of the “N”, homophobia
Representation: poly relationship, black romance, MMF
Favorite quote: “I love you too. Both of you. I need you both or else I won’t make it. I don’t have anyone really in my corner except for you and her. If y’all can’t handle that, let me know now.”
Thoughts: A polyamorous relationship with a bisexual man, a gay man, and a sapiosexual goth black woman!? i was hooked from jump in this story! we went on a journey with Omar and his coming to term with all his family issues, and with his situation with Brent. I really loved the sex positivity that came from layla job, and that we got to normalize black women being goth! And while this was a poly situation brent and layla never dealt with one another sexually. The spice in this book was so good, but my only complaint was omar using the term “boy” when sleeping with men... as a black person we know the negative connotation behind the term “boy” so it just made me uncomfortable! But other than that i loved this book and all the topics that were handled!!
Tropes: second chance romance, friends to lovers
TW/CW: use of the “N”, homophobia
Representation: poly relationship, black romance, MMF
Favorite quote: “I love you too. Both of you. I need you both or else I won’t make it. I don’t have anyone really in my corner except for you and her. If y’all can’t handle that, let me know now.”
Thoughts: A polyamorous relationship with a bisexual man, a gay man, and a sapiosexual goth black woman!? i was hooked from jump in this story! we went on a journey with Omar and his coming to term with all his family issues, and with his situation with Brent. I really loved the sex positivity that came from layla job, and that we got to normalize black women being goth! And while this was a poly situation brent and layla never dealt with one another sexually. The spice in this book was so good, but my only complaint was omar using the term “boy” when sleeping with men... as a black person we know the negative connotation behind the term “boy” so it just made me uncomfortable! But other than that i loved this book and all the topics that were handled!!
December 28, 2021
Not your typical love story!
Although this was not your typical love story, there would be much more peace and harmony in the world if it were. Layla Brent and Omar had a very unique relationship that they each had to compromise and be mature enough to make work. I wasn't expecting the story to delve so deeply into the family dynamics and struggles that LGBTQ+ children, teens and adults oftentimes face. This was a great story with well developed characters, steamy intimate scenes, funny dialogue and a heartfelt message on inner work, friendship, therapy and forgiveness. I will definitely be looking forward to more work from this New To Me Author.
Although this was not your typical love story, there would be much more peace and harmony in the world if it were. Layla Brent and Omar had a very unique relationship that they each had to compromise and be mature enough to make work. I wasn't expecting the story to delve so deeply into the family dynamics and struggles that LGBTQ+ children, teens and adults oftentimes face. This was a great story with well developed characters, steamy intimate scenes, funny dialogue and a heartfelt message on inner work, friendship, therapy and forgiveness. I will definitely be looking forward to more work from this New To Me Author.
January 10, 2022
Good read (contains spoilers)
First of all, I want to say how I appreciate the author developing characters which are quasi invisible both in books and in real life. Each person is reasonably well fleshed out with her imperfections and
reservations with the situation. I gather that Omar was the main character, however I would have liked to read about more interactions between Brent and Layla, see how they built their friendship making their relationship easier. I got quite frustrated with Omar at times because of how he treated Brent. Basically, he was abusing his love and felt quite secure in the fact that Brent would just accept anything to stay with him. A good example is the timing of telling him that he loved him and seducing him afterwards. Layla was right, Brent needed to set firmer boundaries and make Omar work for it a bit more.
Lastly, I know how we often try to find a way for people to stay connected to their family, however the story that Royale told at the end wasn’t it. It made things worse in my opinion as the excuse of the better education couldn’t be used anymore. Basically, the facts remain that his parents dumped him on his aunt and uncle and decided to leave with his sister to live the perfect life with a potentially straight child. Until they apologize, I don’t see how he could reconcile with them. I have no sympathy for his mother. She made her choice, and worse, being bisexual herself, she could have helped him growing up, instead of ignoring the issue and pretend that she couldn’t see how he felt confused, unwanted and unloved.
I hope that there will be a follow up book as i would love to see them navigate life and take on new challenges. For instance, how are they going to be introduced to Layla’s family? Are they going to eventually live together, start a family?
First of all, I want to say how I appreciate the author developing characters which are quasi invisible both in books and in real life. Each person is reasonably well fleshed out with her imperfections and
reservations with the situation. I gather that Omar was the main character, however I would have liked to read about more interactions between Brent and Layla, see how they built their friendship making their relationship easier. I got quite frustrated with Omar at times because of how he treated Brent. Basically, he was abusing his love and felt quite secure in the fact that Brent would just accept anything to stay with him. A good example is the timing of telling him that he loved him and seducing him afterwards. Layla was right, Brent needed to set firmer boundaries and make Omar work for it a bit more.
Lastly, I know how we often try to find a way for people to stay connected to their family, however the story that Royale told at the end wasn’t it. It made things worse in my opinion as the excuse of the better education couldn’t be used anymore. Basically, the facts remain that his parents dumped him on his aunt and uncle and decided to leave with his sister to live the perfect life with a potentially straight child. Until they apologize, I don’t see how he could reconcile with them. I have no sympathy for his mother. She made her choice, and worse, being bisexual herself, she could have helped him growing up, instead of ignoring the issue and pretend that she couldn’t see how he felt confused, unwanted and unloved.
I hope that there will be a follow up book as i would love to see them navigate life and take on new challenges. For instance, how are they going to be introduced to Layla’s family? Are they going to eventually live together, start a family?
June 10, 2024
It was okay. It’s a straightforward plot that doesn’t go off the rails. It was nice to get some queer Black rep, neurodivergent rep, and some poly rep. I think the different emotions and perspectives from the three MCs were handled pretty well. The spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The pacing wasn’t great - the plot unfolds over several months but without any strong markers of time until one of the MCs said something. It somehow ended pretty abruptly with a fairly neat HEA-for now which, given the complexities of their relationship, left me underwhelmed. I also wasn’t a fan of this third person narration that swapped POVs without any signaling of who is speaking.
The chemistry was not balanced between the characters either. It became obvious who had stronger chemistry and with the disrespect that happened between the other pairing, it felt like a breakup should’ve been in the picture instead of this evolution into a poly relationship. There was also a point where the female MC was lowkey showing some attraction to the other MC that was going to go somewhere, but it just got kinda nipped and moved past.
All in all, it’s a decent, quick read.
The pacing wasn’t great - the plot unfolds over several months but without any strong markers of time until one of the MCs said something. It somehow ended pretty abruptly with a fairly neat HEA-for now which, given the complexities of their relationship, left me underwhelmed. I also wasn’t a fan of this third person narration that swapped POVs without any signaling of who is speaking.
The chemistry was not balanced between the characters either. It became obvious who had stronger chemistry and with the disrespect that happened between the other pairing, it felt like a breakup should’ve been in the picture instead of this evolution into a poly relationship. There was also a point where the female MC was lowkey showing some attraction to the other MC that was going to go somewhere, but it just got kinda nipped and moved past.
All in all, it’s a decent, quick read.
January 24, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot! The characters were really well realised and grabbed me from the off. I found many of the side characters interesting too (especially Royal) and would love to see more of this world another time.
It took me a little longer to feel the balance between all, or rather to feel that it was a viable balance for all three. I love polyamorous stories and especially those which show the way these work for all participants in their own ways, and the negotiations that lead there. And in the finally 25% of the book I did start to really feel that and to find that sweet spot.
The end was perhaps slightly rushed for me, just because I wanted more of them finding their feet, but overall this was a really good read, and I'll be looking for more by this author.
It took me a little longer to feel the balance between all, or rather to feel that it was a viable balance for all three. I love polyamorous stories and especially those which show the way these work for all participants in their own ways, and the negotiations that lead there. And in the finally 25% of the book I did start to really feel that and to find that sweet spot.
The end was perhaps slightly rushed for me, just because I wanted more of them finding their feet, but overall this was a really good read, and I'll be looking for more by this author.
April 4, 2022
Ehh
Interesting premise, but I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. There were some areas where my eyes glazed over or I felt compelled to skim. Some parts seemed forced or unnecessary, or overly drawn out.
And I didn't care for Layla hitting and punching Omar so much. That's never cool or cute to me.
Overall, the story concept was intriguing but the way it played out just didn't grab me, unfortunately.
Interesting premise, but I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. There were some areas where my eyes glazed over or I felt compelled to skim. Some parts seemed forced or unnecessary, or overly drawn out.
And I didn't care for Layla hitting and punching Omar so much. That's never cool or cute to me.
Overall, the story concept was intriguing but the way it played out just didn't grab me, unfortunately.
August 8, 2022
love
I love everything about this book it touched on so much stuff that’s going in the world today I am not in a poly relationship but I feel that if you are beginning one someone might be a little jealous in the beginning that everything is peaches and cream and I love that about this book and dealing with the past Will always be there until you get help in knowing that you deserve love once again I love this book just get it
I love everything about this book it touched on so much stuff that’s going in the world today I am not in a poly relationship but I feel that if you are beginning one someone might be a little jealous in the beginning that everything is peaches and cream and I love that about this book and dealing with the past Will always be there until you get help in knowing that you deserve love once again I love this book just get it
March 5, 2022
I liked this one a lot! It's different in a lot of good ways, and messy in the best ones. I didn't think I'd make it, because I kind of didn't like Omar sometimes, but we got through it together!
Also, I'm trying something different!
Check out my full review on Medium: https://medium.com/@jessica.pryde/rev...
Also, I'm trying something different!
Check out my full review on Medium: https://medium.com/@jessica.pryde/rev...
December 27, 2021
Loved it...
I loved this book so much! I was nervous at first because Omar seemed like he couldn't commit to no one and I knew Layla was going to fall for him. I am immensely impressed and ready for my next read from you Lisa.
I loved this book so much! I was nervous at first because Omar seemed like he couldn't commit to no one and I knew Layla was going to fall for him. I am immensely impressed and ready for my next read from you Lisa.
January 2, 2022
Omar = Stamina!
Good Lawd! Omar! I literally don't know what to say. The author killed this first book. It's so complicated and nuanced and nasty 😜....you can't stop reading. The bottom line is our hearts have the capacity to love more than one person.
Good Lawd! Omar! I literally don't know what to say. The author killed this first book. It's so complicated and nuanced and nasty 😜....you can't stop reading. The bottom line is our hearts have the capacity to love more than one person.
September 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
The alt cultures blending, the way Lisa makes intimate scenes flow like prose / poetry. I really liked these characters, their growth and this story overall. I really enjoy the writing style.
I hope there will be more to get lost in.
The alt cultures blending, the way Lisa makes intimate scenes flow like prose / poetry. I really liked these characters, their growth and this story overall. I really enjoy the writing style.
I hope there will be more to get lost in.
January 15, 2022
Faded
My first read by this author and I was thoroughly pleased. The scenes were so vividly written I felt like I was a fly on the wall.
My first read by this author and I was thoroughly pleased. The scenes were so vividly written I felt like I was a fly on the wall.
March 22, 2022
Not for me
The story was an interesting read. I skimmed a lot because this story was not for me. Not my kind of relationship to read about.
The story was an interesting read. I skimmed a lot because this story was not for me. Not my kind of relationship to read about.
May 24, 2024
The story starts with the main character, Omar, and his wild antics, and immediately I was interested in where this story would go. To my surprise, the setting relocated to my city San Diego after Omar fumbled his home situation in New York. I’ve never read a book based in my area with characters that are all black and queer, which made the read all the more enjoyable. This story felt so nostalgic, from the background characters around the city to the local destinations mentioned, and the food stops, everything was so well-written especially visually.
Omar is a flawed individual whose actions are reprimanded and addressed, we see him at his worst, but wanting to be better for himself and those around him, which is not done in stories often. His relationship with Brent and Layla felt real, there were problems, tension, and fears about the state of their relationship. The story ends with Omar praying he can continue openly loving both his partners as he currently does, which to some can be interpreted as a negative thing since the story didn’t end with a definite happily ever after. But for me, this ending worked with this ongoing theme of realism within this book, relationships aren’t guaranteed to work out and this is a true fear people encounter while in a loving relationship. This story hit so many important themes amazingly, finishing it was so hard for me because I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait to read other stories this author puts out.
Omar is a flawed individual whose actions are reprimanded and addressed, we see him at his worst, but wanting to be better for himself and those around him, which is not done in stories often. His relationship with Brent and Layla felt real, there were problems, tension, and fears about the state of their relationship. The story ends with Omar praying he can continue openly loving both his partners as he currently does, which to some can be interpreted as a negative thing since the story didn’t end with a definite happily ever after. But for me, this ending worked with this ongoing theme of realism within this book, relationships aren’t guaranteed to work out and this is a true fear people encounter while in a loving relationship. This story hit so many important themes amazingly, finishing it was so hard for me because I didn’t want this book to end. I can’t wait to read other stories this author puts out.
June 8, 2024
Slow burn for the reader
4.5 I was at the 50% mark when I started to think I wasn’t going to like this story. Boy was I WRONG. This is a beautiful polyamorous story featuring a beautifully complicated MMC. Omar is a little broken so I thought I would love him right away but he has a self-centeredness about that didn’t allow that to happen till later. You legitimately learn to love him through Brent and Layla’s love for him, for the him they see. By the end I was in love with everyone! This story has life, culture, and color and representation of a very diverse group of people. This story is a testament to the importance of indie authors and the belief that you should write the stories you want to read, because someone else wants it to. This was also a really smexy read. If Omar didn’t do anything else right, that boy could talk you through it!! This is an amazing debut story from a new to me author, that I found during the ABBA stuff your kindle event.
4.5 I was at the 50% mark when I started to think I wasn’t going to like this story. Boy was I WRONG. This is a beautiful polyamorous story featuring a beautifully complicated MMC. Omar is a little broken so I thought I would love him right away but he has a self-centeredness about that didn’t allow that to happen till later. You legitimately learn to love him through Brent and Layla’s love for him, for the him they see. By the end I was in love with everyone! This story has life, culture, and color and representation of a very diverse group of people. This story is a testament to the importance of indie authors and the belief that you should write the stories you want to read, because someone else wants it to. This was also a really smexy read. If Omar didn’t do anything else right, that boy could talk you through it!! This is an amazing debut story from a new to me author, that I found during the ABBA stuff your kindle event.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews