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Brazen Bulls Birthright #6
Resilience
Born a month apart into the family of the Brazen Bulls MC, Athena Armstrong and Sam Spellman have been best friends from their earliest days. When they were little, the family always joked that they were boyfriend and girlfriend, but in reality they’ve never been anything but best friends. Completely platonic.
They consider themselves each other’s person, as close as twins.
But they’ve both struggled with romantic relationships. Sam, prospecting for the club and trying not to let that ordeal break him down, is starting to think he’s pulled in too many directions to fall in love. Or worse, that he’s just not capable of that kind of love. Athena, who is deaf, is caught in a troubling relationship with a man she feels is the best she can do. The pool of ASL-fluent people in Oklahoma is neither wide nor deep.
Sometimes the truth is so close it’s hard to see it clearly.
For Sam and Athena, only crisis will bring that truth into focus.
They consider themselves each other’s person, as close as twins.
But they’ve both struggled with romantic relationships. Sam, prospecting for the club and trying not to let that ordeal break him down, is starting to think he’s pulled in too many directions to fall in love. Or worse, that he’s just not capable of that kind of love. Athena, who is deaf, is caught in a troubling relationship with a man she feels is the best she can do. The pool of ASL-fluent people in Oklahoma is neither wide nor deep.
Sometimes the truth is so close it’s hard to see it clearly.
For Sam and Athena, only crisis will bring that truth into focus.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2023
15 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,420 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 7, 2023
I loved Sam and Athena's story just like the rest of the Birthright series. These characters were exactly who I thought they were yet they surprised me pretty handedly too. Another great book from Susan Fanetti.
June 23, 2025
I liked it but it was not one of my favourites. Athena got on my nerves but then again I had to constantly remind myself that they are 22 years old. I'm a hell of a lot older and frankly I can't remember what I was like way back then. I enjoyed reading the main series more as I could relate to the characters more. Sam and Athena were definitely destined to be together. Sam is sweet and Athena will keep him on his toes. It feels like the MC is heading towards trouble so time will tell. It was great to have the "elders" in the storyline. Eight was always cantakerous but he was more so in this book. Was sad about what happened to Gunner.
March 6, 2023
I feel like I should give this more time before I write a review.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. Which is a little sad given I’ve been hanging out for Sam and Athena’s book.
There are some serious triggers in this book which, as she writes in her foreword you can read if you choose to follow the link but will provide story spoilers. I didn’t read it before I started. And no, they weren’t triggers for me but they definitely could be for some. Two main triggers: domestic rape and abortion. Tough and very touchy subjects. Brave Ms Fanetti for going there.
I wanted this to be an epic love story, but honestly, I feel like it fell short. I think this was more Athena’s story versus her and Sam. And I’m not sure I would have picked up a book solely about Athena.
Sam is just the sweetest guy. But I felt maybe his character either lacked depth or the issues simple kept him in the shadows. I have to say I found Athena a little annoying at times and not at all what I thought she’d be like. I should have know given she’s Jacinda’s daughter!
What happened in Laughlin was a shock and I was gutted about the loss of one of their own and the aftermath with Gunners injury. But this books brings to light this is an MC series at its core and this is their life.
I’ve loved the whole series from the original down to Night Horde series so I feel this book slips in there at 4 stars because I love all her MC series and don’t look at them as stand alone books but extensions of a bigger story.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. Which is a little sad given I’ve been hanging out for Sam and Athena’s book.
There are some serious triggers in this book which, as she writes in her foreword you can read if you choose to follow the link but will provide story spoilers. I didn’t read it before I started. And no, they weren’t triggers for me but they definitely could be for some. Two main triggers: domestic rape and abortion. Tough and very touchy subjects. Brave Ms Fanetti for going there.
I wanted this to be an epic love story, but honestly, I feel like it fell short. I think this was more Athena’s story versus her and Sam. And I’m not sure I would have picked up a book solely about Athena.
Sam is just the sweetest guy. But I felt maybe his character either lacked depth or the issues simple kept him in the shadows. I have to say I found Athena a little annoying at times and not at all what I thought she’d be like. I should have know given she’s Jacinda’s daughter!
What happened in Laughlin was a shock and I was gutted about the loss of one of their own and the aftermath with Gunners injury. But this books brings to light this is an MC series at its core and this is their life.
I’ve loved the whole series from the original down to Night Horde series so I feel this book slips in there at 4 stars because I love all her MC series and don’t look at them as stand alone books but extensions of a bigger story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
I seriously struggled with this book. I am all for payback and Hunter definitely need to pay for what he did. I don't know if it was because he had a disability or being unable to express anything while the torture was happening but I had a hard time reading it. Even now it upsets me to think about it.
Sam and Althea were made for each other. They had known each other all their lives and were best friends. While they both dated other people it never seemed to work out. They never realized they loved each other until it was pointed out to them.
That being said I felt that Sam just didn't have a voice. He literally did everything for Althea. At times she really got on my nerves with how she acted. I wanted Sam to voice when he was upset but he always held it in. It's like he didn't have a thought that didn't some how involve her.
A side note seems like the MC is arguing more than trying to fix issues. Eight has been a dick to everyone and not giving everyone the chance to speak up without calling them something mean.
Sam and Althea were made for each other. They had known each other all their lives and were best friends. While they both dated other people it never seemed to work out. They never realized they loved each other until it was pointed out to them.
That being said I felt that Sam just didn't have a voice. He literally did everything for Althea. At times she really got on my nerves with how she acted. I wanted Sam to voice when he was upset but he always held it in. It's like he didn't have a thought that didn't some how involve her.
A side note seems like the MC is arguing more than trying to fix issues. Eight has been a dick to everyone and not giving everyone the chance to speak up without calling them something mean.
September 5, 2023
Heartwarming
SPOILER ALERT!! Really loved this story about the friends to lovers saga of Athena and Sam, who are 2nd generation Bull kids. What I really loved about the book was that Susan, once again, did impeccable research into a world that is almost totally absent from the romance genre, namely deaf culture. We see Athena thriving in her ASL world but sometimes struggling to feel « normal» in the hearing world. I think Susan did an excellent job depicting how tiring it is to always have to accommodate or try to fit in to the majority culture when there is little attempt to make room at the table for the person from the marginalized community. She also was brave enough to tackle the timely issue of what happens when you are sexually assaulted by someone you know and tackle the issue of reproductive rights, bravo for not reducing the issue to pro choice vs pro life when it’s much more complex than this false dichotomy. Not typically a big fan of young adult rom but I have been enjoying this series.
SPOILER ALERT!! Really loved this story about the friends to lovers saga of Athena and Sam, who are 2nd generation Bull kids. What I really loved about the book was that Susan, once again, did impeccable research into a world that is almost totally absent from the romance genre, namely deaf culture. We see Athena thriving in her ASL world but sometimes struggling to feel « normal» in the hearing world. I think Susan did an excellent job depicting how tiring it is to always have to accommodate or try to fit in to the majority culture when there is little attempt to make room at the table for the person from the marginalized community. She also was brave enough to tackle the timely issue of what happens when you are sexually assaulted by someone you know and tackle the issue of reproductive rights, bravo for not reducing the issue to pro choice vs pro life when it’s much more complex than this false dichotomy. Not typically a big fan of young adult rom but I have been enjoying this series.
March 7, 2023
Great book
This was another good bok from Susan Fanetti. I loved The a and Sam together as best friend but even more as a couple. I love all the update on the older members. I was sad about what happen with Gunner.
The only parts I didn't really lime ( but understood) was the descriptions that Athena used to describe the baby .
Over all I liked this series.
This was another good bok from Susan Fanetti. I loved The a and Sam together as best friend but even more as a couple. I love all the update on the older members. I was sad about what happen with Gunner.
The only parts I didn't really lime ( but understood) was the descriptions that Athena used to describe the baby .
Over all I liked this series.
March 7, 2023
Was OK.
Would like to more smut
Also I get that susan likes do to bed stuff to her harakters, but I woild like it to have a sens, here is like: okey now I have to do somethinf dramatix, ok lets hurt this one and it will be cool, but it has no sence…,🤷🏻♀️
At least this one guy didnt have a issues like previus once
Would like to more smut
Also I get that susan likes do to bed stuff to her harakters, but I woild like it to have a sens, here is like: okey now I have to do somethinf dramatix, ok lets hurt this one and it will be cool, but it has no sence…,🤷🏻♀️
At least this one guy didnt have a issues like previus once
March 12, 2023
I kept telling myself to "hang in there" as young adult reads are not for me. But I will recommend this one. This is not entirely a young friends to lovers read. There is so much more. And of course there will be more Brazen Bulls Birthright.
March 14, 2023
I just could not get into this one. It felt like they were too young
May 15, 2023
4 stars. Really liked this one. It felt like a more "traditional" Susan Fanetti read than the others in this series.
November 8, 2023
Z - Secondary character - Zach
June 26, 2024
This is my favorite book of this series!
November 27, 2025
I will never miss a Susan Fanetti book.
This book was solid, not my favourite by this author. I thought the story was a little unrealistic, but otherwise I enjoyed it.
TW: sexual abuse
This book was solid, not my favourite by this author. I thought the story was a little unrealistic, but otherwise I enjoyed it.
TW: sexual abuse
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews