Show the Fire

Signal Bend #6

by Susan Fanetti

Len Wahlberg, the Night Horde MC’s Sergeant at Arms, has had Isaac Lunden’s back for decades. A loner at heart, he has needed no closer bond than the brotherhood of his club. For years, he’s preferred to take his women in groups, because he has neither needed nor wanted the intimacy of a coupling.

But after he’s seriously wounded in a firefight, feeling his age and mortality more acutely than ever before, he discovers that his own company isn’t enough any longer. He needs a stronger, more intimate bond, and he finds that connection in an old friend.

Natasha Westby is a club daughter. Her father, the Horde’s first SAA, raised her alone, within the rough and rowdy walls of the clubhouse. After a torrid, youthful affair with Isaac ended in public humiliation and heartbreak, Tasha left Signal Bend and found a safe distance from which to make a life—close enough to stay connected to her family, but far enough to live her life outside the club. She built a complete, contented, unconventional life that has little to do with Signal Bend or her club family.

As a doctor working at the nearest hospital, she finds herself involved more and more deeply with the club as its business becomes more and more dangerous. When her family ties finally upend her separate life, she is drawn back home and into Len’s arms.

While Len and Tasha try to understand and define their connection to each other, and Tasha struggles with her reentry into the world of the club, the Horde’s unwilling entanglement with a dangerous drug cartel becomes deadly. Fighting for justice and freedom against a man who will commit any atrocity to assert his power, the Horde family experiences pain and loss the likes of which it has never known before.

Love and hope are all they have left.

Note: dark themes, explicit sex, and graphic violence.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Abuse, Suspense

451 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2014

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[Mo · Rating 1 out of 5]

On mature reflection and on reading Mirjana's very honest review, I have decided to downgrade my rating. 4 stars means I really liked the book.... I did not really like the book. I absolutely did not enjoy the book. What happened in the book horrified me. As Mirjana said.....

"I know some of you will think, but look at the emotions she pulled from you. Isn't that a testament to her writing at how invested you've become in the characters and world she's created? The simple answer to that is NO."

Looking back, I agree with Mirjana. I think I might have been a bit afraid of the masses by rating this a one or two star. Susan recently released a new series. I just couldn't go near it. My "relationship" with this author was definitely changed with this book.

I have asked that this NOT be added to my updates as some of you have already read the review.

*****************

In this book the pain, heartbreak and loss might be more acute than in the others …

Susan put a foreword in this book and it threw me. I know this series has been dark but nothing I couldn’t handle. I know authors are invested in their books but us readers are too. I have loved this journey with the Horde and coming back to Signal Bend.

There’s one chapter here, in particular, that is darker than anything I’ve ever written

This is taken from my Move the Sun review:

"I do think a lot of the MC books like to throw in the shock factor, the gritty scenes… Granted there were some gritty scenes here but not like some of the other books I read."

This is why I have LOVED this series. Susan did not go down the road of other writers… yes, some scenes in previous books were shocking but they were relevant to the story. I really did not feel what happened here was necessary and relevant.

Tomorrow we will only give them a leaf of the tree of our love, a leaf which will fall on the earth like if it had been made by our lips like a kiss which falls from our invincible heights to show the fire and the tenderness of a true love

I am seriously pissed off with the turn of events in this book. Great that Susan can elicit such emotions from her readers. For that reason alone I cannot give it a low star rating.

THERE WAS NO KIND OF JUSTICE.
NOT ANYWHERE

TASHA AND LEN

By the time the end of the book came I did not really care about them. The “other thing” had taken over the book and it was all I could think about.

He liked that.
Just them…
Alone with her, he felt invincible.

There is always light at the end

With all that “went down”, I had an inkling of who it was going to be. Testament again to this author’s writing, but I could feel a sense of foreshadowing, a sense of deja vue, the nuances, the hints. I was shocked when it happened but not who it happened to.

They had hope, after all.

I read a few reviews. Yes the ratings are high. I finished the books a couple of hours ago and decided to hold off on my star ratings for a while to let the story sink in.


It could have been 2 stars as I was not happy with some part of it but in the end I will have to give it 4. It lost a star because of what happened. I really hope the next book is not going down the same road as this one…. It is the final book in the series. I know it will not be all sweet and lightness but PLEASE, not so dark.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 1 out of 5]

Updated 2/20/19 - It's been over 4 years since I've read this book and I still can't bring myself to finish this series or touch another book by this author. Romance has ONE rule, and the betrayal here of that rule being broken is something I won't be able to get over.

Shame...because this author is a talented writer. But who knows? Maybe I will end up reading her again some day...but it won't be a book she's claiming is a romance.

-----------------------------------------

***I have NEVER in all my years as a reader rated a book less than 2 stars. But this book will be my one and ONLY exception.***

There aren't enough words in the English language to fully describe the rage I feel for what the author did in this book.

I know some of you will think, but look at the emotions she pulled from you. Isn't that a testament to her writing at how invested you've become in the characters and world she's created? The simple answer to that is NO. The writing is not enough for me. I must understand the plot, motives and direction an author takes their story and characters. I don't necessarily have to agree, but I at least have to UNDERSTAND. And in this situation....I'm dumbfounded.

I am not too proud or have any shame in admitting that I'm not one of those readers who can put my feelings aside for the art of writing. I will never be that person. MY ratings are based on MY feelings. This is not my job. I don't work for any literary agency where I have to be objective. I read books to escape and for the joy of a good story. I am not opposed to dark, raw and gritty books. I can handle serious subject matter, graphic details and the such...but I need it to be worthwhile. I need the pain to have meant something, to have taken me somewhere. In a nutshell, I need it all to be okay in the end. And in this case, all of that was brutally ripped away from me. And for that I am outraged and feel betrayed. It wasn't the violence that caused me this much anger because I understood it. And in looking at the full picture of the world this group lives in and the situation they find themselves in, it's fitting. I just did not feel it necessary to kill one of the main characters. THAT is what took things too far and betrayed my belief in the author's storytelling. It was unnecessary and I don't understand the author's motivation for doing it...other than shock value for publicity.

If I was reading a different genre, I would understand. But alas, I am not. This series is labeled under romance and when selecting my romance books, I look for books that check the small boxes of requirements I have for my reading pleasure. This book ripped away my biggest request. If I would have known the direction this series was going in from the beginning, frankly I never would have started. That saddens me because it would mean that I never would have met Isaac and Lilli. And THAT additional fact, adds to the betrayal I feel of the direction this author went in.

Yes, life is unpredictable and we don't always get what we ask for.....and that is precisely the reason I read. For escape. To go to a place where I make the decisions. To a place where when I read that last page, I got what I wanted. I got some semblance of an HEA/HFN. Even if the road was difficult, painful and ever-winding...I made it to my intended destination. THAT is what a romance is, and that is what the author notes in the preface...the VERY definition of romance according to the Romance Writers of America website. Well, she's playing fast and loose with that definition...and I don't appreciate it.

Now I must stress that I am not basing my rating solely on this one event. Even without that, I may have rated this book a generous 3 stars. I didn't understand Tasha and Len. I wasn't a fan of their "arrangement" in the beginning. I found Tasha a coward and Len a bit of a pushover in the beginning. And frankly, I've found that the series for me was slowly waning and sliding downhill with each passing book.

However, with the addition of the major event that happens in this book, I could not in good faith give it anything more than one star. I would be lying to myself about my true feelings. The sad fact for me is this event is a defining moment. It will forever define this book, series, and author for me. And what probably saddens me the most, is that I believe Isaac and Lilli to be one of the best literary couples I have had the pleasure of reading about. But now they are forever tainted in my eyes. A vile and ugly blemish on a beautiful love.

I will read the last book in this series because I feel I owe myself that. After the heartbreak I've endured, I deserve and need to see how it all ends. I do, however need to put some space between these readings, so it probably won't be for a while. But, I will say that Leave a Trail - the next, and last, book in the series, will most likely be the last Susan Fanetti book I ever read.

For those that want to know what the "event" in this book is: Havoc, the hero from the previous book, is murdered

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well...that was fucking painful.



It's no secret I've been devouring this series. Susan Fantetti has an extraordinary talent for storytelling and she has created some fantastic characters. That said, I'm pretty sure she's a sadist. She has successfully ripped my heart out and stomped all over it. I'm raw and bitter. I'm completely fucking heartbroken.



I guess I need some time to process and come to terms with the story...



Happy Valentine's Day!!

**Thanks to all the lovely ladies who held my hand though this one. I could not have gotten through it without ya'll! xx

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 2020 - My focus on this book was so acute this time. The club stuff, Len and Tasha, and specifically they're handling of everything and everyone around them. It's a hard book to read that fact will always remain true. But the truth, strength, devotion and expertise within it's pages are second to none. It aligns the series and gives us the path to where the entire arc is headed. I love it.

Re-read (as part of the series) August 2017 - There was a point in time I would have said to you that a re-read of Show the Fire would be out of the question. In my original review I stated that Susan Fanetti will bring you to your knees with this one and it's no less true during another read of it. This book is hard. It's emotionally gripping. It's also so emotionally fulfilling. I've seen this author attest to the fact that these men are OUTLAWS and as such their lives are not full of rainbows and unicorns. It's a fact of life, outlaw life or not, that bad things happen. Recognizing the beauty of this story comes from within; seeing the rising from ashes, feeling the hurt so deeply but also feeling the loyalty and the abounding love present throughout this story. Len and Tasha are full of beauty and love, loyalty and friendship. I LOVE these two characters. I think I love and appreciate them more now than I did the first time around. Their ease with each other, their dark humor and banter are all so satisfying to read. And as always, the brilliance with which Fanetti builds her plots around these relationships leaves me in awe.

5+++++++ "....the dark and the light." Stars

At the end of All the Sky I thought 'something wicked this way comes to Signal Bend'. That something sure came. This story devastates the reader. It should not be taken lightly. There isn't a way to prepare for the sharp stab to the gut Susan renders with her poignant words. It's brutal and violent. Realizing that this author's talent leaves me in awe. It's real and raw. Storytelling that literally leaves you a sobbing mess. She sticks to her story, owns it. She warned us, challenged us with her foreword and we took it in stride. She could have shrunk under the worry of how readers would take Show the Fire but she so obviously did not - for that, her shear bad-assery in owning her characters and her plots, I'm grateful. Because the execution of this plot, while heart-breakingly sad, causing a monumental shift in our reading and in Signal Bend - this execution was flawless. Fanetti pulled it off brilliantly and beautifully. And it PAINS me to say that you must understand. Pains me. I want to hate it but I just...can't. This seems the only way.

Show the Fire poignantly tells the story of Len and Tasha. Two characters who worked their way up my favorites list. They're great characters alone, together they're bad ass. There's no bullshit here, no lies. Some vulnerability, some resistance to what they are at first but truly a strong couple. I enjoyed how their love story played out. The limited history they share adds to the life they've each created separate of each other equaling a journey together that helps both see what's important. No lesser man or woman could have handled who Len and Tasha truly are. They get each other and it's beautiful.

The rest of the Horde family gave us a lot in this story too. Isaac, Lilli, Show, Shannon, Bart, Hav, Cory, Nolan, Badger, Dom. We saw a different side to many of them, a side we didn't know about - whether good or bad - giving us more insight and depth to their characters. More depth to the group as whole. A unit.

I can't say anything else. I don't even know what to say. There is no place like Signal Bend. If you travel there do not take the trip lightly. Arriving there and understanding the world of the Horde has the potential to leave you raw with emotion. I know I'm left seriously emotional and terribly sad, unable to get this book out of my head - for a number reasons. The writing, the story telling, both unlike anything else.

Susan Fanetti brings you to your knees with her words. Then ever so carefully, she begins building you back up...

I'll never not recommend the Signal Bend Series. Fans of darker, MC, epic romances would be doing themselves a great disservice not reading these books. It's a must read, highly evocative, addicting ride.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Brutally Good Stars

“You can be okay here, Tash. If you’re getting tangled up in history, then you need to turn around, babe. You’re looking backwards.” He bent down, bringing his mouth to hers, leaving nothing but a few molecules between them. “Turn around, babe. See me.”

I was highly anticipating Tash and Len's story since it turns out they are both into multiple partner sexapades. As I was enjoying Len and Tash becoming exclusive and learning to trust one another and slowly falling head over heels in love with one another what I didn't expect was getting kick right in the feels by Susan Fanetti a bit over the halfway mark.

This was how I felt after reading this installment...



"I'll think about the stretch on 68."

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This story hurt like a motherfucker and packed one hell of an unforgettable realistic punch and was seriously so very good!!

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Unforgettable Stars *****

This has to be the most heartbreaking book that I've ever experienced in my life but in the end, I'm glad I found the courage to read it because it's a very important part of the Signal Bend story. I'm totally addicted to Susan Fanetti's novels, she always has something new, something earth shattering that make her books memorable. You don't just read a SF book, you experience it, you feel it with every fiber of your being, and to me Show The Fire was simply remarkable.




This is a very intricate story, one that is very hard to describe without spoiling it but I can tell you that is centered around the love story of Len and Tasha. If you have been following the series, which I recommend you do, because all this books must be read in sequence. You know that Tasha is the doctor who is related to the Horde because her dad was a member but also she got her heart broken by Isaac when she was younger. Len is the Sargent of Arms of the Horde MC and he's known Sasha forever. They've always been friends and also share a secret from the past, so they really trust each other. After Len got shot and had to go to the hospital, she was in a lot of trouble for once again covering the nature of the events that brought him to the hospital seeking for care and ultimately, she gets fired.

After Len gets better he goes looking for her and when he learns the reason for her loosing her job he wants to help her. Like in the past, Len and Tasha find solace in each other and after a very passionate ménage a trois they realized there's something more but while Len being more mature and tired of playing games knows he wants something serious with her, Tasha doesn't believe in relationships so it will be harder for her to give into something more than sex.



While Len and Tasha are trying to find out if what they have is real and worth giving it a chance, The Horde is given the opportunity to revenge a death. Little did they know that letting rage guide their actions will set in motion a powerful event that will change their lives forever.

I had a mix of love and hate in my heart when I was reading this brutal story. At times I really couldn't believe my eyes and even tried to stop and close the book in hopes that it would change what I was reading, but no luck. One thing though, is that at the end of each story no matter how explosive and heartbreaking events happen, The Horde always comes out stronger and even closer than ever. I love every single character in Signal Bend and so, I'll say this again, BEST MC SERIES, EVER!!!!

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 Horde stars**

WARNING: Hand holding is required for this book. Tears will flow.

A lot of stuff happens in this edition of Signal Bend. The cruelest enemy to cross paths with the Horde has left his mark on the brothers. The brothers see some of their darkest days in this book.

To love a man of the Night Horde was to know hurt.

Why not 5 stars? My reason deals with the beginning of the book. Len and Tasha relationship was not my cup of tea. Len mentioned that he felt like he needed to get his head examined. I was beginning to feel that about their relationship. I agree with Len when he said, "he was a one-woman man." I like my romance couples to be just with each other and not with other people.

Meet the men of Night Horde Motorcycle Club(& their women):
Isaac: (40 years old) President and runs the town. A huge nerd.
♥Lilli♥: badass chick. Former military.
~~~~~~~~~
Showdown: (54 years old) Vice President. Loyal and wise. Isaac's bestfriend.
♥Shannon♥: high class. Skirts and high heels type of gal.
~~~~~~~~~
Bart: (30 years old) No longer a Horde but still Intelligence Officer for his new club. Computer geek and hacker.Switched to save the Horde. Happens in book 4
♥Riley♥: movie star.
~~~~~~~~~
Havoc: (38 years old) Enforcer. Bart's bestfriend. Rough around the edges. Bullheaded
♥Cory♥: hippie girl. single mom.
~~~~~~~~~
Len: (48 years old) Sergeant at Arms. Loner.
♥Tasha♥: club daughter. doctor.
~~~~~~~~~
Dom: (26 years old) patch.
Badger: (24 years old) youngest patch.
Tommy: (30ish years old) transferred in. Ex-Navy. Bold, brash young gun.
Zeke: (60 years old) transferred in. Former outlaw.
Double A: (22 years old) prospect

SERIES:

Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Isaac | Book 2 - Isaac | Book 3 - "Showdown" | Book 4 - Bart | Book 5 - "Havoc" | Book 6 - Len | Book 7 - "Badger"
To find out when book 7 will be released click here.

Novella:

(#4.5 - Isaac)

Book 1 - MOVE THE SUN review | Book 2 - BEHOLD THE STARS review | Book 3 - INTO THE STORM review | Book 4 - ALONE ON EARTH review | Book 4.5 - IN DARK WOODS review | Book 5 - ALL THE SKY

IT'S LIVE -> http://amzn.to/TE6plP
5/23/2014

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️]

"Fuck-to-the-no" because I have had dealt with enough bleeding grief and broken hearts in real life and, quite frankly, I don't need it in my romance fiction.

Call me a pussy, that's fine.

I read romance for joy, happiness, and completely unrealistic happy endings - NOT to be reminded of some of the worst feelings I have ever experienced in real life.

I loved book one of this series and Fanetti is an amazing writer, but I don't think I will ever read anything by her again. It's not worth the anxiety.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I don't know if this book deserves 1 star or 5


One thing is true, though. I don't think I've ever cried so much for a story. Scratch that, I am pretty sure I've never cried so much for a fictional character.

Before the book starts, the author says it'll be a lot to handle, but let's be real here, who ever listens to that stuff? Well, I dunno why, but she did something that I think no one would have expected, she kills one of her main characters, a protagonist from the previous books . Think you have to be a bit crazy to do something like that, as an author. With something like this, you either make people love you more or absolutely hate you.


Well, I rate my books on my feelings. And this book definitely made me have a lot of feelings! I liked it a lot, but there are a lot of likable books out there. This one though, this one had a way of drawing me in, of making me want to read everything, even when I could think about was closing my eyes. So, even though I can't say I loved it, it deserves a lot of stars.
Why 4.5, not the whole 5+++? I couldn't find the reason behind the author's choice. Again, it takes guts to do something like this, but I didn't really feel the need for such an extreme gesture.

Ah well, whether you will like this book or not, this series, as a whole, is still worth trying out.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually tends to write a lengthy review on every Signal Bend books, but for the first time all I care about is to vent my frustration and anger after I finish it. Here goes.....

What the fuck!?! I am beyond angry with how things went down. I could't care less about Len and Tash romance, when all these gruesome straight out of a horror movie happening to the brothers.

Why do Havoc need to die?! Yeah, it was fucking shocker, knock me side way and make me freaking angry. Havoc!!.... I just feel in love with him during the last book and here I have to watch him died a gruesome death. Cry me a river.

What's the damn point of reading this one beside of torturing myself. I'm pissed. I'm not even much into Len and Tash's group sex during the first half. Then my heart was thrown into a shredder at the second half. Just prayed I don't have nightmare tonight. Arg!!!!

The romance between Len and Tash was totally overshadowed by what went down during the second half of the book when the Horde went on a vengeance mission.

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been trying to organize my thoughts about Show the Fire to get them from my head to this “piece of paper” but it doesn’t seem to be working for me. So this review might come out a little jumbled. Because honestly that is how I feel about this book.

Before starting Show the Fire, I decided to read a couple of reviews just to get a feel for it and though I didn’t read any spoilers I did read about the warning that Susan Fanetti put at the beginning of the book. In the other Signal Bend books there had been things that were shocking and heart wrenching so my heart sank. If she felt the need to give us a warning, this couldn’t be good. I decided to ask a GR friend a few questions before I began and I’m glad I did. I know, I guess it was a spoiler right, but it was only the information I needed to know.

Even though I had that little bit of information and Susan’s warning, in no way was I prepared for the incredible anguish I felt upon reading that “chapter” and the few that followed. What happens in Show the Fire is agonizing, heinous and raw. Pretty harsh words but it is the truth. My heart broke and I was left in a sobbing mess. But I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that Susan Fanetti slowly put me back together. And by the end of the book she gave me that light she promised. Her ability to make me feel such an extreme variation of emotion is incredible and is a testament of her ability to write amazing stories. I do have to say, after thinking a while about the “events” in this book I wish that Susan had taken it down a notch. I get why things happened but it just caused so much, maybe too much pain.

Beyond all this heartache and pain, Show the Fire is Len and Tasha’s story. At first I didn’t know what to think about these two. I wasn’t sure they were going to fit well together. They share a little history which made their connection easier but it also provided for some friction. When Tasha finally reaches the end of the road with helping the Horde, she loses a big piece of who she is, but Len is there to help her get through it all. Watching Len change and Tasha finally realizing who she really was, was really beautiful. :) Their love was simple. They just got each other.

All of the other Horde family members were very present in the book as well. ~ Isaac, Lilli, Show, Shannon, Hav, Cory, Bart, Badger, Dom and Nolan. Everyone's ability to stay strong is tested. They are all changed by the effects of what happens in this book, some more than others. But the one thing that never wavers is the love they have for each other.

I will continue to highly recommend this series. It truly is something special. I'm looking forward to the next installment which is Badger's story. Something tells me that his story will take me on yet another intense and amazing ride!

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go.
2014
5 Deeply Invested, Ramping Up Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
When an author needs to do a preemptive strike preparing her loyal readers about the book they are about to read, you know shit's going to hit the fan. Not a little ripple of discomfort...no, I am talking gut-wrenching heartache that causes the reader to lose their minds and wish they could unread things. Susan Fanetti knew what she was doing in setting her stage.... and she delivered full throttle.

I will be putting up a full review soon. I must be a masochist because for some reason I am addicted to writing in this template rather than MS Word first. I am like Pavlov's Dog... I open this screen and all the words I want to say about the books I read fall out... but not when I do it with Word...

So the brilliant review I had written on this book is gone ... because I got cocky and didn't save it as I have in the past...and I clicked when I should have saved...poof... my words not to be remembered or repeated...

I will try to come up with a review... But until then know... this book is serious... important and fits perfectly with all of the other...

Move the Sun (Signal Bend, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Behold the Stars (Signal bend, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Into the Storm (Signal Bend, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Alone on Earth (Signal Bend, #4)
In Dark Woods (Signal Bend, #4.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the Sky (Signal Bend #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Show the Fire (Signal Bend #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Leave a Trail (Signal Bend #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nolan: Return to Signal Bend
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In Dark Woods and Other Stories
The Signal Bend Series: The Complete Series


For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 SQUEEZE MY HEART WITH AN IRON FIST STARS

“There’s an ill wind blown’ the club’s way.”

I’m one big mess of emotions right now! I need a drink.



I seriously want to destroy something I'm so angry.


I’m devastated.


And I need a really big hug!


Even with a night to digest this, my head is all over the place. So forgive any incoherent thoughts or ramblings...

Len called Tasha a badass. I say Susan Fanetti is a badass and she owns it. As much as this story slayed me - and from about the 66% mark on, I found myself weeping A LOT and when I would put the book down, I could NOT forget - what Ms. Fanetti did took guts and it must have been painful to write. I hated it but it also held true to the series and the path the Horde have been on for a while. I've thought many times before these boys are playing in the wrong sandbox. They can be rough and tough but they do it for good. They give a fuck. The guys they were in bed with would sooner slit their own mother’s throat.

“I don’t remember how to live without him. I only had him for a year, but it’s like he recorded over everything that came before him. Including me. I’m just…static without him.”



“To his last breath he was trying to get home. To you.”

Not surprising, but something I was grateful for, is we got to see and hear from the others in the Horde family – Isaac, Lilli, Cory, Nolan, Show, Shannon, Badger, Dom, Bart - and we saw some of their past demons come into play here in a really raw and agonizing way. Having this tightly woven family band even more together in their darkest moment gave me strength.

I was reeling for the last third of the book so much so that while this was Len and Tasha’s story and I truly liked it, they faded into the background for me. I guess in a way, Len and Tash may have gotten ripped off but, on the other hand, both Len and Tash are club. They get IT and perhaps that’s why it was them telling this raw, dark and painful story? They understand what the club stands for, what you fight for, what you risk.



Amazingly, Ms. Fanetti with her gift for storytelling and bringing to life such real, vibrant, characters, got me through to the end. There were moments when I didn't know if I could finish, my thoughts drowning in the loss, anger and despair - really not able to take anymore - but these guys, the Horde and Signal Bend are under my skin...I'm deeply invested in each and everyone of them and I could not walk away. I knew it was not going to be pretty and truthfully, when you enter the world of Outlaws and the underbelly of society, there is barely any room for light or good.

The final book in the series is next and while I don’t expect everything to be coming up roses, I sure hope that there is light at the end for my boys.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS ★★★★
Fuck.. I'm glad that's over. TORTURE.



His heart hurt, like it was being squeezed in an iron fist. He heard some kind of sound come out of his throat, and then he wrapped her up tight in his arms and tucked his head against her neck, letting the soft warmth of her skin soothe him.

All I can say is I didn’t want to read this book, I wish I wouldn’t have read it, and I don’t even want to review it. It’s Len’s book… and I LOVE Len... I mean really LOVE him!!! And I’m just sick that Len got stuck with this dark chapter in the Signal Bend story.

I have loved this series from the beginning. And I have grown to love each and every member of the Night Horde MC and the women behind them. So all I can say is WHY??? Why does it have to be so fucking painful???

I can’t discredit the writing. It is without a doubt STELLAR in it’s presentation. It is captivating. It evokes deep emotion… and pain… and tears… anger… and depression. So much so, that I don’t know if I care to go any further with the series.

I know I’m being dramatic and unfair, and I don’t really give a shit. It’s how I feel. Empty and broken hearted.

There is a romance, believe it or not. But unfortunately it was overshadowed by the grief and pain it fell in line with. It is Len and Tasha's story.



Len Wahlberg, the Night Horde's SAA was mysterious loner of the club. The one always found buried under a pile of naked club girls. He rarely went one on one... too much intimacy. And he was happy with his life. The Horde was his family, and the connection he felt with his brothers was all the company he needed. At least he thought it was.

And then he was shot. He almost lost it all. He was starting to feel his age. And all of the sudden, he started feeling a loneliness that he had never experienced before.



Dr. Natasha Wesby grew up in the Horde. She was the daughter of the club's first SAA, and was brought up in the club without a mother. After surviving a youthful affair with Isaac, one that ended in public humiliation, Tasha left the club and never looked back. She made a new life for herself, going to college and on to medical school. But she never forgot the Horde. And she even steps in occasionally to care for their wounded, and pull strings where she can. They were her family, and always would be.

So when she had to put her career on the line to protect them, she didn't even hesitate. She knew the consequences, and threw it all away to grant the wish of a dying man.

But he didn't die. He knew of her sacrifice. And he couldn't... he wouldn't let it stand. And in reaching out to her to try to make things right, he discovered a connection between them that lit a fire deep in his soul. He wanted her. But it was going to be complicated. She was damaged. She was a loner, just like him. Avoiding intimacy. She had given up on love.

"Why would you think a man who lives a life like mine would hold back? I know what's important, baby. When I know what I want - what I need - I don't fuck around."

Now this relationship between Len and Tasha was interesting to say the least. Her, knowing his history with women, thought they were the perfect match, because she, herself shared some of the same interests.



So she pushed the group thing... trying to avoid the pull of him, but what she didn't know was that all he really wanted was her.

"No, Doc. No analysis, no...diagnosis or whatever. Stop thinking. Fucking stop it. You, baby, think too fucking much. You ruin shit with your thinking."

But she was deathly afraid of letting her feelings go. She was afraid she wouldn't survive another broken heart at the hands of the Horde. And with Len's history with women, she knew it was inevitable. So she held back. And she almost lost him because of it. But by the time she figured her shit out... the DARKNESS set in.



This is what they were willing to sacrifice for a brother. For Family. Everything.



Now I'm not going to go any further into the DARKNESS. I don't even like to relive it in my mind. Just know, it's fucking BAD. And I'm angry that it went that far. And I don't think I'm going to get over it anytime soon.



But what it did do for the Horde and especially for Tasha is that it put things into perspective and fast. And there was no more drama. There was only love left when all was said and done. So the romance she was starting with Len took hold fast and furious.

He liked that. Just them. Their love was not for sharing. Their world could have little part of them, but the rest of them, the heat and fire of them, was for moments like this. Moments alone. Alone with her, he felt invincible. This was hope, too.



"I will love you forever, Tasha. Forever."

But the DARKNESS wasn't over... because it just kept coming. Raining down in bucketfuls on Signal Bend. And it still isn't over. I just don't know if I can take anymore pain...



Why Susan? I don't understand why it was so important to rip the hearts out of our chests. I know it's fiction... We get enough devastation in the real world. We read for escape, not to wallow in even more pain. I wanted to give this book 5 stars. It definitely deserved it. But I took one away for spite. Call me childish and petty... overly dramatic... definitely. But I just don't give a shit anymore. If I find the strength to read book 7, it will be a miracle.



...ok so maybe there was a message, I still don't care.

My final word to those who are currently reading this series and loving it, you might want to stop after book 5. Read on at your own risk.

[Kelli C]

I have no idea how to rate this book. The whole STAR system is kinda flawed with so many different interpretations out there, thus I am leaving it blank! I suppose one would have to really read this review to understand.

First, I refused to spend too much time searching for images and quotes to try and drive home the tragic nature of this tale. Nothing could adequately depict that true Dark. I'm not even really sure I even like the book...how in the hell could I?

It is funny that I cheated. I had the whole gist of this book, details and all, yet I STILL WAS NOT PREPARED for anything that I read today.



When All the Sky ended, I had a general sense of doom. I just had this gut feeling that something wicked was about to drop in Signal Bend. The last 2 books, while great, did not hold the same emotional connections that Isaac and Show's tales had. That being said, I am trying to really gather my thoughts as to how I feel about this.



I suppose I could rate the book high based on the overall quality that Susan Fanetti has delivered time after time with the Horde. She has definitely kept the grit and the overall raw nature that she set out with. I could then turn around and rate the book low based on the fact that I struggled with the overall "romance" of this story. It was kind of hard to decipher any good or intimacy when I was a complete emotional mess.



Truth be told there are a lot of books out there that are 5 Star Fabulous and I have absolutely NO desire to read them. I know what I like and what I just cannot stomach in a book. I feel like this book was necessary for me to finish, even though it is not one that I liked. I suppose I will find the light at the end of the tunnel. They say that you have to hit rock bottom before you can truly find the beautiful apex. Show the Fire was definitely one of my all time lows in reading.

Five books I invested time and money into. Five books that made me a Fanetti Fan. Just 1 book that dropped me back and has me questioning my reading pleasure. YES, I will finish this series. I owe it to myself to find that goodness again that was once in Signal Bend.

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 5 out of 5]

03/11/2017 -- Amazing

I decided to do this one differently than others have. I wanted to see if 1) I'd like this book better by not being so invested in the characters, 2) If this would be the book that actually turned me onto this series. I can happily report, I think I'm in the minority because I thought this book amazing.

I understand others when they say they were horrified by how this story unfolds. I was too, but it was very well put together. I think it was shocking and needed as she works to evolve and wrap up the series.

I will say though, after reading this book, I may never read the fifth book. I also know, I'm not an Isaac or Lili fan. The first two books are their story and I wasn't a fan of 1 and have no desire to read book 2. Book 3 and 4 are maybe's, but I'm reading book 7 now and will read Nolan's story after that.

I give this book 5 Stars. I'd give it more, if I could.

What did I particularly like?
1 -- This is a character driven story. When I first met Len, I wasn't such a fan. Same with Tasha. I wasn't sure how these characters would evolved with any depth. I was wrong and surprised when I really became invested in them and their relationship.

2 -- I like that, even though this book is part of a series that clearly builds on itself -- book to book, this book stands alone. You really don't need to read the ones before it. You can see from the comments of other readers, this can be a detriment too, because this story takes some of the characters to a very dark moment in their lives. I want to read the next one in the series, but I don't feel like I have to in order to feel good about the arc of this particular story.

3 -- I absolutely don't like menage' or similar in my stories. So this was a jump for me. I'm not going to say, I'm now a fan. What I will say, I'm proud of me, for giving this book/author a chance because the story evolved and we end up with two dedicated to monogamy in their relationship. No, this wasn't necessary for me, it is though, what happened.

4 -- The warning leading into this book. The author spent a significant amount of time warning readers they may not like what they read for varied reasons. And still, readers felt they needed to comment on their deep dislike of this particular book for the very reason the author warns them against. So, who's at fault here?

5 -- This is a good/maybe not so good comment. Susan starts each book with a poem. I love these. They provide such insight and she uses these to create her book titles. However, you almost have to go back at the end of the book and read the poem again, reflect on its meaning in relation to what you just read to get it. Why? Because, by the end of the book, you sure won't remember it and the title may not make a bit of sense.

Now, a few things that didn't appeal to me:
1 -- The covers for these books .. I don't really get them. I don't think they really pull a reader. A bit too fluffy, but I didn't spend tons of time looking at it.

2 -- All the spoilers I've read for this book were very selfish. I get that people were invested in this series, these characters, but this book was very well written AND it came with a warning. It IS a romance. These two people evolved from friends with distant knowledge of each other, into a true and deep caring commitment for the other. A real respectful and mature romance. All the components are here. Why do I even care? Because dammit .. I almost didn't read this based on some of the comments. That would have been a shame. A note to self ... check it out for yourself and don't let others push you off when you know the author has skill!!

3 -- I thought the ending just okay. It seemed to wind down slowly. I was a bit disappointed. The End. Done. Really ... no more? Nope. No more. Alrighty then ... on to the next one.

Very glad I read this one. I will read this again and again. I bet ... I just know, I'll like it even more the next time.

Happy Reading!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 5 / 5 = 5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Steamy to Mild
454 pages

First sentence: Len saw Wrench walk toward the back of the truck with a strange sense of purpose, and he understood what the Prospect intended to do.

Last sentence: It was the cresting moment of potential meeting the adrenaline surge of risk. And that was hope, too.

[Piper]

Not sure how I'm going to rate this yet. It pissed me off to the extreme and just gutted me. I cannot say that the good outweighed the bad. Not in this book. Anyway- I'll think on it for a while- no doubt for a very long time actually.

Oh, and btw..... I apologize for my last couple of updates. I was very upset.

[RomanceBookVixen · Rating 3 out of 5]

. 2.5 I am feeling VERY UPSET- CONFLICTED- RAW STARS

My rating is not based on the violence of this book but my personal feelings.

I have to say that Susan Fanetti is a great writer. She has a way with words that sucks the reader in for a ride. But this book missed the mark for me BIG TIME. At the moment my emotions are still raw. Its been over a day and cannot stop thinking about this book. Due to my emotions I want to give this book 5 Stars because Susan Fanetti achieved making me sob like crazy, scream, and hurt my heart; almost made me slam my iPad across the room. But because of the turn of events in this book and my PERSONAL feelings I wanted to give this book 1 Star. So I decided to divided that in half and rate this book 2.5 Stars.

I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning. But this book took a turn for the worse. I love my dark, gritty, violent intense stories. Especially MC stories. But this was just cruel. Why makes us fall in love with a character and then take him away (which is the reason why I gave this book 2.5 Stars). I don't think that killing off one of the main characters in the series was cool. Especially after giving that character a story and a so-called HEA, and then to kill him off in book 6, especially the way that it was done. I though the violent details of his death was unnecessary. I went from LOVING each and every book in this series and giving them all 5 STARS rating, to not wanting to continue this story or the last book in the series. Also after Havoc got killed. I did not care for Len and Tasha story anymore in the end, because I was so consume by the other characters death. Also, the MC was making one bad choice after another. I mean, we are already in book 6. How can they go from bad to worse. How many MC brothers need to die. I am just disappointed, upset, and pissed the FUCK OFF.

I should be writing a review on Len and Tasha''s story, but as you can read. I have nothing to say because I am still stuck on that awful death by one of the MC brothers.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words I can think of for this book. I gave it five stars because the author made me scream and cry and feel totally betrayed ...by that author. So 5 Stars to that BITCH.

Who the FRACK does that? What author makes you fall in love w/a hero...expect a HEA ...then ...HGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Total bitch to do this when people have invested money and time in her books!

[Vallsykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Fanetti tells readers in the Forward,

“At the end of each book, the romance that is its heart is in a good place. Furthermore, the series considered as a single narrative itself— which is how I think of it, as one long story— …[however] These men and women live in a dangerous world. They work hard for their optimistic endings…[and] Often , the best anyone can hope for is a happy-for-now.

Honestly, I appreciated Fanetti’s address to the readers, and being a fan of her writing, I’m attuned enough not to be surprised by her writing daring elements in her plot or leaving the what is “tidy” and “safe” at the door, and most of the time, I’m willing to “dive” into unchartered waters or rollercoasters that an author wants to take the reader on, as long as it is well-crafted.

This series has been well-crafted, IMO, and it has certainly stood on a pedestal above most of the series or single books within its trending genre. Show the Fire brings the heat, brings the heartache, the pain and the unconventional.
An Unconventional Start
The main couple of this installment from Signal Bend is Len and Tasha. Tasha is a loyal, but estranged daughter of the HORDE (her father being an original member). She has seen a world far away from Signal Bend, and she’s come back as a doctor who is good at her job, but barely coping at her life. Tash is willing to compromise her career for her family, who she considers to be the Horde, but she is oddly conflicted about actually living a Horde life; under this first complexity lies a few others, for Tash has an oddly constructed group of friends who represent her camouflage against past hurt and a truth she is unwilling to acknowledge.

This is where Len comes in. He is like any other Horde who comes into contact with the good Doc—by way of gun-shot wounds and chaos. Unlike other Horde, Len knows Tash’s history intimately, can easily sift out her pain and need to tuck herself away. Also unlike other Horde, Len has been the one to comfort Tash though the backlash of her emotional investment in and loyalty to the Horde. Len didn’t have her first, but he had her after and he’s determined to have her last, even if he has to deal with her group of friends and way of coping to do it.

So the unconventional is wrapped up in Len’s sexual history with and sexual journey to Tash. He is faced with feelings of rage, jealousy and discomfort toward Tash’s friends and her first lover, Isaac, his President. But Len battles these things very well, in my opinion. However, Tash does not. Not for a good time of the plot.

“So your shit is about Shelley.”
He smiled. “Just like your shit’s about Isaac.
“Who is apparently blissfully, erotically, enthusiastically faithful these days. Right?”
“Bitter girl.”

the Heartache and the Pain
Tash understandably cannot get it together because of her fear of being with Len and the residue of her past with Isaac. Hey it’s Isaac, so yeah….it IS understandable. LOL. And if you’ve read this series, you know, from Isaac’s books, how devastated Tash’s first heartache in life must have been. Yet, Tash has had ample time and experience to get over it already. So, for me, her hedging and lingering with the “Horde men can’t commit-one broke my heart, so I ran” excuse got a little tedious. Fanetti dropped the ball a little bit in this because I probably would have felt more tolerant reading Tash’s indecision and her awkward “dance” back and forth with Len if I were given the chance to “feel” Tash’s rude awakening of love through a flashback.

Instead, Tash hem and hawed. This woman who possibly started off as a contender with the likes of Lilli! Tash hedged until Len battered through one more time with his dick. Then, again, with another need. Tash suddenly becomes doctor and old lady as the Horde faces conflict that brings pain and heartache greater than any in the previous books.

And, like in the previous book, like...since the beginning of the series, I. Was. Affected.

”Even in all this, it means you’re lucky. To have a man like these men… it’s worth everything. They’re good, Tasha.”

As Tash finds her feet with the Horde again, she summons strength. Even though she doesn’t top Lilli with it, the reader is able to understand her selflessness in her calling, her willingness to unconventionally love Len, and ensconce herself in the life.
The Heat
I haven’t reconciled whether or not Show the Fire is well-named. The conflagration of outside threats and attacks that the Horde endures has certainly enveloped itself in the overarching theme of the series. The next in the series being the last book, Badger’s book, it will have to address redemption, a mending of a new future for the Horde, and of course, balance the heavy with the actual love story. This means the heat of danger is juxtaposed with the heat of passion and love.

Len and Tash’s “heat” was steamy but stymied by interesting compromises in the bedroom. The heat of their love was questionable at first and then tempered by catastrophe and a clinging to mortality. In a sense, it seemed that this couple got together not because of star-crossed love or extraordinary passion, but by a dormant need built from living lives that indulged them in excess, yet buried their emotions.

The balance of love story and man-vs-enemy (or man vs. his own demons) is a large task, especially when an author dares to add varying levels of complexity and goes for a touch of realistic drama. Susan Fanetti dares well and does fine with the task.

"I’ve been trying to figure out how to get us back to the way things were. Well, there’s no goin’ back…"
Show the Fire (Signal Bend Series)

[t'irla ~The Bookslayer~ aka Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, This is going to be a hard review to write. The emotion that I experienced while reading this book was so profound as to leave me almost wordless.

There are many reasons this book should be a 4 star read, not a 5 star read which I have settled on. I'm going to break this down into a few different parts without giving out any spoilers, I hope.

Editing: Yes there were a few errors but nothing to lose the story or any stars over.

Characters: SF brought so many dimensions into Tasha's character that I'm afraid we lost the essence of the character and her feelings for Len. I think this also kept me from relating to her, there was more angst for Isaac than there was for Len which also kinda pissed me off. Len deserved some angst IMO. So yes Tasha was likable in some ways especially when wearing her Doctor hat..but in the relationship aspect of her character I found her a bit of a TSTL .

I loved Len, I found he was extremely easy to relate to, he was comfortable in his own skin in a way only a more mature adult can be...He knew who he was and what he wanted and he isn't afraid of change. I respected him before the "bad thing" and I respected him even more after "the bad thing" For me Len made the story and is the heart of the book.

Relationships: I didn't really feel any connection between Tasha and Len other than friendship, for me there was no sizzle or spark. I thought Tasha was in more of a relationship with the club than she was with Len, the angst she experienced other than Isaac was for the club. It was however beautiful to experience Len's devotion to the club and to his Horde brothers. I love that he tried to connect to the young people around him and it made him more "human". Isaac's relationship to the club and to the history of the club was awesome to see at work. I could feel how he felt about the different things that transpired and it was amazing to see. There were several other relationships; Shannon and Show, Cora and the "old ladies", Len and Nolan and Badger and Len, Badger and Havoc that were all beautiful and I felt them deep.

Storyline: For me this book is a vehicle for the plot. The romance that is usually the driving force in a contemporary romance really did take a backseat to the different aspects of moving the story along, The "bad thing", the town, the relationships within the club, the healing. I don't feel bad about this because any series over 3 books usually has one that might be weaker in the romance but stronger in the story. This was that book.

The Writer: Susan Fanetti you are incredibly brave, it is not often a writer will take the chances you did in this book. You are incredibly talented writer and you have a fan in me for life. Yes, you have a very realistic view of life and the violence and ugliness of the biker life is very apparent in your novels. There is no candy coating or hearts and flowers, only grit, dirt, horror and hurt. You brought the stories behind so many of our newspaper articles to life in your novels and yes it is heard to read. You devastated me with this novel, you made me angry, you hurt me, you brought my heart to my throat, you made me cry and you made me smile. Only a writer with true talent can cause a reader to experience this in ONE novel.

The Warning: The novel is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, it is violent, horrible and horrendous things happen but all of it is within the reality of the story. It is not gratuitous but it is also there in the full light of day. I still shudder at the "big bad" If you have issues with this things well I"m not sure why you are reading this series because all the novels in it have aspects of this darkness. This book doesn't dwell but it is all there in black and white.

The Rating: I pondered this overnight and most of today but I really have to give this novel a 5 star rating. Yes there were several things that knocked stars off but so many things that added stars that I just couldn't give it any less that the best rating I can. I also recommend this novel highly. This series is one of the best I have read for quality of writing, uniqueness and emotion. I can't wait to read book 7 and see who Susan Fanetti concludes our trip to Signal Bend.

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the foreword of this book I started being scared… I know that shit’s about to get real.



I’m afraid for the Horde men and their women at Signal Bend at what will be their fate. I told myself that I really love this series and just get on with it and bring it Susan Fanetti, I’m not scared…



I really liked how Len and Tasha were trying to define their connection to each other after all these years… And their idiosyncrasies seemed to be working for them… I was wondering if it would get weird in the club house considering Tasha’s history with the club. But it didn’t and I love how the author executed it perfectly. I loved how mature Len was and he was open arms to Tara’s needs and he was willing and able to make sure that Tara is happy and how to make their relationship work…

When I reached the chapter where Susan Fanetti mentioned in her foreword that it is

“darker than anything else that I’ve written.”

I read it and lo and behold, I was shocked to the bones… I saw it coming and kind of have a sense of who it’s going to happen to but I was in denial… I kept on telling myself that she would not dare do that … She would not do it to the officers… Maybe she will do it to the younger men (like Badger but maybe the author had bigger plans for him). but she did… I’ve fallen in love with this series and with the men and women of Signal Bend… And I kept on asking myself if that part was necessary. I don’t know… I don’t think so… I don’t understand it… I brewed… I can’t, I just can’t…



I screamed and all the swear words came out…



I expected something dark, something gritty… but I did not expect that I would feel this pissed off! My mind was reeling!!! I didn’t expect that I would feel this raw, so heartbroken and so distraught that I don’t even have enough words to describe it Maybe because I love Havoc’s character that it hit me this hard. The author did promise that there would be light after the dark again… But even if that part was done, you would still have to read how each person cope and move on… But how can you? Each one of them had different ways to deal with their grief and cope and they tried to move on… I just bawled when they were recalling how Havoc died strong and how he wanted to go home… And how Cory doesn’t know how she can live again… And when Nolan tossed the picture and gave his speech I just about died and bawled all over again…

“You promised. You fucking asshole.”

Even as a reader I had a hard time myself coping and understanding what I had read… I didn’t know what to think but all I can do was cry and sip wine or maybe a shot of Tequila while I'm at it!

[Chris-Wait-For-It-Awesome · Rating 1 out of 5]

NO. JUST NO. This series has gone downhill for me. I want to write some things down before I hide my "spoilerful" review.
I'm so angry at how the series are developing I'm seriously considering NOT reading the last book. And that would be a shame because the author writes vividly and eloquently. But after this book I need a major breather. So I am going to read the last book. Eventually

Ms Fanetti. Correct me if I'm wrong but you list your books as romance. This was NOT a romance. You do NOT give a hero a HEA and then off him in the next book, leaving his kids and weak-ass heroine (I was right not to like Cory by the way, the selfless b!tch) alone in the world. Nolan broke my heart. He just shattered me. No, you don't give us a HEA and then snatch it away.
Secondly, why so dark? I mean ok, I've read some pretty dark novels but this one is Stephen King worthy. Because you also write well. The torture scenes were better suited for a thriller. Sure. You aligned your Horde with a vicious cartel and you needed something really big to make them take action to break free but I just was pissed.
Lastly, with the torture I just couldn't give a f**k about Len and Tash. And even before that. Poly amorous affairs that stem from her fears? You should have advised your readers Ms Fanetti. That foreword just wasn't enough. I don't care about the suspense you want to create. I don't have problems with poly-amorous romance. I like reading about it. I just don't want to be caught off guard. That is just bad form. The snippets of Len's sexual preferences wasn't enough to prepare me, Tashs' completely blindsided me and what is ironic is that Len was the one who wanted monogamy. Go figure. Honestly, I didn't even want to give it one star. I'm so disappointed.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow

This book was so damn hard to read. So fucking hard. I didn't think I could get through it but I did, and now I'm left feeling like a part of my heart has been ripped out of my chest and stomped on.

You ever cry so hard your head starts pounding and you nose gets all stuffy? You feel like you’re never going to stop and you’re never going to stop feeling the pain? That’s how I felt reading that chapter. The chapter everyone warned me about. The chapter I stupidly thought I could handle after accidentally reading some dumba**sses review with a huge spoiler in the first sentence. I thought because I knew it would make it easier, that I could prepare myself for it. But I was so wrong because nothing could prepare me for the pain this town will go through in this book. I was ugly crying all over my kindle while reading this book. I haven't cried this hard over a book since Made by J.M. Darhower. I'm talking about having to hide your face into a pillow to drown out your loud crying, hiding your whole body underneath your blanket, crying. Just writing this right now, my eyes are watering and I’m holding back the wail that keeps trying to push itself from my mouth.

I know you're all thinking right now:



And my answer is:



After that chapter, honestly I couldn’t concentrate fully on the rest of the book. I was and still am an emotional mess over it. I tried to care enough to keep interested in the after math but when the more I read, the more pain and heartache I saw and I just felt like I couldn’t deal with more. So I shut down. I’m not ashamed to say that a book made me shut down. I literally pulled myself into a little ball and just stared at the wall, thinking about the book. About the characters, who feel like family. They are family to me. After 6 books, I get to call them that. I don’t care what anyone says. I love these characters as if they were real and when they hurt, I hurt just as much as they do. I finished the book and there was a light at the end, but the darkness of that chapter still shadows over everything IMO and didn’t make me feel better at all.

But I know you guys want to know a bit about the main characters for this book and whatnot so I'll try and bring it back a bit.

Their relationship is my least favorite. I especially didn’t like Tasha much. I found her to be a bitch and I had a hard time connecting with her, especially in the beginning. We know her as the girl Isaac cheated on and dropped when they were younger. She still harbors small resentment over it and had never really gotten over it. She doesn’t care for Isaac in that way anymore and is happy for both him and Lily but the way he hurt her, has made her completely closed off emotionally. While I could definitely understand that, it pissed me off that she was practically blaming Len for the shit Isaac did. That’s not fair and just because Isaac did her wrong doesn’t mean you can put Len in the same group and treat him unfairly.

I had a really hard time with Tasha and Len's love story. They had a very unconditional start and I felt like it was very out of place in this series and the kind of romance stories it has had in the past. I was on the fence on weather or not I should mention what it was that bothered me but I decided I am going to talk about it, mainly because no one else told me and I wish they had. Tasha and Len, in the beginning of their story, participate in group sex. If this was smut, I would, be all for the group sex. But this is a romance story and I’m sorry but I don’t like my couples to be with anyone but each other. And at 50% into the book and they’re still having group sex, that just didn't work for me. It made me upset and very uncomfortable to have to read those sex scenes for the first half of the book. If I had known beforehand I think I would have had time to be ok with it but when that first scene happened it blindsided me and not in a good way at all. I kept holding off on reading more because I just didn’t want to read more about how Tasha needs a fucking posse in her bed just to sleep with Len. I had a really hard time with the beginning of their relationship. One of Tasha’s “friends” said this about her and I think it was so spot on about who Tasha is:

“I’m sharing. He’s sharing. We’re sharing you. You’re just taking. It’s all you ever do. I don’t think he’s bad for you. I think you’re bad for him. I love you, but you are a fucking black hole of love, Tash. He loves you. I love you. We alllove you. You don’t even notice. You don’t love anybody. You don’t even love you”.

I feel bad for Tasha, I know she’s broken and has been broken for over 10 years but like i said, the first half was hard for me. That said, once she stopped with her b.s. she did grow on me. Not enough to become a favorite of mine but I liked her nonetheless.

There's so much more I want to say, but it would be way too spoilery so I'm going to stop. My only advice is be prepared to cry your eyes out. Do not read this in public and have tissues at hand. I'm so freaking depressed over this book and part of me wishes I never read it but another part of me is happy I did. I'm ready to read the final book in the series, and see this family get the peace they deserve.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I debated with myself whether I should write a review of this book, but I need to vent and get out my thoughts so I decided I would. I actually finished this book last night, but was not emotionally ready to write a review. Honestly, if I had written it right after finishing the book, I would have probably rated it at 2-3 stars. After letting it settle on my mind, I feel it is a solid 4 star book. This book is the most intense and violent of all the books in this series so far. The author does give a warning in the foreword:

"If you've read this far in the series, you know that there's pain and heartbreak and loss in my love stories. These men and women live in a dangerous world. They work hard for their optimistic endings, and happily-ever-afters are tough to come by. Often the best anyone can hope for is a happily-for-now. In this book, the pain, heartbreak, and loss might be more acute than the others....There's one chapter here, in particular, that is darker than anything else I've written. But there will be light again"

I read this warning prior to reading the book, but still was not prepared. I kept thinking, this can't be happening, he can't die, he was a major part of one of the other books, WHAT?! NO! I became very angry after the difficult chapter that the author warned us about (which is why I would have rated the book lower if I hadn't stopped to think about it all), but I now see why everything had to happen. It led to other events that continue the story in a realistic fashion. The MC world is a harsh, dirty, dangerous world and I believe this book really gave an accurate reflection of that world. My heart is breaking for the Horde, though. They have lost so many loved ones, while trying to do what's best for the town. When the town begins turning on the Horde, I feel Isaac's pain and his disappointment.

I am conflicted about Tasha and Len. I think they worked in this book, but I didn't really ever like Tasha. She seemed to have a totally different personality than she presented with in the brief times we saw her in other books. It almost felt like her personality was changed so that she fit into Len's life. But, I loved Len. He was straight-forward and determined once he decided he wanted Tasha. He bent over backwards to give her what she wanted and needed (or thought she needed). He takes care of his brothers and risks everything for them.

So, to summarize, I highly recommend this book to those who have read the first 5.5 books. If you are new to the series, do not start here. You have to start at book #1 Move the Sun. Each book focuses on a main couple, but there is an underlying story throughout the series. I am anxiously awaiting book #7, which is apparently the final book in the series. I am looking forward to the "light" that Susan Fanetti promises us is coming.

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very close to rating this book a 4. The last third totally redeemed it and brought it to 5 star territory.

I was not initially a fan of Tasha. I felt she was closing herself off and being incredibly selfish and inconsiderate. But I also wasn't a big fan of how Len so suddenly changed his ways. His love seemed to come from out of nowhere & happened really quickly. However, by the end I was all in. Hook, line & sinker.

The BIG moment in this story had me reeling. The repercussions were intense and I found myself blinking back tears a few times. So many strong characters. So many deep emotions. It was rough, but I think it made the story more realistic and worthwhile.

Now I'm on pins & needles waiting for the final book!

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I knew Signal Bend series was not easy to read, but this was off the charts. This is definitely not for faint of heart.

Len and Tasha have a unusual relationship. It's not my cup of tea. Tasha surprised me big time. It is like she's different person from previous book. I didn't felt their connection at first, but as we get to know more of them, I finally understand. I like Len, like a lot. He is straight forward and same as before.

I was pissed off in twist of story. I just can't believed and don't understand why it should be that way. I don't want to give away the story so

This is the second time the series made me cry. ms. Susan really knew how to captured the attention of her reader. I loved her for that. The note "explicit sex and graphics violence" should not be ignored, so be warned.

Why not five stars? Overall I liked the story. It affects me so much that I have to take a break in reading it. Though there were scene I'm not sure there is significant in story, like Tasha's friend. That's is why I don't give 5 stars.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutted, I am just gutted after reading the 6th installment in the Signal Bend Series. It is really had for me to review this one as I do not want to give anything away. I believe when reviewing a brand new release that we should be careful to limit what we say as not to spoil it for others. Having said that, that’s all I want to do. But I won’t.

Emotionally devastating, blindsided, lost. I felt it all. These are good men doing horrible things for the betterment of a community and their families. What we got in this book is a grim reminder of the consequences in that world of illegal activity and outside the law ways.

I won’t lie, this is a hard read. I have cried during and after reading. I think that is a testament to the author. She has endeared these characters to me. So much so that I feel the loss as if it were real. There is a warning in the forward and it still didn’t prepare me for what was to come.

5 emotional stars and scars for Show the Fire.
T~
www.ktbookreviews.com

[Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the story of Tasha and Len. This one didnt gel with me and I couldnt relate to the characters especially tasha. their love was just too insta. There was also a lot of kink in this story (dont have a problem with that) but I just felt it was so "out of the box" for the direction this book went.

this was one of the most difficult books I have read and Susan Fanetti pulls no punches with the direction she took this. My heart was ripped in two and I am still trying to comprehend why she did this? She provides a warning at the start that there are some dark scenes - this happens around 60% into it. Despite knowing that something bad is going to happen I was completely unprepared for what I read.

I havent rated this as I am still trying to get my head round whether I loved it or hated it.

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every single moment of the Signal Bend series. Show the Fire contained some of the same elements that I adore. Such as witty writing, well constructed dialogue, and deep character development. This installment, however, is much darker then all of the previous books in the series. I also felt like the romance in this read was different. I wouldn't way that it wasn't good it was just different.

Fanetti says it best herself in her foreword.

"Often, the best anyone can hope for is a happy-for-now. In this book, the pain, heartbreak, and loss might be more acute than in the others. It certainly was for me as I wrote it. So I want to start off your journey off with this note. There is always light at the end. Welcome Back to Signal Bend."

When we were last with the Horde they were still reeling from the cartel's involvement with the club. Havoc had lost his sister. The Horde is crawling away from a shoot out. Show the Fire picks up right after the shoot out has taken place. Let's just jump back in...shall we?



Len is injured and he wants to be taken home. Isaac is concerned for the welfare of his brother but knows that he will only feel peace back in Signal Bend. With the help of the "Horde Doctor" Tasha, Len is transferred safely home. He almost died in the transfer but as always these boys seem to pull through. (Or do they?)



Tasha has a long history with the club. She is incredibly loyal to the Horde. Her father was an original member and she has a history with Isaac the current club president. She loves her job at the hospital and has always been happy to help the club when they need her. This time is no different. Ironically, she has always had a special bond with Len.

"I made my choices. Don’t make me a victim here. I am club, Len. We do for our own. If you make me a victim, you put me outside. Then it’s all for nothing. I am club. I am club.-Tasha”

Despite her best efforts to cover for the club, this time she has stretched her professional ethics card a little to far and unbeknownst to the club she losses her job at the hospital.

After Len has finally recovered, he realizes that he never checked back in with Tasha. When he goes to her apartment, he is shocked. Tasha is there with one of her many lovers and this one happens to be a chick. Len has always had a soft spot for Tasha and when the window of opportunity opens itself up for them to connect, it does not disappoint. Except... the other chick joins in as well. Now I want to clarify right now that people can do whatever they want. But never in my wildest dreams would I imagine a Signal Bend Love story starting out this way and it was a bit of a shocker!

Len does everything in his power to make things work with Tasha. He knows that she has tried to distance herself from the club and create a new life surrounded by her many lovers and friends. Yet he wants her to be his. Even if that means allowing another brother into their bed to play. I have to say I detached quite a bit from the story at this point. Honestly, I can see a biker and two babes in bed but would a hard core biker really invite one of his brothers for a roll in the hay as well? Not so sure about that folks!

The first half of the book is focused on Tasha trying to come to terms with who she really is. Let's just say it is obvious that Isaac shattered her and it is most definitely her fear of abandonment that has caused her to seek love and acceptance in such an unconventional way!



Tasha begins to put the pieces together and realizes her feelings for Len.

"Tasha had been making a series of decisions and discoveries. She needed Len home. She need him with her. She needed him. That much she knew. She’d told her friends she was in love with him, and that was true."-Tasha

Just as things start to come together for these two. (THANK GOD!) The club business heats up and violence is on the horizon. Very, very bad things happen. If you do not want to know, then please don't read the spoiler. Key club members are captured and tortured by the cartel. And despite the fact that we spent the entire last book falling in love with all things Havoc. Sadly, he doesn't make it! Insert curse words, ugly cry, and smashed kindle here! Seriously could not sleep and was frankly a bit depressed for a few days!

Needless to say after the violence, everyone falls apart. (Including the reader so be prepared!)



Most heartbreaking moment is when Cory with her new born baby tries to come to terms with Havoc's loss. “I don’t remember how to live without him. I only had him for a year, but it’s like he recorded over everything that came before him. Including me. I’m just… static without him.”-Tasha Please just stab me in the eye with a fork...it will feel better!

Tasha is able to use her gifts to help heal the club. Despite the agony and pain that the club endures, there is good!

“It means you’re lucky, Tasha. Even in all this, it means you’re lucky. To have a man like these men… it’s worth everything. They’re good, Tasha. Tonight, that might be hard to believe , but it’s true. It’s worth everything.-Shannon”

I suppose Len and Tasha get a little H. I just cannot honestly tag it a full on HEA! I think Badger says it best:

"It’s not a rough patch. It’s quicksand. Everything is wrong. Everything’s changing, and it’s all changing wrong.-Badger”

I hope that as time goes on my heart will heal from the heartbreak that I experienced from reading this book. Although I admire Fanetti for her raw and honest picture of a motorcycle club, I truly do prefer my heroes and heroines to have a HEA. Life is hard enough....the whole reason I read is to escape the real world. I will still complete the series. I have high hopes that the next book will leave the boys and their ladies in a better place.