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Signal Bend #7
Leave a Trail
The Night Horde used to be sure of their place in this world. Now, following a harrowing confrontation with the vicious leader of a notorious drug cartel, they are weakened in body and spirit, and they no longer have the unwavering support of the citizens of Signal Bend. They must fight to reclaim the goodwill of their town and their own sense of purpose.
Justin 'Badger' Ness is struggling both physically and mentally with the price he paid for his place in the brotherhood of the Night Horde. That which gives him the most strength is becoming his personal demon. He is in danger of losing sight of what is good and real in the world.
Adrienne Renard is lost between the life she thought she wanted and an endless world of possibilities. The stepdaughter of Showdown Ryan, the club VP, comes to Signal Bend out of concern for her friend, worried about Badger’s increasing distance, but she stays to find her own place in a life she never knew she wanted.
Together Badger and Adrienne learn that trust—in each other and in themselves—is where strength truly lies. Without trust, there can be no atonement, no forgiveness. It’s a lesson the Night Horde and the town of Signal Bend must learn, as well.
Leave a Trail is the final volume in the Signal Bend series. It is a story of struggle and recovery, of loss and gain, of hope and perseverance, and of the abiding power of real love. Also included in this volume: The True Seed, a novella and epilogue to Leave a Trail and to the Signal Bend series itself. Note: explicit sex and violence.
Justin 'Badger' Ness is struggling both physically and mentally with the price he paid for his place in the brotherhood of the Night Horde. That which gives him the most strength is becoming his personal demon. He is in danger of losing sight of what is good and real in the world.
Adrienne Renard is lost between the life she thought she wanted and an endless world of possibilities. The stepdaughter of Showdown Ryan, the club VP, comes to Signal Bend out of concern for her friend, worried about Badger’s increasing distance, but she stays to find her own place in a life she never knew she wanted.
Together Badger and Adrienne learn that trust—in each other and in themselves—is where strength truly lies. Without trust, there can be no atonement, no forgiveness. It’s a lesson the Night Horde and the town of Signal Bend must learn, as well.
Leave a Trail is the final volume in the Signal Bend series. It is a story of struggle and recovery, of loss and gain, of hope and perseverance, and of the abiding power of real love. Also included in this volume: The True Seed, a novella and epilogue to Leave a Trail and to the Signal Bend series itself. Note: explicit sex and violence.
671 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2014
33 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 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 - 30 of 194 reviews
September 16, 2014
LEAVE A TRAIL is the final book and it belongs to Badger who is the youngest patch in the Night Horde MC. If you've read Show the Fire then you'll understand why this picture captures the essence of Badger.
I've been dreading writing this review because once I do it means I've completed the series and I'm not ready to let go of these characters. I spent a good portion of this book crying both happy and sad tears. I've decided to list what makes this motorcycle club dear to my heart.
REASON WHY I LOVE THE SIGNAL BEND SERIES:
♥The Hordes are heroes. 'They take care of people, and people love them for it. And they are clear about justice.'
♥'There's no stronger family anywhere. No bond tighter.'
♥The women have integrity and strength.
♥The women are 'fully committed to their men and to the Horde, and they are strong and good in their own rights.'
♥The women trust their men, and they trust themselves. They trust each other. They trust the club itself. Within that trust, they love unconditionally and take care of their family.'
♥The Horde 'life is scary. But you will never be alone. There is always somebody to share with you- your fear, your pain, your loss, your happiness, and your peace.'
♥The Horde 'are a team, united in times of trouble perhaps even more tightly than in times of gladness.'
Thank you, Ms. Fanetti, for writing Signal Bend. You're a talented writer and I'm a fan for life. Your characters have captured my heart and I will think of them fondly. I marvel at your writing skills to be able to write these 8 books in less than seven months blows my mind. Also, thanks for chatting and hugging me on twitter. *fangirling*
P.S. The bonus story and epilogue were fantastic!! You're the best!!
*******************************************
Meet the men of Night Horde Motorcycle Club(& their women):
Isaac: (45 years old) President and runs the town. A huge nerd.
♥Lilli♥: badass chick. Former military.
~~~~~~~~~
Showdown: (57 years old) Vice President. Loyal and wise. Isaac's bestfriend.
♥Shannon♥: high class. Skirts and high heels type of gal.
~~~~~~~~~
Bart: (33 years old)
♥Riley♥: movie star.
~~~~~~~~~
Havoc: (38 years old) Enforcer. Bart's bestfriend. Rough around the edges. Bullheaded
♥Cory♥: hippie girl. single mom.
~~~~~~~~~
Len: (51 years old) Sergeant at Arms. Loner.
♥Tasha♥: club daughter. doctor.
~~~~~~~~~
Badger: (27 years old) youngest patch.
♥Adrienne♥: Shannon's daughter.
~~~~~~~~~
Dom: (29 years old) patch.
Tommy: (30ish years old) transferred in. Ex-Navy. Bold, brash young gun.
Zeke: (60 years old) transferred in. Former outlaw.
Double A: (23 years old) patch. great smile
Thumper: prospect
Kellen: prospect
Nolan: 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"
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 review | Book 6 - SHOW THE FIRE review
IT'S LIVE: http://amzn.to/VkKAsw
July 21, 2015
******6+++ You're My Home Stars******
"We are us forever."
In one of those great journeys where my reading always takes me, I once stop by the unappealing town of Signal Bend. Inside Tucks the town's biker bar, I fell in love with all the members of The Night Horde MC, and the more I read the more my heart decided to stay in this unique and wonderful place.
With every book I discover a new member and their breathtaking story, each was raw and painfully beautiful. I cried, laugh and fell in love over and over again with every character and every aspect of this story.
For me reading is no longer a hobby but a necessity and if you are like me, and this is going to sound crazy but when I read a book such as this one, sometimes I feel like I belong more inside the story than in my own life. Sounds crazy, I know! specially because I have such a great life but it's just so magical how I feel as if Susan Fanetti is writing a story exclusively for me. I've always been of the opinion that reading is a very private affair but this author makes you feel special and completely like you are part of the story and once you are in there, is very hard to want to come out.
I apologize for this very sentimental review where I'm mostly trying to write a love letter to this town and it's people but I can't hardly help myself. The sentiments simply escape me and I can only hope that everyone can be as lucky and find a story that will teach them, the magic that Signal Bend has taught me.
Leave A Trail is the final book in this series and mostly centered around the love story of Badger and Adrienne. A year has passed since the total destruction this group of man had suffered but Badger is still trapped in the hell that were those events, and while Adrienne is looking for some direction in her life and thinking about starting a life in Signal Bend, she realizes her sweet friend Badger is in deep trouble. What had started as a beautiful friendship will turn into love, a love so deep and meaningful that will be the salve to Badger's wounds and the guide into the life Adrienne was looking for.
Always true to her style, Susan Fanetti always develops different stories within the same one and I was happy to get inside the heads of Isaac and Lilli for the last time as they face their hardest hurdle yet. They have been my favorite couple from the beginning, only because their love and strength was so inspiring to me. Beautiful and heartbreaking was the story of the leader couple who weren't afraid to pay the ultimate price in order to protect those around them; their family and brothers. As hard as it was for them, they knew too, that nothing could ever destroy their love.
My heart will always be a resident of Signal Bend and I hope everyone looking for a beautiful adventure gets the courage to visit and enjoy the ride through the lives of the Night Horde MC members and their old ladies.
My Leave A Trail music Playlist:
*Everything Changes (Live at Hiro Ballroom) by Staind
*The Church and The River by Jennifer O'Connor
*Make it Rain by Ed Sheeran (Sons of Anarchy)
*Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
*Peace by O.A.R
"We are us forever."
In one of those great journeys where my reading always takes me, I once stop by the unappealing town of Signal Bend. Inside Tucks the town's biker bar, I fell in love with all the members of The Night Horde MC, and the more I read the more my heart decided to stay in this unique and wonderful place.
With every book I discover a new member and their breathtaking story, each was raw and painfully beautiful. I cried, laugh and fell in love over and over again with every character and every aspect of this story.
For me reading is no longer a hobby but a necessity and if you are like me, and this is going to sound crazy but when I read a book such as this one, sometimes I feel like I belong more inside the story than in my own life. Sounds crazy, I know! specially because I have such a great life but it's just so magical how I feel as if Susan Fanetti is writing a story exclusively for me. I've always been of the opinion that reading is a very private affair but this author makes you feel special and completely like you are part of the story and once you are in there, is very hard to want to come out.
I apologize for this very sentimental review where I'm mostly trying to write a love letter to this town and it's people but I can't hardly help myself. The sentiments simply escape me and I can only hope that everyone can be as lucky and find a story that will teach them, the magic that Signal Bend has taught me.
Leave A Trail is the final book in this series and mostly centered around the love story of Badger and Adrienne. A year has passed since the total destruction this group of man had suffered but Badger is still trapped in the hell that were those events, and while Adrienne is looking for some direction in her life and thinking about starting a life in Signal Bend, she realizes her sweet friend Badger is in deep trouble. What had started as a beautiful friendship will turn into love, a love so deep and meaningful that will be the salve to Badger's wounds and the guide into the life Adrienne was looking for.
Always true to her style, Susan Fanetti always develops different stories within the same one and I was happy to get inside the heads of Isaac and Lilli for the last time as they face their hardest hurdle yet. They have been my favorite couple from the beginning, only because their love and strength was so inspiring to me. Beautiful and heartbreaking was the story of the leader couple who weren't afraid to pay the ultimate price in order to protect those around them; their family and brothers. As hard as it was for them, they knew too, that nothing could ever destroy their love.
My heart will always be a resident of Signal Bend and I hope everyone looking for a beautiful adventure gets the courage to visit and enjoy the ride through the lives of the Night Horde MC members and their old ladies.
My Leave A Trail music Playlist:
*Everything Changes (Live at Hiro Ballroom) by Staind
*The Church and The River by Jennifer O'Connor
*Make it Rain by Ed Sheeran (Sons of Anarchy)
*Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
*Peace by O.A.R
December 28, 2023
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 Nameless Amount Of Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Repeatedly, I have been overwhelmed by the understanding of humanity by Susan Fanetti in these books. In every single part of this Signal Bend rebirth, the continuing focus of how we, as people, are all the same...needing all of the elements of emotional health. It didn't matter where the story took place...a motorcycle club and community hit by destruction of time and the politics and modernization of America...because at the end of the day...this was about people; their wish for freedom, the ability to just live a life that made sense to them and how they found partners who matched, enhanced their lives and loved them for who they were.
I will not go into great detail with specifics on this ... but will talk about how very moved I have been in the past and with this finale.
Susan Fanetti gave us the main love story of Badger and Adrienne for this book. It meshed perfectly with the entire series. We knew from previous books how they met and where each of them was emotionally at that time... both unsure, both tentative with running scenarios in their heads... causing a dance that continued till the turning point in this book. They had a history, real affection, true friendship and each a love for each other that was there...just misunderstood. The foundation for their story was solid.
Part of the beauty was the growth of both characters through the immense challenges they had to deal with in the beginning. To stand up and say how you feel to those who may not want to hear it, is life-changing for all of us. At some point in our own lives, we do this... and it is this stand which will make us who we are. This rang true for both characters.
The other part of what worked so well and I admired by Ms. Fanetti was the awkward yet honest way they mated in the beginning. Not every character in a book needs to be a sexual genius... and we see the development of Badger and him remaining true in his development was a sign of strength in writing. That is not to say he didn't know what he was doing...it was to say his coupling with Adrienne was authentic for both of them, and throughout the entire arc, it remained so.
Now here is where I want to step away from specifics... because if you love Signal Bend... I want you to read fresh. What I would like to address are these universal things I mentioned earlier.
There was great care shown in examining emotional health. We have learned how to compartmentalize things which hurt us... it is something which allows us to function when something may hurt us to the quick. How we do it when we do it, and what it is supposed to accomplish... these all very. I do not have a degree but I have my life, and in living it I was able to see and recognize how masterfully this mechanism was used for all of the characters throughout the series and especially in this book for Badger and Adrienne. Abandonment, belonging... finding your place were handled with care and a sure hand. There were others who also needed to have an understanding of how to deal with the pain of this life... and we went through their journey with this as well.
The want to live a life of freedom ... to just be... was the continual desire of all of these characters and eventually the path was shown to them... all we have met and known. These paths were not easy... some more difficult but necessary with us seeing the whys and hows they were to be achieved.
And finally, we were treated to people who understood their choices; stood by them and relished in the final outcome no matter how long it took to take place.
There is a section of this book which was so intense; so real as I write this review... I am tearing up again. Things are addressed which never are discussed. People fighting time, restrictions and closeness suffer more than can be imagined at first thought. It was masterful in how this section was handled and it will remain with me.
Susan Fanetti created a place, its people and a type of life which if I looked hard enough, I would find somewhere in this vast country, America. She brought all of the pathos; the complexity and humanity to her pages. She gave me people I would want to know yet also people I probably would never come across in my environment. While these people were of Signal Bend and part of the Biker community... they were also every person... just wanting to be free... live life and find their match of the heart.
This is a huge thank you to you, Susan Fanetti...You gave us your heart and soul. I have experienced great sorrow and joy throughout this journey. I will be ready to go where ever your muse takes you. I have found my mental match in you and will not let go.
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
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 Nameless Amount Of Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Repeatedly, I have been overwhelmed by the understanding of humanity by Susan Fanetti in these books. In every single part of this Signal Bend rebirth, the continuing focus of how we, as people, are all the same...needing all of the elements of emotional health. It didn't matter where the story took place...a motorcycle club and community hit by destruction of time and the politics and modernization of America...because at the end of the day...this was about people; their wish for freedom, the ability to just live a life that made sense to them and how they found partners who matched, enhanced their lives and loved them for who they were.
I will not go into great detail with specifics on this ... but will talk about how very moved I have been in the past and with this finale.
Susan Fanetti gave us the main love story of Badger and Adrienne for this book. It meshed perfectly with the entire series. We knew from previous books how they met and where each of them was emotionally at that time... both unsure, both tentative with running scenarios in their heads... causing a dance that continued till the turning point in this book. They had a history, real affection, true friendship and each a love for each other that was there...just misunderstood. The foundation for their story was solid.
Part of the beauty was the growth of both characters through the immense challenges they had to deal with in the beginning. To stand up and say how you feel to those who may not want to hear it, is life-changing for all of us. At some point in our own lives, we do this... and it is this stand which will make us who we are. This rang true for both characters.
The other part of what worked so well and I admired by Ms. Fanetti was the awkward yet honest way they mated in the beginning. Not every character in a book needs to be a sexual genius... and we see the development of Badger and him remaining true in his development was a sign of strength in writing. That is not to say he didn't know what he was doing...it was to say his coupling with Adrienne was authentic for both of them, and throughout the entire arc, it remained so.
Now here is where I want to step away from specifics... because if you love Signal Bend... I want you to read fresh. What I would like to address are these universal things I mentioned earlier.
There was great care shown in examining emotional health. We have learned how to compartmentalize things which hurt us... it is something which allows us to function when something may hurt us to the quick. How we do it when we do it, and what it is supposed to accomplish... these all very. I do not have a degree but I have my life, and in living it I was able to see and recognize how masterfully this mechanism was used for all of the characters throughout the series and especially in this book for Badger and Adrienne. Abandonment, belonging... finding your place were handled with care and a sure hand. There were others who also needed to have an understanding of how to deal with the pain of this life... and we went through their journey with this as well.
The want to live a life of freedom ... to just be... was the continual desire of all of these characters and eventually the path was shown to them... all we have met and known. These paths were not easy... some more difficult but necessary with us seeing the whys and hows they were to be achieved.
And finally, we were treated to people who understood their choices; stood by them and relished in the final outcome no matter how long it took to take place.
There is a section of this book which was so intense; so real as I write this review... I am tearing up again. Things are addressed which never are discussed. People fighting time, restrictions and closeness suffer more than can be imagined at first thought. It was masterful in how this section was handled and it will remain with me.
Susan Fanetti created a place, its people and a type of life which if I looked hard enough, I would find somewhere in this vast country, America. She brought all of the pathos; the complexity and humanity to her pages. She gave me people I would want to know yet also people I probably would never come across in my environment. While these people were of Signal Bend and part of the Biker community... they were also every person... just wanting to be free... live life and find their match of the heart.
This is a huge thank you to you, Susan Fanetti...You gave us your heart and soul. I have experienced great sorrow and joy throughout this journey. I will be ready to go where ever your muse takes you. I have found my mental match in you and will not let go.
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 StoriesThe Signal Bend Series: The Complete SeriesFor more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 12, 2015
4.5 “PAID IN FULL” Stars
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This final installment was a bit on the long side and a bit slow going in the portions of the story that was focused mainly on Badger and Adrienne’s road to love, scars and all.
”He would do anything for her, give her anything, everything he had, everything in his power. He would make her happy. He would love her forever. No matter what.”
To my surprise, Susan Fanetti once again sideswiped me and towards the end I was crying and floored by the circumstances some characters faced. The author’s writing was very realistic and the struggle was heartbreaking.
"We'll get home, brother. We'll get it back."
Overall, I love this MC Club and I’m sad to say goodbye to the great men and women of Signal Bend, Missouri.
”It’s time to rest. Enjoy life while we can still ride our road.”
[image error]
This final installment was a bit on the long side and a bit slow going in the portions of the story that was focused mainly on Badger and Adrienne’s road to love, scars and all.
”He would do anything for her, give her anything, everything he had, everything in his power. He would make her happy. He would love her forever. No matter what.”
To my surprise, Susan Fanetti once again sideswiped me and towards the end I was crying and floored by the circumstances some characters faced. The author’s writing was very realistic and the struggle was heartbreaking.
"We'll get home, brother. We'll get it back."
Overall, I love this MC Club and I’m sad to say goodbye to the great men and women of Signal Bend, Missouri.
”It’s time to rest. Enjoy life while we can still ride our road.”
September 20, 2014
3.5 "in the minority" stars!
This book was released on June 23rd but it took me over a week to start it. Why? I don't know, really. Well, I do know. I was seriously traumatised by the last book. The event that happened in that book made me forget who the main characters were in the book. I didn’t care. I think I felt the same in this one.
I didn’t really care for Badger and Adrienne. They were younger characters too which put me off. What I loved about the original books was that the characters were older, in their forties even!
I cannot deny that Susan is a fantastic writer but my heart was not in this at all. I did not shed a single tear. I think my heart was broken enough and way too many tears shed with the last book. I know, I should move on, it is not Book 6, it is Book 7!! But I couldn't.
I knew that Susan could not go down the road of the shock factor, like the last book. I would probably give it 3 stars if not for the Epilogue. That was wonderful. Isaac is my favourite in the series. Catching up with him and Lilli and family was great.
I know I am in the minority here but I cannot help the way I feel. I will say that this series was one of the best I have read … to a point.
This book was released on June 23rd but it took me over a week to start it. Why? I don't know, really. Well, I do know. I was seriously traumatised by the last book. The event that happened in that book made me forget who the main characters were in the book. I didn’t care. I think I felt the same in this one.
“Don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”
I didn’t really care for Badger and Adrienne. They were younger characters too which put me off. What I loved about the original books was that the characters were older, in their forties even!
I cannot deny that Susan is a fantastic writer but my heart was not in this at all. I did not shed a single tear. I think my heart was broken enough and way too many tears shed with the last book. I know, I should move on, it is not Book 6, it is Book 7!! But I couldn't.
“You’re the future of the club. I’m the past.”
I knew that Susan could not go down the road of the shock factor, like the last book. I would probably give it 3 stars if not for the Epilogue. That was wonderful. Isaac is my favourite in the series. Catching up with him and Lilli and family was great.
I know I am in the minority here but I cannot help the way I feel. I will say that this series was one of the best I have read … to a point.
February 3, 2017
3.5 After the last one, where I cried and yelled and laughed and cried some more, this one was... not as good as I expected.
I liked Badger a lot and I was curious about his story but this book felt like it was cut in half. The first part, Badge's story and the last part, the "end" of the plot, as a whole. I dunno if this was a good idea (at least from my POV). I enjoyed the romance story, but the "action" part fell a bit short, everything seemed to be rushed (and I was more curious about this part, I admit).
True, it was a 650-page book and I read it without even checking the page number, so it was damn hard to put down.
All in all, though, I am disappointed. It's a really good ending to an incredible series, but Fanetti raised my expectations a lot, so I wanted to see more of her courage. I felt like she wanted to make up for the last book (as well as she should) and she lost that edge that made her special, that made her extra-ordinary .
You can't have it all though, and this book is definitely worth reading. You must find out how everything ends, what they all do, and how Show proves once again that he's damn smart and doed all the right things and how Isaac has more guts than so many other characters that are suppose to be courageous. You need to see for yourself what happens to this great family we all fell in love with!
I liked Badger a lot and I was curious about his story but this book felt like it was cut in half. The first part, Badge's story and the last part, the "end" of the plot, as a whole. I dunno if this was a good idea (at least from my POV). I enjoyed the romance story, but the "action" part fell a bit short, everything seemed to be rushed (and I was more curious about this part, I admit).
True, it was a 650-page book and I read it without even checking the page number, so it was damn hard to put down.
All in all, though, I am disappointed. It's a really good ending to an incredible series, but Fanetti raised my expectations a lot, so I wanted to see more of her courage. I felt like she wanted to make up for the last book (as well as she should) and she lost that edge that made her special, that made her extra-ordinary .
You can't have it all though, and this book is definitely worth reading. You must find out how everything ends, what they all do, and how Show proves once again that he's damn smart and doed all the right things and how Isaac has more guts than so many other characters that are suppose to be courageous. You need to see for yourself what happens to this great family we all fell in love with!
June 3, 2020
June 2020 - This is my third time in six years re-reading the Signal Bend series in it's entirety and I cannot ever see myself tiring of reliving what's held within the pages of the series. Leave a Trail provides the purpose for the entire arc of the series. It provides the reason, the truth, and the destiny. It's exquisitely and acutely executed and could not be more perfect as a series ending. The main characters here provide the perfect voice to get us to the end. The lasting effects on my heart of reading these books in succession never ceases to truly amaze me. I learned new things this time around. I thought more deeply about certain characters that I hadn't before. I have an entire essay written in my head dedicated to Isaac Lunden. There was more attention paid to the club stuff and those outside characters than ever before. Through all the loss, pain and heartbreak I just just never lose hope or heart. I feel a part of Signal Bend and every time I journey back to that little Missouri town I do it with the utmost respect. My love and loyalty to this gifted author and her brilliant, life-altering, honest and brave story telling was cemented within the pages of this series. It was a boon in my life for which I'm eternally grateful.
Re-read (of the entire series) August 2017 - Traveling back to Signal Bend has been the best reading decision I've made all summer. This series is not for the faint of heart. If you love well developed plots, amazing relationships, heartbreaking hurt and uplifting gains you must get yourself to Signal Bend. I have a whole new appreciation for the series and especially the main characters of this final book. Reading these stories together as a completed series has given a depth of insight I missed out on years ago when I first read them. I understand better the turmoil of Signal Bend and it's residents and feel so much more connected to each and every main character than I ever did. It's a series I've never forgot since I've read it and one I feel a secure and deep kinship to now that I've re-read it. I cannot praise the work of Susan Fanetti enough. Her juxtapositions of light and dark will never cease to amaze me. Her themes and brilliant writing style leave me breathless for more with each and every book. I'm in love with Signal Bend and am so happy I've went back. It's sounds really cheesy to say out loud but I'm going to anyway..... I feel like these characters and this series have settled in my reading soul and will never leave. I feel a connection so deep as though I'm a small part of their lives. It's crazy-wonderful to feel so moved by a series. I always have felt since I first read it. They stick with me - the words of this gifted author and the tormented characters of Signal Bend. The Night Horde MC is my favorite club, my favorite series ever. I highly recommend it to all readers.
5++++ "You know it doesn't matter, right?" Stars
Leave a Trail. Five days since I’ve finished. Five days of still feeling this book. Five days and I’m still not ready to say goodbye. Formulating a review for this book proved to be difficult due to the bittersweet feelings I have that this is the end. Nothing can do it justice.
Susan Fanetti writes a romance book like no other. Edgy writing, pushing boundaries, skirting the brink of reader’s beliefs, describing even the most heinous of acts with such great finesse, you’re completely absorbed in Signal Bend from the very first page. Fanetti forces you to fall in love with the Night Horde with her poignant prose, cleverly developed plot points, and characters so raw and real you feel for them as if you’re living in their world.
Family, Justice, Loyalty, Love – terms defining the greatness of this entire series, these people, and this motorcycle club. There’s a lot of love and loyalty in the Night Horde. Their beliefs may not be “conventional” but the conventions the Night Horde follow are codes of an unbreakable brotherhood, of their faith in each other and their families. Each of these terms describe the most loyal group of people I’ve had the pleasure of reading. The Horde serve as the Batmen of Signal Bend, vigilantes wearing the depth of their beliefs in the scars on their skin in order maintain a strong net of safety for the people and the place they most cherish. They’re bad men but in the best way possible making you believe each of them is of the utmost worth.
In Leave a Trail we get the pleasure of Badger and Adrienne’s story. Their relationship is sweet, naïve even by Horde standards. After everything the Horde has been through – good, bad, and devastatingly ugly – the choice to end the series with the freshness of young love, the building of a trust in each other through the naivety of never having a serious relationship in the past, the promise of light in the next wave of Horde to grace the Keep - pure brilliance.
Adrienne is naïve in a way that makes her acceptance of Badger that much more beautiful. She’s strong, mentally tough in the choices she decides ultimately leading her to a family completely different than what she ever understood. Adrienne once led a life of experiences worldly and vastly opposite from Badger - fitting for this girl who’s spread her wings so wide only to find roots in the most rudimentary and unlikely of places.
Badger’s a guy so alluring with his long hair, beard, and devastating eyes it’s hard to wrap yourself around his luster. Deep inside him, outwardly scarred into his innate hotness are brands of the battles he’s fought alongside his brothers for the convictions he truly believes. He’s Horde through and through. The craving inside him satisfied by the allure of Adrienne steals your breath. He’s not only in awe of her; he worships her in this very delicate way. Which, given the brutality he’s capable of, proves his strength and commitment. Even when he loses himself completely, she shines her light and makes him understand the immense worth in his being.
The story of their love starts off a beautiful friendship built upon trust, loyalty, curiosity, and equal admiration. Hard times, really hard times, find them in a part of the book that splits you open and bares your raw, hurt emotions. Their eventual rainbow shines a dull light on the storm of their life. The beauty in the dullness is the constant reminder they’ve survived the most brutal of events only to find each other and not let go.
The series as a whole structures itself quite the same. Gruesome justice and injustice alike, each conflict provides a hit to the soul of the reader so profound we’re reeling well past the end. We feel immense loss through everything conversation and conflict even during the good times. Each conflict allows its characters to continually rise from the ashes. Redemption. It doesn’t come easy but it’s there scratching the surface of every chapter.
Poetically, Ms. Fanetti chose to completely end the series with a novella, an epilogue of sorts finishing with the same beating hearts of the series that started this incredibly evocative journey. As not to spoil it, I’ll leave it up to you to read this piece of Signal Bend history. Through the eyes of the King and Queen of Signal Bend, beloved characters come full circle reminding us why we adore them - an EPIC ending. You’ll have tears in your eyes no doubt because nothing is ever easy in Signal Bend. As well it shouldn’t be – the hard is what makes it good. No, the hard makes Leave a Trail masterful.
Love stories by Susan Fanetti are one of a kind. My loyalty to her writing remains as strong as the Horde’s loyalty to Signal Bend. I’m forever a fan and I applaud this author for the tough choices she made to stick with consistent, brilliant, devastating, satisfying stories. I very much look forward to embarking on the next Susan Fanetti journey. She's left a trail for us to follow...
My 5+++ Star reviews for the entire series:
Book One: Move the Sun
Book Two: Behold the Stars
Book Three: Into the Storm
Book Four: Alone on Earth
Book 4.5 - A Signal Bend Byway: In Dark Woods
Book Five: All the Sky
Book Six: Show the Fire
Re-read (of the entire series) August 2017 - Traveling back to Signal Bend has been the best reading decision I've made all summer. This series is not for the faint of heart. If you love well developed plots, amazing relationships, heartbreaking hurt and uplifting gains you must get yourself to Signal Bend. I have a whole new appreciation for the series and especially the main characters of this final book. Reading these stories together as a completed series has given a depth of insight I missed out on years ago when I first read them. I understand better the turmoil of Signal Bend and it's residents and feel so much more connected to each and every main character than I ever did. It's a series I've never forgot since I've read it and one I feel a secure and deep kinship to now that I've re-read it. I cannot praise the work of Susan Fanetti enough. Her juxtapositions of light and dark will never cease to amaze me. Her themes and brilliant writing style leave me breathless for more with each and every book. I'm in love with Signal Bend and am so happy I've went back. It's sounds really cheesy to say out loud but I'm going to anyway..... I feel like these characters and this series have settled in my reading soul and will never leave. I feel a connection so deep as though I'm a small part of their lives. It's crazy-wonderful to feel so moved by a series. I always have felt since I first read it. They stick with me - the words of this gifted author and the tormented characters of Signal Bend. The Night Horde MC is my favorite club, my favorite series ever. I highly recommend it to all readers.
5++++ "You know it doesn't matter, right?" Stars
Leave a Trail. Five days since I’ve finished. Five days of still feeling this book. Five days and I’m still not ready to say goodbye. Formulating a review for this book proved to be difficult due to the bittersweet feelings I have that this is the end. Nothing can do it justice.
Susan Fanetti writes a romance book like no other. Edgy writing, pushing boundaries, skirting the brink of reader’s beliefs, describing even the most heinous of acts with such great finesse, you’re completely absorbed in Signal Bend from the very first page. Fanetti forces you to fall in love with the Night Horde with her poignant prose, cleverly developed plot points, and characters so raw and real you feel for them as if you’re living in their world.
Family, Justice, Loyalty, Love – terms defining the greatness of this entire series, these people, and this motorcycle club. There’s a lot of love and loyalty in the Night Horde. Their beliefs may not be “conventional” but the conventions the Night Horde follow are codes of an unbreakable brotherhood, of their faith in each other and their families. Each of these terms describe the most loyal group of people I’ve had the pleasure of reading. The Horde serve as the Batmen of Signal Bend, vigilantes wearing the depth of their beliefs in the scars on their skin in order maintain a strong net of safety for the people and the place they most cherish. They’re bad men but in the best way possible making you believe each of them is of the utmost worth.
In Leave a Trail we get the pleasure of Badger and Adrienne’s story. Their relationship is sweet, naïve even by Horde standards. After everything the Horde has been through – good, bad, and devastatingly ugly – the choice to end the series with the freshness of young love, the building of a trust in each other through the naivety of never having a serious relationship in the past, the promise of light in the next wave of Horde to grace the Keep - pure brilliance.
Adrienne is naïve in a way that makes her acceptance of Badger that much more beautiful. She’s strong, mentally tough in the choices she decides ultimately leading her to a family completely different than what she ever understood. Adrienne once led a life of experiences worldly and vastly opposite from Badger - fitting for this girl who’s spread her wings so wide only to find roots in the most rudimentary and unlikely of places.
Badger’s a guy so alluring with his long hair, beard, and devastating eyes it’s hard to wrap yourself around his luster. Deep inside him, outwardly scarred into his innate hotness are brands of the battles he’s fought alongside his brothers for the convictions he truly believes. He’s Horde through and through. The craving inside him satisfied by the allure of Adrienne steals your breath. He’s not only in awe of her; he worships her in this very delicate way. Which, given the brutality he’s capable of, proves his strength and commitment. Even when he loses himself completely, she shines her light and makes him understand the immense worth in his being.
The story of their love starts off a beautiful friendship built upon trust, loyalty, curiosity, and equal admiration. Hard times, really hard times, find them in a part of the book that splits you open and bares your raw, hurt emotions. Their eventual rainbow shines a dull light on the storm of their life. The beauty in the dullness is the constant reminder they’ve survived the most brutal of events only to find each other and not let go.
The series as a whole structures itself quite the same. Gruesome justice and injustice alike, each conflict provides a hit to the soul of the reader so profound we’re reeling well past the end. We feel immense loss through everything conversation and conflict even during the good times. Each conflict allows its characters to continually rise from the ashes. Redemption. It doesn’t come easy but it’s there scratching the surface of every chapter.
Poetically, Ms. Fanetti chose to completely end the series with a novella, an epilogue of sorts finishing with the same beating hearts of the series that started this incredibly evocative journey. As not to spoil it, I’ll leave it up to you to read this piece of Signal Bend history. Through the eyes of the King and Queen of Signal Bend, beloved characters come full circle reminding us why we adore them - an EPIC ending. You’ll have tears in your eyes no doubt because nothing is ever easy in Signal Bend. As well it shouldn’t be – the hard is what makes it good. No, the hard makes Leave a Trail masterful.
Love stories by Susan Fanetti are one of a kind. My loyalty to her writing remains as strong as the Horde’s loyalty to Signal Bend. I’m forever a fan and I applaud this author for the tough choices she made to stick with consistent, brilliant, devastating, satisfying stories. I very much look forward to embarking on the next Susan Fanetti journey. She's left a trail for us to follow...
My 5+++ Star reviews for the entire series:
Book One: Move the Sun
Book Two: Behold the Stars
Book Three: Into the Storm
Book Four: Alone on Earth
Book 4.5 - A Signal Bend Byway: In Dark Woods
Book Five: All the Sky
Book Six: Show the Fire
September 13, 2014
Leave a Trail was such an amazing ending to a exceptional series. I hated to turn the last page, to leave Signal Bend but I’m happy. My heart was mended and I felt content with where all the families of the Night Horde MC were in their lives.
Not only did we get Badger and Adrienne’s story we also get to see the Horde heal from the suffering that took place in Show the Fire. Things were righted as best they could though this too came with a price. And as Susan Fanetti put this series to rest she gave us all something wonderful. She called it an Epilogue but it was more like a Novella. Isaac and Lilli shined like they always have through their darkness and they found their way “home” yet again.
Badger & Adrienne ~
Their story was a bit different from the rest. Mostly because they were younger and their lives haven’t been weathered like the others by living years as Horde members. Badger has suffered and has stood with the other men to fight but there is a piece of him that was still innocent. And Adrienne was beautiful, strong and determined. She wanted Badger. She needed him in her life. But grabbing hold of the love they had for each other wasn’t going to be easy.
Badger had fallen into a hole of darkness. But as he hit rock bottom Adrienne was there to help him back up. As these two tried to find their way they were met with doubt and more pain. But all that did was make them stronger, made their love stronger.
"You know it doesn’t matter, right? You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. Inside and out. I love you. The way I love you – it saved me. You saved me.“ ~ Badger
“He was a man who watched, who thought, who felt – who knew – before he acted. A man like that might be mistaken for one who could be discounted, but that would be a terrible mistake. Love for him made her blood race and bubble. “ ~ Adrienne
As Adrienne loses one family but gains another and Badger faces that dark day so that he can begin to heal they find strength in each other to make it through it all. But they were not the only ones finding strength to heal. All the others did too.
I can’t let go of this series without mentioning this. That’s what I wanted. ❤
I’m sad to say good bye to Issac, Lilli, Gia, Bo, Show, Shannon, Millie, Joey, Len, Tasha, Havoc, Cory, Nolan, Toki, Bart, Riley, Lexi, Badger, Adrienne, Henry, Meghan & Caroline. Did I forget anyone? But I am happier to have had the chance to read this series and meet these amazing people. ❤
If you haven’t read this series than it is an absolute must that you do. Motor Cycle club books may not be for everyone. Most tend to be raw, gritty, and intense. And most cross lines that I’m not always comfortable with. But the Signal Bend Series is different. It may be raw, gritty and intense but it never crossed that line for me, well…with one exception.
June 29, 2014
I have such a bittersweet feeling right now, because I am very happy that Signal Bend bikers got their HEA, but I am genuinely sad that I have to say 'Goodbye' to this little town.
I, also, have been deeply devoted to Signal Bend and it is really hard to leave now. However, I am so thankful to Susan Fanetti for bringing this little town and these characters to us and making me fall in love with them. Signal Bend is hands down my favorite fictional town and these series has become my favorite biker series so far! Also, I cannot complain about the conclusion - it was completely satisfying, and I cannot imagine a better ending for the Horde bikers. They really did deserve their HEA after all that pain and suffering they had to go through.
"Never Say Die."
The beginning of Leave the Trail was very tough and heart breaking. Badger was in a very dark place, because he couldn't deal with the pain or fear. However, he was hiding it very well - from his brothers and his doctor, but there was a one person he couldn't hide - Adrienne. She came to Signal Bend to figure out what happened to her best friend, who barely talks to her anymore. He hurts Adrienne and breaks his brothers trust, is there a way to go back?
"He was a man who watched, who thought, who felt - who knew - before he acted.."
I wanted a book for Badger, since he got shot protecting Lilli. He was such a shy little kid back there, now with everything he has been through he has grown so much. It broke my heart to read his thoughts about himself and how he compares himself to everybody. I know some of that was , but it was still so hard to read about. After he he become the Badger we love and remember. He did not let me down, he was as strong, smart, loving and respecting as I expected him to be. Adrianne was made for him and I loved how he stood up to big-bad Show and claimed to love her.
"You don't walk away from someone you love. Ever."
I loved Badger and Adrianne as a couple! Since they had a history, they didn't have that 'get to know you part' they were jumping right to the healing and hot sex part and I liked that. With all the troubles, twists and turns they always had each other and the Horde family. It was a fantastic story, because it not only included their romance, but it also included all the great friendships and family relationships you wish you had. I think I enjoyed all the friendships and family relationships more than the romance! Show's and Isaac's bromance was my favorite of all <3 Badger's and Nolan's relationships come close!
"I didn't come alone. You and Show and Len? You showed me how to be Horde. You showed me how to be a man. You left the trail. I just followed." ♥
Saying that I was surprised by author's 'Epilogue' was an understatement, but I was so grateful, because I completely agree that since The True Seed was a perfect ending! I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest, stomped on and then put back in. I think I was crying the whole time I was reading it, but it was brilliant and heart-wrenching, and I couldn't have asked for more! Thank you, Susan Fanetti for these series, it has been an amazing journey. ♥
♥
pre-reading thoughts
________________________________
Last book in the Signal Bend series...
7 books aren't enough ;(
I, also, have been deeply devoted to Signal Bend and it is really hard to leave now. However, I am so thankful to Susan Fanetti for bringing this little town and these characters to us and making me fall in love with them. Signal Bend is hands down my favorite fictional town and these series has become my favorite biker series so far! Also, I cannot complain about the conclusion - it was completely satisfying, and I cannot imagine a better ending for the Horde bikers. They really did deserve their HEA after all that pain and suffering they had to go through.
"Never Say Die."
The beginning of Leave the Trail was very tough and heart breaking. Badger was in a very dark place, because he couldn't deal with the pain or fear. However, he was hiding it very well - from his brothers and his doctor, but there was a one person he couldn't hide - Adrienne. She came to Signal Bend to figure out what happened to her best friend, who barely talks to her anymore. He hurts Adrienne and breaks his brothers trust, is there a way to go back?
"He was a man who watched, who thought, who felt - who knew - before he acted.."
I wanted a book for Badger, since he got shot protecting Lilli. He was such a shy little kid back there, now with everything he has been through he has grown so much. It broke my heart to read his thoughts about himself and how he compares himself to everybody. I know some of that was , but it was still so hard to read about. After he he become the Badger we love and remember. He did not let me down, he was as strong, smart, loving and respecting as I expected him to be. Adrianne was made for him and I loved how he stood up to big-bad Show and claimed to love her.
"You don't walk away from someone you love. Ever."
I loved Badger and Adrianne as a couple! Since they had a history, they didn't have that 'get to know you part' they were jumping right to the healing and hot sex part and I liked that. With all the troubles, twists and turns they always had each other and the Horde family. It was a fantastic story, because it not only included their romance, but it also included all the great friendships and family relationships you wish you had. I think I enjoyed all the friendships and family relationships more than the romance! Show's and Isaac's bromance was my favorite of all <3 Badger's and Nolan's relationships come close!
"I didn't come alone. You and Show and Len? You showed me how to be Horde. You showed me how to be a man. You left the trail. I just followed." ♥
Saying that I was surprised by author's 'Epilogue' was an understatement, but I was so grateful, because I completely agree that since The True Seed was a perfect ending! I felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest, stomped on and then put back in. I think I was crying the whole time I was reading it, but it was brilliant and heart-wrenching, and I couldn't have asked for more! Thank you, Susan Fanetti for these series, it has been an amazing journey. ♥
♥
pre-reading thoughts
________________________________
Last book in the Signal Bend series...
7 books aren't enough ;(
March 17, 2015
5 TRAILBLAZING STARS
“Don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”
This will be short and sweet because I can’t possible capture all of my thoughts and emotions about, not only this book but, the entire series into one review. There simply are no words.
“I’m Horde because there’s no stronger family anywhere. No bond tighter.”
“I’m never leaving you, Adrienne. We are us forever.”
Ms. Fanetti, I can’t thank you enough for bringing this phenomenal journey full circle…
the perfect ending with Lilli and Isaac’s words...my FAVOURITE COUPLE!! Their journey back to each other
was heartbreakingly beautiful.
I will miss the Night Horde. But maybe Ms. Fanetti will take a trip to SoCal? Until then…
“Let’s ride, brothers. Let’s ride.”
Goodbye Signal Bend. xoxo
July 14, 2015
"Do not go where the path may lead, but instead go where there is no path and leave a trail."
When I first began the Signal Bend Series, I truly had no idea how changed I would be. I know that sounds incredibly unbelievable and a little silly. However, it couldn't be father from the truth. I found Susan Fanetti's writing to be engaging, heart felt, honest, action packed, and full of life!
Leave a Trail picks up after heart break, terror, and death have infiltrated the Horde. Although everyone is trying to pick up the pieces of the chaos, Badger is struggling. He was left physically beat down and has become addicted to pain killers. He is working hard to mask the addiction but he is struggling to just survive.
"He was left with calm and contentment. Numbness moved up from his nose, into his brain, and through his every nerve. The nightmare was gone, the fear was gone, the pain was gone. No anger. No worry."
What Badger doesn't know is that Adrienne (Shannon's daughter) hasn't forgotten him. She became smitten with Badger the first time she visited Signal Bend. Adrienne is a breath of fresh air. She is full of love, spirit, and hope. She packs a bag and heads straight into the Horde in order to check on her friend.
She immediately tries to take down the fortress he has put up. She fights him hard and the drugs take him over and he fights back. He hurts her.
"He’d split her lip. She’d never been hit ever, by anyone ever, and within the past twenty-four hours, the man she wanted to love had hurt her twice."-Adrienne
Needless to say Show doesn't have much love for Badger. The Horde brothers lock him up at the club house and sober him up!
"Like Ebenezer Scrooge, he, too, was being visited by three ghosts. Isaac, the ghost of his Horde past; Len, the ghost of his Horde present; and now Show, looking still furious and terrifying, the ghost of his Horde future."-Badger
As always, the Horde men take care of each other. It is Len who breaks through to Badger. He reminds him that love is what makes life worth living. Badger knows that he is in love with Adrienne. Len convinces him to make things right.
"But I say you figure out how to fix that. Because you don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”-Len
Badger has a pretty massive fight ahead of him. Show hasn't easily forgotten the physical abuse he put on Adrienne. Show tries to convince Adrienne to leave. She will not yield. She loves Badger and she hangs on with everything she has to help pull him out of despair. Once Badger and Adrienne come together, there isn't anything that can tear them apart. It is beautiful! Finally, we have a huge injection of happiness back in the Horde! Adrienne heals the hurt and things begin to heal!
I absolutely loved the feelings and emotions that this book brought. After reading Show the Fire, I was broken. Badger and Adrienne breathe life back into Signal Bend. Badger reaches out to Nolan and begins to help him heal. Shannon and Show have twins. Even though things are still heating up with the cartel, life in the bend is good.
There is plenty of action and more drama but one theme remains true:
In the end, all things are made new. I felt like this book finished off the series well. Through all the heart break, love, tenderness, tears, violence, friendships, hook ups, break ups, rides, and mayhem which is Signal Bend.....Leave a Trail left me happily content. I will miss this series greatly. I am sure that down the road I will pick it up and re-read it again and again! But as they say, "All good things must come to an end." Now I'm off to find my next favorite series!
When I first began the Signal Bend Series, I truly had no idea how changed I would be. I know that sounds incredibly unbelievable and a little silly. However, it couldn't be father from the truth. I found Susan Fanetti's writing to be engaging, heart felt, honest, action packed, and full of life!
Leave a Trail picks up after heart break, terror, and death have infiltrated the Horde. Although everyone is trying to pick up the pieces of the chaos, Badger is struggling. He was left physically beat down and has become addicted to pain killers. He is working hard to mask the addiction but he is struggling to just survive.
"He was left with calm and contentment. Numbness moved up from his nose, into his brain, and through his every nerve. The nightmare was gone, the fear was gone, the pain was gone. No anger. No worry."
What Badger doesn't know is that Adrienne (Shannon's daughter) hasn't forgotten him. She became smitten with Badger the first time she visited Signal Bend. Adrienne is a breath of fresh air. She is full of love, spirit, and hope. She packs a bag and heads straight into the Horde in order to check on her friend.
She immediately tries to take down the fortress he has put up. She fights him hard and the drugs take him over and he fights back. He hurts her.
"He’d split her lip. She’d never been hit ever, by anyone ever, and within the past twenty-four hours, the man she wanted to love had hurt her twice."-Adrienne
Needless to say Show doesn't have much love for Badger. The Horde brothers lock him up at the club house and sober him up!
"Like Ebenezer Scrooge, he, too, was being visited by three ghosts. Isaac, the ghost of his Horde past; Len, the ghost of his Horde present; and now Show, looking still furious and terrifying, the ghost of his Horde future."-Badger
As always, the Horde men take care of each other. It is Len who breaks through to Badger. He reminds him that love is what makes life worth living. Badger knows that he is in love with Adrienne. Len convinces him to make things right.
"But I say you figure out how to fix that. Because you don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”-Len
Badger has a pretty massive fight ahead of him. Show hasn't easily forgotten the physical abuse he put on Adrienne. Show tries to convince Adrienne to leave. She will not yield. She loves Badger and she hangs on with everything she has to help pull him out of despair. Once Badger and Adrienne come together, there isn't anything that can tear them apart. It is beautiful! Finally, we have a huge injection of happiness back in the Horde! Adrienne heals the hurt and things begin to heal!
I absolutely loved the feelings and emotions that this book brought. After reading Show the Fire, I was broken. Badger and Adrienne breathe life back into Signal Bend. Badger reaches out to Nolan and begins to help him heal. Shannon and Show have twins. Even though things are still heating up with the cartel, life in the bend is good.
There is plenty of action and more drama but one theme remains true:
In the end, all things are made new. I felt like this book finished off the series well. Through all the heart break, love, tenderness, tears, violence, friendships, hook ups, break ups, rides, and mayhem which is Signal Bend.....Leave a Trail left me happily content. I will miss this series greatly. I am sure that down the road I will pick it up and re-read it again and again! But as they say, "All good things must come to an end." Now I'm off to find my next favorite series!
September 23, 2014
4 STARS ★★★★
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“Don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”
Well, I did it. I finished the series. And I still wish I would have stopped at book 5. But for some reason, I felt the need to torture myself one more time… just to get some closure. And I got it. But I didn’t like it.
No, I didn’t like this book. So why did I give it 4 stars? Well, I did that mainly because the author, and her bloodthirsty muse know how to write a story, and tell it well. But I still wish I would not have read it.
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Book 7 is Justin Badger Ness’ story. He was one of the Night Horde’s youngest members. In fact he was so young, he got his road name of Badger because of the acne on his face when he was prospecting. He was the “good guy.” But he is no longer the innocent young man he was when he started. His loyalty to his brothers and to the Horde has aged him. And he has been damaged by the atrocities he has not only seen and done, but also has been victim to. The nightmares continue to plague him. And the scars… the scars are deep.
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He is broken and scarred. He has lost a brother. He has lost himself. And the darkness that surrounds him just seems to be getting darker. He lives with pain, both physical and mental. He cannot cope. Not without help. And the help he seeks will take whatever he has left, and ruin it all.
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And then there was a beacon of light in the darkness. Adrienne Renard, Shannon’s biological daughter, has returned to Signal Bend. Feeling a bit lost and misplaced in her life in New York, she has come to reconnect with her friend, and to hopefully find some direction in her life. She has not heard much from Badger, lately, and she’s worried. She knows he’s been though something bad… and that it’s changed him somehow, and she wants to help him, to bring him back.
“You make me feel like I mean something.”
What Adrienne doesn’t know is that he is already in a downward spiral. And he’s about to hit bottom. He will hurt her, she knows. But she doesn’t care. She loves him, and he’s worth saving, even if she has to give up everything that’s important to do it.
“You are something special. You look for the good in people. You bring it out of them. Badge is a lucky son of a bitch.”
I loved these two characters together. It was heartbreaking though to see the loss of innocence, and the physical pain they endured. And I was more than a little upset with where the story took them. I will not forgive you Susan, for dragging these two through hell to get there.
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“You look like a princess tonight. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I can’t believe you love me.”
I guess I should be thankful for the HEA… but honestly, by this time in the series, it was too little too late.
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“I’m proud of you, brother. You’ve come far. You’ll go farther. You’re an impressive bastard.”
Isaac meant it sincerely. Badger nodded his thanks.
“If that’s true, I didn’t come alone. You and Show and Len? You showed me how to be Horde. You showed me how to be a man. You left the trail. I just followed it.”
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And then the ending… All I could do was shake my head. No. No way.
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I hated it.
It was 7 1/2 YEARS LOST. You may as well have killed them off. I felt their pain as if it were my own. So… job well done Ms. Fanetti. I have dearly loved each and every character you’ve created, and I’ve felt their joys, their pain.. and their grief. SO MUCH FUCKING GRIEF. So I guess you’ve accomplished your goal.
“Fuck. Days like this, I wish I just sold hardware.” Len crossed his arms on the table and dropped his head.
You are brilliant.
You are sadistic.
You can write your ass off. But I don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle anymore of your books. I have nothing else to say.
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What they had was a love of the ages, and every price he’d paid in his life was worth the chance to spend the rest of his days in her company. In their love.
4 STARS (but it should have been 5)
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“Don’t walk away from someone you love. Ever.”
Well, I did it. I finished the series. And I still wish I would have stopped at book 5. But for some reason, I felt the need to torture myself one more time… just to get some closure. And I got it. But I didn’t like it.
No, I didn’t like this book. So why did I give it 4 stars? Well, I did that mainly because the author, and her bloodthirsty muse know how to write a story, and tell it well. But I still wish I would not have read it.
Book 7 is Justin Badger Ness’ story. He was one of the Night Horde’s youngest members. In fact he was so young, he got his road name of Badger because of the acne on his face when he was prospecting. He was the “good guy.” But he is no longer the innocent young man he was when he started. His loyalty to his brothers and to the Horde has aged him. And he has been damaged by the atrocities he has not only seen and done, but also has been victim to. The nightmares continue to plague him. And the scars… the scars are deep.
He is broken and scarred. He has lost a brother. He has lost himself. And the darkness that surrounds him just seems to be getting darker. He lives with pain, both physical and mental. He cannot cope. Not without help. And the help he seeks will take whatever he has left, and ruin it all.
And then there was a beacon of light in the darkness. Adrienne Renard, Shannon’s biological daughter, has returned to Signal Bend. Feeling a bit lost and misplaced in her life in New York, she has come to reconnect with her friend, and to hopefully find some direction in her life. She has not heard much from Badger, lately, and she’s worried. She knows he’s been though something bad… and that it’s changed him somehow, and she wants to help him, to bring him back.
“You make me feel like I mean something.”
What Adrienne doesn’t know is that he is already in a downward spiral. And he’s about to hit bottom. He will hurt her, she knows. But she doesn’t care. She loves him, and he’s worth saving, even if she has to give up everything that’s important to do it.
“You are something special. You look for the good in people. You bring it out of them. Badge is a lucky son of a bitch.”
I loved these two characters together. It was heartbreaking though to see the loss of innocence, and the physical pain they endured. And I was more than a little upset with where the story took them. I will not forgive you Susan, for dragging these two through hell to get there.
“You look like a princess tonight. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I can’t believe you love me.”
I guess I should be thankful for the HEA… but honestly, by this time in the series, it was too little too late.
“I’m proud of you, brother. You’ve come far. You’ll go farther. You’re an impressive bastard.”
Isaac meant it sincerely. Badger nodded his thanks.
“If that’s true, I didn’t come alone. You and Show and Len? You showed me how to be Horde. You showed me how to be a man. You left the trail. I just followed it.”
And then the ending… All I could do was shake my head. No. No way.
I hated it.
It was 7 1/2 YEARS LOST. You may as well have killed them off. I felt their pain as if it were my own. So… job well done Ms. Fanetti. I have dearly loved each and every character you’ve created, and I’ve felt their joys, their pain.. and their grief. SO MUCH FUCKING GRIEF. So I guess you’ve accomplished your goal.
“Fuck. Days like this, I wish I just sold hardware.” Len crossed his arms on the table and dropped his head.
You are brilliant.
You are sadistic.
You can write your ass off. But I don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle anymore of your books. I have nothing else to say.
What they had was a love of the ages, and every price he’d paid in his life was worth the chance to spend the rest of his days in her company. In their love.
4 STARS (but it should have been 5)
July 28, 2015
A Million Paid in Full Stars
"I'm Horde because there's no stronger family anywhere. No bond tighter."
Never was there a truer statement and a more pure truth than those words of Badger. The youngest Horde brother whose quiet place in the brotherhood was rocked in the violence that left the Horde uncertain of anything. In the midst of the loss and the heartbreak there is still family...still hope...still a need for something good to come to Signal Bend.
In the hopes to find more herself, Adrienne Renard returns to Signal Bend to the uncertain world of a biker brotherhood where she seems to have her own family niche. She returns to this place in hopes to find the loving arms of her once friend, Justin "Badger" Ness. She knows nothing of the horror the Horde endured, but her presence just may be the driving force to bring about healing.
Where Lilli, Shannon, Tasha, and Cory stood their ground and took the hearts and backs of some of the strongest men, Adrienne is no different. She breathes in the lifestyle with an open heart and new strength.
These women trusted their men, and they trusted themselves. They trusted each other. they trusted he club itself. Within that rust, they loved unconditionally and took care of their family.
While this story is the final chapter of the Signal Bend series it is so much more than just another Horde member's love story. After enduring the highs and lows in this journey, Leave a Trail is the finality needed. It is a love story that is inevitable, but it is also a sacrifice for the greater good and an beacon toward a better Horde future.
I have no idea how Susan Fanetti could touch on so many human emotions with this series, but I have NEVER read an MC genre so riveting. Put aside the steamy. brutally intense sex and the horrific violence and at the heart of this tale is a love, a family, and a loyalty. In this final book, Fanetti brought about a world of healing on so many levels as Badger and Adrienne took each other's hearts and then took on the task of leading the Horde toward goodness and prosperity!
"I'm Horde because there's no stronger family anywhere. No bond tighter."
Never was there a truer statement and a more pure truth than those words of Badger. The youngest Horde brother whose quiet place in the brotherhood was rocked in the violence that left the Horde uncertain of anything. In the midst of the loss and the heartbreak there is still family...still hope...still a need for something good to come to Signal Bend.
In the hopes to find more herself, Adrienne Renard returns to Signal Bend to the uncertain world of a biker brotherhood where she seems to have her own family niche. She returns to this place in hopes to find the loving arms of her once friend, Justin "Badger" Ness. She knows nothing of the horror the Horde endured, but her presence just may be the driving force to bring about healing.
Where Lilli, Shannon, Tasha, and Cory stood their ground and took the hearts and backs of some of the strongest men, Adrienne is no different. She breathes in the lifestyle with an open heart and new strength.
These women trusted their men, and they trusted themselves. They trusted each other. they trusted he club itself. Within that rust, they loved unconditionally and took care of their family.
While this story is the final chapter of the Signal Bend series it is so much more than just another Horde member's love story. After enduring the highs and lows in this journey, Leave a Trail is the finality needed. It is a love story that is inevitable, but it is also a sacrifice for the greater good and an beacon toward a better Horde future.
I have no idea how Susan Fanetti could touch on so many human emotions with this series, but I have NEVER read an MC genre so riveting. Put aside the steamy. brutally intense sex and the horrific violence and at the heart of this tale is a love, a family, and a loyalty. In this final book, Fanetti brought about a world of healing on so many levels as Badger and Adrienne took each other's hearts and then took on the task of leading the Horde toward goodness and prosperity!
July 21, 2014
3.5 Stars.
I think I'm in the total minority here by not rating Leave a Trail a perfect five stars. I guess Ms. Fanetti has set the bar so high with some of her other books, this one fell a bit flat for me....except for the novella at the end. It's the series epilogue. Now that was awesome...Lilli and Isaac's epilogue!
Leave a Trail is the much anticipated story of Badger and Adrienne. Badger, the previously pimple-faced prospect that turned into a strong, confident Horde member fell for Shannon's daughter Adrienne several books ago. We knew their story would come...we just had to wait.
Like all of the reviews for this series, it's impossible to expound upon storyline without huge series spoilers. This book is no different. This series should totally be read in order, each book a different Horde member but also building their entire story as an MC. We know going into this book that Badger has endured horrible torture and pain at the hands of the drug cartel in Havoc's book. He's battling his own demons trying to recover mentally and physically from that day...all while misleading his brothers that he's fine and dandy. Adrienne returns to town after college, unsure of her career path, and can see her old friend Badger is not himself. Can she help him battle his issues? Will he let her in?
Ok, so why the 3.5 stars? This book was impossibly long for me. It was seriously a 2.5 star read for me.. The epilogue at the end that ties up the entire series, bringing us back with where it all started, Lilli and Isaac, saved my rating. I've set this book down so many times I can't count. I just felt it had insane amounts of details and could've be cut by 100 pages without losing story. I will admit, the MCs in this book are younger and that could play a part in interest factor for me. Bart was also not a favorite, also being young MCs. I'm not in my 20's...I like the older characters like Show and Isaac more. It's more relatable for me.
The Signal Bend Series is by far the BEST MC series I've ever read. Susan Fanetti has gone full circle and has introduced us to a group of tough, gritty yet endearing biker hotness. Her heroines are tough and support their men to the bitter end. I'm sad to see their story end but all good things must come to an end I guess. I'm just thankful she wrapped each and every story up and gave us the HEA they all deserve. She, as an author, took huge chances with her storyline. She's made us laugh, cringe and definitely cry. I will surely measure all my future MC books by the Signal Bend scale. Ms. Fanetti has surely raised the bar for this dark MC genre.
Looking forward to ANYTHING she has to come...I'd love a dark read from her. Just saying...
Ride On!
And I thank you!
I think I'm in the total minority here by not rating Leave a Trail a perfect five stars. I guess Ms. Fanetti has set the bar so high with some of her other books, this one fell a bit flat for me....except for the novella at the end. It's the series epilogue. Now that was awesome...Lilli and Isaac's epilogue!
Leave a Trail is the much anticipated story of Badger and Adrienne. Badger, the previously pimple-faced prospect that turned into a strong, confident Horde member fell for Shannon's daughter Adrienne several books ago. We knew their story would come...we just had to wait.
Like all of the reviews for this series, it's impossible to expound upon storyline without huge series spoilers. This book is no different. This series should totally be read in order, each book a different Horde member but also building their entire story as an MC. We know going into this book that Badger has endured horrible torture and pain at the hands of the drug cartel in Havoc's book. He's battling his own demons trying to recover mentally and physically from that day...all while misleading his brothers that he's fine and dandy. Adrienne returns to town after college, unsure of her career path, and can see her old friend Badger is not himself. Can she help him battle his issues? Will he let her in?
Ok, so why the 3.5 stars? This book was impossibly long for me. It was seriously a 2.5 star read for me.. The epilogue at the end that ties up the entire series, bringing us back with where it all started, Lilli and Isaac, saved my rating. I've set this book down so many times I can't count. I just felt it had insane amounts of details and could've be cut by 100 pages without losing story. I will admit, the MCs in this book are younger and that could play a part in interest factor for me. Bart was also not a favorite, also being young MCs. I'm not in my 20's...I like the older characters like Show and Isaac more. It's more relatable for me.
The Signal Bend Series is by far the BEST MC series I've ever read. Susan Fanetti has gone full circle and has introduced us to a group of tough, gritty yet endearing biker hotness. Her heroines are tough and support their men to the bitter end. I'm sad to see their story end but all good things must come to an end I guess. I'm just thankful she wrapped each and every story up and gave us the HEA they all deserve. She, as an author, took huge chances with her storyline. She's made us laugh, cringe and definitely cry. I will surely measure all my future MC books by the Signal Bend scale. Ms. Fanetti has surely raised the bar for this dark MC genre.
Looking forward to ANYTHING she has to come...I'd love a dark read from her. Just saying...
Ride On!
And I thank you!
September 20, 2014
I just finished this book, and the included novella that ends this series. I feel bereft, sad and yet hopeful. The ending was bittersweet, and yet perfect in it's own way. It's the only ending that makes sense after everything. The book was full of profound wisdom and almost poetic insight. I literally have most of the book bookmarked and highlighted on my kindle.
I loved Badger!!!! Although, I can't decide which hero I love most. There is something about each of them that I love. Isaac's strength and leadership; Show's pensiveness, demeanor and heart; Bart's intelligence, loyalty, and duality of soldier and nerd; Havoc's attitude, temper and hilarious remarks; Len's badassness and loyalty; Badger's quiet strength, intelligence and capacity for love; All of their amazing good looks, despite the scars and missing parts here and there. You really can't go wrong with any of them, and it's almost impossible to choose only one of them for favorite boyfriend. I loved that they were all hard core and yet weren't afraid to show how much they loved their women. Their women were everything to them, and openly showing how much they loved and respected them was never perceived as a weakness or vulnerability. It would have been more disgraceful for them to not openly appreciate and revere the women they loved, because to be with these men demands the heart and courage that only warrior women possess.
Seeing the sensitive sides of all of these men, while at the same time knowing that they were all ready to go into battle at any given moment and would sacrifice everything for their club, their town and their families endeared each and every one of them to me and saved them a special place in my heart.
Ahh Badger...."
I won't go into plot details, but I will say that Badger and Adrienne are a strong, passionate and awesome couple. They have been through the wringer, and they love each other with everything they have. They are a perfect match. Signal Bend and the Horde is not yet safe, and they have yet to come face to face with their most horrific enemy. Wrongs have to be righted, and some wrongs cannot be avenged.
That's all I've got for now. I've been so immersed and consumed in this world, that I haven't had the distance yet to really think through everything. For now, I guess I will just direct you to the buddy read I participated in for more of my thoughts while I was reading this "final" installment. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I do say "final" lightly though. That's where the hopeful comes in ;-)
Update: I just figured out what would have made the ending perfect for me (other than it actually not ending)
I'm still thinking about Signal Bend, but checking out the author's casting and photos of different parts of the books kinda helps.
www.pinterest.com/laughingwarrior/sig...
I loved Badger!!!! Although, I can't decide which hero I love most. There is something about each of them that I love. Isaac's strength and leadership; Show's pensiveness, demeanor and heart; Bart's intelligence, loyalty, and duality of soldier and nerd; Havoc's attitude, temper and hilarious remarks; Len's badassness and loyalty; Badger's quiet strength, intelligence and capacity for love; All of their amazing good looks, despite the scars and missing parts here and there. You really can't go wrong with any of them, and it's almost impossible to choose only one of them for favorite boyfriend. I loved that they were all hard core and yet weren't afraid to show how much they loved their women. Their women were everything to them, and openly showing how much they loved and respected them was never perceived as a weakness or vulnerability. It would have been more disgraceful for them to not openly appreciate and revere the women they loved, because to be with these men demands the heart and courage that only warrior women possess.
Seeing the sensitive sides of all of these men, while at the same time knowing that they were all ready to go into battle at any given moment and would sacrifice everything for their club, their town and their families endeared each and every one of them to me and saved them a special place in my heart.
Ahh Badger...."
He was a man who watched, who thought, who felt - who knew - before he acted. A man like that might be mistaken for one who could be discounted, but that would be a terrible mistake.
I won't go into plot details, but I will say that Badger and Adrienne are a strong, passionate and awesome couple. They have been through the wringer, and they love each other with everything they have. They are a perfect match. Signal Bend and the Horde is not yet safe, and they have yet to come face to face with their most horrific enemy. Wrongs have to be righted, and some wrongs cannot be avenged.
...damn, there's a lot of blood on our road. So much blood. It gets even deeper when we go out to avenge a wrong - when we're most right, we pay dearest. It's got to stop.Badger, as young as he was, was often the voice of reason during these dark times. The once scrawny, pimply, shy and insecure boy was now a man, growing in confidence and wisdom. And hotness :) None of the awkwardness, Badger was full on man. He still retained his sweetness, but not in any way like a weakness. After all he has suffered and the obstacles he had to fight with everything to overcome, he emerged a confident and mature man. There were several times where he had the opportunity to retaliate against people for wrongs committed, and I was amazed at his ability to show mercy, even when you wanted him be vengeful, when he DESERVED to be vengeful. The way he loves Adrienne so completely and overwhelmingly and with every ounce of his being is beyond swoonworthy. The only other relationship between the couples that I felt that deeply was between Isaac and Lilli. And keep in mind, by the time you've read this book, you've read 2 full books and two novellas of Isaac and Lilli. It's hard to compete with that, but I can only imagine how much stronger I would feel that connection if I had an equal amount of time to spend with Badge and Adrienne.
That's all I've got for now. I've been so immersed and consumed in this world, that I haven't had the distance yet to really think through everything. For now, I guess I will just direct you to the buddy read I participated in for more of my thoughts while I was reading this "final" installment. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I do say "final" lightly though. That's where the hopeful comes in ;-)
Update: I just figured out what would have made the ending perfect for me (other than it actually not ending)
I'm still thinking about Signal Bend, but checking out the author's casting and photos of different parts of the books kinda helps.
www.pinterest.com/laughingwarrior/sig...
March 14, 2015
4.5 stars
I'm both happy and sad to have finished this series. It's been one hell of a journey, one I probably won't ever forget.
This book was 600 pages of awesomeness. There were times of happiness, hope, sadness, love, resignation, and most of all, hope. I loved Badger and Adrienne's story and the way they seemed to be exactly what the other needed. They might have been the youngest couple in the club but they never played games and they were straight up and serious from the start.
I loved the ending, and the special novella for Lilli and Isaac but in a way it just made me more sad than happy. We started this series with them so it only makes sense we end it with them. But reading it, it made me realize it was really over and I'm having a hard time coming to terms with that. My only complaint about the book would be that I wish Badger and Adrienne's story had closed up a bit more neatly. I felt the end of their story was a bit abrupt and I wanted a little more. Adrienne has some issues with her family that never really got cleared up and I wanted to see them start their life together in more depth. But overall, this book was beautiful and perfect.
I cannot recommend this series enough! I wish that this author got more recognition because I feel like people are really missing out by not reading this series. I'll definitely be reading any and everything this author publishes and I'm excited to start the new spin-off series in the future!
I'm both happy and sad to have finished this series. It's been one hell of a journey, one I probably won't ever forget.
This book was 600 pages of awesomeness. There were times of happiness, hope, sadness, love, resignation, and most of all, hope. I loved Badger and Adrienne's story and the way they seemed to be exactly what the other needed. They might have been the youngest couple in the club but they never played games and they were straight up and serious from the start.
I loved the ending, and the special novella for Lilli and Isaac but in a way it just made me more sad than happy. We started this series with them so it only makes sense we end it with them. But reading it, it made me realize it was really over and I'm having a hard time coming to terms with that. My only complaint about the book would be that I wish Badger and Adrienne's story had closed up a bit more neatly. I felt the end of their story was a bit abrupt and I wanted a little more. Adrienne has some issues with her family that never really got cleared up and I wanted to see them start their life together in more depth. But overall, this book was beautiful and perfect.
I cannot recommend this series enough! I wish that this author got more recognition because I feel like people are really missing out by not reading this series. I'll definitely be reading any and everything this author publishes and I'm excited to start the new spin-off series in the future!
June 25, 2014
*3.5* No question, the author writes a great story that celebrates the strength of human will and resilience. What she put our characters through throughout the series was brutal and heartbreaking. I loved the journey of Badger and Adrienne. I loved the whole dynamic that went on between Badge, Showdown and Adrienne.
My rating could have gone a full five stars, in the end I have to consider how I felt at the end of the book/series. It didn't leave me with a good feeling. Don't get me wrong, it's an HEA, but I felt something that happened in order to get there was unnecessary and if you don't read the included novella, you will be very pissed. Sigh, I did say if the author messes with one of the couples' HEA once again, I may be done. I'm not a masochistic reader, and I do welcome angst, not just this kind.
My rating could have gone a full five stars, in the end I have to consider how I felt at the end of the book/series. It didn't leave me with a good feeling. Don't get me wrong, it's an HEA, but I felt something that happened in order to get there was unnecessary and if you don't read the included novella, you will be very pissed. Sigh, I did say if the author messes with one of the couples' HEA once again, I may be done. I'm not a masochistic reader, and I do welcome angst, not just this kind.
May 25, 2020
I hated the last book. I wasn’t remotely happy with the author or what she’d put these characters through. So yes I paused before starting this book. But by now I’m committed to them and needed to know how it ends. I’m glad I did.
This is predominantly Badger and Adrienne’s story. I liked it and I liked them. We see huge changes for the club. But what I loved (and almost hated in equal measure) was Issac and Lilli’s epilogue. For this alone I’m so glad I read this book.
So it’s on to Nolan’s now...
This is predominantly Badger and Adrienne’s story. I liked it and I liked them. We see huge changes for the club. But what I loved (and almost hated in equal measure) was Issac and Lilli’s epilogue. For this alone I’m so glad I read this book.
So it’s on to Nolan’s now...
June 26, 2014
This is the end of the Signal Bend world and it went out with a bang! A wonderful end to a wonderful series. This is no doubt the story of Badger and Adrienne; but a bit of a wrap up with the the characters, the club and the town.
I know that I am total a sap but I cried, I cheered, I clutched my pearls and I booed from the stands, but I enjoyed every page with characters that I feel I know. The author does a good job of giving each character such pain; the lost of a mate, the lost of a child or the lost of a friend, but rising above that pain and finding joy in new path. I am particularly attached to Lilli and Isaac whose love appears to have no limit. WARNING: This is not a pretty story with pretty people who fall in love within 10 minutes of meeting.
I will miss Signal Bend, but look forward to another new town for Susan to introduce me to. Happy Reading my Friends.
I know that I am total a sap but I cried, I cheered, I clutched my pearls and I booed from the stands, but I enjoyed every page with characters that I feel I know. The author does a good job of giving each character such pain; the lost of a mate, the lost of a child or the lost of a friend, but rising above that pain and finding joy in new path. I am particularly attached to Lilli and Isaac whose love appears to have no limit. WARNING: This is not a pretty story with pretty people who fall in love within 10 minutes of meeting.
I will miss Signal Bend, but look forward to another new town for Susan to introduce me to. Happy Reading my Friends.
July 2, 2014
There have been a few series of books that I have given 5 stars to. When it comes to this series I have no doubt in my mind that if I could of given it 10 stars, I would. Susan Fanetti has created a world that you can immerse into. I have within my minds eye seen all of her characters, felt there joys and sorrows. Reading this last book was bittersweet,am glad to see how their lives played out, yet sad for the ending. Thank you Susan for the time spent in Signal Bend,it was a great ride...
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March 16, 2017
03/15/2017 -- 3.5 Stars
******SPOILER ** ALERT******
So, this one suffered a bit because I don't think the author knew when to end it. It just seemed to go on and on, then she'd throw a bone, and then it went on and on again.
I also didn't like the time element. She had the issue happen with Badger and his brethren at the hands of a really evil guy. He was sorely wounded, and then addicted. Then, he beat his addiction. Adrienne comes back to Signal Bend. They begin their friendship again. This develops, they have a terrible falling out and on and on -- all in just a few short months [less than 6]. I just hate when things lose their logic and this one sure did.
I did start to really like Nolan. I'm excited to read his story.
This story reinforced a few things for me; 1) good characters can make a story good, 2) not all characters need [or should have] a story, 3) and, sometimes the arc in your mind, doesn't fare well in execution.
I don't recommend this one. I won't read this one again.
Happy Reading!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 2 / 4 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 3 = 3.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 3.5 = 3.5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
668 pages
First sentence: Badger was headed straight to the bar from the Keep, his blood still thudding in his ears, when he felt the unmistakable weight of Isaac's heavy hand on his neck. "Talk with me, Badge. My office."
Last sentence: This quiet life was the life he wanted. He needed it to last.
******SPOILER ** ALERT******
So, this one suffered a bit because I don't think the author knew when to end it. It just seemed to go on and on, then she'd throw a bone, and then it went on and on again.
I also didn't like the time element. She had the issue happen with Badger and his brethren at the hands of a really evil guy. He was sorely wounded, and then addicted. Then, he beat his addiction. Adrienne comes back to Signal Bend. They begin their friendship again. This develops, they have a terrible falling out and on and on -- all in just a few short months [less than 6]. I just hate when things lose their logic and this one sure did.
I did start to really like Nolan. I'm excited to read his story.
This story reinforced a few things for me; 1) good characters can make a story good, 2) not all characters need [or should have] a story, 3) and, sometimes the arc in your mind, doesn't fare well in execution.
I don't recommend this one. I won't read this one again.
Happy Reading!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 2 / 4 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 3 = 3.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 3.5 = 3.5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
668 pages
First sentence: Badger was headed straight to the bar from the Keep, his blood still thudding in his ears, when he felt the unmistakable weight of Isaac's heavy hand on his neck. "Talk with me, Badge. My office."
Last sentence: This quiet life was the life he wanted. He needed it to last.
June 27, 2014
Another hard book to read, and I guess I'm glad it's the end of the series because the stuff that has happened to the Horde over the course of the series has almost been too much. I said after the last book that I'd wished I'd stopped reading the series after Havoc's book, and I think that's still my feeling. I still grieve Havoc. This book, like the last, just felt like bad stuff kept piling onto the Horde, and by the end I just wanted it to be over. The angst almost felt manipulative, particularly what Isaac has to go through. I wished there had been a little more light, a little more hope in these last two books. The series seemed to close on a downer.
July 4, 2014
I just want to say a few words about the final book in what has been by far the best MC series I've read.
This was not just Badger and Adrienne's story, it was a wonderful beautifully woven descriptive piece of writing that had everything thrown in. Pure Love, heartache , angst, vengeance, family loyalty, steamy sex and above all else we finish with Isaac and Lilli's Novello. As we started our journey through Signal Bend with them, this book ends with our fave MC couple. Susan Fanetti you are amazing and a big Thank you for giving us all a series of books that will always stay in our hearts.
This was not just Badger and Adrienne's story, it was a wonderful beautifully woven descriptive piece of writing that had everything thrown in. Pure Love, heartache , angst, vengeance, family loyalty, steamy sex and above all else we finish with Isaac and Lilli's Novello. As we started our journey through Signal Bend with them, this book ends with our fave MC couple. Susan Fanetti you are amazing and a big Thank you for giving us all a series of books that will always stay in our hearts.
July 5, 2014
7/5/14 The initial below review, was prematurely made after reading "Show The Fire and was very eager awaiting the release of "Leave A Trail" On so many scales I was angry, irritated, pissed off, then in a puddle of tears, clinging to my trusty box of Kleenex. Ultimately very disappointed, on how it ended. There are so many loose ends that wasn't tied up. "Show The Fire" made a huge impression on me. Havc death was tragic, the torturing of the other Horde members was unforgivably hellish! Cory goes from postpartum depression and suicidal to suddenly being okay, with her grief and the club. I was expecting more for the one year marker of Havc's death. Hugely disappointed! Another loose end was Sheriff Seaver and David Vega. Both had blood on their hands, and they get a free pass? I thought a debt owed against the brothers was a debt collected! Yes what those men done warranted blood thirsty justice. I didn't feel Isaac's wrath or rage. He didn't come across as leading the charge for war, but rather going with the flow, as the events lined up. I felt Susan Fanetti let us down. They should have suffered, lost as much as the Horde. Maybe given Nolan a chance to even the score, or Cory. But it was nothing like that! Badger, god I love him, but he pussed out at a crucial moment. All the physical and mental anguish he endures daily, and he says... no?? What's up with that??? The book reflects how life moves on, but never showed Cory doing that! It kept me in limbo. I felt she deserved more then that, so did Nolan. Is it a good book? I would say yes. I do encourage people to read it. But in my personal opinion, I was expecting more, I wanted more! Feeling the author had rushed, and forced the events to the ending.
....................................................................
I recommend this book, there's so many twists and turns form the last, its not for the faint of heart! I pray the quiet fearless Isaac becomes ruthless, hungry for blood, and make's an example out of Santaveria. He needs to bring the rest of the minions to their knee's and beg for absolution. Please.....please make the cartel's suffering slow, without mercy. An eye for eye...and limb from a limb, what is owed. Pain, humiliation, derogation, suffering, blood shed by the quarts!
All right, Santaveria... you called down the thunder, well now you've got it!
The Cartel is finished, you understand? I see a single Spanish talking grease monkey, I'll kill the man whose hair is slick back!
I'm a sporting man, so run, you piece of shit... RUN! And know my brothers are not far behind, bringing hell with us!!
....................................................................
I recommend this book, there's so many twists and turns form the last, its not for the faint of heart! I pray the quiet fearless Isaac becomes ruthless, hungry for blood, and make's an example out of Santaveria. He needs to bring the rest of the minions to their knee's and beg for absolution. Please.....please make the cartel's suffering slow, without mercy. An eye for eye...and limb from a limb, what is owed. Pain, humiliation, derogation, suffering, blood shed by the quarts!
All right, Santaveria... you called down the thunder, well now you've got it!
The Cartel is finished, you understand? I see a single Spanish talking grease monkey, I'll kill the man whose hair is slick back!
I'm a sporting man, so run, you piece of shit... RUN! And know my brothers are not far behind, bringing hell with us!!
June 28, 2014
Is sad to say goodbye to this wonderful series. I would like to say that it was the perfect closure and left me satisfied but not, I think is because I can't move on from what happened in the previous book and that somehow ruined a little the series for me.
Yeah I'm still hurt and angry about that...
Other than that I'm happy for Badger and how things turned out for him, I loved his relationship with Adrienne and how they helped each other....they were the sweetest couple of the series.
Why not five stars in this book? Because we couldn't go without something happened to Isaac, seriously the guy needs a break ... but this last blow bothers me a lot especially for all the precious time he lost...
I can only say that I will miss these guys, definitely the best MC series I've read so far
Yeah I'm still hurt and angry about that...
Other than that I'm happy for Badger and how things turned out for him, I loved his relationship with Adrienne and how they helped each other....they were the sweetest couple of the series.
Why not five stars in this book? Because we couldn't go without something happened to Isaac, seriously the guy needs a break ... but this last blow bothers me a lot especially for all the precious time he lost...
I can only say that I will miss these guys, definitely the best MC series I've read so far
June 28, 2014
This book is a 4 star for me but I gave it a 5 star for the series overall. I loved Badger & Adrienne but it was hard getting there with them so soon after book 6 and what happened. Too fresh in my mind. Saying that, I lived this whole series with my heart in my throat and it's one of my favourites of all time. Must say that I am really sad to see this series coming to an end.
There were bits that were hard to read, things happened that I never wanted to happen, sometimes the story took a direction that I didn't agree with and I was angry and wanted to shout out loud: Nooo! But I respect the author and admire her for not writing the usual formula and for sticking to her guns.
The spacing between the books coming out was very refreshing. I am one of those people who hates waiting too long for the next book in a series to come out, I end up loosing interest , so I really appreciated how I never had to wait too long for the next book.
Signal Bend will be dearly missed. But it will always stay in my heart.
I hate her muse though. Just saying.
There were bits that were hard to read, things happened that I never wanted to happen, sometimes the story took a direction that I didn't agree with and I was angry and wanted to shout out loud: Nooo! But I respect the author and admire her for not writing the usual formula and for sticking to her guns.
The spacing between the books coming out was very refreshing. I am one of those people who hates waiting too long for the next book in a series to come out, I end up loosing interest , so I really appreciated how I never had to wait too long for the next book.
Signal Bend will be dearly missed. But it will always stay in my heart.
I hate her muse though. Just saying.
October 16, 2017
So it wasn't enough to gouge out our hearts in Len's book...the author had to twist the knife around in our hearts to make it nice and bloody. I finished this series because once I start something I finish it ...good or bad.... this is BAD!
These books are listed under romance/romantic suspense....from that I EXPECT A FRACKING HAPPY ENDING....
If I want tragedy... I watch the fracking news.... in my romance books...my hero's get their HAPPY EVER FRACKING AFTER...not some of them...ALL OF THEM....
If I had known what I had let myself in for ... I would never have read these. This author is in to Sadomasochism...and she just F**ked me over real good.
These books are listed under romance/romantic suspense....from that I EXPECT A FRACKING HAPPY ENDING....
If I want tragedy... I watch the fracking news.... in my romance books...my hero's get their HAPPY EVER FRACKING AFTER...not some of them...ALL OF THEM....
If I had known what I had let myself in for ... I would never have read these. This author is in to Sadomasochism...and she just F**ked me over real good.
June 27, 2014
5 Heartbreaking Stars
I love Badger and Adrienne, seeing the conclusion to the Signal Bend series through their eyes was great. As much as I enjoyed living in Badg's world, of course it was no walk in the park. I can't express my disbelief in some of the directions this took, namely the deal, it just didn't sit well with me. Closing the series with Lilli and Isaac's epilogue was heartbreaking, but as Susan said it started with them and it should end with them. I am glad to have gone on the journey.
I love Badger and Adrienne, seeing the conclusion to the Signal Bend series through their eyes was great. As much as I enjoyed living in Badg's world, of course it was no walk in the park. I can't express my disbelief in some of the directions this took, namely the deal, it just didn't sit well with me. Closing the series with Lilli and Isaac's epilogue was heartbreaking, but as Susan said it started with them and it should end with them. I am glad to have gone on the journey.
March 3, 2015
As a fan of this series, its sad realizing this is my last trip to Signal Bend. Everything wraps up in this installment. Badger the youngest member of the Night Horde is still dealing with the aftermath of the horror detailed in
. In previous books we have seen the flirty friendship with Adrienne, Shannon's birth daughter. Unfortunately some things change a man, and will she be able to deal with this new version of this broken man? In the midst of romance, the Night Horde's business keeps you on the edge of your seat as always.
There are three parts of this book that reflect in my rating:
1. Isaac and Lilli - As always, anything dealing with them gets an A+. There is realness in this romance that really beats any other biker series. Just like real life, their love is tragic, mundane, and beautiful. It never feels over the top, even through extraordinary circumstances. There is a bonus story included in this book featuring them. It's a perfect send off to bookend the Signal Bend series, with the couple that got us hooked in
.
2. The Night Horde Action Sequences - Susan Fanetti might want to try her hand at screen writing because she has a gift for bringing action scenes to life on the page. In her forward, she mentions how blood thirsty her muse can be, and that can't be argued. At the same time, my own inner Valkyrie thanks her for it. I am not that big a fan of the sweet, Mayberry biker books. I need death, mayhem, and destruction for it to feel "real". She never fails to provide that, even if it means I'm screaming at my book trying to process it all.
3. Badger and Adrienne's romance - I just didn't like much about this portion of the book. I felt they are nice characters that were making a bad choice, especially her. I felt too much of her life was exorcised in an effort to make her fit into the Signal Bend landscape. I never got on board. Not being charmed by the main love story can only lead to lowering the rating of a romance book.
All in all I found my last visit to Signal Bend bittersweet. In some ways it's neck and neck with
, my least favorite of the series. The bonus novella, does add bonus points though. 3 1/2 stars
. In previous books we have seen the flirty friendship with Adrienne, Shannon's birth daughter. Unfortunately some things change a man, and will she be able to deal with this new version of this broken man? In the midst of romance, the Night Horde's business keeps you on the edge of your seat as always. There are three parts of this book that reflect in my rating:
1. Isaac and Lilli - As always, anything dealing with them gets an A+. There is realness in this romance that really beats any other biker series. Just like real life, their love is tragic, mundane, and beautiful. It never feels over the top, even through extraordinary circumstances. There is a bonus story included in this book featuring them. It's a perfect send off to bookend the Signal Bend series, with the couple that got us hooked in
.2. The Night Horde Action Sequences - Susan Fanetti might want to try her hand at screen writing because she has a gift for bringing action scenes to life on the page. In her forward, she mentions how blood thirsty her muse can be, and that can't be argued. At the same time, my own inner Valkyrie thanks her for it. I am not that big a fan of the sweet, Mayberry biker books. I need death, mayhem, and destruction for it to feel "real". She never fails to provide that, even if it means I'm screaming at my book trying to process it all.
3. Badger and Adrienne's romance - I just didn't like much about this portion of the book. I felt they are nice characters that were making a bad choice, especially her. I felt too much of her life was exorcised in an effort to make her fit into the Signal Bend landscape. I never got on board. Not being charmed by the main love story can only lead to lowering the rating of a romance book.
All in all I found my last visit to Signal Bend bittersweet. In some ways it's neck and neck with
, my least favorite of the series. The bonus novella, does add bonus points though. 3 1/2 stars 
June 29, 2014
I have no words. Susan fanetti this series blew me away.. This last book was the perfect ending to the most amazing series..
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