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The Night Horde SoCal #6
Calm & Storm
THE NIGHT HORDE SOCAL SERIES CONCLUDES.
Ronin Drago has always been a fighter, a warrior, a soldier. Not one to take the lead or the limelight, he stands stalwart with his brothers, but he keeps his own counsel.
The Night Horde SoCal has been taking too many hits lately, and he fears that they are cracking under the strain. Every run seems to bring more chaos and less clarity, and Ronin no longer sees the purpose in their fight. But he is a loyal man, and long ago the club gave him a family when he had no other, when he came home from war to an empty life that had once been full of love and promise.
Lorraine Milligan loved the young man that Ronin had been in that long ago time, and she loves him still. But she broke his heart and left his life empty. She’s regretted it ever since, but she never thought to have the chance to make amends.
In the years since she ran from their young love, she has made a good life, successful and content, but shadowed by her regret, her Great Lost Love.
When their paths cross unexpectedly and the old spark between them rekindles, they have a chance to remake a future together. But first Ronin must come to terms with the full dimension of what he lost when Lorraine left him.
And then they both must decide if his club and their love can fit together at all.
**This volume also includes Home & Safe, the epilogue novella to the Night Horde SoCal series.
Note: explicit sex and violence.
Ronin Drago has always been a fighter, a warrior, a soldier. Not one to take the lead or the limelight, he stands stalwart with his brothers, but he keeps his own counsel.
The Night Horde SoCal has been taking too many hits lately, and he fears that they are cracking under the strain. Every run seems to bring more chaos and less clarity, and Ronin no longer sees the purpose in their fight. But he is a loyal man, and long ago the club gave him a family when he had no other, when he came home from war to an empty life that had once been full of love and promise.
Lorraine Milligan loved the young man that Ronin had been in that long ago time, and she loves him still. But she broke his heart and left his life empty. She’s regretted it ever since, but she never thought to have the chance to make amends.
In the years since she ran from their young love, she has made a good life, successful and content, but shadowed by her regret, her Great Lost Love.
When their paths cross unexpectedly and the old spark between them rekindles, they have a chance to remake a future together. But first Ronin must come to terms with the full dimension of what he lost when Lorraine left him.
And then they both must decide if his club and their love can fit together at all.
**This volume also includes Home & Safe, the epilogue novella to the Night Horde SoCal series.
Note: explicit sex and violence.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
15 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,418 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 95 reviews
November 1, 2015
2 stars. Review posted November 1, 2015
Like I already said, reading that foreword was a warning for what would happen. This could not be good and it sure wasn't. Not good is actually a huge understatement. Witnessing (happened off page) was bad enough. However, what occurred during that was total overkill. When I read it first, I felt dazed and shocked. After contemplating this for a while, I sure as fuck felt pissed and angry. Fanetti is known as the author who's offing former main characters (quite an accomplishment *snort*). That's the reason I never read Show the Fire because she killed a former MC in that book. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the fact that she would do the same in this last installment of The Night Horde SoCal series. What a fucking fabulous and perfect way to end a series, right? I'm being sarcastic and I'm feeling sad and disgusted. Oh, and if it's not enough to kill Wow. That's glorious. And that's called romance. Blah. Baba you got it wrong. It's all right because the author didn't kill the MCs of Calm & Storm. Killing a few others, however, is ok. No biggie, after all. I fucking can't!
The record (casualties):
EXCERPT FROM FANETTI'S FOREWORD
When I call my books “romances,” I commit to adhering to the tenets of that genre—which means that my lead couples are together and in a good place at the ends of their books. But I make no promises about what life might have in store for them after that, when they become secondary characters in another couple’s story.
Fine. I'm a reader and I can say fuck to those wonky tenets. Romance means that readers are getting a HEA. I don't want former main characters offed just because life is filled with sorrow. I can form my own opinion and make my own standards and according to mine, Calm & Storm is not a romance. So don't connote it is. It's not.
I just can't stop contemplating that foreword. When I read the record about the I was shell-shocked. Shocked that an author would do that in the last installment of a series. Wait a minute, it's only fiction, isn't it? She can off whoever the hell she wants and then claim it's "romance" and state that life is full of sorrow and pain, blah blah blah. And it happened with a shocking naturalness, proper words simply fail me.
The fright made
You know what I think?
I encountered this passage in the epilogue:
It boggles the freaking mind.
There are no regulations as to who is absolutely inconceivable to me.
This^^^^^^^^^^^^^...
…and then @69% Trick said:
They are How nice. Though the change of mind happened too late because the damage was already done.
As a side note
The German translations are not correct.
schadenfreude ---> correct is Schadenfreude
sturm und drang ---> correct is Sturm und Drang
As chance would have it, Ronin Drago meets his once-in-a-lifetime love, Lorraine "Rainy" Milligan again, while working on an action film set. Rainy, owner of the restaurant Mythic, is responsible for the catering on the set. And Ronin is not only a member of the Night Horde SoCal, he's got a "straight" job also and is working as a stunt rider. During the early 90s, when Ronin decided to join the Army, Rainy neither understood nor accepted his decision, left him and hurt him deeply. At that time, Now, twenty-five-years later and divorced for a couple years, she sees a second chance at love. With Ronin, of course. But how is Ronin
Some of you might remember that I'm a huge fan of older, mature characters. That's why the author is getting a Brownie point from me for writing a sexy male lead in his mid-fifties. Rainy, forty-nine, however, annoyed me greatly. She I'm being polite when I say that's.Not.Cool.At.All. So she really didn't deserve my sympathy. Another issue I had was that the ILYs happened way too fast for my liking. They had been separated for twenty-five years, she and almost within a blink of an eye (yes, I'm slightly exaggerating), they professed their love for each other. I didn't buy it. Even more so because Ronin swallowed the bitter pill way too fast. I understand that his character was calm and reserved but come on! What Rainy did was mean and he just put the "past in the past" and reciprocated her "love". And despite the ILYs, their romance developed at a strange pace. The very generously distributed ILYs stood in stark contrast to their halting relationship. Thus I just missed a steady buildup. What I enjoyed, however, was the interaction between
Where was the character growth after
There was none because the loss wasn't really pertinent to Ronin and Rainy's story arc. It's like you go to the supermarket. You have your grocery list and you know exactly what you should buy, but then you stroll through the aisles, you see something that wasn't on your list. Yet you throw it in your chariot…en passant (in passing). Because…why not? It looks nice enough. Back home, you realize it wasn't necessary to buy that food. It was a mistake because it won't add anything to the menu you had planned to cook.
I love me a taciturn, brooding hero, but Ronin was very difficult in that regard because he was worse than just taciturn. And when he did speak, it was rather often a "I don't know," or a shrug or he needed calm and space to think. Also, he and other characters were sighing one too many times. Repetitiveness is a pet peeve of mine and all the sighs irritated me.
64 x sigh, sighing, sighed, sighs
I loved Ronin's housing situation with his beautiful garden and was
I might be the only one, but I really didn't dig Fanetti's writing, dialogue and narrative this time around because it felt a bit stilted or too detached and some of the characters' voices came off as interchangeable. And, while some events were shockingly cruel, overall the story lacked bone-deep emotion. Emotion that would have helped me to really connect on a deeper level with the story and characters. There was one exception, however, and that was the epilogue.
THE BEST
An additional star for a very well done epilogue
The absolute highlight was the epilogue. That's where I really felt it. I was in that moment and experienced real and deep emotion. Told from POV, it was beautifully done and I could empathize with him. Funny thing is, it made me want to read Knowing what I know now, it would hurt too much.
And last but not least, I hope that there's something great in store for Nolan whom I like very, very much. I know that both series, the Night Horde SoCal and Signal Bend, are finalized, yet ever since I read Today & Tomorrow, I was hoping that Nolan would get a HEA eventually. Something sweet happened in the epilogue and I can't stop thinking about those two.
Bottom line
I said it in my last update and will say it again. Calm & Storm concludes in a very beautiful and bittersweet epilogue (a whole novella, actually). This story is so terribly tragic and what saddens me even more is the fact that we got to this "beautiful" place born out of so much ugliness and cruelty. And for what? For shock value? It has nothing to do with real life sorrow bullshit. Because many readers, while wanting some realism in their romance novels, pick up a book to avoid all this unnecessary and exaggerated cruelty. It's neither epic nor perfect. It is, in fact, bloody awful.
And finally, I seriously doubt that a "romance" author is going to gain a bigger readership when she keeps on offing former main characters. Of course it is her choice, but readers will make their own, that's for sure.
Also, an additional warning at the end of the blurb would be very much appreciated. A lapidary note that the book contains explicit sex and violence is not good enough for those who don't want to read about former main characters being killed. Thank you for your possible consideration.
Like I already said, reading that foreword was a warning for what would happen. This could not be good and it sure wasn't. Not good is actually a huge understatement. Witnessing (happened off page) was bad enough. However, what occurred during that was total overkill. When I read it first, I felt dazed and shocked. After contemplating this for a while, I sure as fuck felt pissed and angry. Fanetti is known as the author who's offing former main characters (quite an accomplishment *snort*). That's the reason I never read Show the Fire because she killed a former MC in that book. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the fact that she would do the same in this last installment of The Night Horde SoCal series. What a fucking fabulous and perfect way to end a series, right? I'm being sarcastic and I'm feeling sad and disgusted. Oh, and if it's not enough to kill Wow. That's glorious. And that's called romance. Blah. Baba you got it wrong. It's all right because the author didn't kill the MCs of Calm & Storm. Killing a few others, however, is ok. No biggie, after all. I fucking can't!
The record (casualties):
EXCERPT FROM FANETTI'S FOREWORD
When I call my books “romances,” I commit to adhering to the tenets of that genre—which means that my lead couples are together and in a good place at the ends of their books. But I make no promises about what life might have in store for them after that, when they become secondary characters in another couple’s story.
Fine. I'm a reader and I can say fuck to those wonky tenets. Romance means that readers are getting a HEA. I don't want former main characters offed just because life is filled with sorrow. I can form my own opinion and make my own standards and according to mine, Calm & Storm is not a romance. So don't connote it is. It's not.
I just can't stop contemplating that foreword. When I read the record about the I was shell-shocked. Shocked that an author would do that in the last installment of a series. Wait a minute, it's only fiction, isn't it? She can off whoever the hell she wants and then claim it's "romance" and state that life is full of sorrow and pain, blah blah blah. And it happened with a shocking naturalness, proper words simply fail me.
The fright made
You know what I think?
I encountered this passage in the epilogue:
It boggles the freaking mind.
There are no regulations as to who is absolutely inconceivable to me.
This^^^^^^^^^^^^^...
…and then @69% Trick said:
They are How nice. Though the change of mind happened too late because the damage was already done.
As a side note
The German translations are not correct.
schadenfreude ---> correct is Schadenfreude
sturm und drang ---> correct is Sturm und Drang
As chance would have it, Ronin Drago meets his once-in-a-lifetime love, Lorraine "Rainy" Milligan again, while working on an action film set. Rainy, owner of the restaurant Mythic, is responsible for the catering on the set. And Ronin is not only a member of the Night Horde SoCal, he's got a "straight" job also and is working as a stunt rider. During the early 90s, when Ronin decided to join the Army, Rainy neither understood nor accepted his decision, left him and hurt him deeply. At that time, Now, twenty-five-years later and divorced for a couple years, she sees a second chance at love. With Ronin, of course. But how is Ronin
Some of you might remember that I'm a huge fan of older, mature characters. That's why the author is getting a Brownie point from me for writing a sexy male lead in his mid-fifties. Rainy, forty-nine, however, annoyed me greatly. She I'm being polite when I say that's.Not.Cool.At.All. So she really didn't deserve my sympathy. Another issue I had was that the ILYs happened way too fast for my liking. They had been separated for twenty-five years, she and almost within a blink of an eye (yes, I'm slightly exaggerating), they professed their love for each other. I didn't buy it. Even more so because Ronin swallowed the bitter pill way too fast. I understand that his character was calm and reserved but come on! What Rainy did was mean and he just put the "past in the past" and reciprocated her "love". And despite the ILYs, their romance developed at a strange pace. The very generously distributed ILYs stood in stark contrast to their halting relationship. Thus I just missed a steady buildup. What I enjoyed, however, was the interaction between
Where was the character growth after
There was none because the loss wasn't really pertinent to Ronin and Rainy's story arc. It's like you go to the supermarket. You have your grocery list and you know exactly what you should buy, but then you stroll through the aisles, you see something that wasn't on your list. Yet you throw it in your chariot…en passant (in passing). Because…why not? It looks nice enough. Back home, you realize it wasn't necessary to buy that food. It was a mistake because it won't add anything to the menu you had planned to cook.
I love me a taciturn, brooding hero, but Ronin was very difficult in that regard because he was worse than just taciturn. And when he did speak, it was rather often a "I don't know," or a shrug or he needed calm and space to think. Also, he and other characters were sighing one too many times. Repetitiveness is a pet peeve of mine and all the sighs irritated me.
64 x sigh, sighing, sighed, sighs
I loved Ronin's housing situation with his beautiful garden and was
I might be the only one, but I really didn't dig Fanetti's writing, dialogue and narrative this time around because it felt a bit stilted or too detached and some of the characters' voices came off as interchangeable. And, while some events were shockingly cruel, overall the story lacked bone-deep emotion. Emotion that would have helped me to really connect on a deeper level with the story and characters. There was one exception, however, and that was the epilogue.
THE BEST
An additional star for a very well done epilogue
The absolute highlight was the epilogue. That's where I really felt it. I was in that moment and experienced real and deep emotion. Told from POV, it was beautifully done and I could empathize with him. Funny thing is, it made me want to read Knowing what I know now, it would hurt too much.
And last but not least, I hope that there's something great in store for Nolan whom I like very, very much. I know that both series, the Night Horde SoCal and Signal Bend, are finalized, yet ever since I read Today & Tomorrow, I was hoping that Nolan would get a HEA eventually. Something sweet happened in the epilogue and I can't stop thinking about those two.
Bottom line
I said it in my last update and will say it again. Calm & Storm concludes in a very beautiful and bittersweet epilogue (a whole novella, actually). This story is so terribly tragic and what saddens me even more is the fact that we got to this "beautiful" place born out of so much ugliness and cruelty. And for what? For shock value? It has nothing to do with real life sorrow bullshit. Because many readers, while wanting some realism in their romance novels, pick up a book to avoid all this unnecessary and exaggerated cruelty. It's neither epic nor perfect. It is, in fact, bloody awful.
And finally, I seriously doubt that a "romance" author is going to gain a bigger readership when she keeps on offing former main characters. Of course it is her choice, but readers will make their own, that's for sure.
Also, an additional warning at the end of the blurb would be very much appreciated. A lapidary note that the book contains explicit sex and violence is not good enough for those who don't want to read about former main characters being killed. Thank you for your possible consideration.
June 15, 2020
June 2020 - This concludes my third time reading these books, the second time in which I've read them consecutively. The last three books I just read in three days. A dreary weekend during a precarious time in all of our lives and I was left, as always, so hopeful even as my feelings got pulled, pinched, twisted, and turned. There's a profound way that Susan Fanetti presents the world through this MC culture. A thoughtful way to see love, family, and our emotional attachments to each. I love reading about these characters. I love visiting Signal Bend and Madrone. I feel connected to this series in a big way and love it so very much.
Reread as part of the entire series Aug/Sept 2017 - An emotional whirlwind of a conclusion to the SoCal series. Ronin and Lorraine's story is nothing short of incredibly heartbreaking yet extremely fulfilling. I loved every single epic part of my reread. The impeccable writing and immersive story telling leave me in awe of Fanetti once again. The way in which she wrote Calm & Storm stays true to her MC saga and to the characters she's created. It's been another incredible ride with the Night Horde.
5+ "This felt right." Stars
Over the course of two years and a multitude of MC Romance books involving her MC the Night Horde, Susan Fanetti has rocked my reading world. She's created a cast of characters with a bond of brotherhood so strong it pulls you into the fold of the Night Horde MC easily and completely. Each of these men who meet their soul mate moved me profoundly as they fell in love. Each of these woman who choose to live this life with these men have showed me courage and strength in so many different ways.
I'm not going to go into explicit details about Calm & Storm. The book took me somewhere I least expected for a reason I can't reveal. It showed me the utmost, profound depths of strength, courage, and love in so many forms and so many ways. Ronin and Lorraine's story is nothing short of heart breaking in such a way that only Susan Fanetti can build you back up again. Each of them are older characters who bring charisma and depth to the story. Each on a journey of re-discovering the people they've become since last seeing each other many years ago. It's an especially revealing journey for Ronin Drago as he questions a lot of his beliefs to find his the inner peace he possesses.
The plot running beneath the surface of Ronin and Rainy's love story elevates to full speed for the Night Horde SoCal. I cried at least 15 times so be prepared for that. Be prepared for the poignancy and beauty of the words Susan Fanetti provides to get you through the rebirth of the Night Horde SoCal charter and it's members. This family is one for which they all find the ways to be grateful for; seeing them band together in Calm & Storm left me truly touched.
I'm sad it's over. The Night Horde, both the Missouri and the SoCal charters, have become an integral part of my life. I relish the time I spend with these people. Coupled with the sadness of the end is my absolute joy of the entire journey. These books accounted for hours of reading for which I'll be forever thankful. Susan Fanetti took me on a ride I'll never, ever forget. One I'll be certain to take again over and over just to relive the beauty of her MC stories. There's no better way she could of wrapped up this series, in my opinion. This author stays true to herself, to her characters, and to her genre. She provides real, honest portrayals of life by giving both the great and the devastating. She rebuilds past tragedy, always moving forward.
Calm & Storm is exactly as the title suggests - finding a semblance of peace a midst the chaos. The Night Horde MC possesses my favorite MC characters in both Missouri and SoCal. The way this author chose to wrap up the SoCal series brought us full circle back to the beginning, back to Missouri where we first fell in love with Fanetti's stories. It's a brilliant book told by an extremely gifted story teller.
The ride is over. If you've been waiting for the complete series the time has come. If you love MC romance I can't suggest this series to you enough. You NEED to experience this author's exquisite story telling.
Favorite Quotes:
"He didn't want to live without her. But his life had no place for her."
"They were outlaws, after all."
"Welcome, darlin'. I'm Bibi. We're a motley crew, but we're good at heart. Always got room for more."
Night Horde SoCal reading order and my 5 star reviews:
Book 1: Strength & Courage
Book 2: Shadow & Soul
Book 2.5: Today & Tomorrow
Book 3: Fire & Dark
Book 3.5: Dream & Dare
Book 4: Knife & Flesh
Book 5: Rest & Trust
**Calm & Storm generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
Reread as part of the entire series Aug/Sept 2017 - An emotional whirlwind of a conclusion to the SoCal series. Ronin and Lorraine's story is nothing short of incredibly heartbreaking yet extremely fulfilling. I loved every single epic part of my reread. The impeccable writing and immersive story telling leave me in awe of Fanetti once again. The way in which she wrote Calm & Storm stays true to her MC saga and to the characters she's created. It's been another incredible ride with the Night Horde.
5+ "This felt right." Stars
Over the course of two years and a multitude of MC Romance books involving her MC the Night Horde, Susan Fanetti has rocked my reading world. She's created a cast of characters with a bond of brotherhood so strong it pulls you into the fold of the Night Horde MC easily and completely. Each of these men who meet their soul mate moved me profoundly as they fell in love. Each of these woman who choose to live this life with these men have showed me courage and strength in so many different ways.
I'm not going to go into explicit details about Calm & Storm. The book took me somewhere I least expected for a reason I can't reveal. It showed me the utmost, profound depths of strength, courage, and love in so many forms and so many ways. Ronin and Lorraine's story is nothing short of heart breaking in such a way that only Susan Fanetti can build you back up again. Each of them are older characters who bring charisma and depth to the story. Each on a journey of re-discovering the people they've become since last seeing each other many years ago. It's an especially revealing journey for Ronin Drago as he questions a lot of his beliefs to find his the inner peace he possesses.
The plot running beneath the surface of Ronin and Rainy's love story elevates to full speed for the Night Horde SoCal. I cried at least 15 times so be prepared for that. Be prepared for the poignancy and beauty of the words Susan Fanetti provides to get you through the rebirth of the Night Horde SoCal charter and it's members. This family is one for which they all find the ways to be grateful for; seeing them band together in Calm & Storm left me truly touched.
I'm sad it's over. The Night Horde, both the Missouri and the SoCal charters, have become an integral part of my life. I relish the time I spend with these people. Coupled with the sadness of the end is my absolute joy of the entire journey. These books accounted for hours of reading for which I'll be forever thankful. Susan Fanetti took me on a ride I'll never, ever forget. One I'll be certain to take again over and over just to relive the beauty of her MC stories. There's no better way she could of wrapped up this series, in my opinion. This author stays true to herself, to her characters, and to her genre. She provides real, honest portrayals of life by giving both the great and the devastating. She rebuilds past tragedy, always moving forward.
Calm & Storm is exactly as the title suggests - finding a semblance of peace a midst the chaos. The Night Horde MC possesses my favorite MC characters in both Missouri and SoCal. The way this author chose to wrap up the SoCal series brought us full circle back to the beginning, back to Missouri where we first fell in love with Fanetti's stories. It's a brilliant book told by an extremely gifted story teller.
The ride is over. If you've been waiting for the complete series the time has come. If you love MC romance I can't suggest this series to you enough. You NEED to experience this author's exquisite story telling.
Favorite Quotes:
"He didn't want to live without her. But his life had no place for her."
"They were outlaws, after all."
"Welcome, darlin'. I'm Bibi. We're a motley crew, but we're good at heart. Always got room for more."
Night Horde SoCal reading order and my 5 star reviews:
Book 1: Strength & Courage
Book 2: Shadow & Soul
Book 2.5: Today & Tomorrow
Book 3: Fire & Dark
Book 3.5: Dream & Dare
Book 4: Knife & Flesh
Book 5: Rest & Trust
**Calm & Storm generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
October 23, 2015
THE FINAL RIDE FOR SoCal
I loved this book...it’s Ronin & Rainy’s love story.
For his ‘straight’ job, Ronin was a Hollywood stunt rider.
As a stunt rider and a member of the Night Horde Ronin's time is filled but for the most part he lives a solitary life. Ronin is over 50 years old and still a bachelor. He had one great love but that was 25 years ago. When Ronin loves he loves for a lifetime.
She’d been his ‘hippie chick,’ in Birkenstocks, broomstick skirts, and layers of jewelry . . .
That was a great description of Rainy in her 20’s. Now, 25 years later when she sees Ronin again she still has those hippie qualities but now they’re more “granola.” For those who aren’t from Oregon where you're more likely to hear the term granola… it means someone who was hippie in their 20’s but now as they are older and have money. They buy organic, shop at REI, and are environmentally conscious of the world around them. Basically they’re grown up hippies with jobs. Wow, sorry for the long description about granolas but I think it helps to understand Rainy. She’s a business woman now who lives by the same principles she held in her 20’s.
’Great Lost Love.’
There’s a reason why they separated all those years ago but it’s not for me to tell you. And when they come together they have some challenges in their way. Not only what pulled them apart all those years ago but a new revelation. The confession that is shared between these two will make the reunion seem impossible. I know, I'd be hurt and confused by what these two learn. The great thing about how Ms. Fanetti writes it it felt very authentic. Like if this was a real life story it would unfold in a similar fashion.
’They were outlaws, after all.’
The club has a lot going on that had me of the edge of my seat knowing this was the end of the road for this series. I’ve been reading about the club situation through the series and I had a lot of theories on how it would unfold. I was satisfied on how it ended… it was well done.
Conclusion
There’s a bonus conclusion after CALM & STORM has ended. It was like Ms. Fanetti wrote it just for me. It was the closure I needed on that story line.
I’ve been struggling with how to say goodbye to this chapter of my reading life. I joined the ride with the series Signal Bend and continued on when the spinoff series followed. The adventure has taught me a lot about life, family, love, loyalty, and unity. While I know this isn’t the end for Ms. Fanetti’s writing career it still makes me sad that the series has ended. Yes, I cried in this book. I always end up crying in Fanetti books.
Thank you, Susan Fanetti, for the dedication. I'm in awe of you and honored to be included in your book! ♥
If you’re looking for a motorcycle romance with older characters then this series is the BEST OF THE BEST.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2015
pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1NvV4xN
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Muse | Book 2 - Demon | Book 3 - Connor | Book 4 - Trick | Book 5 - Sherlock | Book - Ronin
Side Trips:
Book 2.5 - Nolan | Book 3.5 - Hooj
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
I loved this book...it’s Ronin & Rainy’s love story.
For his ‘straight’ job, Ronin was a Hollywood stunt rider.
As a stunt rider and a member of the Night Horde Ronin's time is filled but for the most part he lives a solitary life. Ronin is over 50 years old and still a bachelor. He had one great love but that was 25 years ago. When Ronin loves he loves for a lifetime.
She’d been his ‘hippie chick,’ in Birkenstocks, broomstick skirts, and layers of jewelry . . .
That was a great description of Rainy in her 20’s. Now, 25 years later when she sees Ronin again she still has those hippie qualities but now they’re more “granola.” For those who aren’t from Oregon where you're more likely to hear the term granola… it means someone who was hippie in their 20’s but now as they are older and have money. They buy organic, shop at REI, and are environmentally conscious of the world around them. Basically they’re grown up hippies with jobs. Wow, sorry for the long description about granolas but I think it helps to understand Rainy. She’s a business woman now who lives by the same principles she held in her 20’s.
’Great Lost Love.’
There’s a reason why they separated all those years ago but it’s not for me to tell you. And when they come together they have some challenges in their way. Not only what pulled them apart all those years ago but a new revelation. The confession that is shared between these two will make the reunion seem impossible. I know, I'd be hurt and confused by what these two learn. The great thing about how Ms. Fanetti writes it it felt very authentic. Like if this was a real life story it would unfold in a similar fashion.
’They were outlaws, after all.’
The club has a lot going on that had me of the edge of my seat knowing this was the end of the road for this series. I’ve been reading about the club situation through the series and I had a lot of theories on how it would unfold. I was satisfied on how it ended… it was well done.
Conclusion
There’s a bonus conclusion after CALM & STORM has ended. It was like Ms. Fanetti wrote it just for me. It was the closure I needed on that story line.
I’ve been struggling with how to say goodbye to this chapter of my reading life. I joined the ride with the series Signal Bend and continued on when the spinoff series followed. The adventure has taught me a lot about life, family, love, loyalty, and unity. While I know this isn’t the end for Ms. Fanetti’s writing career it still makes me sad that the series has ended. Yes, I cried in this book. I always end up crying in Fanetti books.
Thank you, Susan Fanetti, for the dedication. I'm in awe of you and honored to be included in your book! ♥
If you’re looking for a motorcycle romance with older characters then this series is the BEST OF THE BEST.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2015
pre-order | order: http://amzn.to/1NvV4xN
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Muse | Book 2 - Demon | Book 3 - Connor | Book 4 - Trick | Book 5 - Sherlock | Book - Ronin
Side Trips:
Book 2.5 - Nolan | Book 3.5 - Hooj
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
November 1, 2015
Epilogue was 5 star worthy. I enjoyed Ronin and Lorraine, but their story was a bit slower paced, I found myself constantly wanting to check in with the rest of the mc crowd. That epilogue was perfection, though. I'm going to miss these bikers.
November 2, 2015
4.5 Stars for the main book * * * * 1/2
5 Plus for the Epilogue * * * * *
It is no secret I have been waiting for this book. It has been a love/hate want, though...Because wanting to know the outcome and how Fanetti was going to play this was stirring me up; but I also knew once it had been read... then I would not have this series as new and fresh.
Calm & Storm had many purposes... there were many boxes to "Tick"... and I felt by using Ronin and Rainy, Fanetti gave us the appropriate perspective to see all which was occurring. The SoCal Night Horde rose from the ashes of another club...becoming a branch of the Night Horde from Missouri. This group of men with women who supported and loved them developed over the years...became a family of sorts and pledged their allegiance to each other and the club.
By focusing on Ronin... the warrior, the quiet force... who had seen all, experienced the before and after... we are able to feel his sense that all is not right with the club. There is this undercurrent of friction and it is something to be watched. Ronin was the observer...a type of sentinel; he would be there for his brothers and abide by all of the votes... whether he agreed or not...but he had no need to make conversation for the sake of small talk... to him it served no purpose.
Ronin was a loyal, deep feeling man and in his life he had made decisions which caused him to lose the love of his life, Rainy. He was taken by this "hippy chick" from the start and they both fell into each other as if each were their home.
What was curious was the fact they were complete opposites. Rainy was raised by her mom in Oregon and lived by the liberal standards...She was peace, love and no war. Ronin, who went by Eddie, came from Loggers... working the land and making a way. He was a rebel; young with doing motorcross and stunts...always going for that thrill. These two loved each other, lived together, talked of forever together and constantly bantered about Rainy's causes and ideas. Although they didn't agree, they always ended up in each others arms.
Until 9/11. Then the warrior was called; a need so deep in Eddie/Ronin, he could not ignore the pull. Even after Rainy had begged him not to go and fight, how the war was not what was being told to the public...Eddie/Ronin explained... his primal need to do something ... to protect what was his... made it impossible for him not to go. They had a last conversation... both said they understood...they loved each other and would be there when it was over...
Eddie went to war; Rainy made decisions from panic, youth and confusion. She purposely burned their bridges and any hope for Eddie while he was in bootcamp. Eddie went to fight a war, lost his love and then later his father while fighting. He was hit by an IED and survived when others did not. He came home to his mother. After a year or so, she passed and Eddie was without a family and home.
He came across a club, felt the brotherhood similar to the service and decided to go through the paces. His road name became Ronin, like the warrior he read about and studied. He found a sort of centering with many of the Asian cultures and philosophies; meditation, Tai Chi, and martial arts. He also held onto his understanding of discipline, routine, combat and fighting. This was something very deep with Ronin... his use of knives rather than relying on guns. The knife was an extension of him; he was in control not reliant on a bullet... for once the bullet is sent on its way... there was no changing of direction...no way to adapt. With the many blades and different purposes...Ronin was able to gauge what was needed. It was his way.
He took all of this and used it in his stunt work and it provided him with his "day" job. He had become well known in the film community and it was on the set where Ronin hears someone calling out to Eddie. At first he lets it go, thinking he was not the one...although the sound was something he would never forget. Then he is called again by his old name and he sees her...
There is Lorraine, his Rainy. She is still a vision; beautiful red hair captured in a tight long braid. In Chef's Whites, she was catering the set. Lorraine had been involved with food and cooking from the start. She became more involved after her leaving and worked her way through the ranks to now, having her restaurant. She had a group who believed in her and she was making everything a reality. She had survived a divorce after being married for many years and her son was everything a mother could wish for.
But seeing Eddie/Ronin... and trying to have a conversation with everything going on around them at the set was practically impossible. She watched the stunt he did and almost lost her breath... it was so scary and amazing. Everyone clapped and cheered...she stood there and looked to see if he was alright... both of them gazed at each other then looked away.
Lorraine waited for him and asked if they could meet and talk. Ronin was hesitant...but drawn in to agreeing to meet. At the bar, all Lorraine wants is to stress how sorry she is for leaving him, what an awful mistake it was. Ronin tells her the words are useless and that time has passed. They are both much older now, Ronin in his early 50's, she about 46. Much has happened and he cannot go there. Lorraine tries to bring him out but remembers he never was a talker.
As he looks to leave, Lorraine asks to give him a hug and steps right into it before he can stop her. Ronin feels her hands first on his chest, then shoulders...and as he looks at her arms, he sees them...
Freckles...more than before...They were his Achilles Tendon; he loved how they covered her body...He strokes her arms and they end up having a kiss. This kiss is all the sorrys Lorraine can muster; the heat and pull between them is intense and as she cries out Eddie...Ronin steps back, turns and says as he walks away, Eddie is dead.
These two seeing each other after so long, felt the pull. After two weeks, Rainy calls Ronin late at night, reaching out and in her hippy, cosmos way... says their seeing each other like they did on set... was a sign...and then softly says she missed him. Ronin cannot ignore his feelings for her and accepts the invitation to her restaurant to talk.
For Rainy has things to say and tell Ronin...her sorrys have been her cross to bear for years and nothing will make them right...But it is time for Ronin to hear them anyway... it is the right thing to do, though maybe too little too late.
As these stories go, the coming together of Ronin and Rainy has a path with many bumps in the road... decisions made during youth impact and steal 25 years of experiences never to be regained. Ronin has learned to live with no grudges or holding onto the past. His new time with Rainy will test his commitment to this practice...it will be his turning point...his fork in the road...Which path will he take...Which path does his heart and mind long for...and with all of the turmoil and unrest in the club...will he have to choose one or the other...
This love story has angst and passion. It has the pull of second chance for those who thought it would never come again. The passion of the familiar of youth... even when we aren't is something very special. The heart and mind allows older lovers to see and feel as if they are still those young fresh pups...the passion intensifies with the maturity of knowing time is fleeting...you must act now as that is what you have...the now. These two were true first loves... it never went away and to regain it back...what would you do to have that...what would you sacrifice...
While we are on this journey of Ronin and Rainy, the club is front and center...All of the decisions to do the dark work has come with a price; brothers and prospects have been lost...Conflict at the Keep comes to a head between Connor and Hoosier. We, as the fly on the wall, experience reveals to the club that cause rifts and chaos until they are settled.
Fanetti never promised a rose garden for the SoCal Night Horde or for the Mother Club. In this finale, she did not back away from the horror of this lifestyle; she embraced it. She took those who lived it and gave the good, the sexy and rowdy coupled with the crass, cruel and unforgiving. She made you think of the romance of the club, the sexy danger of "Bad Boys" and their Biker/Alpha ways...the freedom of bending rules for personal choice...and then threw in your face the realities of what those personal choices came with...pain, sorrow, heartache and untold trauma. There was always the risk of collateral damage and many of the men's decisions would haunt them because of it.
Yet with all of these factors, these men and women banded together and created a home and family for and with each other. They each had their own reasons why they gravitated to the club life...finding their meanings, fulfilling their voids. With life and times very different from past generations, the pull for family remains. What we see now is sometimes we get to choose who we want as our family rather than settling on the ones we are from...especially if they do not provide safety and love.
As I rated this finale, I would like to address the epilogue. As with the last book of the Signal Bend, I think Fanetti did her best work with this final touch. The depth of feelings... the intensity and understanding of what emotions these characters are experiencing is so strong, I read it all through eyes holding back the tears...This last part did more than bring the series full circle back to the home of the Night Horde. While it served that purpose extremely well with updates of all of the characters we love, it reaffirmed the belief in the human condition of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
While we all want to believe this is true... and I can say from personal experience in many ways it is...What this last part did was leave me with a bruised heart...which I have also experienced...and that my friend may fade but stays.
Thank you Ms. Fanetti. I have had the best time meeting and loving these characters. You also seem to have an understanding that we still want more, little piggies we are...Your Muse Lola shared Nolan's story will be coming in the next year... a Stand Alone for us to pine for...
Thank you for giving us that glimmer of hope.
~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~
10/28
Well, I have this treasure of a last in the series on my Kindle...
I just hope I will be able to accept that this journey is coming to an end ....
I guess that is the Calm & Storm of my emotions to come...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Calm & Storm....
Well, I have to remain Calm...
Because I have a Storm brewing...
Waiting till October 27th will be the ultimate Calm before the last
SoCal Night Horde Storm...
I am quivering with anticipation....
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
5 Plus for the Epilogue * * * * *
It is no secret I have been waiting for this book. It has been a love/hate want, though...Because wanting to know the outcome and how Fanetti was going to play this was stirring me up; but I also knew once it had been read... then I would not have this series as new and fresh.
Calm & Storm had many purposes... there were many boxes to "Tick"... and I felt by using Ronin and Rainy, Fanetti gave us the appropriate perspective to see all which was occurring. The SoCal Night Horde rose from the ashes of another club...becoming a branch of the Night Horde from Missouri. This group of men with women who supported and loved them developed over the years...became a family of sorts and pledged their allegiance to each other and the club.
By focusing on Ronin... the warrior, the quiet force... who had seen all, experienced the before and after... we are able to feel his sense that all is not right with the club. There is this undercurrent of friction and it is something to be watched. Ronin was the observer...a type of sentinel; he would be there for his brothers and abide by all of the votes... whether he agreed or not...but he had no need to make conversation for the sake of small talk... to him it served no purpose.
Ronin was a loyal, deep feeling man and in his life he had made decisions which caused him to lose the love of his life, Rainy. He was taken by this "hippy chick" from the start and they both fell into each other as if each were their home.
What was curious was the fact they were complete opposites. Rainy was raised by her mom in Oregon and lived by the liberal standards...She was peace, love and no war. Ronin, who went by Eddie, came from Loggers... working the land and making a way. He was a rebel; young with doing motorcross and stunts...always going for that thrill. These two loved each other, lived together, talked of forever together and constantly bantered about Rainy's causes and ideas. Although they didn't agree, they always ended up in each others arms.
Until 9/11. Then the warrior was called; a need so deep in Eddie/Ronin, he could not ignore the pull. Even after Rainy had begged him not to go and fight, how the war was not what was being told to the public...Eddie/Ronin explained... his primal need to do something ... to protect what was his... made it impossible for him not to go. They had a last conversation... both said they understood...they loved each other and would be there when it was over...
Eddie went to war; Rainy made decisions from panic, youth and confusion. She purposely burned their bridges and any hope for Eddie while he was in bootcamp. Eddie went to fight a war, lost his love and then later his father while fighting. He was hit by an IED and survived when others did not. He came home to his mother. After a year or so, she passed and Eddie was without a family and home.
He came across a club, felt the brotherhood similar to the service and decided to go through the paces. His road name became Ronin, like the warrior he read about and studied. He found a sort of centering with many of the Asian cultures and philosophies; meditation, Tai Chi, and martial arts. He also held onto his understanding of discipline, routine, combat and fighting. This was something very deep with Ronin... his use of knives rather than relying on guns. The knife was an extension of him; he was in control not reliant on a bullet... for once the bullet is sent on its way... there was no changing of direction...no way to adapt. With the many blades and different purposes...Ronin was able to gauge what was needed. It was his way.
He took all of this and used it in his stunt work and it provided him with his "day" job. He had become well known in the film community and it was on the set where Ronin hears someone calling out to Eddie. At first he lets it go, thinking he was not the one...although the sound was something he would never forget. Then he is called again by his old name and he sees her...
There is Lorraine, his Rainy. She is still a vision; beautiful red hair captured in a tight long braid. In Chef's Whites, she was catering the set. Lorraine had been involved with food and cooking from the start. She became more involved after her leaving and worked her way through the ranks to now, having her restaurant. She had a group who believed in her and she was making everything a reality. She had survived a divorce after being married for many years and her son was everything a mother could wish for.
But seeing Eddie/Ronin... and trying to have a conversation with everything going on around them at the set was practically impossible. She watched the stunt he did and almost lost her breath... it was so scary and amazing. Everyone clapped and cheered...she stood there and looked to see if he was alright... both of them gazed at each other then looked away.
Lorraine waited for him and asked if they could meet and talk. Ronin was hesitant...but drawn in to agreeing to meet. At the bar, all Lorraine wants is to stress how sorry she is for leaving him, what an awful mistake it was. Ronin tells her the words are useless and that time has passed. They are both much older now, Ronin in his early 50's, she about 46. Much has happened and he cannot go there. Lorraine tries to bring him out but remembers he never was a talker.
As he looks to leave, Lorraine asks to give him a hug and steps right into it before he can stop her. Ronin feels her hands first on his chest, then shoulders...and as he looks at her arms, he sees them...
Freckles...more than before...They were his Achilles Tendon; he loved how they covered her body...He strokes her arms and they end up having a kiss. This kiss is all the sorrys Lorraine can muster; the heat and pull between them is intense and as she cries out Eddie...Ronin steps back, turns and says as he walks away, Eddie is dead.
These two seeing each other after so long, felt the pull. After two weeks, Rainy calls Ronin late at night, reaching out and in her hippy, cosmos way... says their seeing each other like they did on set... was a sign...and then softly says she missed him. Ronin cannot ignore his feelings for her and accepts the invitation to her restaurant to talk.
For Rainy has things to say and tell Ronin...her sorrys have been her cross to bear for years and nothing will make them right...But it is time for Ronin to hear them anyway... it is the right thing to do, though maybe too little too late.
As these stories go, the coming together of Ronin and Rainy has a path with many bumps in the road... decisions made during youth impact and steal 25 years of experiences never to be regained. Ronin has learned to live with no grudges or holding onto the past. His new time with Rainy will test his commitment to this practice...it will be his turning point...his fork in the road...Which path will he take...Which path does his heart and mind long for...and with all of the turmoil and unrest in the club...will he have to choose one or the other...
This love story has angst and passion. It has the pull of second chance for those who thought it would never come again. The passion of the familiar of youth... even when we aren't is something very special. The heart and mind allows older lovers to see and feel as if they are still those young fresh pups...the passion intensifies with the maturity of knowing time is fleeting...you must act now as that is what you have...the now. These two were true first loves... it never went away and to regain it back...what would you do to have that...what would you sacrifice...
While we are on this journey of Ronin and Rainy, the club is front and center...All of the decisions to do the dark work has come with a price; brothers and prospects have been lost...Conflict at the Keep comes to a head between Connor and Hoosier. We, as the fly on the wall, experience reveals to the club that cause rifts and chaos until they are settled.
Fanetti never promised a rose garden for the SoCal Night Horde or for the Mother Club. In this finale, she did not back away from the horror of this lifestyle; she embraced it. She took those who lived it and gave the good, the sexy and rowdy coupled with the crass, cruel and unforgiving. She made you think of the romance of the club, the sexy danger of "Bad Boys" and their Biker/Alpha ways...the freedom of bending rules for personal choice...and then threw in your face the realities of what those personal choices came with...pain, sorrow, heartache and untold trauma. There was always the risk of collateral damage and many of the men's decisions would haunt them because of it.
Yet with all of these factors, these men and women banded together and created a home and family for and with each other. They each had their own reasons why they gravitated to the club life...finding their meanings, fulfilling their voids. With life and times very different from past generations, the pull for family remains. What we see now is sometimes we get to choose who we want as our family rather than settling on the ones we are from...especially if they do not provide safety and love.
As I rated this finale, I would like to address the epilogue. As with the last book of the Signal Bend, I think Fanetti did her best work with this final touch. The depth of feelings... the intensity and understanding of what emotions these characters are experiencing is so strong, I read it all through eyes holding back the tears...This last part did more than bring the series full circle back to the home of the Night Horde. While it served that purpose extremely well with updates of all of the characters we love, it reaffirmed the belief in the human condition of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
While we all want to believe this is true... and I can say from personal experience in many ways it is...What this last part did was leave me with a bruised heart...which I have also experienced...and that my friend may fade but stays.
Thank you Ms. Fanetti. I have had the best time meeting and loving these characters. You also seem to have an understanding that we still want more, little piggies we are...Your Muse Lola shared Nolan's story will be coming in the next year... a Stand Alone for us to pine for...
Thank you for giving us that glimmer of hope.
~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~
10/28
Well, I have this treasure of a last in the series on my Kindle...
I just hope I will be able to accept that this journey is coming to an end ....
I guess that is the Calm & Storm of my emotions to come...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Calm & Storm....
Well, I have to remain Calm...
Because I have a Storm brewing...
Waiting till October 27th will be the ultimate Calm before the last
SoCal Night Horde Storm...
I am quivering with anticipation....
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 20, 2016
Was there ever any doubt this series finale would be anything other than utter perfection?
The Night Horde. To me, this club is like a dynasty. Regardless of location, SoCal or Signal Bend, the Flaming Mane represents more than just a club. It embodies family, unity, and even freedom.
So, how do you end the story of an empire?
If you're Susan Fanetti, you do it with the most epic storytelling imaginable. And then, you add in an incredibly moving conclusion novella (a bonus at the end of this book). Throw in one racing heart, steam that burns your britches and a bucket full of tears … yes, that all adds up to an unputdownable, and unforgettable finale.
I can’t go into a lot of detail without giving away too much of the story … so, I’ll just tell you that Ronin & Lorraine aka Rainy are the perfect couple to close out the series. Their story is so bittersweet. The struggles they face in their relationship, and the difficulty they have in moving forward … gah! They really are a wonderful reflection of what’s happening in the overarching narrative. I wasn’t expecting to fall so in love with them.
I’m sad that the Night Horde journey is over. But I can’t wait for Susan’s next great adventure. I’m sure she has plenty of thrilling books in store for us. Plus, she’s promised a standalone story for one of my favorite Night Horde characters, Nolan. So, even though the series has ended, I feel like there’s a silver lining, with hope for one more book in the future.
It’s been a wild and wonderful ride! Thanks for all the memories.
** Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book ... and for including me in the dedication, it truly means the world. <3 **
Release date: October 27, 2015
Pre-order/Order: http://amzn.to/1NvV4xN
The Night Horde. To me, this club is like a dynasty. Regardless of location, SoCal or Signal Bend, the Flaming Mane represents more than just a club. It embodies family, unity, and even freedom.
So, how do you end the story of an empire?
If you're Susan Fanetti, you do it with the most epic storytelling imaginable. And then, you add in an incredibly moving conclusion novella (a bonus at the end of this book). Throw in one racing heart, steam that burns your britches and a bucket full of tears … yes, that all adds up to an unputdownable, and unforgettable finale.
I can’t go into a lot of detail without giving away too much of the story … so, I’ll just tell you that Ronin & Lorraine aka Rainy are the perfect couple to close out the series. Their story is so bittersweet. The struggles they face in their relationship, and the difficulty they have in moving forward … gah! They really are a wonderful reflection of what’s happening in the overarching narrative. I wasn’t expecting to fall so in love with them.
I’m sad that the Night Horde journey is over. But I can’t wait for Susan’s next great adventure. I’m sure she has plenty of thrilling books in store for us. Plus, she’s promised a standalone story for one of my favorite Night Horde characters, Nolan. So, even though the series has ended, I feel like there’s a silver lining, with hope for one more book in the future.
It’s been a wild and wonderful ride! Thanks for all the memories.
** Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book ... and for including me in the dedication, it truly means the world. <3 **
Release date: October 27, 2015
Pre-order/Order: http://amzn.to/1NvV4xN
July 26, 2016
5 END OF THE ROAD STARS
This was an emotional ride; the last book in this fabulous series covered a lot of ground. In a way that only Susan Fanetti can do, she gave me closure that let me walk away at peace but not without leaving my heart feeling like it's been pulverized.
As I write this, it feels as though I’ll be doing two reviews in one. One for Edmund ‘Ronin’ Drago and Lorraine ‘Rainy’ Mulligan's story and the other on the finale of the Night Horde SoCal series.
Ronin is truly a beautiful man. I adored his story and his zen like presence and thought process although he's this powerful man: a force to be reckoned with. I struggled with Rainy - a first for me as I usually fall quickly and deeply for Susan's heroines. Ronin and Rainy have a past that didn't end well at all. When their paths cross 25 years later, Ronin suffers another hurt as he learns that there was more to their story.
At first, I wasn't sure I'd warm to Rainy and really wasn't sure there was anything that could make me understand her. But in true Fanetti fashion, she brought me around through Ronin's actions, thoughts and also, to a lesser extent, Rainy's true remorse and unquestionable love.
“He was a loyal man. When he loved, he loved for life.”
Calm & Storm was aptly named as along side Rainy and Ronin's story, which had both, the Horde also prepares for a storm, which I could only hope ended in calm. You can sense and also see through Ronin's words the distrust and fracture that runs through the Night Horde.
It's been a slow and painful process to bring these men to this point but these men continue to fight united, even while each struggles to hang onto the bonds, love and family that binds them. As expected, the end does bring violence, spilled blood as well as immeasurable loss.
"They were outlaws, after all."
Excerpt from Susan Fanetti’s foreword:
“It is because we know sorrow that we can know joy, because we know pain that we can know pleasure. A true life – a good, full life – contains the full complement of emotions. To me, the real beauty of a person, real or fictional, is in their strength when life is hard and full of sorrow, how they persevere and find a way to fill that carved space with joy.”
My emotions were battered about during this finale, especially in the latter part of this book. I started out with a dignified and quiet cry...
...and rapidly moved to uncontrollable, racking sobs.
As crazy and as ruthless as Lola is (Fanetti's muse - and I mean this is the most complementary way possible!), this was how it had to end. I knew there was one thing that I'd wanted for so long and while the road was hard and brutal, it had to end this way.
If you LOVE stories about Motorcycle Clubs, you MUST. READ. the Signal Bend and Night Horde SoCal series. I won't lie to you, while this is fiction, Ms. Fanetti is as REAL as it gets. She's doesn't hold back punches and she'll give you the ride of your life with a HEA for now and seriously, what more could you ask for? THE NIGHT HORDE MC STORIES ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!!
I won't say goodbye to the Night Horde because while this series has ended, they will remain with me forever.
***A HUGE thank you to Kim B and Amy (Foxy) for being there for me while reading this. You ladies rock!
For more reviews and blog posts.
This was an emotional ride; the last book in this fabulous series covered a lot of ground. In a way that only Susan Fanetti can do, she gave me closure that let me walk away at peace but not without leaving my heart feeling like it's been pulverized.
As I write this, it feels as though I’ll be doing two reviews in one. One for Edmund ‘Ronin’ Drago and Lorraine ‘Rainy’ Mulligan's story and the other on the finale of the Night Horde SoCal series.
Ronin is truly a beautiful man. I adored his story and his zen like presence and thought process although he's this powerful man: a force to be reckoned with. I struggled with Rainy - a first for me as I usually fall quickly and deeply for Susan's heroines. Ronin and Rainy have a past that didn't end well at all. When their paths cross 25 years later, Ronin suffers another hurt as he learns that there was more to their story.
At first, I wasn't sure I'd warm to Rainy and really wasn't sure there was anything that could make me understand her. But in true Fanetti fashion, she brought me around through Ronin's actions, thoughts and also, to a lesser extent, Rainy's true remorse and unquestionable love.
“He was a loyal man. When he loved, he loved for life.”
Calm & Storm was aptly named as along side Rainy and Ronin's story, which had both, the Horde also prepares for a storm, which I could only hope ended in calm. You can sense and also see through Ronin's words the distrust and fracture that runs through the Night Horde.
It's been a slow and painful process to bring these men to this point but these men continue to fight united, even while each struggles to hang onto the bonds, love and family that binds them. As expected, the end does bring violence, spilled blood as well as immeasurable loss.
"They were outlaws, after all."
Excerpt from Susan Fanetti’s foreword:
“It is because we know sorrow that we can know joy, because we know pain that we can know pleasure. A true life – a good, full life – contains the full complement of emotions. To me, the real beauty of a person, real or fictional, is in their strength when life is hard and full of sorrow, how they persevere and find a way to fill that carved space with joy.”
My emotions were battered about during this finale, especially in the latter part of this book. I started out with a dignified and quiet cry...
...and rapidly moved to uncontrollable, racking sobs.
As crazy and as ruthless as Lola is (Fanetti's muse - and I mean this is the most complementary way possible!), this was how it had to end. I knew there was one thing that I'd wanted for so long and while the road was hard and brutal, it had to end this way.
If you LOVE stories about Motorcycle Clubs, you MUST. READ. the Signal Bend and Night Horde SoCal series. I won't lie to you, while this is fiction, Ms. Fanetti is as REAL as it gets. She's doesn't hold back punches and she'll give you the ride of your life with a HEA for now and seriously, what more could you ask for? THE NIGHT HORDE MC STORIES ARE SIMPLY THE BEST!!
I won't say goodbye to the Night Horde because while this series has ended, they will remain with me forever.
***A HUGE thank you to Kim B and Amy (Foxy) for being there for me while reading this. You ladies rock!
For more reviews and blog posts.
November 1, 2015
How do you say goodbye to an epic journey? One that has brought so much happiness, joy, love, inspiration, yes even sadness and tears? As I was reading Calm & Storm, I was in the midst of it all and cried almost throughout the entire novel. Oooh my god did I cry! Partly because I knew this was the last of "The Night Horde SoCal" and the characters I'd grown to love. The story lines were ingenious, skillfully masterminded and always kept you guessing, no two books were ever alike. Yes my heart is broken as I sit here and type this...but onto the review.
Do you believe in seconds chances, to a man like Ronin, the concept was foreign. He never thought or felt he deserved one. While going to Iraq, Rainy, the love of his life slipped quietly away. They were suppose to have forever, they were suppose to be building a life. Now all they have is time and distance between them with a mountain full of hurt. Loraine lived a lifetime full of regret and if she could turn back time, she would. Luckily fate intervenes and twenty-five years later their paths cross a again.
November 4, 2015
5 Beautifully Ending Stars
Ronin and Rainy lost their love for over twenty years. They met by chance when he was doing a stunt tricks for a movie set and Rainy was doing a catering job. Rainy invites Ronin to her restaurant for a friendly catch up. They decided to give their love another shot. A lot has happened in this book, love and lost.
The Epilogue: Home & Safe. It's a closure of Signal Bend and SoCal series. It's in a member POV and how that person deal with their loss. How they cope and heal.
This book gutted me to the point I had to put it down. I cried so much in this book than I cried in Show the Fire. I felt confuse and hurt at the same time. I was angry when all of it was over. I wanted them all to have their HEA.
“A broken heart could break yet more.”
Ronin and Rainy lost their love for over twenty years. They met by chance when he was doing a stunt tricks for a movie set and Rainy was doing a catering job. Rainy invites Ronin to her restaurant for a friendly catch up. They decided to give their love another shot. A lot has happened in this book, love and lost.
The Epilogue: Home & Safe. It's a closure of Signal Bend and SoCal series. It's in a member POV and how that person deal with their loss. How they cope and heal.
This book gutted me to the point I had to put it down. I cried so much in this book than I cried in Show the Fire. I felt confuse and hurt at the same time. I was angry when all of it was over. I wanted them all to have their HEA.
“A broken heart could break yet more.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2015
5++++ stars for that heartbreaking but epic epilogue!
1----stars for that awful Ronin's and Rainy's story. I disliked the story and I absolutely hated Lorraine. The worst female lead in this series hands down. How can a women who claims to love Ronin and claims that he is the greatest love of her life Their whole 'love story' was BS, or one of the worst love stories I have ever read. You can't claim that it is love when you don't give a shit about the other person for 25 years. And the fact that everybody's was telling that Lorraine is a good person was just ridiculous. NO, SHE WAS NOT!!!! Ohh, and what made Ronin an idiot in my book was how easily he forgive her and claimed to love her forever and ever blah blah blah.
I didn't like Ronin either, not because he was a moron for forgiving and loving Lorraine, but I hated to read about a brother who didn't really felt like one in the MC because he was old. Bo-freaking-hoo. His story felt like midlife crisis to me - he didn't know who he was, he didn't know if he wanted to be in MC anymore and blah blah blah. I disliked being in his head too, especially when one of his thoughts were something like this . Well, maybe it wasn't like that, but it sure sounded like that to me.
Their story was stupid when it should have been amazing. That's why I can't give the book more than two stars. After a while I just completely started to skip Lorraine's POV and read Ronin's when he was with the club and doing club stuff, because I just couldn't handle their 'love'.
I am very disappointed in this book, half the deaths that happened weren't necessary. And after the second one, next one's lost the shock factor. And although the epilogue was epic and I enjoyed being back in Signal Bend, I wished I stopped reading this series with Sherlock's story.
1----stars for that awful Ronin's and Rainy's story. I disliked the story and I absolutely hated Lorraine. The worst female lead in this series hands down. How can a women who claims to love Ronin and claims that he is the greatest love of her life Their whole 'love story' was BS, or one of the worst love stories I have ever read. You can't claim that it is love when you don't give a shit about the other person for 25 years. And the fact that everybody's was telling that Lorraine is a good person was just ridiculous. NO, SHE WAS NOT!!!! Ohh, and what made Ronin an idiot in my book was how easily he forgive her and claimed to love her forever and ever blah blah blah.
I didn't like Ronin either, not because he was a moron for forgiving and loving Lorraine, but I hated to read about a brother who didn't really felt like one in the MC because he was old. Bo-freaking-hoo. His story felt like midlife crisis to me - he didn't know who he was, he didn't know if he wanted to be in MC anymore and blah blah blah. I disliked being in his head too, especially when one of his thoughts were something like this . Well, maybe it wasn't like that, but it sure sounded like that to me.
Their story was stupid when it should have been amazing. That's why I can't give the book more than two stars. After a while I just completely started to skip Lorraine's POV and read Ronin's when he was with the club and doing club stuff, because I just couldn't handle their 'love'.
I am very disappointed in this book, half the deaths that happened weren't necessary. And after the second one, next one's lost the shock factor. And although the epilogue was epic and I enjoyed being back in Signal Bend, I wished I stopped reading this series with Sherlock's story.
June 8, 2016
Just a big ole sobbing mess... GAH!!
August 7, 2018
Great!
There's one thing I didn't really like about the heroine; the fact that she was a bit of a coward when she was younger was a bit of a disappointment, but it was still an amazing book.
If you've read Susan Fanetti's books before and liked them, you'll definitely love this one as well.
If you haven't, well, it's time you do.
There's one thing I didn't really like about the heroine; the fact that she was a bit of a coward when she was younger was a bit of a disappointment, but it was still an amazing book.
If you've read Susan Fanetti's books before and liked them, you'll definitely love this one as well.
If you haven't, well, it's time you do.
January 31, 2019
I have two ratings:
Roe and Rainy's story *** It was just ok.. the story for me was too fast and at times felt unemotional.
Bart's Story **** It's been a very long time since I cried real heart retching tears..
I will miss the Night Horde and their family..
Thank you Susan for taking me on an awesome journey.. !!
Roe and Rainy's story *** It was just ok.. the story for me was too fast and at times felt unemotional.
Bart's Story **** It's been a very long time since I cried real heart retching tears..
I will miss the Night Horde and their family..
Thank you Susan for taking me on an awesome journey.. !!
August 1, 2020
Great ending of the series. I loved the novella of bart and his kids a lot. So beautifully written. And now on to Nolan. Cant wait!!!!
October 28, 2015
I'm almost tempted not to post my rating because I know I am definitely in the minority here (and I'm going to do my absolute best to not post spoilers!). I found this to be just an okay read and it was all down to the heroine.
Lorraine or "Rainy" was probably the worst heroine that could be teamed up with uber-cool Ronin. She was selfish, judgemental and the decisions she made affected not only her but other people involved and it didn't seem like she gave a shit. Had she not bumped into Ronin, I guarantee that she would never have gone looking for him. I never once felt that had she had her time over again that she would choose differently - she liked the lifestyle she ended up choosing too much - so because of that I was all set for hating her.
Unfortunately for her, because Ronin was the way he was (i.e. not being someone who held on to negative thoughts or feelings), I ended up feeling indifferent towards her...which I think is worse. She was lucky that Ronin handled things the way he did with her so she didn't really didn't have to feel any guilt longer than the 5 or so minutes it took her to woman up and tell the truth. But hey, Ronin ended up being cool with it so I did too. At times I was frustrated with Ronin's lack of anger, but it wasn't that he wasn'tangry...it was more that he chose not to hold on to it and make himself crazy. And that ended up being the thing I loved about him the most :) He was a man of few words, but when he needed to, he got his point across and was a well respected brother of The Night Horde. I liked how quiet and different he was to the others...it was a nice change. There has only ever been one woman who held his heart and although he wasn't celibate, he also wasn't a dick. Maybe that was due to his age (50+ years) or down to his character. Either way, he was a great hero and I wish his woman had been just as awesome. But he got stuck with Rainy, and she was a big part of why the main storyline fell flat for me.
On a side note...other things happen that I fucking hated!!! No wonder that Foreword was put in at the beginning of the book. I really wasn't happy...like really!!! For me, I would prefer that once the book ends, that the characters are living their HEA's forever and ever. Unrealistic maybe...but that's why I read romance. I don't need perfect characters. I don't need perfect stories. But I do need a goddamned HEA!!! Not to say this doesn't have that...because it does (of course it does), but some things happen with some of the side characters that I wasn't happy with. And the bonus chapters/story at the end was bittersweet. I'm glad I read it...but not happy about why it all came about.
3.5 stars.
Lorraine or "Rainy" was probably the worst heroine that could be teamed up with uber-cool Ronin. She was selfish, judgemental and the decisions she made affected not only her but other people involved and it didn't seem like she gave a shit. Had she not bumped into Ronin, I guarantee that she would never have gone looking for him. I never once felt that had she had her time over again that she would choose differently - she liked the lifestyle she ended up choosing too much - so because of that I was all set for hating her.
Unfortunately for her, because Ronin was the way he was (i.e. not being someone who held on to negative thoughts or feelings), I ended up feeling indifferent towards her...which I think is worse. She was lucky that Ronin handled things the way he did with her so she didn't really didn't have to feel any guilt longer than the 5 or so minutes it took her to woman up and tell the truth. But hey, Ronin ended up being cool with it so I did too. At times I was frustrated with Ronin's lack of anger, but it wasn't that he wasn'tangry...it was more that he chose not to hold on to it and make himself crazy. And that ended up being the thing I loved about him the most :) He was a man of few words, but when he needed to, he got his point across and was a well respected brother of The Night Horde. I liked how quiet and different he was to the others...it was a nice change. There has only ever been one woman who held his heart and although he wasn't celibate, he also wasn't a dick. Maybe that was due to his age (50+ years) or down to his character. Either way, he was a great hero and I wish his woman had been just as awesome. But he got stuck with Rainy, and she was a big part of why the main storyline fell flat for me.
On a side note...other things happen that I fucking hated!!! No wonder that Foreword was put in at the beginning of the book. I really wasn't happy...like really!!! For me, I would prefer that once the book ends, that the characters are living their HEA's forever and ever. Unrealistic maybe...but that's why I read romance. I don't need perfect characters. I don't need perfect stories. But I do need a goddamned HEA!!! Not to say this doesn't have that...because it does (of course it does), but some things happen with some of the side characters that I wasn't happy with. And the bonus chapters/story at the end was bittersweet. I'm glad I read it...but not happy about why it all came about.
3.5 stars.
October 29, 2015
Susan Fanetti knows how to end a series. The epilogue was amazing!
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April 2, 2017
March 2013 -- 4.5 Stars
October 31, 2015
I don't have enough words for how amazing this series has been. From the beginning of this series, in Missouri to the end in SoCal, it is hands down some of the best books I've read. I'm not a reviewer, I have no eloquent word to describe this story, or the other's in the series, I leave that to others. Just a reader, taking a moment to tell other reader that these books rock and you should read them ALL. They are the full package. Well done Susan. You have done what very few author has done for me, kept me in love with the series till the bitter end- 16 books later.
November 5, 2015
a little sad to this this wonderful series end but it ended beautifully. 4 star romance, a little bit more subdued and slower than previous books but deep and real throughout. 5 star epilogue!
March 28, 2017
5++++ STARS*****
This entire series was unbelievably good. Book after book, perfection.
Calm & Storm was intense and beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion, even if it broke my heart a little bit. But that is part of the experience when you are part of the Night's Horde; and you do become part of their family as you read these books.
Simply AMAZING.>
This entire series was unbelievably good. Book after book, perfection.
Calm & Storm was intense and beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion, even if it broke my heart a little bit. But that is part of the experience when you are part of the Night's Horde; and you do become part of their family as you read these books.
Simply AMAZING.>
October 28, 2015
Well....major book hangover here. I don't think I can pick up another book for a few days. If there ever was a good way to say goodbye, Susan Fanetti just accomplished that in spades. My stomach did a little flip just reading the forward but I charged ahead. Reader beware....there is lots of Storm before the calm.
I will admit to being a die hard Signal Bend fan. I was not as excited to see the SoCal Night Hordes. They weren't my loveable guys in Missouri. With each book, I became more intrigued. This final testament sealed the deal for me. I will miss Con and Bibi and Demon and Muse. You have to go through the bad before you can appreciate the good.
I won't tell you more of the story here as it is one of those books you just need to read. Ronin and Rainey are second chance lovers but long lost great loves. Their story is one of loss and forgiveness. Bring the kleenix box to this one. The epilogue in Bart's POV wrecked me! Thank you Susan for taking us on this journey. So happy to have experienced it all!
I will admit to being a die hard Signal Bend fan. I was not as excited to see the SoCal Night Hordes. They weren't my loveable guys in Missouri. With each book, I became more intrigued. This final testament sealed the deal for me. I will miss Con and Bibi and Demon and Muse. You have to go through the bad before you can appreciate the good.
I won't tell you more of the story here as it is one of those books you just need to read. Ronin and Rainey are second chance lovers but long lost great loves. Their story is one of loss and forgiveness. Bring the kleenix box to this one. The epilogue in Bart's POV wrecked me! Thank you Susan for taking us on this journey. So happy to have experienced it all!
January 2, 2017
I cannot put this series down.
The foreword with warnings!! I just know going into this one that there will be tears and heartbreak.
And oh, how this hurts!
This book is told from Ronins perspective as his relationship develops with Lorraine. The last brother to find his mate. But the main Horde story is the real focus here as the Cartels wreak havoc on the SoCal Horde and their families.
It is impossible to review without spoiling the plot and twists, so I will just say...the bodies DO pile up and it is painful.
The bonus novella...Home & Safe went someway to repairing this readers shredded heart but was read through a huge swell of tears. I can't even detail who this novella is about without giving away who loses their life in the war.
I am devastated this series is over. Devastated.
5 perfect f@&king stars.
The foreword with warnings!! I just know going into this one that there will be tears and heartbreak.
And oh, how this hurts!
This book is told from Ronins perspective as his relationship develops with Lorraine. The last brother to find his mate. But the main Horde story is the real focus here as the Cartels wreak havoc on the SoCal Horde and their families.
It is impossible to review without spoiling the plot and twists, so I will just say...the bodies DO pile up and it is painful.
The bonus novella...Home & Safe went someway to repairing this readers shredded heart but was read through a huge swell of tears. I can't even detail who this novella is about without giving away who loses their life in the war.
I am devastated this series is over. Devastated.
5 perfect f@&king stars.
December 29, 2015
Susan Fanetti delivers again in this final instalment of her Night Horde SoCal Outlaw Bikers series. All the emotional elements are there, shock, loss, loyalty and love as the storyline comes full circle and take us back to Missouri where it all began. For me, Fanetti is the premium writer of this genre primarily because she doesn't sugar coat the brutality of this lifestyle but skilfully adds such depth to the characters they become more than the violent situations of their making.
Is it over.... well, certainly this story arc was beautifully completed but there are elements and characters whose story haven't yet been explored so we can only hope that this wonderful author puts the kutte back on and with her characters rides back into our reading lives.
4.5 stars.
Is it over.... well, certainly this story arc was beautifully completed but there are elements and characters whose story haven't yet been explored so we can only hope that this wonderful author puts the kutte back on and with her characters rides back into our reading lives.
4.5 stars.
November 6, 2015
I did not connect with either character. There was nothing endearing to me about H. I hated the h for what she did to H 25 years prior. I was excited for a mature couple's story but this story didn't fall flat, it never rose in order to be able to fall. What happened to David Vega? Loved Bart's epilogue.
November 5, 2015
I don't have the words yet...to describe how I feel about this journey ending....
October 30, 2015
Love Ronin and Lorraine "Rainy"
But
"Bout fuckin' time, Bartholomew."
That was perfect.
But
"Bout fuckin' time, Bartholomew."
That was perfect.
October 31, 2015
3- 3.5☆
July 18, 2018
Susan has written another incredible ending to an epic MC series. This final book is not only about Ronin & Rainy and their second chance at love and a life together; it also puts us waist deep in Horde business with all their issues and troubles and I enjoyed the story for that as much as the relationship between the leads.
Anyone who has read Susan's books knows she takes no prisoners and you can expect it all, all the raw emotion, devastating loss and trauma and this book rocked me completely. I cried right along with the characters.
As with the end of the Signal Bend series, this final book has an epilogue that is about another character in the book and we get to experience the aftermath of an event that happened, I was in tears, again, but this ending was so, so good.
If you want to read a biker series, this one and the Signal Bend series are some of my absolute favourites.
Anyone who has read Susan's books knows she takes no prisoners and you can expect it all, all the raw emotion, devastating loss and trauma and this book rocked me completely. I cried right along with the characters.
As with the end of the Signal Bend series, this final book has an epilogue that is about another character in the book and we get to experience the aftermath of an event that happened, I was in tears, again, but this ending was so, so good.
If you want to read a biker series, this one and the Signal Bend series are some of my absolute favourites.
October 2, 2023
Wow, what an ending!
If you've been following Susan Fanetti's Signal Bend and Night Horde SoCal series you have been through the emotional wringer more times than you care to count. Tragedies have been in abundance but for each and every horror the Horde has endured they have always had support and goodwill from within to carry them through the tough times. The way they overcome their hardships is what has made this series so memorable.
Calm & Storm is as much about Rainy and Ronin’s story as it is wrapping up both series in a natural and moving way. Be ready, though, I am not a crier but I read with a box of kleenex within reach and I will admit to wiping my tears away a few times. The ending took me by surprise despite the warning at the beginning of the book…
It was so good to read a second chance love story where the characters took a realistic approach to the heavy issues they were battling in order to start again. Risking opening up their hearts to each other again is a risk they cautiously approach and at times the thought of the pain of losing what they had all over again is too much to bear. For Ronin, it causes him to question what he values most in life, what will bring him contentment and of course where his loyalties lay.
What made Ronin stand out from so many other men in this genre was the way he sat back and observed his surroundings before acting. He had a need for a calm sanctuary within and around him. He had more in common with his hippy girl than he let on. At times, it felt like they were both as far removed from the Horde as they could be, not just physically but emotionally as well. It provided an objective observation of the Horde and its ongoing battles.
Signal Bend and The Night Horde SoCal have firmly anchored Susan Fanetti as one of my favourite authors. She has the honour of being one of the few that can evoke the strongest of emotions within me while still have me wanting to come back for more!
What I struggled with:
*Tragic, final moments
*Farewells
What I loved:
*Family time
*Small town hospitality at its best
*Memories, creating them and holding on to the old ones
*The extended epilogue, it wound up the story beautifully
If you've been following Susan Fanetti's Signal Bend and Night Horde SoCal series you have been through the emotional wringer more times than you care to count. Tragedies have been in abundance but for each and every horror the Horde has endured they have always had support and goodwill from within to carry them through the tough times. The way they overcome their hardships is what has made this series so memorable.
Calm & Storm is as much about Rainy and Ronin’s story as it is wrapping up both series in a natural and moving way. Be ready, though, I am not a crier but I read with a box of kleenex within reach and I will admit to wiping my tears away a few times. The ending took me by surprise despite the warning at the beginning of the book…
It was so good to read a second chance love story where the characters took a realistic approach to the heavy issues they were battling in order to start again. Risking opening up their hearts to each other again is a risk they cautiously approach and at times the thought of the pain of losing what they had all over again is too much to bear. For Ronin, it causes him to question what he values most in life, what will bring him contentment and of course where his loyalties lay.
What made Ronin stand out from so many other men in this genre was the way he sat back and observed his surroundings before acting. He had a need for a calm sanctuary within and around him. He had more in common with his hippy girl than he let on. At times, it felt like they were both as far removed from the Horde as they could be, not just physically but emotionally as well. It provided an objective observation of the Horde and its ongoing battles.
Signal Bend and The Night Horde SoCal have firmly anchored Susan Fanetti as one of my favourite authors. She has the honour of being one of the few that can evoke the strongest of emotions within me while still have me wanting to come back for more!
What I struggled with:
*Tragic, final moments
*Farewells
What I loved:
*Family time
*Small town hospitality at its best
*Memories, creating them and holding on to the old ones
*The extended epilogue, it wound up the story beautifully
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